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PubMed1988

Changes in strength and cross sectional area of the elbow flexors as a result of isometric strength training.

Changes in strength and size of the elbow flexor muscles have been compared during six weeks of isometric strength training in six male and six female subjects. Isometric training of one arm resulted in a significant increase in isometric force (14.5 +/- 5.1%, mean +/- SD, n = 12). No differences were seen in the response of male and female subjects. The extent of the change was similar to that reported for training studies of other muscles, thus refuting the suggestion that the elbow flexors may be especially amenable to training. Biceps and brachialis cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured from mid-upper arm X-ray computerized tomography before and after training. Muscles increased in area (5.4 +/- 3.8%) but this was smaller than, and not correlated with, the increase in strength. The main change in the first six weeks of strength training was therefore an increase in the force generated per unit cross-sectional area of muscle. The arrangement of fibres in the biceps is nearly parallel to the action of the muscle and it is argued that the increase in force per unit cross-sectional area is unlikely to be due to changes in the pennation of the muscle fibres as has been suggested for other muscles.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Power training is more effective than strength training for maintaining bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.

Physical exercise has a favorable impact on bones, but optimum training strategies are still under discussion. In this study, we compared the effect of slow and fast resistance exercises on various osteodensitometric parameters. Fifty-three postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to a strength training (ST) or a power training group (PT). Both groups carried out a progressive resistance training, a gymnastics session, and a home training over a period of 12 mo. During the resistance training, the ST group used slow and the PT group fast movements; otherwise there were no training differences. All subjects were supplemented with Ca and vitamin D. At baseline and after 12 mo, bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at the lumbar spine, proximal femur, and distal forearm by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We also measured anthropometric data and maximum static strength. Frequency and grade of pain were assessed by questionnaire. After 12 mo, significant between-group differences were observed for BMD at the lumbar spine (P < 0.05) and the total hip (P < 0.05). Whereas the PT group maintained BMD at the spine (+0.7 +/- 2.1%, not significant) and the total hip (0.0 +/- 1.7%, not significant), the ST group lost significantly at both sites (spine: -0.9 +/- 1.9%; P < 0.05; total hip: -1.2 +/- 1.5%; P < 0.01). No significant between-group differences were observed for anthropometric data, maximum strength, BMD of the forearm, or frequency and grade of pain. These findings suggest that power training is more effective than strength training in reducing bone loss in postmenopausal women.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Upper extremity injuries associated with strength training.

Most injuries sustained during strength training are mild strains that resolve with appropriate rest. More severe injuries include traumatic shoulder dislocations, tendon ruptures of the pectoralis major, biceps, and triceps; stress fractures of the distal clavicle, humerus, radius, and ulna; traumatic fractures of the distal radius and ulna in adolescent weightlifters; and compressive and stretch neuropathies. These more severe injuries are usually the result of improperly performing a strength training exercise. Educating athletes regarding proper strength-training techniques serves to reverse established injury patterns and to prevent these injuries in the first place. Recognizing the association of anabolic steroid use to several of the injury patterns further reinforces the need for medical specialists to counsel athletes against their use. With the increasing use of supplements such as creatine, the incidence and nature of strength-training injuries may change further. Greater emphasis on the competitive performance of younger athletes undoubtedly will generate enthusiasm for strength training at earlier ages in both sexes. The importance of proper supervision of these young athletes by knowledgeable persons will increase. As the popularity of strength training grows, there will be ample opportunity to continue to catalog the injury patterns associated with this activity.

Anabolic Agents↗

PubMed2005

Strength training and aerobic exercise training for muscle disease.

BACKGROUND: Strength training or aerobic exercise programmes might maximise muscle and cardiorespiratory function and prevent additional disuse atrophy in patients with muscle disease. However, over-exerting might cause more rapid disease progression. OBJECTIVES: To examine the efficacy and safety of strength training and aerobic exercise training in patients with muscle diseases. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group register (October 2002 and May 2004), the Cochrane Collaboration Rehabilitation and Related Therapies Field register (October 2002), MEDLINE (January 1966 to December 2002), EMBASE (January 1973 to October 2002), and CINAHL (January 1982 to August 2002) for randomised trials. We reviewed the bibliographies of trials identified and reviews covering the subject. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing strength training and/or aerobic exercise programmes lasting at least 10 weeks. Types of outcome measures: FOR STRENGTH TRAINING. Primary: static or dynamic muscle strength. Secondary: muscle strength (endurance or fatigue), functional assessments, quality of life, muscle membrane permeability, pain, and fatigue. FOR AEROBIC EXERCISE TRAINING. Primary: aerobic capacity expressed as work capacity. Secondary: aerobic capacity (oxygen consumption, parameters of cardiac or respiratory function), functional assessments, quality of life, muscle membrane permeability, pain, and fatigue. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted the data. MAIN RESULTS: We identified two randomised trials fulfilling all inclusion criteria. The first trial compared the effect of strength training versus no training in 36 patients with myotonic dystrophy. The other trial compared strength training versus no training combined with albuterol or placebo in 65 patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. Methodological quality and training programmes were graded adequate. In the myotonic dystrophy trial there were no significant differences between training and non-training groups for the primary outcome measure. In the facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy trial static muscle strength did not show significant differences between training and non-training groups. Only a +1.2 kg difference (95% confidence interval 0.2 to 2.1) in dynamic strength of elbow flexors in favour of the training group, reached statistical significance. For both trials there were no significant differences between groups for most of the secondary outcome measures, including those covering adverse effects. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: In myotonic dystrophy and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy moderate-intensity strength training appears not to do harm but there is insufficient evidence to establish that it offers benefit. Limitations in the design of studies in other muscle diseases prevent general conclusions in these disorders.

Exercise↗

PubMed2004

Effect of a 10-week strength training program and recovery drink on body composition, muscular strength and endurance, and anaerobic power and capacity.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether postexercise consumption of a supplement containing whey protein, amino acids, creatine, and carbohydrate combined with a strength training program promotes greater gains in fat-free mass (FFM), muscle strength and endurance, and anaerobic performance compared with an isocaloric, carbohydrate-only control drink combined with strength training. METHODS: The study was double blind and randomized, and the experimental supplement was compared with a carbohydrate-only control. Forty-one males (n = 20 in control group, n = 21 in the supplement group; mean age, 22.2 y) participated in a 4 d/wk, 10-wk periodized strength training program. Subjects had to complete at least 70% of the workouts. Before and after 10 wk of strength training, subjects were tested for body composition by using hydrostatic weighing and skinfold thicknesses, one repetition maximum strength and muscular endurance for the bench press and 45-degree leg press, and anaerobic performance using a 30-s Wingate test. Thirty-three subjects (80.5%) completed the training program (n = 15 in control group, n = 18 in the supplement); these 33 subjects also completed all post-training test procedures. Data were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures on time. P <== 0.05 was set as statistically significant. All statistical analyses, including calculation of effect size and power, were completed with SPSS 11.0. RESULTS: Across groups, FFM increased during 10 wk of strength training. Although there was no statistically significant time x group interaction for FFM, there was a trend toward a greater increase in FFM for the supplement group (+3.4 kg) compared with the control group (+1.5 kg; P = 0.077). The effect size (eta(2) = 0.100) was moderately large. Percentage of body fat declined and fat mass was unchanged; there were no differences between groups. One repetition maximum strength for the bench press and 45-degree leg press increased, but there were no differences between groups. Muscular endurance expressed as the number of repetitions completed with 85% of the one repetition maximum was unchanged; external work, which was estimated as repetitions completed x resistance used, increased for the 45-degree leg press but not for the bench press over the 10-wk training period; there were no time x group interactions for either measurement. Anaerobic power and capacity improved, but there were no differences between groups for these variables or for fatigue rate. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of a recovery drink after strength training workouts did not promote greater gains in FFM compared with consumption of a carbohydrate-only drink; however, a trend toward a greater increase in FFM in the supplement group suggests the need for longer-term studies. Performance variables such as muscle strength and endurance and anaerobic performance were not improved when compared with the carbohydrate-only group.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2007

Effects of muscle strength training and megestrol acetate on strength, muscle mass, and function in frail older people.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the independent and combined effects of progressive resistance muscle strength training (PRMST) and megestrol acetate (MA) on strength, muscle mass, and function in older recuperative care patients. DESIGN: Double-blind, randomized, controlled intervention using a two-by-two factorial design and conducted between 1999 and 2001. SETTING: University-affiliated Department of Veterans Affairs hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-nine patients (mean age 79.4 +/- 7.4, 90% white) aged 65 and older and had recent functional decline. INTERVENTIONS: After randomization to one of four treatment groups (low-resistance exercises plus 800 mg per day of MA or a placebo or high-intensity PRMST plus 800 mg/d of MA or placebo), subjects received training and the drug or placebo for 12 weeks. MEASUREMENTS: Change in muscle strength, mid-thigh muscle area, and aggregate functional performance score as assessed using analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Five subjects withdrew from the study before its completion. Based on intent-to-treat analyses, subjects who received high-intensity PRMST and placebo experienced the greatest strength gains. The addition of MA was associated with worse outcomes than with high-intensity exercise training alone, especially with regard to the leg exercises. Post hoc analysis demonstrated that subjects who received high-intensity PRMST and placebo experienced significantly greater percentage increases in leg strength than subjects in either of the MA treatment groups (P<.05 for each comparison). There was also a significant negative effect of MA on physical function. In general, subjects who received MA experienced a deterioration in aggregate physical function scores, whereas the remaining subjects improved (-0.80+/-0.40 vs 0.48+/-0.41, P=.04). There was not a significant interaction between exercise and MA for any outcome. CONCLUSION: High-intensity PRMST is a safe and well-tolerated exercise regimen for frail elderly patients. The addition of MA appears to blunt the beneficial effects of PRMST, resulting in less muscle strength and functional performance gains.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

Self-directed strength training: its effect on leg strength in men with mental retardation.

OBJECTIVE: To compare isokinetic measures of peak torque (newton-meters) and total work (joules) in men with mental retardation on a test of knee extension after 12 weeks of trainer-directed training and 1 year of self-directed training. DESIGN: Repeated measures of analysis of variance using a planned comparison approach involving an independent 2 x 3 (group x test) design. SETTING: Subjects were tested at a university athletic training facility on three separate days. SUBJECTS: Volunteer sample of 12 subjects with mental retardation: 6 in strength training group, 6 in control group. INTERVENTION: Subjects performed an isokinetic knee extension test at a velocity of 60 degrees/sec on three separate days. Test 1 was the pretest, test 2 was conducted after 12 weeks of trainer-directed hydraulic resistance training, and test 3 was conducted after 1 year of self-directed hydraulic resistance training. RESULTS: For both isokinetic parameters measured, the strength-trained subjects demonstrated significantly higher scores after 12 weeks of training and after 1 year of training than the scores achieved on the pretest. No significant differences in peak torque or total work scores were found between test 2 and test 3 scores for the strength-trained group. No significant changes in isokinetic scores between test sessions were found for the control subjects. CONCLUSION: Men with mental retardation can maintain strength following a self-directed hydraulic resistance strength training program.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

5'AMP activated protein kinase expression in human skeletal muscle: effects of strength training and type 2 diabetes.

Strength training enhances insulin sensitivity and represents an alternative to endurance training for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The 5'AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) may mediate adaptations in skeletal muscle in response to exercise training; however, little is known about adaptations within the AMPK system itself. We investigated the effect of strength training and T2DM on the isoform expression and the heterotrimeric composition of the AMPK in human skeletal muscle. Ten patients with T2DM and seven healthy subjects strength trained (T) one leg for 6 weeks, while the other leg remained untrained (UT). Muscle biopsies were obtained before and after the training period. Basal AMPK activity and protein/mRNA expression of both catalytic (alpha1 and alpha2) and regulatory (beta1, beta2, gamma1, gamma2a, gamma2b and gamma3) AMPK isoforms were independent of T2DM, whereas the protein content of alpha1 (+16%), beta2 (+14%) and gamma1 (+29%) was higher and the gamma3 content was lower (-48%) in trained compared with untrained muscle (all P < 0.01). The majority of alpha protein co-immunoprecipitated with beta2 and alpha2/beta2 accounted for the majority of these complexes. gamma3 was only associated with alpha2 and beta2 subunits, and accounted for approximately 20% of all alpha2/beta2 complexes. The remaining alpha2/beta2 and the alpha1/beta2 complexes were associated with gamma1. The trimer composition was unaffected by T2DM, whereas training induced a shift from gamma3- to gamma1-containing trimers. The data question muscular AMPK as a primary cause of T2DM whereas the maintained function in patients with T2DM makes muscular AMPK an obvious therapeutic target. In human skeletal muscle only three of 12 possible AMPK trimer combinations exist, and the expression of the subunit isoforms is susceptible to moderate strength training, which may influence metabolism and improve energy homeostasis in trained muscle.

AMP-Activated Protein Kinases↗

PubMed2002

The effects of progressive strength training and aerobic exercise on muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness in women with fibromyalgia: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety, feasibility and consequences of a program of progressive strength training and cardiovascular exercise in women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). METHODS: Fifteen women with confirmed FMS were monitored for injury and exercise compliance, and assessed for muscle strength (1-repetition maximum technique), cardiovascular endurance (6-minute walk test), and functional status (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire [FIQ]) before and after a 20-week exercise intervention. RESULTS: Zero injuries and an 81% compliance rate occurred during training. Improvement was seen in muscle strength of the lower (191 +/- 75 to 265 +/- 67 pounds; P < 0.001) and upper (61 +/- 18 to 76 +/- 18 pounds; P < 0.001) body, 6-minute walk distance (530 +/- 80 to 629 +/- 74 meters; P < 0.001), and in FIQ score (44 +/- 9 to 32 +/- 14; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: A program of progressive strength training and cardiovascular exercise can be safe, well tolerated, and effective at improving muscle strength, cardiovascular endurance and functional status in women with FMS without exacerbating symptoms. This program may also contribute to a reduction in the severity of several symptoms.

Adult↗

PubMed1984

Static contraction of the quadriceps muscle in man: cardiovascular control and responses to one-legged strength training.

Knee extension strength training of one leg (ST) (120 maximal contractions per day, 5 days per week for 9 weeks) was performed by 9 healthy young men. Before and after ST, biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis muscle of each leg and static quadriceps contractions (SQC) lasting 2 min were performed with each leg under control conditions and after combined vagal and beta-adrenergic blockade with atropine and metoprolol. Maximal voluntary contraction strength (MVC) increased more for the trained leg (TL) than for the untrained leg (UTL) but thigh circumferences and muscle fibre diameters gave little evidence for muscle hypertrophy. In pre- vs. post-training comparisons during SQC at the same relative force (40% of MVC) mean blood pressure (MBP), heart rate (HR) and smoothed rectified electromyographic activity were similar for TL and UTL. Similar findings were obtained for MBP after attenuation of the HR response by autonomic blockade, indicating that MBP, per se, was closely linked to the relative force of SQC. Pre- to post-training reductions in MBP and HR during SQC with each leg at an absolute force of 40% of pre-training MVC were likely due to changes in the pattern of motor unit activation. A lower MBP response to SQC and TL than of UTL after training correlated with a greater capillary density and a lower muscle lactate level for TL.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed2002

Exercise and muscle strength training and their effect on quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure.

BACKGROUND: There is now evidence that moderate training plays an important role in the treatment of chronic heart failure. No clear instructions exist to date as to how such training programs should be carried out. AIM: to assess the efficiency of a training program including bicycle ergometer training, moderate muscle strength training and the 6-min walk test and their influence on quality of life, anxiety and depression. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients (67 male, 21 female) underwent a standardized 4-week training program. BASELINE DATA: LVEF=31+/-8%; LVEDD=143+/-59 ml; peak VO(2)=13.9+/-4.6 kg/ml. No adverse side effects could be observed. At discharge LVEF was 37+/-9%, (P=0.001); LVEDD=131+/-44ml (P=0.01); and peak VO(2)=15.4+/-5.0 kg/ml. Quality of life improved significantly in nearly all domains and in summary score. There were no significant changes in anxiety and depression. There is a negative correlation between the initial workload and changes in physical health (r=-0.42, P=0.001) and only a weak correlation between age and positive changes in physical health (r=0.26, P=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A standardized training program including moderate muscle strength training could be performed safely and demonstrated improvement in clinical parameters and quality of life.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Fatigue contributes to the strength training stimulus.

To investigate the role of fatigue in strength training, strength increases produced by a training protocol in which subjects rested between contractions were compared with those produced when subjects did not rest. Forty-two healthy subjects were randomly allocated to either a no-rest group, a rest group, or a control group. Subjects in the two training groups trained their elbow flexor muscles by lifting a 6RM weight 6-10 times on 3 d each week for 6 wk. Subjects in the no-rest group performed repeated lifts without resting, whereas subjects in the rest group rested for 30 s between lifts. Both training groups performed the same number of lifts at the same relative intensity. The control group did not train. Subjects who trained without rests experienced significantly greater mean increases in dynamic strength (56.3% +/- 6.8% (SD)) than subjects who trained with rests (41.2% +/- 6.6%), and both training groups experienced significantly greater mean increases in dynamic strength than the control group (19.7% +/- 6.6%). It was concluded that greater short-term strength increases are achieved when subjects are required to lift training weights without resting. These findings suggest that processes associated with fatigue contribute to the strength training stimulus.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1988

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), cortisol (P less than 0.01), transcortin (CBG) (P less than 0.05), and in the cortisol/CBG ratio (P less than 0.05). The last 4 weeks of training were characterized by significant correlations between the individual changes in maximal isometric force and the changes in serum free testosterone concentrations (r = 0.60, P less than 0.01). The changes in the ratios of free testosterone to cortisol (r = 0.73, P less than 0.001), total testosterone to cortisol (r = 0.83, P less than 0.001), and 17-OH-progresterone to cortisol (r = 0.62, P less than 0.01) also correlated with the changes in maximal force. The findings suggest that the turnover of endogenous androgens may increase during progressively intensified training without a change in serum total testosterone concentration. Prolonged intensive strength training may also lead to changes in the concentrations of serum cortisol and transcortin. During the most stressful phases of training, the changes in serum androgen/cortisol ratios seem to be highly individual and may correlate with changes in muscular strength.

17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone↗

PubMed2006

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 < 0.052). Nutritional counseling evoked dietary changes such as increases in the proportion of energy from protein and the ratio of polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids. Strength training increased testosterone and testosterone/sex hormone-binding globulin ratio after the first half of training, but these returned to baseline values at the end of the entire training period. Changes in serum basal hormone concentrations did not differ between the groups. Our results support the conclusion that nutritional counseling can contribute to the increase in the muscle cross-sectional area during prolonged strength training in aging women.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Strength training and detraining effects on muscular strength, anaerobic power, and mobility of inactive older men are intensity dependent.

BACKGROUND: Although strength training (ST) enhances physical function in the elderly, little is known about the effect of training intensity on training and detraining adaptations in musculoskeletal fitness. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of exercise intensity on strength, anaerobic power, and mobility of older men subjected to a 24 week ST protocol followed by prolonged detraining. METHODS: Fifty two healthy but inactive older men (mean (SD) age 71.2 (4.1) years) were assigned to a control (n = 14), low intensity training (LIST; n = 18; 55% 1RM), or high intensity training (HIST; n = 20; 82% 1RM) group. They carried out a 24 week, whole body (10 exercises, two to three sets/exercise) ST programme followed by a 48 week detraining period. Upper and lower body strength, anaerobic power (Wingate testing), and mobility (timed up and go, walking, climbing stairs) were measured at baseline and immediately after training and during detraining. RESULTS: Although low intensity training improved (p<0.05) strength (42-66%), anaerobic power (10%), and mobility (5-7%), high intensity training elicited greater (p<0.05) gains (63-91% in strength, 17-25% in anaerobic power, 9-14% in mobility). All training induced gains in the LIST group had been abolished after four to eight months of detraining, whereas in the HIST group strength and mobility gains were maintained throughout detraining. However, anaerobic power had returned to baseline levels after four months of detraining in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Higher intensity training protocols induce greater gains in strength, anaerobic power, and whole body physical function of older men. Moreover, higher intensity training may maintain the gains for more prolonged periods after training ceases.

Aged↗

PubMed1990

Strength training in children and adolescents.

Strength is the ability to exert muscular force against resistance. It is a fundamental requirement of most daily physical activities of children and of adults. Strength training is the use of progressive resistance exercise methods specifically to increase strength. Strength training for children and adolescents is not without risk. Proven medical concerns relate to back, shoulder, and other joint injuries and to hypertension and related diseases. However, the rate of injury is probably rather low, comparable to many youthful activities that are considered safe. Also, the incidence and severity of injury can probably be minimized by adherence to the guidelines presented. Children may be expected to become stronger with appropriate training. Increased strength can enhance their performance in those athletic activities in which strength, power, or speed are required. It may reduce the incidence and severity of overuse injury in sport. However, it cannot reasonably be expected to protect against serious, acute injury in sport.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Dynamic strength training in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis increases muscle strength but not bone mineral density.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of 12 months' dynamic strength training on muscle strength and bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine and femoral neck in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Thirty-two subjects in the training group (EG) and 33 in the control group (CG) completed the study. EG carried out strength training 2 times a week with moderate loads of 50-70% of repetition maximum. They were also encouraged to do recreational physical activities. CG performed recreational physical activities and range of motion exercises. Maximal strength of the knee extensors, trunk extensors and flexors, and grip strength were recorded with dynamometers. BMD was measured using dual x-ray absorptiometry. Modified Disease Activity Score, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and pain were used for the estimation of disease activity, and Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire to measure functional disability. RESULTS: The 12 month resistance training in EG led to statistically significant mean increases of 22-35% in all muscle groups examined. CG patients were also able to increase their strength to some degree (3-24%), but at the end of the study strengths in CG were significantly lower than in EG. By the end of the study lumbar spine BMD had changed by +0.19% (4.24) in EG and by -1.14% (4.36) in CG. The corresponding changes of femoral BMD were +1.10% (3.71) and -0.03% (3.58). The changes in BMD were minor and statistically not significant in both groups. However, femoral BMD was found to be decreased among those patients treated periodically with oral glucocorticoids (n = 15, 3 subjects from EG and 12 from CG) compared with changes in BMD among those not treated with systemic glucocorticoids (n = 50). CONCLUSION: Minimally supervised strength training resulted in significant improvements in muscle strength without detrimental effects on disease activity. The detected annual changes in central BMD were minor and statistically insignificant in both groups. Special attention should be focused on those patients with RA with high disease activity and concomitant glucocorticoid treatment.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

PubMed1993

Are adaptations to combined endurance and strength training affected by the sequence of training?

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the sequence of strength training before endurance training (ST/ET) is more or less effective than endurance training followed by strength training (ET/ST). Twenty-three females and 11 males were assigned to one of three groups: ST/ET (n = 15), ET/ST (n = 15) or control (n = 4). The 7-week training programme consisted of strength training using 10 exercises for two sets of 3-12 repetitions and running for 20-25 min at 60-90% of heart rate reserve. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) was measured during a graded treadmill test, and muscular strength was assessed using one-repetition maximum tests for the bench press (BP), shoulder press (SP), arm curl (AC) and leg press (LP). The VO2 max significantly (P < 0.05) increased 6.7 and 6.2% for the ST/ET and ET/ST groups, respectively. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference between the two experimental groups. Muscular strength significantly (P < 0.05) improved by 15.2% (BP), 16.6% (SP), 17.2% (AC) and 11.9% (LP) for the ST/ET group and 19.9% (BP), 24.1% (SP), 20.9% (AC) and 14.0% (LP) for the ET/ST group. There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences between the two experimental groups for the BP, AC and LP; however, the ET/ST group increased (P < 0.05) SP strength more than the ST/ET group. In conclusion, adaptations to a combination of short-term endurance and strength training as assessed by VO2 max and BP, AC and LP strength appear to be independent of whether endurance training occurs prior to or following strength training.

Adaptation, Physiological↗