The aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of performing half squats (HSs) with different loading intensities (1, 3, and 5 repetitions maximum [RM], and 60% 1RM) and a different number of sets (1, 2, and 3) on the countermovement jump (CMJ) performance of 18 highly‐trained male subjects. Participants were submitted to four experimental conditions (1RM, 3RM, 5RM, and 60% 1RM) in randomized order. The CMJ was assessed before and after each set. Differences in CMJ performance between the distinct experimental conditions and individual responses in CMJ performance induced by the different protocols were analyzed via the magnitude‐based inference method. Overall, significant improvements were detected in individual CMJ heights after each activation protocol. It can be concluded that the use of 1 to 3 sets of HSs performed at moderate‐to‐high loads may be an effective strategy to improve jump performance in highly‐trained subjects. Nonetheless, despite the high efficiency of the protocols tested here, coaches and researchers are strongly encouraged to perform individualized assessments within the proposed range of loads and sets, to find optimal and tailored post‐activation potentiation protocols.

The aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of performing half squats (HSs) with different loading intensities (1, 3, and 5 repetitions maximum [RM], and 60% 1RM) and a different number of sets (1, 2, and 3) on the countermovement jump (CMJ) performance of 18 highly-trained male subjects. Participants were submitted to four experimental conditions (1RM, 3RM, 5RM, and 60% 1RM) in randomized order. The CMJ was assessed before and after each set. Differences in CMJ performance between the distinct experimental conditions and individual responses in CMJ performance induced by the different protocols were analyzed via the magnitude-based inference method. Overall, significant improvements were detected in individual CMJ heights after each activation protocol. It can be concluded that the use of 1 to 3 sets of HSs performed at moderate-to-high loads may be an effective strategy to improve jump performance in highly-trained subjects. Nevertheless, despite the high efficiency of the protocols tested here, coaches and researchers are strongly encouraged to perform individualized assessments within the proposed range of loads and sets, to find optimal and tailored post-activation potentiation protocols.

This study compared the effects of self-selected rest interval and fixed rest interval strategies on post-activation potentiation (PAP) in countermovement jump (CMJ) performance. Twelve strength-trained male's (age: 25.4 ± 3.6 years; body mass: 78.8 ± 10.5 kg; height: 175 ± 7.0 cm; half-squat 1RM: 188.7 ± 33.4 kg) performed three experimental conditions: 1) fixed rest interval (FRI: CMJ test; 4-min rest interval; 5RM back squat; 4-min rest interval; CMJ test), 2) self-selected rest interval (SSRI: CMJ test; 4-min rest interval; 5RM back squat; SSRI; CMJ test), and 3) control (C: CMJ test; 8-min rest interval; CMJ test). In SSRI, participants were instructed to rest until they felt fully recovered and able to exercise at maximal intensity based on the perceived readiness scale (PR). Significant changes in pre-post CMJ performance were observed in the SSRI condition (38.2 ± 4.6 cm vs 40.5 ± 4.4 cm; p = 0.08; CI: 0.72 to 3.82 cm; ES = 0.93). There were significant differences in post CMJ performance when SSRI was compared to FRI (40.5 ± 4.4 cm vs 37.7 ± 5.1 cm; p = 0.02; CI 0.43 to 5.08; ES = 1.13) and C (40.5 ± 4.4 cm vs. 37.4 ± 5.7 cm; p = 0.01; CI: 0.66 to 5.61; ES = 1.35). The average rest interval length for the SSRI condition was 5:57 ± 2:44 min:sec (CI: 4:24 to 7:30). Our results suggest the use of SSRI was an efficient and practical strategy to elicit PAP on CMJ height in strength-trained individuals.

Introduction: Few data of long-term outcomes of cardiovascular (CVRF) risk factors of transgender women (TW) undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) are available. Objectives: Evaluate CV risk factors after long-term GAHT in TW. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 8 TW (average age of 34.0 ±4.8 yo), 8 matched CM and 8 CW on age, body mass index (BMI) and activity level. All TW were non-gonadectomized subjects and were in estrogen [(E); transdermal estradiol (n=2), oral estradiol (n=3) and conjugated estrogen (n=3)] plus cyproterone acetate (CA) (n=8) therapy in an average time of 15.6 ±8.7 years. Results: Total Testosterone (ng/dL) level of TW, CW and CM were 83,5 (range 12,0-637,0), 20,5 (range 12,0-41,0) and 480,5 (range 264,0-843,0), respectively. It was similar between TW and CW (p=0,7284) and different in the comparison TWvsCM (p=0,0325). In TW group, the median of blood glucose was 84 mg / dL, HBA1c 5.1%, total cholesterol 146 mg / dL, HDLc 43 mg / dL, LDLc 89 mg / dL and triglycerides 81.5 mg / dL. In the comparison with other groups, there was no difference from the statistical point of view. It is necessary to emphasize the HDLc of TW (43 mg/dL) which was exactly the same of CM (p>0,999) and lower than CW (60 mg/dL)(p=0,0720). Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP)(mmHg) of TW (126±13) was higher than that of CW (95±11;p<0.001) and equal to that of CM (115±9;p=0.1489). Regards Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) (mmHg), the medians of TW, CW and CM were 80, 60 and 80, respectively, and in the comparison TWxCW p = 0.0070 and TWxCM p> 0.9999. Discussion: Youth TW (16.3 ± 1.4 yo) taking an average estradiol dose of 1.5 ± 1.0 mg/day, with an average AGHT duration of 12.3 ± 9.9 months matched to controls on age and BMI did have higher HDL than CW and TW participants were more insulin resistant than CM. About SBP of that youth TW (107 ± 12), it was lower than CW 113 ± 7 (p>0,05) and CM 116 ± 8 (p<0,001). Other previous study showed that after 6 months of estradiol use, in doses ranging from 2 to 8 mg daily glucose enhanced 6 mg/dL (from 86 to 92) as well as TC from 170 to 178 mg/dL, HDLc from 50 to 54 mg/dL, TGL from 102 to 115 mg/dL, and LDL did not change (93), while a systematic review and meta-analysis showed increased only in TG levels. SBP and DBP increased on average of 7,2 mmHg and 5,7 mmHg, respectively. Conclusion: Metabolic findings observed after the first few months of TW GAHT appear to remain at long term, except for HDLc. SBP and DBP appear to increase in the long term, after a drop initially observed.

Introduction: Testosterone (T) therapy is able to promote biochemical, body composition and cardiovascular (CV) changes in transgender men (TM). However, existing data concerns TM between 18 and 50 years old. Objective: To describe the first year of T therapy in a 52 yo TM - biochemical changes, body composition and CV aspects during exercise. Methods: Medical record review was accessed as well as laboratorial and image exams performed during the first year of T use. Results: TM, 52 yo, in perimenopause, normal weight, without chronic diseases, no previous usage of T, initiated testosterone undecanoate 1.000mg. A second dose was given 6 weeks after the first one and then every 12 weeks. Lab exams were collected on the day before the next shot of T. By the third month of treatment, it has been noted the highest level of T (586 ng/dL). Initial hemoglobin (Hb) was 13.0 g/dL and hematocrit (Ht) 37.1%. After 7 months of treatment they reached their highest levels, 16.3 g/dL (23%) and 47,1% (27%). LDLc increased from 106 to 139 mg/dL (31%) by the seventh month. HDLc dropped from 73 to 60 (- 13 mg/dL) by the seventh month. Initial bone mineral density (BMD) was normal and increased 3.1% in lumbar spine (L1-L4) and 2.7% in femoral neck after 1 year. The muscle mass (MM) increased 10.9% in one year. The ergometric test (ET) at the beginning of treatment showed an increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 38.4% (130 to 180 mmHg) during exertion and a decrease of 27.7% in the third minute of passive recovery; as well as an increase in Heart Rate (HR) of 73 bpm during exertion and a reduction of 72 bpm at third minute of rest. One year after the use of T, SBP increased by 61.5% (130 to 210 mmHg), with a decrease of 52% and after three minutes of rest. HR increased 67 bpm during exertion and decreased by 75 bpm at the third minute of rest. Discussion: According to existing data the increase of Hb in young TM ranges from 4.9% to 12.5% and Ht from 4.4% to 17.6%, whereas in our case it varied 23% and 27%, respectively. The average HDLc drop between 3 and 24 months of T use is, respectively, -6,5 and -8,5 mg/dL, less than what is found in this report (-13 mg/dL). Cis women’s BMD decreases around 2% in lumbar spine, 1,4% in total hip and the MM shows reduction of 1lb 5,2oz during first year of climateric. Young cis women and men present an increase in SBP during ET around 34.0% and 39.8%, respectively, and in the third minute of recovery a drop around 20.6% and 23.4%. HR drops from 60.5 to 64.53 bpm in the third minute of rest and higher recoveries are associated with better parasympathetic reactivation and lower mortality. Conclusion: TM over 50 yo seems to present higher increase of Hb/HT and decrease of HDLc when compared to younger TM. The ET findings after 1 year of T might be a consequence of enlarged cardiac chambers, increased systolic volume and peripheral vascular resistance. TM who start T over 50 yo may need more careful CV screening.