International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

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9 pages, 1408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Women with Fibromyalgia Prefer Resistance Exercise with Heavy Loads—A Randomized Crossover Pilot Study

by Ulf Mathias Andersson, Anna Cristina Åberg, Lena von Koch and Annie Palstam

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6276; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126276 - 10 Jun 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5267

Abstract

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain condition associated with impaired muscle strength and exercise-induced pain. Physical exercise has been highlighted, by international clinical guidelines and stakeholders, as an essential component of rehabilitation in FM. Exposure to pain during exercise is generally correlated with [...] Read more.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain condition associated with impaired muscle strength and exercise-induced pain. Physical exercise has been highlighted, by international clinical guidelines and stakeholders, as an essential component of rehabilitation in FM. Exposure to pain during exercise is generally correlated with elevated lactate levels and, additionally, is one known reason for persons with FM to avoid physical exercise and activity. A crossover design was used to test and evaluate an approach consisting of resistance exercise with heavy loads and a low number of repetitions among ten women with FM. The participants were consecutively recruited to test and perform exercise with two different resistance levels (A = light/moderate load, and B = heavy load) in a randomized crossover trial using an AB/BA setting. Results showed that the heavy load exercise session was experienced as more positive than the light/moderate load exercise session and that lower lactate levels followed exercise with heavier weight loads. This is promising and indicates that the approach of heavy weight loads and accustomed repetitions is accepted in FM and has the potential to attenuate hesitation to exercise due to exercise-induced pain. However, these effects need to be further investigated in more extensive studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strength Training to Prevent and Treat Disease)

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9 pages, 349 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Knee Extensor Muscle Strength Is More Important Than Postural Balance for Stair-Climbing Ability in Elderly Patients with Severe Knee Osteoarthritis

by José Casaña, Joaquín Calatayud, Antonio Silvestre, José Sánchez-Frutos, Lars L. Andersen, Markus D. Jakobsen, Yasmín Ezzatvar and Yasser Alakhdar

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(7), 3637; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073637 - 31 Mar 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3689

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disease which damages articular cartilage. In its severe stages, it results in impairments in balance and muscle strength loss, which affect daily life activities such as walking or climbing stairs. This study sought to investigate associated factors [...] Read more.

Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disease which damages articular cartilage. In its severe stages, it results in impairments in balance and muscle strength loss, which affect daily life activities such as walking or climbing stairs. This study sought to investigate associated factors with stair-climbing ability in this population, with special interest in measuring the relevance of postural balance for this task. Forty-four patients scheduled to undergo unilateral total knee arthroplasty were assessed. Timed up and go test, stair ascent–descent test, three different isometric strength tests (knee flexion, knee extension and hip abduction), active knee extension and flexion range of movement and static postural balance assessment were evaluated. Spearman’s correlation coefficients and multiple linear regression analysis determined the strength of association between the different variables and stair-climbing time. No significant association between the stair-climbing time and static balance was found. Significant associations were found between stair-climbing time and timed up and go (r = 0.71; p < 0.0001) and maximal knee extensor strength (r = –0.52; p = 0.0003). One-year increase in age was associated with 0.15 s (95% CI 0.00 to 0.30) slower stair-climbing time. In conclusion, muscle strength is more important than postural balance for stair-climbing ability in this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strength Training to Prevent and Treat Disease)

13 pages, 2885 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Submaximal Elastic Resistance Band Tests to Estimate Upper and Lower Extremity Maximal Muscle Strength

by Bjarki T. Haraldsson, Christoffer H. Andersen, Katrine T. Erhardsen, Mette K. Zebis, Jéssica K. Micheletti, Carlos M. Pastre and Lars L. Andersen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(5), 2749; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052749 - 9 Mar 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3988

Abstract

Muscle strength assessment is fundamental to track the progress of performance and prescribe correct exercise intensity. In field settings, simple tests are preferred. This study develops equations to estimate maximal muscle strength in upper- and lower-extremity muscles based on submaximal elastic resistance tests. [...] Read more.

Muscle strength assessment is fundamental to track the progress of performance and prescribe correct exercise intensity. In field settings, simple tests are preferred. This study develops equations to estimate maximal muscle strength in upper- and lower-extremity muscles based on submaximal elastic resistance tests. Healthy adults (n = 26) performed a maximal test (1 RM) to validate the ability of the subsequent submaximal tests to determine maximal muscle strength, with elastic bands. Using a within-group repeated measures design, three submaximal tests of 40%, 60%, and 80% during (1) shoulder abduction, (2) shoulder external rotation, (3) hip adduction, and (4) prone knee flexion were performed. The association between number of repetitions and relative intensity was modeled with both 1st and 2nd order polynomials to determine the best predictive validity. For both upper-extremity tests, a strong linear association between repetitions and relative intensity was found (R² = 0.97–1.00). By contrast, for the lower-extremity tests, the associations were fitted better with a 2nd order polynomial (R² = 1.00). The results from the present study provide formulas for predicting maximal muscles strength based on submaximal resistance in four different muscles groups and show a muscle-group-specific association between repetitions and intensity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strength Training to Prevent and Treat Disease)

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10 pages, 341 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Muscular Fitness and Work Ability among Physical Therapists

by Yasmín Ezzatvar, Joaquín Calatayud, Lars Louis Andersen, Edgar Ramos Vieira, Rubén López-Bueno and José Casaña

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1722; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041722 - 10 Feb 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2799

Abstract

The Work Ability Index (WAI) is a validated and widely used tool in occupational research. However, normative values for physical therapists (PTs) by age and sex are lacking. Although the nature of PTs’ work is physically demanding, it is unknown whether muscular fitness [...] Read more.

The Work Ability Index (WAI) is a validated and widely used tool in occupational research. However, normative values for physical therapists (PTs) by age and sex are lacking. Although the nature of PTs’ work is physically demanding, it is unknown whether muscular fitness is associated with their WAI. This study sought to provide reference WAI data for Spanish PTs and to evaluate the association between PTs’ muscular fitness and WAI. Data on WAI of 1005 PTs were collected using a questionnaire. A subgroup (n = 68) performed a battery of physical tests including grip strength, push-ups and back-extension endurance. Associations between muscular fitness and WAI were evaluated using logistic regression controlling for various confounders. PTs aged 50 years or older had lower WAI scores than their younger counterparts. PTs with high back-extension endurance scored 3.5 (95% CI) higher in the WAI than those with low endurance. No associations were found between grip strength or number of push-ups and WAI. Our findings seem to highlight the importance of muscular fitness in PTs, especially the back-extension endurance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strength Training to Prevent and Treat Disease)

9 pages, 289 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of 4 Weeks of Anti-Gravity Treadmill Training on Isokinetic Muscle Strength and Muscle Activity in Adults Patients with a Femoral Fracture: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Pyeongon Kim, Haneul Lee, Wonho Choi and Sangmi Jung

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(22), 8572; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17228572 - 19 Nov 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3850

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the effect of anti-gravity treadmill training on isokinetic lower-limb muscle strength and muscle activities in patients surgically treated for a hip fracture. A total of 34 participants were randomly assigned into two groups: anti-gravity treadmill training group ( [...] Read more.

This study aimed to identify the effect of anti-gravity treadmill training on isokinetic lower-limb muscle strength and muscle activities in patients surgically treated for a hip fracture. A total of 34 participants were randomly assigned into two groups: anti-gravity treadmill training group (n = 17) and control group (n = 17). The isokinetic muscle strength and endurance of hip flexor and extensor and the activities of the vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), gluteus maximus (GM), and gluteus medialis (Gm) muscles were measured before and after 4 weeks of the interventions. Significant improvements were observed in isokinetic muscle strength and endurance of hip flexors and extensors in both groups (p < 0.05); however, no significant differences were observed between the groups (p > 0.05) except for muscle strength of the hip extensor (d = 0.78, p = 0029). Statistically significant increases in the muscle activity of VL, VM, GM, and Gm were found before and after the intervention (p < 0.05), and significant differences in muscle activities of GM (d = 2.64, p < 0.001) and Gm (d = 2.59, p < 0.001) were observed between the groups. Our results indicate that both groups showed improvement in muscle strength, endurance, and activities after the intervention. Additionally, anti-gravity treadmill training improved significantly more muscle strength at 60°/s of the hip extensor and gluteus muscle activities than conventional therapy, which may be appropriate for patients with hip fracture surgery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strength Training to Prevent and Treat Disease)

14 pages, 1332 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effectiveness of a Group-Based Progressive Strength Training in Primary Care to Improve the Recurrence of Low Back Pain Exacerbations and Function: A Randomised Trial

by Joaquín Calatayud, Benjamín Guzmán-González, Lars L. Andersen, Carlos Cruz-Montecinos, María Teresa Morell, Ricardo Roldán, Yasmín Ezzatvar and José Casaña

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(22), 8326; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17228326 - 11 Nov 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 8045

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability and one of the most common reasons for physician visits in primary care, with a 33% rate of recurrence during the first year. However, the most optimal exercise program in this context remains [...] Read more.

Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability and one of the most common reasons for physician visits in primary care, with a 33% rate of recurrence during the first year. However, the most optimal exercise program in this context remains unknown. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of a group-based progressive strength training program in non-specific chronic LBP (CLBP) patients in primary care on pain recurrence and physical function. Eighty-five patients with non-specific CLBP were separated into two groups (Intervention group: completed a progressive strength training program 3 days per week for 8 weeks; Control group: received the usual care). The intervention group showed a recurrence rate of 8.3%, while the control group had a recurrence rate of 33.3% and a shorter time until the first recurrent episode. The intervention group showed increased lumbar extensor strength, left-hand handgrip strength, and reduced the number of pain sites compared with the control group. Results also showed greater odds for reducing LBP intensity and disability in the intervention group. In conclusion, a group-based progressive strength training program is a more effective and efficient alternative than Back-School programs and can easily be carried out in the primary health care context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strength Training to Prevent and Treat Disease)

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11 pages, 487 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Combination of a Diversified Intake of Carbohydrates and Fats and Supplementation of Vitamin D in a Diet Does Not Affect the Levels of Hormones (Testosterone, Estradiol, and Cortisol) in Men Practicing Strength Training for the Duration of 12 Weeks

by Michał Wrzosek, Jakub Woźniak and Dariusz Włodarek

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(21), 8057; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17218057 - 1 Nov 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4803

Abstract

This study aims to verify the extent to which a diversification of carbohydrates and fats intake in a diet, together with the reduction in vitamin D deficiency, impact the levels of hormones (testosterone, estradiol, cortisol) and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHGB) in men [...] Read more.

This study aims to verify the extent to which a diversification of carbohydrates and fats intake in a diet, together with the reduction in vitamin D deficiency, impact the levels of hormones (testosterone, estradiol, cortisol) and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHGB) in men doing strength training. The research involved 55 men aged 19–35. The participants were divided into two groups following two interventional diets for 12 weeks: high-fat diet (LCHF) or high-carb diet (LFHC), which were applied to satisfy the caloric requirements of each participant. Moreover, vitamin D supplementation was included. Moreover, both before and after following interventional diets, the level of hormones in participant’s blood was examined. After 12 weeks of following interventional diets in both groups, no changes of the levels of testosterone and estradiol, as well as SHGB, were found. The cortisol level in both groups decreased; however, only in the LFHC group was the change statistically significant (p = 0.03) and amounted to −3.5% (the cortisol level on an empty stomach in this group decreased from 14.17 ± 3.35 to 13.93 ± 2.63 mcg/dl). In both groups, the supplementation of vitamin D brought about a significant change in the level of vitamin D metabolite (25 (OH) D) (p = 0.01). In the LCHF group, the level of metabolite increased by 95%, and by 58.3% in the LFHC group. The increase in vitamin D metabolite in blood was higher in the LCHF group than the LFHC group, which might have resulted from the supplementation of this vitamin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strength Training to Prevent and Treat Disease)

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Review

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17 pages, 941 KiB

Open AccessReview

Resistance Training in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review of Exercise Programs

by Leidy Sofía Montaño-Rojas, Ena Monserrat Romero-Pérez, Carlos Medina-Pérez, María Mercedes Reguera-García and José Antonio de Paz

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(18), 6511; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186511 - 7 Sep 2020

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 10048

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of resistance training (RT) programs for breast cancer survivors (BCS). A systematic review of the literature was performed using PubMed, Medline, Science Direct, the Cochrane Breast Cancer Specialised Register of the Cochrane Library, [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of resistance training (RT) programs for breast cancer survivors (BCS). A systematic review of the literature was performed using PubMed, Medline, Science Direct, the Cochrane Breast Cancer Specialised Register of the Cochrane Library, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and Scopus, with the aim of identifying all published studies on RT and BCS from 1 January 1990 to 6 December 2019, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The risk of bias in the studies was assessed using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2.0). Sixteen trials were included for qualitative analysis. More than half of the trials do not adequately report the characteristics that make up the exercise program. The maximal strength was the most frequently monitored manifestation of strength, evaluated mainly as one-repetition maximum (1RM). Resistance training was performed on strength-training machines, twice a week, using a load between 50% and 80% of 1RM. The trials reported significant improvement in muscle strength, fatigue, pain, quality of life, and minor changes in aerobic capacity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strength Training to Prevent and Treat Disease)

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