This research aimed to conduct a systematic review of para powerlifting strength performance. The searches were conducted in three electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus. Intervention studies related to para powerlifting performance were included. The main information was extracted systematically, based on criteria established by the authors. The data on study design, sample size, participant's characteristics (e. g. type of disability, sex, age, body weight, and height), training experience, assessment tools, physical performance criteria, and force-related outcomes were extracted and analyzed. The studies (n=9) describe factors related to biomechanics and performance. Outcomes revealed that the one-repetition maximum test is used as load prescription and that para powerlifting should work at high speeds and higher loads. Regarding technique, grip width with 1.5 biacromial distance provides a good lift and partial amplitude training as an alternative to training. There are no differences in total load and movement quality in the lumbar arched technique compared with the flat technique. As a monitoring method, repetitions in reserve scale was used for submaximal loads. Finally, our outcomes and discussion indicated strategies and techniques that can be used by para powerlifting coaches.

Introdução: Os requisitos físicos exigidos pela atividade laboral de militares e agentes de segurança pública tem incluído esses trabalhadores em uma classe específica de atletas: os atletas táticos. Contudo, uma vez atletas, a organização do processo de treinamento para essa população dependeria de múltiplos sistemas que ainda não foram definidos. Assim, pensando na estrutura competitiva como parte integrante de um desses sistemas, esse ensaio teve como objetivo estabelecer possibilidades para a determinação dessa estrutura para os atletas táticos. Desenvolvimento: Esse ensaio foi resultado de reflexões a partir de conceitos e referenciais teórico-metodológicos do treinamento desportivo e da especificidade dessa população de atletas. Nesse sentido, as tarefas de combate são apresentadas como possibilidade de estruturação da atividade competitiva do atleta tático, uma vez que não existe um sistema de competições definido para esses atletas que “competem” na imprevisibilidade dos campos de batalha. Conclusão: A utilização de tarefas de combate como substruturas combinatórias do processo de competição parece suprir a lacuna desse sistema para esses atletas, que não possuem regulamentos, federações e um calendário competitivo definido. A utilização da teoria e da metodologia do treinamento físico na melhoria do desempenho atlético desses atletas pode significar a diferença entre a vida e a morte.

Introdução: A pandemia do COVID-19 causou o fechamento de instalações de treinamento devido a restrições governamentais, distanciamento social, impactando amadores e atletas profissionais. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o perfil de treinamento dos Powerlifters Paralímpicos Brasileiros antes e durante a pandemia de COVID-19 e verificar as diferenças entre atletas de nível internacional e nacional. Desenho do estudo: O desenho utilizou um estudo transversal. Métodos: Os levantadores de peso paraolímpicos brasileiros (n=49) responderam a uma pesquisa online autorreferida relacionada às práticas de treinamento, antes e durante a pandemia de COVID-19, motivação, satisfação com o treinamento e percepção de autodesempenho. Resultados: Os Powerlifters paralímpicos têm 34±10,6 anos, 156,5±20,8 cm e 81,9±86,2 kg. O teste de Mann- -Whitney mostra que atletas de nível internacional (ou seja, Jogos Paralímpicos, Jogos Parapan-Americanos e Campeonato Mundial) tiveram significativamente mais experiência esportiva (anos) em comparação com atletas de nível nacional (U = 153,500; p = 0,009). 83,7% dos atletas relataram estar engajados em treinamento durante a pandemia de COVID-19 com mudanças no local de treinamento, equipamentos de treinamento e treinamento. Dos atletas que continuam treinando, 65,9% relataram sentir-se motivados para treinar, 34,1% relataram não se sentir motivados (=12.071; p<0,001). Encontrou-se uma associação significativa entre motivação para o treinamento (=13.359; p=0,001), satisfação com o treinamento (=13.435; p=0,001) com sua percepção de autodesempenho. Conclusão: A maioria dos atletas relatou estar engajado em treinamento durante a Pandemia do COVID-19 com mudanças significativas no local de treinamento, equipamentos de treinamento e treinamento. Compreender as mudanças nas práticas de treinamento durante os períodos de restrição, como a pandemia do COVID-19, subsidia estratégias para manter o engajamento do atleta no Powerlifting Paralímpico.

Este ensaio têm como objetivo apresentar e discutir a percepção subjetiva de esforço (PSE) como instrumento de monitoramento individual do treinamento de força. No contexto do planejamento e organização do treinamento, observa-se na literatura científica uma discussão referente a utilização da PSE tanto na prescrição quanto no acompanhamento do desenvolvimento do desempenho, o que permite monitorar os estímulos e as adaptações provenientes do treinamento físico. Nota-se que estudos recentes apresentam possibilidades de aplicações da PSE voltadas ao treinamento de força e suas especificidades: sessão, séries, número de repetições e carga de treinamento; permitindo maior acessibilidade aos praticantes quanto à sua prática e experiência no treinamento de força.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a closure of training facilities due to government restrictions and social distancing, impacting amateurs and professional athletes. Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the profile training of Brazilian Paralympic Powerlifters before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and verify the differences between international and national level athletes. Methods: Brazilian Paralympic Powerlifters (n=49) completed a self-reported online survey about training practices before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, motivation, satisfaction, and self-performance perception. Results: Paralympic Powerlifters have 34±10.6 years old, 156.5±20.8 cm, and 81.9±86.2 kg. Mann-Whitney test shows that international level athletes (i.e. Paralympic Games, Parapan American Games, and World Championship) had significantly more sport experience (years) compared to national level athletes (U=153.500; p=0.009). 83.7% of athletes reported being engaged in training during the COVID-19 Pandemic with changes in training location, training equipment, and coaching. Of the athletes who continue training, 65.9% reported feeling motivated to training, 34.1% reported not feeling motivated (=12.071; p<0.001). A significant association between training motivation (=13.359; p=0.001) and satisfaction (=13.435; p=0.001) with their self-performance perception were found. Conclusion: Most athletes reported being engaged in training during the COVID-19 Pandemic with significant changes in training location, equipment, and coaching. Understanding the changes in training practices during restriction periods, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, supports strategies to maintain the athlete’s engagement in Paralympic Powerlifting.

Cell swelling caused by resistance training is proposed to provide an anabolic stimulus for muscle growth and it is believed that these effects are heightened with the use of low loads. The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effects of two volume-equated resistance training (RT) protocols, low-load (LL) versus high-load (HL), on elbow flexor muscles thickness, arm circumference, and blood lactate concentration in well-trained individuals. Eight resistance-trained males performed the following two RT protocols involving unilateral elbow flexion of the dominant arm: i) LL, four sets with 50% 1 repetition-maximum [1 RM] and ii) HL, ten sets with 85% 1 RM until failure, and equated volume. Pre- and post-session measurements included muscle thickness of the elbow flexors (biceps brachii and brachialis), upper arm circumference, and blood lactate concentration. Significant pre- to post-session increases were found in both protocols for muscle thickness (F (1, 28) = 11.74, p = 0.0019), and blood lactate (F (1, 28) = 35.55, p < 0.0001); no statistically significant differences were observed between conditions, however, the magnitude of increases favored LL. Significant between-condition differences favoring LL were observed for total repetitions (p = 0.007), time under tension (p = 0.007), and training density (p = 0.007). These results suggest that LL training promotes superior post-session increases in muscle thickness, indicating that RT protocols with longer times under tension and densities are beneficial when the goal is to promote acute cell swelling.

BackgroundThe present study compared the effects of a traditional resistance training (TRT) and resistance training combined with cognitive task (RT + CT) on body composition, physical performance, cognitive function, and plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) levels in older adults.MethodsThirty community-dwelling older adults were randomized into TRT (70.0 ± 8.1; 25% men) and RT + CT (66.3 ± 4.6; 31% men). Exercise groups performed a similar resistance training (RT) program, twice a week over 16 weeks. Cognitive Training involved performing verbal fluency simultaneously with RT. Exercise sessions (eight resistance exercises) were performed 2–3 sets, 8–15 repetitions at 60%–70% of 1-repetition maximum (1RM). Body composition, physical function, cognitive performance, and BDNF levels were assessed before and after intervention period.ResultsThe physical performance was similarly improved in response to both TRT and RT + CT (p = 0.001). However, exclusive improvements on cognitive function (p < 0.001) and BDNF levels (p = 0.001) were observed only after RT + CT.ConclusionThe RT program associated with a cognitive task, improved physical and cognitive performance in healthy older adults.

Menopause is characterised by several hormonal changes through which women undergo aging. These changes lead to psychological, somatic, urogenital and vasomotor symptoms that influence the quality of life of women. Studies have shown that physical exercise can benefit women in the pre- and postmenopausal stages. However, the physiological benefits of exercise during the menopausal period have been less explored, as well as which type of exercise is most recommended at this stage of life. Therefore, the present review aimed to investigate the physiological changes promoted by the practice of physical exercise during the menopause period. A search for scientific articles was performed in the PubMed database using the descriptors ‘menopause’ and ‘exercise’ and the ‘AND’ connector. The period selected for this study was from 2014 to 2018. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, five articles were selected. As a result, studies suggest that physical exercise promotes hormones, body composition and positive cardiovascular changes, decreases menopausal symptoms and improves psychosocial health. In addition, it is associated with an improvement in the quality of life.

BACKGROUNDIsokinetic strength has been useful to assess muscle function related to sports and prevent injuries. The present study measured the isokinetic isometric and concentric shoulder rotators strength, agonist/antagonist ratio, and examined the relationships between isometric and concentric peak torque, and agonist/antagonist ratio in powerlifters compared to a control group.METHODSThe participants were divided into two groups: powerlifters group (n=14) and physically active group (n=9). Participants' were evaluated on isokinetic dynamometer for isometric, and concentric (two velocities, 60°/s and 180°/s) strength of shoulder external (ER) internal rotation (IR). Isometric contractions lasted 10 seconds, and concentric modes were 5 repetitions.RESULTSBilateral significant differences, between dominant and non-dominant side, were found in ER peak torque at isometric mode in powerlifters group (p=0.021). Powerlifters showed higher IR peak torque at isometric mode in dominant (p=0.040) and non-dominant side (p=0.014) than physically active group. Pearson correlations between isometric peak torque and concentric velocities ranged between 0.49 and 0.89 for powerlifters group, and between 0.73 and 0.93 for physically active group. For agonist/antagonist ratio, pearson correlation ranged between 0.47 and 0.83 for powerlifters group, and between 0.48 and 0.86 for physically active group.CONCLUSIONSThe bilateral differences in ER movement at isometric mode in powerlifters suggest that exercises for shoulder rotators must be included on training for joint safety and balance between sides despite isometric shoulder rotators strength in powerlifters was higher than physically active individuals. Results presented positive correlation between both muscle actions, isometric and concentric, in peak torque and agonist/antagonist ratio.

Hypopressive exercise (HE) has been contraindicated for people with cardiovascular disease because it involves isometric postures performed with low-pulmonary volume breath-holds, which are thought to increase blood pressure. The objective of this study was to analyze the hemodynamic responses to HE performed in the seated posture on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) in normotensive females. Ten women (age = 31.2 ± 6.3 years) with previous experience in HE participated. Three sets of eight breathing cycles of HE breathing were completed. The HE breathing protocol consisted of three complete breathing cycles of controlled latero-costal inhalations and slow deep exhalations followed by a breath-hold and rib-cage expansion after every third exhalation. Measurements of SBP, DBP, MAP and HR were assessed at baseline, at the end of each set and at the end of minute 5, 10, 15 and 20 during the recovery period. The measurement of hemodynamic variables used a digital photoplethysmography device. Significant differences for SBP (baseline compared to SET2, p = 0.0182) and MAP (baseline compared to SET1, p = 0.0433; and SET2, p = 0.0072) were found. No significant differences were found in the recovery periods compared with baseline. Medium effect size for HR during REC5 (ES = 0.50) and REC10 (ES = 0.56) was observed. These findings indicate that HE in the seated posture performed by normotensive females leads to significant increases in SBP and MAP with no significant increase of HR and no hypotensive effect during recovery period. Our preliminary results should be supported by future randomized controlled trials.

O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a atividade cortical e muscular durante o exercício rosca unilateral, com o braço esquerdo, em alta e baixa intensidade. O teste foi realizado através da técnica de espectroscopia de infravermelho NIRS (Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy), utilizando o equipamento CW6 (TechEn Inc., Milford, MA, EUA). Essa técnica tem a capacidade de mensurar as concentrações de saturação de oxigênio no músculo avaliado (bíceps braquial) e no córtex cerebral (pré-frontal e córtex motor), oxi-hemoglobina (HbO) e deoxi-hemoglobina (HbR). Cinco participantes (n=5), com no mínimo 12 meses de experiência em treinamento de força, realizaram uma sessão composta de quatro séries de três repetições (i.e. duas séries a 30% de 1RM [uma repetição máxima] e duas séries a 80% de 1RM]), a intensidade inicial foi escolhida de forma randomizada, com 3 minutos de intervalo entre cada série. Análise estatística, teste t-test student pareado para a comparação entre as intensidades. A saturação muscular (%) da intensidade alta diminuiu de forma significante (p=0.01) em comparação com a intensidade baixa. A oxi-hemoglobina (HbO) e deoxi-hemoglobina (HbR) dos córtex pré-frontal (PF) e motor (M) do lado direito não apresentou diferença significativa entre as intensidades. Os resultados indicam que o treino com alta intensidade leva à queda superior os níveis de saturação no músculo, porém não há diferença significativa na atividade dos córtex PF e M do lado direito.

The shoulder joint is naturally instable because of anatomic structure, and depends of passive and active elements, ligaments and muscle, respectively, for proper stability. The bench press, upper body exercise, is one of three exercises of Powerlifting (PL), based on maximum strength. The strength balance between dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) upper limbs is fundamental to develop a good lift and joint safety. Therefore, not only major muscles are important as pectoral major, but also stability muscles as rotator cuff for shoulder external rotation. PURPOSE: To compare, in recreational powerlifters, relative peak torque between dominant and non-dominant arms, in external and internal rotation at 60°/s and 180°/s concentric action velocity for external (ER) and internal rotation (IR) in shoulder joint. METHODS: Participants, nine powerlifters (height: 1.73±0.06cm; weight: 84.1±13.0kg; bench press 1 repetition maximum: 116.4±19.1kg; PL minimal experience: 2 years). The muscle group strength for ER and IR were assessed bilateral by Biodex System 4Pro isokinetic dynamometer. The participants were in a seated position, 45° shoulder abduction, 60°/s and 180°/s concentric mode was adopted for lever velocity for ER and IR in shoulder joint. Dominant and non-dominant sides peak torque normalized to body weight (PT/BW; Nm.kg-1) were compared with paired student’s t-test. RESULTS: Significant difference (p=0.02) was found at the PT/BW for the ER movements between the dominant (47.8±5.8 Nm.kg-1) and non-dominant (44.3±6.1Nm.kg-1) sides at the velocity of 60°/s, but there was no significant difference between sides in IR (p=0.15; D=71.7±16.3Nm.kg-1, ND=66.1±12Nm.kg-1); and at 180°/s for ER (p=0.24; D=48±5.3 Nm.kg-1, ND=45.7.1±8.6 Nm.kg-1) and IR (p=0.24; D=68.7±15.5Nm.kg-1, ND=64.6±8.6 Nm.kg-1). CONCLUSION: For recreational powerlifters, there is only difference between dominant and non-dominant arms in ER movement at 60°/s, which suggests a necessity of unilateral exercises for a better balance between sides. Supported by CNPq scholarship.

Dinamômetros isocinéticos são instrumentos que proporcionam informações quanto a performance mecânica dos grupos musculares. Essa pesquisa analisou o pico de Torque absoluto (N-m) dos músculos flexores e extensores do quadril no membro dominante (D) de praticantes de Powerlifting em comparação a pessoas fisicamente ativas através de uma avaliação isocinética. O protocolo utilizado para a articulação do quadril, foi composto por duas velocidades angulares de CON 60°/s CON e 180°/s com quatro séries de cinco repetições. A pesquisa qualitativa e de corte transversal. O n=20 dividido em Powerlifting=10 e Ativos=10. Para a obtenção dos dados foi utilizado o dinamômetro isocinético Biodex System 4-Pro (Biodex Medical Systems®, USA. O pico de torque foi comparado com o teste t não pareado (entre grupos) com um nível de significância de p<0.05. Foi constatado, diferença estatítica entre os grupos na flexão de quadril em 180°/s, porém nas demais velocidades não houveram diferenças significativas.

O Powerlifting é um esporte que tem como objetivo a execução de exercícios com a maior intensidade possível, dentro das regras estabelecidas pelas organizações da modalidade. Esse é caracterizado como um esporte de força, que possui o agachamento, supino e levantamento terra como exercícios principais. O presente estudo teve como objetivo a avaliação do pico de torque nos movimentos de extensão e flexão de joelhos. Os participantes (n=26) foram divididos em dois grupos, 1) praticantes de powerlifting, e 2) individuos fisicamentes ativos. O método de avaliação foi a dinamometria isocinética através do equipamento da marca Biodex, onde mensurou-se a relação de pico de torque dos extensores e flexores dos joelhos em duas velocidades, 60°/s e 180°/s. Resultados: A média do pico de torque dos praticantes de powerlifting foi maior nas duas velocidades. Conclusão: Os praticantes de powerlifting possuem maior torque de extensão e flexão de joelho comparados a indivíduos fisicamente ativos.

Powerlifting is a sport based in maximal strength in three exercises: i) squat, ii) bench press and iii) deadlift. Specifically, on squat and the bench press, the shoulder joint stay at some positions and ranges of motion with overload. The aim of this study was to compare peak torque (PT; Nm) in dominant arms (D) between powerlifters and physical active people for shoulder external (ER) and internal rotation (IR). The participants were male, two groups, 14 recreationally powerlifters (PL) and 14 recreationally physical active people (AP). The PT for ER and IR of shoulder joint were assessed by Biodex isokinetic dynamometer, 60°/s and 180°/s concentric mode was adopted for velocity degree. The D shoulder ER and IR between PL and AP were compared with unpaired student's t-test. There was no significant difference between PL and AP at 60°/s for ER (p=0.09) and IR (p=0.05); and 180°/s for ER (p=0.12) and IR (p=0.09). Despite Powerlifting being a strength sport modality, there are not significant differences between the peak torque in recreationally powerlifters and physical active people in ER and IR in two different velocities.

A Ginástica Abdominal Hipopressiva (GAH) é um método combinado de exercícios posturais e respiratórios. Nos exercícios respiratórios, é realizado a manobra de mueller (ação inspiratória com a glote fechada), uma manobra respiratória, em apneia após a expiração. Manobras respiratórias produzem alterações no sistema cardiovascular, portanto conhecer a hemodinâmica neste método se torna relevante. O objetivo foi observar o comportamento da pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), pressão arterial diastólica (PAD), débito cardíaco (DC) e frequência cardíaca (FC) durante e após uma sessão de GAH. Dez mulheres (n=10) realizaram uma sessão de GAH de 3 séries de 8 apneias, de 10 segundos, precedidas de 3 ciclos respiratórios, intervalo de 1 min. entre as séries. A PAS, PAD, FC e DC foram monitorados antes da sessão, 10 minutos após repouso; ao final de cada série, durante a sessão e; 5, 10, 15 e 20 min. após a sessão através do Finometer (FMS, Arnhem, Holanda). Análise estatística, foi utilizado ANOVA e Kruskal-Wallis seguido do teste de Dunns para comparações múltiplas das médias dos momentos monitorados. A PAS e a PAD aumentaram de forma significativa durante a sessão (PAS=p<0.01; e PAD=p<0.05) comparadas ao momento pré sessão. A FC e o DC diminuíram significativamente após a sessão (FC=p<0.01 e DC=p<0.05) comparada a sessão. Os resultados indicam que a GAH gera alterações hemodinâmicas significativas durante a sessão, com aumento na pressão arterial, tanto sistólica como diastólica.