This study analyzed the physiological adjustments caused by the use of the Elevation training mask® (2.0), an airflow restriction mask (ARM) during continuous exercise. Eighteen physically active participants (12 men and 6 women) were randomized to two protocols: continuous exercise with mask (CE-ARM) and continuous exercise without mask (CE). Exercise consisted of cycling for 20 minutes at 60% of maximum power. Metabolic variables, lactate, and gas concentration were obtained from arterialized blood samples at pre and post exercise. Continuous expired gases and myoelectric activity of the quadriceps were performed at rest and during the test. We observed no reduction in oxygen saturation in CE-ARM, leading to lower pH, higher carbon dioxide, and greater hematocrit (all p <0.05). The expired gas analysis shows that the CE-ARM condition presented higher oxygen uptake and expired carbon dioxide concentrations (p <0.05). The CE-ARM condition also presented lower ventilatory volume, ventilatory frequency, and expired oxygen pressure (p <0.05). No changes in electromyography activity and lactate concentrations were identified. We conclude that using ARM does not induce hypoxia and represents an additional challenge for the control of acid-base balance, and we suggest the use of ARM as being suitable for respiratory muscle training.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Sarcopenia is an emerging public health issue in Brazil. Because of its high prevalence and the lack of national data, the objective here was to identify cutoff points for appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM) and handgrip strength in relation to fear of falling among Brazilian older adults. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study; in the community. METHODS: Participants underwent morphological and functional evaluations; and were asked about previous falls and fear of falling. Different adjustments to ASM and handgrip strength were used. Slow walking speed was defined as < 0.8 m/s or 1.0 m/s. Gender and age groups were compared using t tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to identify cutoffs for ASM and handgrip strength in relation to fear of falling. RESULTS: 578 older adults participated in this study. Function levels decreased with increasing age, and body composition differed between the sexes. In relation to fear of falling, the cutoffs for ASM adjusted for body mass index (BMI) were < 0.85 for men and < 0.53 for women; the cutoffs for absolute handgrip strength and relative handgrip strength (adjusted for BMI) were 30.0 kgf and 21.7 kgf, and 1.07 and 0.66, for men and women, respectively. CONCLUSION:The values presented can be used as references in clinical practice and research. We recommend use of ASM adjusted for BMI and choosing between absolute and relative handgrip strength for men and women, according to study needs.

Background:CrossFit is a functional training modality created by Greg Glassman in 1995 in the United States. Such modality is characterized by the execution of complex and high intensity movements with the purpose of preparing the participant for the unpredictable. It is observed the exponential increase in CrossFit practice across the world, with this increase there are a consolidation of this modality with as a very peculiar sport modality, since as tasks to be performed in the competitions are made public just before the events happen. Few studies have focused on the determinants of competitive success in CrossFit, both morphologically and performance.Objective: This present study dedicated to investigate, in the existing literature and in the results of the 2016 championship, variables that can be predicted the performance of these athletes. Methods: The performance of 40 2016 -CrossFit Games finalists of both genders were analyzed in the morphological variables (weight, height, body mass index), performance and specific tests (Benchmarks and 1 MR tests). Results: We found that among male athletes, it was not possible to identify variables that could predict a classification. However, among the women, we identified some variables that correlated with classification, such as the Benchmark Filth 50, Sprint performance of 400m and maximal loads in the Clean and Jerk and Snatch exercises. Conclusion: It was attributed to the correlations found among women the smaller participation in the Games, this allowed physical characteristics as force to influence in the final position.

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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 &lt; 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.