This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of multicomponent training on muscle power output, muscle mass, and muscle tissue attenuation; the risk of falls; and functional outcomes in frail nonagenarians. Twenty-four elderly (91.9±4.1 years old) were randomized into intervention or control group. The intervention group performed a twice-weekly, 12-week multicomponent exercise program composed of muscle power training (8-10 repetitions, 40-60 % of the one-repetition maximum) combined with balance and gait retraining. Strength and power tests were performed on the upper and lower limbs. Gait velocity was assessed using the 5-m habitual gait and the timeup-and-go (TUG) tests with and without dual-task performance. Balance was assessed using the FICSIT-4 tests. The ability to rise from a chair test was assessed, and data on the incidence and risk of falls were assessed using questionnaires. Functional status was assessed before measurements with the Barthel Index. Midthigh lower extremity muscle mass and muscle fat infiltration were assessed using computed tomography. The intervention group showed significantly improved TUG with single and dual tasks, rise from a chair and balance performance (P<0.01), and a reduced incidence of falls. In addition, the intervention group showed enhanced muscle power and strength (P<0.01). Moreover, there were significant increases in the total and high-density muscle cross-sectional area in the intervention group. The control group significantly reduced strength and functional outcomes. Routine multicomponent exercise intervention should be prescribed to nonagenarians because overall physical outcomes are improved in this population.

OBJECTIVE -To evaluate the influence of a twice-weekly progressive resistance training (PRT) program, without a concomitant weight loss diet, on abdominal fat and insulin sensitivity in older men with type 2 diabetes.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS -Nine older men (aged 66.6 Ϯ 3.1) with type 2 diabetes participated in a 16-week PRT supervised program (50 -80% of the one repetition maximum), for all main muscle groups. Basal glycemia, HbA 1c , diet, habitual physical activity, body composition, and upper/lower maximal strength were measured. Insulin sensitivity was determined according to Bergman's minimal model procedure and abdominal fat was obtained by computed tomography. The measurements were taken 4 weeks before training (Ϫ4), immediately before training (0), and at 8-week intervals (i.e., weeks 8 and 16) during the 16-week training period.RESULTS -No significant variation was observed in any of the above selected parameters during the 4-week control period. After PRT, both leg and arm maximal strength increased significantly by 17.1 and 18.2%, respectively. Visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat decreased significantly by 10.3% (from 249.5 Ϯ 97.9 to 225.6 Ϯ 96.6 cm 3 , P Ͻ 0.01) and by 11.2% (from 356.0 Ϯ 127.5 to 308.6 Ϯ 118.8 cm 3 , P Ͻ 0.01), respectively, while no changes were observed in body mass. PRT significantly increased insulin sensitivity by 46.3% (from 2.0 Ϯ 1.2 to 2.8 Ϯ 1.6 ⅐ 10 4 ⅐ min Ϫ1 ⅐ U Ϫ1 ⅐ ml Ϫ1 , P Ͻ 0.01), whereas it significantly decreased (Ϫ7.1%, P Ͻ 0.05) fasting blood glucose (from 146.6 Ϯ 28.3 to 135.0 Ϯ 29.3 mg/dl). Finally, a 15.5% increase in energy intake (from 2,287.1 Ϯ 354.7 to 2,619.0 Ϯ 472.1 kcal/day, P Ͻ 0.05) was observed.CONCLUSIONS -Two sessions per week of PRT, without a concomitant weight loss diet, significantly improves insulin sensitivity and fasting glycemia and decreases abdominal fat in older men with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 28:662-667, 2005

Circulating osteocalcin could mediate the role of bone as an endocrine organ in humans.

Quadriceps muscle strains frequently occur in sports that require repetitive kicking and sprinting, and are common in football in its different forms around the world. This paper is a review of aetiology, mechanism of injury and the natural history of rectus femoris injury. Investigating the mechanism and risk factors for rectus femoris muscle injury aims to allow the development of a framework for future initiatives to prevent quadriceps injury in football players.

This study examined the effects of heavy resistance training on physiological acute exercise-induced fatigue (5 x 10 RM leg press) changes after two loading protocols with the same relative intensity (%) (5 x 10 RM(Rel)) and the same absolute load (kg) (5 x 10 RM(Abs)) as in pretraining in men (n = 12). Exercise-induced neuromuscular (maximal strength and muscle power output), acute cytokine and hormonal adaptations (i.e., total and free testosterone, cortisol, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), IL-1beta, IL-6, and IL-10 and metabolic responses (i.e., blood lactate) were measured before and after exercise. The resistance training induced similar acute responses in serum cortisol concentration but increased responses in anabolic hormones of FT and GH, as well as inflammation-responsive cytokine IL-6 and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, when the same relative load was used. This response was balanced by a higher release of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and cytokine inhibitors (IL-1ra) when both the same relative and absolute load was used after training. This enhanced hormonal and cytokine response to strength exercise at a given relative exercise intensity after strength training occurred with greater accumulated fatigue and metabolic demand (i.e., blood lactate accumulation). The magnitude of metabolic demand or the fatigue experienced during the resistance exercise session influences the hormonal and cytokine response patterns. Similar relative intensities may elicit not only higher exercise-induced fatigue but also an increased acute hormonal and cytokine response during the initial phase of a resistance training period.