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The main objective of this study was to analyze the effect of a resistance training program using outdoor fitness equipment (OFE) on sagittal spine disposition and pelvic tilt in middle-aged and older adults. One hundred and twenty-eight middle-aged and older adults were randomly assigned to the training (TG) or control group (CG). The TG trained for 8 weeks, with 2 weekly sessions of one hour of resistance circuit training with OFE. Before and after the intervention, the sagittal spine disposition and pelvic tilt in the relaxed standing and sitting positions were analyzed. The results showed that the TG obtained a significant reduction (p < 0.001) in all the curvatures of the sagittal spine disposition and pelvic tilt in the standing position after the intervention, in contrast to the CG, which only showed a significant reduction in pelvic tilt (p = 0.005). Regarding the sitting position, only the TG presented a significant decrease in lumbar lordosis (p < 0.001). In conclusion, resistance training with OFE may be useful in improving sagittal spine disposition in middle-aged and older adults. Given the availability of free OFE in parks, the present research provides elders with an accessible and effective training program to curb the effects of ageing on the sagittal spine disposition.

Given the demands of basketball for rapid sprinting and directional changes, and the growing interest in flywheel eccentric training (FET) to enhance these abilities, this study examines a six-week FET regimen compared to barbell squat training (BST)—the control condition—on sprint and change-of-direction performance in female collegiate basketball players.Nineteen female collegiate basketball players were randomized to flywheel eccentric training (n = 9) or barbell squat training (n = 10) groups. Both groups trained twice weekly over six weeks, following a standardized warm-up protocol. The FET group performed 4× (2 + 8) maximal concentric–eccentric repetitions on a flywheel device (inertia = 0.075 kg·m²), and the BST group completed 4 × 8 back-squat repetitions at 80% of their pre-test one-repetition maximum (1RM); all sets were separated by 3-minute rest intervals. A 2 × 2 factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to assess pre– to post-intervention changes in sprint speed (20-m sprint) and change-of-direction ability (505 agility test and lane agility test).The results of the analysis of variance indicated that in the FET group, the main effect of time and the interaction effect were significant for the 20m sprint and 505 agility tests (p < 0.05), while the group main effect was not significant (p > 0.05). However, no significant effects were observed for the lane agility test (p > 0.05). In the BST group, there were no significant effects regarding the main effect of time, the group main effect, or the interaction effect in any of the tests (p > 0.05). In collegiate female basketball players, six weeks of moderate-inertia (0.075 kg·m²) flywheel eccentric training elicited superior improvements in linear sprint speed and rapid direction changes ability compared to an equivalent barbell squat regimen.

Objectives Breathlessness in patients with lung cancer is a common and distressing symptom affecting 50–70 % of patients, rising to some 90 % for those with advanced lung cancer. The aim of the current study was to assess how feasible inspiratory muscle training (IMT) is in the lung cancer population and explore changes in outcome variables. Materials and methods A pilot feasibility randomised trial was conducted in patients with clinically stable lung cancer. The experimental group received training using a pressure threshold device. Patients were instructed to carry out five IMT sessions weekly for 12 weeks for a total of 30 mins/day. Patients in the control group received standard care. Outcome measures were completed at baseline and monthly for 3 months, and included: physiological parameters (FEV1, FVC); perceived severity of breathlessness using six 10-point NRS; modified Borg Scale; quality of life using the short form Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and safety. Results Forty-six patients ( M  = 37, F  = 9) at a mean age of 69.5 years old and a mean of 16 months post-diagnosis who were not currently receiving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy were recruited. Seventy-percent had NSCLC and advanced disease. Statistical (area under the curve-AUC) and clinically important differences were seen with regard to distress from breathlessness ( p  = 0.03), ability to cope with breathlessness ( p  = 0.01), satisfaction with breathlessness management ( p  = 0.001), fatigue ( p  = 0.005), emotional function ( p  = 0.011), breathlessness mastery ( p  = 0.015) and depression ( p  = 0.028). The m-Borg difference between the two groups at 3 months was 0.80, which is borderline clinically significant. Changes were more evident in the 3-month assessment where the effect of the intervention came to its peak. Conclusion This trial shows the IMT is feasible and potentially effective in patients with lung cancer. These findings warrant a fully powered larger randomised controlled trial.

This study compared the effect of a resistance training (RT) program with machines, free weights, or a combination of both on changes in anthropometrics, strength, and functional ability in novice adult males. Thirty-six male novices in RT (18–45 years) followed a 10-week RT program. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups (N = 12 each): machines only; free weights only; or switching from machines to free weights (after 5 weeks). Muscle size (circumferences of upper arm, thigh and chest), strength (1 Repetition Maximum) on both machines and free weights, and functional ability (Functional Movement ScreenTM (Functional Movement Systems Inc., Chatham, VA, USA)) were assessed prior to the RT program, halfway at 5 weeks, and within one week after the final training bout. Repeated measures MANOVAs showed no significant time by RT group interactions for the different outcome measures. Regardless of RT group, significant improvements over time were observed for anthropometrics (F = 9.144, p < 0.001), strength (F = 6.918, p < 0.001), and functional ability (F = 25.578, p < 0.001). To conclude, similar gains in muscularity, strength, and functional ability can be expected for male novices in RT regardless of the equipment being used and without a fallback when changing from machines to free weights. Accordingly, any choice of RT equipment can be made, considering individual preferences.

Both foam rolling and joint distraction training with elastic bands are very popular interventions designed to improve muscular function, motor performance, and joint range of motion, as well as to reduce feeling of fatigue and delayed onset of muscle soreness. The heterogeneity of methods used among studies however prevents from drawing firm conclusions about the optimal content of pre/post interventions. The present study aims at answering the following questions: Do foam rolling and joint distraction with elastic band training improve joint range of motion in national rugby players? Do short and long rolling durations have similar effects on range of motion? In a first experiment, we compared ankle, knee, and hip flexibility scores in 30 national rugby players after a 7-week foam rolling training program involving either a short (20s) or long (40s) rolling duration. Data revealed that foam rolling substantially improved all range of motion scores, regardless the rolling duration (performance gains ranged from 9 to 18° in the foam rolling groups, i.e. 8 to 20% increase, but remained under 2° in the control group). In a second experiment, we investigated the effect of a 5-week joint distraction with elastic band training program on hamstring and adductor range of motion in 23 national rugby players. Data showed that elastic band training significantly improved sit-and-reach (29.16% increase, p = 0.01) as well as side split (2.31% increase, p < 0.001) stretching performances. Taken together, present findings confirm that both foam rolling and joint distraction exercises with elastic bands are likely to enhance joint range of motion and specific mobility patterns during sport performance, and further serve prophylaxis. Such effects therefore constitute a promising avenue for clinical, home therapy, and personal flexibility training.

Background Soccer players with weak hip-adductor muscles are at increased risk of sustaining groin injuries. Therefore, a simple hip-adductor strengthening programme for prevention of groin injuries is needed. Objective We aimed to investigate the effect of an 8-week hip-adductor strengthening programme, including one hip-adduction exercise, on eccentric and isometric hip-adduction strength, using elastic bands as external load. Methods Thirty-four healthy, sub-elite soccer players, mean (±SD) age of 22.1 (±3.3) years, were randomised to either training or control. During the mid-season break, the training group performed 8 weeks of supervised, progressive hip-adduction strength training using elastic bands. The participants performed two training sessions per week (weeks 1–2) with 3×15 repetition maximum loading (RM), three training sessions per week (weeks 3–6) with 3×10 RM and three training sessions per week (weeks 7–8) with 3×8 RM. Eccentric hip-adduction (EHAD), isometric hip-adduction (IHAD) and isometric hip-abduction (IHAB) strength, and the IHAD/IHAB ratio were measured assessor-blinded preintervention and postintervention, using reliable hand-held dynamometry procedures. Results In the training group, EHAD strength increased by 30% (p<0.001). In the control group, EHAD strength increased by 17% (p<0.001), but the increase was significantly larger in the training group compared with the control group (p=0.044). No other significant between-group strength-differences in IHAD, IHAB or the IHAD/IHAB ratio existed (p>0.05). Conclusions 8 weeks of hip-adduction strength training, using elastic bands, induce a relevant increase in eccentric hip-adduction strength in soccer players, and thus may have implications as a promising approach towards prevention of groin injuries in soccer.

Objective: To investigate the effects of elastic tubing training compared with conventional resistance training on the improvement of functional exercise capacity, muscle strength, fat-free mass, and systemic inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Design: A prospective, randomized, eight-week clinical trial. Setting: The study was conducted in a university-based, outpatient, physical therapy clinic. Subjects: A total of 49 patients with moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Interventions: Participants were randomly assigned to perform elastic tubing training or conventional resistance training three times per week for eight weeks. Main measures: The primary outcome measure was functional exercise capacity. The secondary outcome measures were peripheral muscle strength, health-related quality of life assessed by the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRDQ), fat-free mass, and cytokine profile. Results: After eight weeks, the mean distance covered during six minutes increased by 73 meters (±69) in the elastic tubing group and by 42 meters (±59) in the conventional group (p < 0.05). The muscle strength and quality of life improved in both groups (P < 0.05), with no significant differences between the groups. There was a trend toward an improved fat-free mass in both groups (P = 0.05). After the first and last sessions, there was an increase in interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) in both groups, while tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was stimulated only in the conventional training group. Conclusion: Elastic tubing training had a greater effect on functional exercise capacity than conventional resistance training. Both interventions were equally effective in improving muscle strength and quality of life.

This study aimed to assess the effects of flywheel resistance exercise training on postural stability and mobility in older adults and to investigate whether changes in power are related to improvements in balance. Thirty-six participants were randomly allocated to either a flywheel resistance exercise training group (ETG; n = 18) who underwent 6-weeks of training (2 to 3 days per week) or a control group (CON; n = 18). The average power and Mean Propulsive Velocity (MPV) were computed. Timed up-and-go test (TUG) and postural balance (anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) center of pressure (COP) excursions) in different tasks were also assessed. Within-group analyses showed a significantly better performance in mobility (TUG, p < 0.01) and COP with open eyes (p < 0.05) for ETG. Between-groups analyses showed significant improvements in TUG (-0.68 [-1.25 to -0.98]) and in COP (-2.90 [-4.82 to -0.99]) in ETG compared with CON. Mean power also increased in ETG and the changes were related to those observed in stability (COP; r = -0.378, p < 0.05). In conclusion flywheel resistance exercise training improved balance and mobility in older adults as well as muscle power.

Differences in cuff blood flow restriction (BFR) bladder design (single‐chambered [SC‐BFR] and multi‐chambered [MC‐BFR] systems) may influence exercise performance, perceptual responses, and cardiovascular outcomes. In a randomized cross‐over design, twenty‐six healthy physically active individuals (22.6 ± 5.5 years old, 10 females; 25 reported engaging in resistance‐exercise consistently) performed four sets of bilateral biceps curls to volitional failure using 20% of the 1‐repetition maximum under three conditions: SC‐BFR, MC‐BFR, and a non‐BFR control, post‐exercise perceptual responses, and cardiovascular measures pre‐ and post‐exercise. SC‐BFR significantly reduced total repetitions compared to MC‐BFR and N‐BFR (p < 0.001). MC‐BFR and N‐BFR conditions demonstrated comparable performance in later sets. RPD was significantly higher in SC‐BFR compared to MC‐BFR and N‐BFR (p < 0.001), while MC‐BFR elicited lower RPE than SC‐BFR (p = 0.025). Both SC‐BFR and N‐BFR conditions significantly reduced post‐exercise diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure, whereas MC‐BFR did not. No significant differences in PWV were observed across conditions. SC‐BFR induces greater repetition reduction and perceptual discomfort than MC‐BFR, while MC‐BFR demonstrates similar performances and comfort to N‐BFR in later sets. Findings suggest cuff design plays a role in acute BFR responses.

People with motor-incomplete spinal cord injury (m-iSCI) can recover basic walking function but still have difficulty performing the skilled walking required for everyday environments. We hypothesized that a robotic-based gait rehabilitation strategy founded on principles of motor learning would be a feasible and potentially effective approach for improving skilled walking in people with m-iSCI. Fifteen individuals with chronic (>1 yr) m-iSCI were randomly allocated to body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) with Lokomat-applied resistance (Loko-R) or conventional Lokomat-assisted BWSTT (Control). Training sessions were 45 min, 3 times/week for 3 mo. Tolerance to training was assessed by ratings of perceived exertion and reports of pain/soreness. Overground skilled walking capacity (Spinal Cord Injury-Functional Ambulation Profile [SCI-FAP]), as well as walking speed and distance were measured at baseline, posttraining, and 1 and 6 mo follow-up. Our results indicate that Loko-R training could be feasibly applied for people with m-iSCI, although participants in Loko-R tended to report higher levels of perceived exertion during training. Participants in the Loko-R group performed significantly better in the SCI-FAP than Control at posttraining and in follow-up assessments. This study provides evidence that Loko-R training is feasible in people with m-iSCI. Furthermore, there is preliminary evidence suggesting that Loko-R may help improve performance in skilled overground walking tasks. ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT00610974. \"Enhancing Walking in People With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: a Pilot Study\"; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00610974.