This review covers underlying physiological characteristics and training considerations that may affect muscular strength including improving maximal force expression and time-limited force expression. Strength is underpinned by a combination of morphological and neural factors including muscle cross-sectional area and architecture, musculotendinous stiffness, motor unit recruitment, rate coding, motor unit synchronization, and neuromuscular inhibition. Although single- and multi-targeted block periodization models may produce the greatest strength-power benefits, concepts within each model must be considered within the limitations of the sport, athletes, and schedules. Bilateral training, eccentric training and accentuated eccentric loading, and variable resistance training may produce the greatest comprehensive strength adaptations. Bodyweight exercise, isolation exercises, plyometric exercise, unilateral exercise, and kettlebell training may be limited in their potential to improve maximal strength but are still relevant to strength development by challenging time-limited force expression and differentially challenging motor demands. Training to failure may not be necessary to improve maximum muscular strength and is likely not necessary for maximum gains in strength. Indeed, programming that combines heavy and light loads may improve strength and underpin other strength-power characteristics. Multiple sets appear to produce superior training benefits compared to single sets; however, an athlete’s training status and the dose–response relationship must be considered. While 2- to 5-min interset rest intervals may produce the greatest strength-power benefits, rest interval length may vary based an athlete’s training age, fiber type, and genetics. Weaker athletes should focus on developing strength before emphasizing power-type training. Stronger athletes may begin to emphasize power-type training while maintaining/improving their strength. Future research should investigate how best to implement accentuated eccentric loading and variable resistance training and examine how initial strength affects an athlete’s ability to improve their performance following various training methods.

Orientador: Araildo Lima da Silva / Banca: Mauro Gonçalves / Banca: Renato Sousa Almeida / Banca: Mauro Cesar Tavres de Souza / Banca: João Alberto Oliveira / Resumo: Os músculos estriados esqueléticos, através de suas propriedades de contratilidade, extensibilidade e elasticidade, formam o principal motor das articulações nos seres humanos, através da tração exercida no tendão ou na aponeurose. Os músculos controlam, coordenam e realizam os movimentos articulares. A força produzida pelos músculos pode ser estimada através das alavancas realizadas pelo membro, considerando-se o torque de cada força, quando o músculo se contrai, parte da energia desta contração será dissipada na forma de som. A presente pesquisa tem como objetivo principal desenvolver um sistema para avaliar o sinal acústico muscular e comparar com a força produzida em uma célula de carga pela alavanca do membro superior. Os músculos selecionados para esta pesquisa foram os flexores do cotovelo, pela facilidade de acesso e de posicionamento. Foram coletados os sinais acústicos e do esforço realizado de 16 indivíduos de ambos os sexos, sendo 9 do sexo masculino e 7 do sexo feminino, saudáveis, com idade entre 18 e 35 anos, sem histórico de doenças neurológicas, cardiovasculares, não praticantes de atividade física que produzisse a hipertrofia dos músculos flexores do cotovelo. Foi desenvolvido um sistema para avaliação do sinal acústico muscular utilizando como sensor um estetoscópio adaptado com um microfone, simultaneamente à aquisição do torque produzido pelos flexores do cotovelo e avaliado por uma célula de carga. A presente pesquisa permitiu identificar que as principais freqüências acústicas da contração dos flexores do cotovelo estão na faixa de 10 a 15 Hz quando a contração equivale de 75 a 100% da força máxima para o sexo feminino e de 50 a 100 % da força máxima para o sexo masculino e na faixa de 5 a 10 Hz quando a contração equivale de 25 a 50 % da força máxima para o sexo feminino e 25 % da força máxima para o sexo masculino... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Striated skeletal muscles, through their properties of contractility, extensibility and elasticity, are the main driver of the joints in humans, through the traction exerted on the tendon or aponeurosis, muscle control, coordinate and carry out joint movements. The force produced by muscles can be estimated using from the levers held by the member, considering the torque of each force when the muscle contracts, this contraction of the energy is dissipated in the form of sound. The main objective of this research is to develop a system to evaluate the acustic signal and compare it with the muscular force produced in a load cell by the lever of the upper limb. The muscles selected for this research were elbow flexors, because of the easy access and positioning. Acoustic signals were collected and the effort made to 16 individuals of both sexes. We analyzed 9 male and 7 female, healthy and aged between 18 and 35 years old with no history of neurological and cardiovascular disease and not engaged in physical activity that could develop hypertrophy of the elbow flexor muscles. A system was developed for evaluation of the acoustic signal using muscle as a sensor adapted stethoscope with a microphone, simultaneously with the aquisition of the torque produced by the elbow flexor and evaluated by a load cell. This research has identified that the main acoustic frequencies of contraction of the elbow flexors are in the range of 10 to 15 Hz when the contraction equals 75 to 100% of maximum force for females and 50 to 100% of maximum force to males and in the range 50 to 10 Hz when the contraction equals 25 to 50% of maximum force for females and 25% of maximum force for males, as well as the correlation of the acoustic signals of males female with a coefficient less than 4. It was concluded that the acoustic signal muscle has specific characteristics for different levels of intensity of muscle... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Introdução: A qualidade de vida de crianças órfãs por aids pode sofrer um impacto negativo no desenvolvimento e crescimento físico. Objetivo: Estimar a força muscular de membros inferiores de crianças órfãs por aids, segundo características sociodemográficas, condições clínicas, atividade física e crescimento corporal. Material e métodos: Estudo transversal realizado com 171 crianças órfãs por aids no município de São Paulo. A variável dependente foi a força muscular, avaliada por meio do teste salto horizontal. As variáveis independentes foram os aspectos sociodemográficos, condições clínicas, atividade física habitual, brincadeiras no lazer, estágio maturacional, estado nutricional e composições corporais. Na análise estatística, foi utilizado o teste “t”de Student e análise de variância ANOVA. Resultados: Crianças órfãs por aids apresentaram menor força muscular em relação a outras crianças brasileiras. Meninos tiveram melhores resultados no teste de força. Crianças cuidadas por um dos pais saltaram mais. Resultados semelhantes foram obtidos para crianças mais velhas e de maior grau de escolaridade. Maior gordura corporal influenciou negativamente o salto horizontal. Crianças com maior circunferência de panturrilha saltaram mais. Conclusão: Os resultados apontam para a necessidade de atenção à saúde das crianças órfãs por aids. / Background: The quality of life of children orphaned by AIDS may suffer a negative impact on their development and growth. Objective: To estimate the muscular strength of low limb in children orphaned by AIDS according to sociodemographic characteristics, clinical conditions, physical activity, and body growth. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 171 children orphaned by AIDS in the city of São Paulo. The dependent variable was muscular strength, measured by long jump. The independent variables were sociodemographic characteristics, clinical conditions, habitual physical activity, playing during free time, maturation stage, nutrition state, and body composition. The analyses included Student’s t-Test and ANOVA. Results: Children orphaned by AIDS showed less muscular strength when compared to Brazilian children. Boys had better results in the test of strength. Higher jump was observed among children taken care of by a parent, older children and children with a higher educational level. Higher body fat affected negatively the long jump. Children with higher calf circumference performed long jump better. Conclusion: The results highlight the need of addressing attention to the healthcare of children orphaned by AIDS.

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a ocorrência da potencialização pós-ativação (PPA) e o efeito do treinamento de força (TF) sem e com a plataforma vibratória na capacidade de sprints repetidos (CSR). O estudo foi divido em duas partes: a primeira analisou o efeito do TF associado à plataforma vibratória na CSR; e a segunda verificou a ocorrência da PPA na CSR. No primeiro estudo participaram 29 sujeitos, os quais foram divididos em 3 grupos: TF, TF+vibração a 30 Hz e amplitude de 2-4 mm (TF+V30) e TF+vibração a 50 Hz e amplitude de 4-6 mm (TF+V50). Os sujeitos realizaram inicialmente análise da área de secção transversa do quadríceps (ASTQ), teste de uma repetição máxima (1RM) no exercício agachamento e o teste de CSR. Após isso, os sujeitos foram submetidos a 10 semanas de treinamento de força, de acordo com o seu respectivo grupo e, ao final da intervenção, realizaram as mesmas avaliações aplicadas antes das sessões de treinamento. No segundo estudo, 12 jogadores de handebol realizaram teste de 1RM, e em sequência, de maneira aleatória o teste de CSR sem e com a atividade condicionante. A atividade condicionante foi realizada no exercício agachamento e consistiu de cinco séries de uma repetição a 90% de 1RM. O treinamento de força sem e com a vibração aumentou na mesma magnitude a força muscular e a ASTQ. Para o grupo TF+V30, o tempo do melhor sprint (CSRmelhor) melhorou significantemente após as 10 semanas de treinamento, no entanto, sem diferença em relação aos outros grupos. O tempo médio dos sprints (CSRmédio) diminuiu significantemente em todos os grupos. Contudo, para o percentual de decréscimo nos sprints (CSR%dec) apenas foi verificado melhoria no grupo TF em relação à situação pré-treinamento e ao grupo TF+V30 na mesma situação experimental. No segundo estudo foi verificado que o protocolo de PPA melhorou significantemente o CSRmelhor e o CSRmédio, sem alterar o CSR%dec. Dessa forma, conclui-se que o treinamento de força sem e com a plataforma vibratória aumenta a força muscular, a ASTQ e o desempenho na CSR. No entanto, o treinamento de força com a plataforma vibratória não aumentou o desempenho em maior magnitude quando comparado a situação sem este tipo de equipamento. Além disso, o protocolo de PPA melhorou também o desempenho de CSR (CSRmelhor e CSRmédio) em jogadores de handebol. Assim, estratégias para melhorar a força muscular de maneira aguda (PPA) e crônica (TF) aumentam também o desempenho no teste de CSR. / The purpose of this study was to verify the occurrence postactivation potentiation (PAP) and the effect of strength training (ST) with and without vibration platform on repeated sprint ability (RSA). The study was divided in two parts: in the first part, it was analyzed the effect of ST with vibration platform on RSA; and in the second part, it was verified the occurrence of PAP on RSA. Twenty nine subjects participated in the first study, which were divided into 3 groups: ST, ST+vibration at 30 Hz and amplitude of 2-4 mm (ST+V30) and ST+vibration at 50 Hz and amplitude of 4-6 mm (ST+V50). Initially, the quadriceps cross sectional area measurement (QCSA), one repetition maximum (1RM) test on squat exercise and the RSA test were performed. After this, the subjects performed 10 weeks of strength training according to their groups and, at the end of intervention, they were undertook the same evaluations applied before training sessions. In the second study, 12 handball players performed the 1RM test and subsequently they were submitted at random, to the RSA test with and without conditioning activity. The conditioning activity was performed in squat exercise with five sets of one repetition at 90% of 1RM. The strength training with and without vibration platform increased in the same magnitude the muscular strength and QCSA. For ST+V30 group, the best sprint time (RSAbest) was significantly improved after 10 weeks of training, but without difference when compared with other groups. Mean sprint time (RSAmean) was significantly reduced in all groups. However, the percentage of sprint decrement (RSA%dec) only decreased in ST group when compared with the situation before training and the ST+V30 group in the same experimental situation. In the second study, the PAP protocol significantly improved the RSAbest and RSAmean, without change the RSA%dec. From the results, we conclude that the strength training with and without vibration platform improves the strength, QCSA and performance on RSA. However, the strength training with vibration platform did not increase the performance in higher magnitude when compared to the situation without this equipment. Furthermore, PAP protocol improved the RSA performance (RSAbest e RSAmean) in handball players. Thus, strategies to improve muscle strength in acute (PAP) and chronic manner (ST) also increase the performance on RSA test

Linear loading, the two-for-two rule, percent of one repetition maximum (1RM), RM zones, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), repetitions in reserve, set-repetition best, autoregulatory progressive resistance exercise (APRE), and velocity-based training (VBT) are all methods of adjusting resistance training intensity. Each method has advantages and disadvantages that strength and conditioning practitioners should be aware of when measuring and monitoring strength characteristics. The linear loading and 2-for-2 methods may be beneficial for novice athletes; however, they may be limited in their capacity to provide athletes with variation and detrimental if used exclusively for long periods of time. The percent of 1RM and RM zone methods may provide athletes with more variation and greater potential for strength–power adaptations; however, they fail to account for daily changes in athlete’s performance capabilities. An athlete’s daily readiness can be addressed to various extents by both subjective (e.g., RPE, repetitions in reserve, set-repetition best, and APRE) and objective (e.g., VBT) load adjustment methods. Future resistance training monitoring may aim to include a combination of measures that quantify outcome (e.g., velocity, load, time, etc.) with process (e.g., variability, coordination, efficiency, etc.) relevant to the stage of learning or the task being performed. Load adjustment and monitoring methods should be used to supplement and guide the practitioner, quantify what the practitioner ‘sees’, and provide longitudinal data to assist in reviewing athlete development and providing baselines for the rate of expected development in resistance training when an athlete returns to sport from injury or large training load reductions.

Dance has attracted little scientific interest on the effects of physical fitness improvements on performance and injury severity, particularly with respect to contemporary dance. The main aims of the current work were: a) to observe the physical demands of dance performance; b) to develop a reliable dance-specific performance tool; c) to assess the association between selected physical fitness parameters and performance in contemporary dance by using a new reliable method (AC test); d) to assess selected physical fitness parameters in relation to injury severity in contemporary dance; e) to study the effects of increased fitness parameters on performance through a randomized controlled trial. A total of 50 performances, performed by 20 dancers, were monitored by using a portable accelerometers (SWA armbands) and heart rate monitors while 45 performances in DVDs were video analysed. Six dancers and two dance teachers were recruited to test a newly developed performance tool. A sample made of 41 dancers were recruited and assessed for aerobic fitness (DAFT), lower body muscular power (jump height test), upper body muscular endurance (press-ups test), flexibility (active and passive hip ROM), body composition (skinfolds), performance (n=17) and injury severity (n=16). In order to investigate the effects of the supplementary fitness training on performance, 24 of the total 41 dancers, were randomly assigned to either an intervention (n=12) or control (n=12) group. The intervention group undertook a specifically designed exercise-training programme (circuit and WBV training) lasting six weeks. Both groups were re-tested for physical fitness levels and performance at the end of the intervention period. Results revealed that performance intensities varied from light to moderate while these were observed with the use of pliés and jumps as well as lifting other dancers. Based on the seven most frequently used criteria by selected pre-professional contemporary dance institutions and companies, a novel performance tool (AC tool) was developed with an inter-rater reliability of r=0.96. There was a significant correlation between aesthetic competence (AC) scores and jump ability (r=0.55) and press-ups (r=0.55), respectively. Stepwise backward multiple regression analysis revealed that the best predictor of AC was press-ups (R2=0.30, p=0.03, 95% confidence intervals=0.11–1.34). Univariate analyses also revealed that the interaction of press-ups and jump ability improved the prediction power of AC (R2=0.44, p=0.004, 95% confidence intervals=0.009–0.04). Pearson’s correlation coefficients detected significant negative correlations between the mean score recorded for injury severity (expressed as TDO) and lower body muscular power (r=-0.66; p=0.014); backward regression analysis also revealed that, from all studied parameters, the strongest predictor of TDO was lower body muscular power (p=0.014). For the intervention group repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant increases (pre vs. post) in aerobic fitness (p<0.05), lower body muscular power (p<0.05), upper body muscular endurance (p<0.05) and performance (p<0.05). Linear regression analyses indicated that the only significant predictor of AC was aerobic capacity (F=7.641; p=0.03); the interaction of press-ups and aerobic capacity (F=6.297; p=0.036), and lower body muscular power with aerobic capacity (F=5.543; p=0.05) demonstrated an improved prediction power. These results show that the observed contemporary dance performance is an intermittent type of activity of moderate intensity. Given the reliability of the AC tool, it is concluded that upper body muscular endurance and jump ability best predict AC of contemporary dancers. Reduced lower body muscular power is associated with increased severity of injuries. Finally, supplementary exercise training significantly increases lower body muscular power, upper body muscular endurance and aerobic fitness, which in turn are beneficial to improve AC of contemporary dancers.

This study was to develop normative data of isotonic muscular strength in college females using the Spartacus model Universal Gym bench press and leg extension and to control for the influence of body weight. Two hundred and two college age females enrolled in weight training and conditioning classes used the Universal Gym for twelve weeks. Subjects were tested for maximum strength on 2 exercises and their percent body fat was calculated. Pearson-product moment correlations between lean body weight , body weight and the bench press test and the leg extension test were correlated. After statistically controlling for the effects of body weight, percentile ranks were calculated for both tests.

A avaliação da força muscular caracteriza um aspecto fundamental dentro do processo de avaliação de um paciente. O déficit de força muscular, muitas vezes, não só é a fonte de processos patológicos, como também, uma conseqüência bastante comum na presença de uma patologia. A articulação do ombro é altamente dependente de uma função muscular preservada, pois os músculos do ombro, principalmente os do manguito rotador, são os responsáveis pelo mecanismo de estabilização articular, mecanismo este fundamental para que a articulação se mantenha saudável. Portanto, a quantificação da força dos músculos do ombro se traduz como fundamental para os processos de diagnóstico e reabilitação. De uma maneira geral é praticado o teste de função muscular manual, com a finalidade de se avaliar a função muscular. No entanto, há pouca precisão com este procedimento. Desta forma, o presente estudo tem por objetivo a construção de um protótipo, de baixo custo, que possibilita a avaliação objetiva e quantitativa do torque isométrico dos músculos do ombro. Após extensa pesquisa, foi confeccionado um protótipo inicial com materiais de fácil obtenção e preço acessível, capaz de quantificar o torque dos músculos do ombro, levando em consideração os aspectos biomecânicos dentro do processo de avaliação. Tal protótipo foi elaborado possibilitando ajustes para atender às variações antropométricas individuais. Como instrumento de medida foi utilizado um torquímetro devidamente calibrado, em que foi acoplado um braço de resistência. O protótipo foi submetido a teste de adaptabilidade e eficiência, avaliando-se os músculos rotadores do ombro de 20 indivíduos saudáveis de ambos os sexos. Após o teste foi verificada boa adaptabilidade do protótipo nos indivíduos testados, demonstrando também ser eficiente na avaliação da força muscular do ombro. / The evaluation of the muscular strength characterizes a fundamental aspect within the process of a patient\'s evaluation. The deficit of muscular strength many times is the source of pathological processes, as well as, a quite common consequence in the presence of a pathology. The articulation of the shoulder is highly dependent on a preserved muscular function, therefore the shoulder muscles, mainly the ones of the rotator cuff are the ones responsible for the mechanism of articulate stabilization, this mechanism is fundamental to healthy maintenance of the articulation. Therefore, the strength quantification of the shoulder muscles is told as fundamental to the diagnosis process and rehabilitation. In a general way the test of manual muscular function is practiced, with the purpose of evaluating the muscular function. However there is little accuracy with this procedure. This way, the present study has as its main objective the construction of a low cost prototype that makes the objective and quantitative evaluation of the isometric strength of the shoulder muscles possible. After an extensive research a prototype was built with easily obtained materials and low price, capable of quantifying the muscles strength of the shoulder muscles taking to account the biomechanics aspects within the evaluation process. The prototype was elaborated making different possible fittings to match the individual anthropometrical variations. As measurement instrument a torquimeter properly calibrated was used, where a resistance arm was coupled. The prototype was submitted to adaptability and efficiency tests, evaluating the shoulders\' rotator muscles of 20 healthy individuals of both sexes. After the test the good adaptability of the prototype was observed in the tested individuals and it also demonstrated to be efficient in the evaluation of the shoulder muscular strength.

O treinamento de força no meio aquático tem sido indicado para promover ganhos de força na população idosa, no entanto, nenhum estudo comparou diferentes estratégias de treinamento para identificar qual a mais eficiente. Dessa forma, o objetivo da presente dissertação foi comparar os efeitos de três treinamentos de força no meio aquático nas respostas neuromusculares de mulheres idosas. Trinta e seis mulheres foram randomizadas entre os três grupos de treinamento: grupo treinamento série simples de 30 segundos (1x30s, 66,41±1,36 anos, n=12), grupo treinamento séries múltiplas de 10 segundos (3x10s, 66,50±1,43 anos, n=11) e grupo treinamento série simples de 10 segundos (1x10s, 65,23±1,09 anos, n=13). Os treinamentos tiveram a duração de 12 semanas e frequência semanal de duas sessões. A força muscular dinâmica máxima de membros inferiores (extensão e flexão de joelhos) e superiores (flexão de cotovelos e supino) foi avaliada no teste de uma repetição máxima (1RM). A força resistente desses quatro exercícios também foi avaliada. No teste de contração voluntária máxima (CVM), foi avaliada a força isométrica máxima de extensão e flexão de joelho juntamente com a atividade neuromuscular máxima de reto femoral, vasto lateral, bíceps femoral e semitendinoso. A partir da CVM, calculou-se a taxa de produção de força máxima e em 50, 100 e 250 ms. Por fim, o número de repetições realizadas dos exercícios de hidroginástica flexão/extensão de joelho e cotovelo e flexão/extensão horizontal de ombros foi analisado por meio de uma filmagem subaquática. O teste ANOVA one-way foi utilizado para comparação das variáveis de caracterização da amostra entre os três grupos. Para comparação pré e pós-treinamento e entre os três grupos foi utilizado o teste Equações de Estimativas Generalizadas com teste complementar de Bonferroni (α=0,05). A força de 1RM de extensão de joelhos (1x30s: 37,99 ±9,62%; 3x10s: 14,72±4,93%; 1x10s: 27,23±4,63%), flexão de joelhos (1x30s: 20,79±3,86%; 3x10s: 21,00±7,11%; 1x10s: 18,12±4,73%%) e flexão de cotovelos (1x30s: 19,86±5,11%; 3x10s: 15,85±4,48%; 1x10s: 17,04±5,69%) aumentou significativamente em todos os grupos, sem diferença entre eles. No entanto, somente os grupos 1x30s e 1x10s apresentaram um incremento no 1RM de supino (32,70±6,95 e 11,27±4,67%, respectivamente). Houve um aumento significativo em todos os grupos da força resistente de extensão (1x30s 42,31±20,78%; 3x10s: 27,69±26,78%; 1x10s: 57,29±13,59%), flexão de joelhos (1x30s 96,57±39,12%; 3x10s: 101,06±67,48%; 1x10s: 40,69±14,49%) e flexão de cotovelos (1x30s 64,90±22,98%; 3x10s: 93,18±49,78%; 1x10s: 53,95±16,95%). No entanto, somente os grupos 1x30s e 3x10s aumentaram a força resistente no supino (1x30s 87,55±41,34%; 3x10s: 46,23±27,07%). A força isométrica máxima de extensão de joelho apresentou um aumento significativo somente no grupo 1x10s (34,06±13,37%) e atividade neuromuscular máxima do reto femoral aumentou de forma semelhante em todos os grupos (1x30s: 8,25±8,76%; 3x10s: 17,41±17,21%; 1x10s: 29,26±13,53%). A força isométrica máxima de flexão de joelho não apresentou alteração significativa após o treinamento, assim como a atividade neuromuscular máxima do vasto lateral, bíceps femoral e semitendinoso. A taxa de produção de força de extensão de joelho apresentou uma melhora significativa após todos os treinamentos em 50 (1x30s: 1809,66±1664,15%; 3x10s: 946,41±662,25%; 1x10s: 228,35±120,41%), 100 (1x30s: 505,41±386,47%; 3x10s: 402,13±158,13%; 1x10s: 220,18±143,02%) e 250 ms (1x30s: 54,57±27,90%; 3x10s: 68,72±38,08%; 1x10s: 31,83±13,93%). Já a taxa de produção de força máxima de flexão de joelho (1x30s: 299,43±236,11%; 3x10s: 92,37±33,45%; 1x10s: 103,95±58,28%) aumentou significativamente, bem como nos janelamentos de 50 (1x30s: 406,91±303,23%; 3x10s: 113,55±78,43%; 1x10s: 980,11±833,62%), 100 (1x30s: 92,14±45,66%; 3x10s: 82,71±53,76%; 1x10s: %146,25±65,10) e 250 ms (1x30s: 162,01±105,90%; 3x10s: 65,20±18,87%; 1x10s: 83,76±47,92%). Por fim, o número de repetições realizadas nos exercícios flexão/extensão de cotovelo (1x30s: 8,24±8,07%; 3x10s: 17,29±9,36%; 1x10s: 20,17±4,87%) e de joelho (1x30s: 8,29±12,08%; 3x10s: 35,70±9,84%; 1x10s: 22,53±10,44%) apresentou um incremento significativo em todos os grupos. O número de repetições do exercício flexão/extensão horizontal de ombros apresentou um incremento significativo no grupo 1x10s e na primeira série realizada pelo grupo 3x10s. O número de repetições do exercício flexão/extensão de cotovelo foi superior no grupo 3x10s em relação aos demais grupos. Conclui-se que os três treinamentos de força no meio aquático promoveram ganhos na força máxima, força resistente e força rápida, o que representa uma melhor capacidade das mulheres idosas de realizar as suas atividades de vida diária. / The aim of this study was to compare the effects of three aquatic resistance trainings on neuromuscular responses in older women. Thirty-six women were randomly placed into three groups: 30 seconds single set training group (1x30s, 66,41±1,36 years, n=12), 10 seconds multiple set training group (3x10s, 66,50±1,43 years, n=11) and 10 seconds single set training group (1x10s, 65,23±1,09 years, n=13). Trainings lasted 12 weeks, with two sessions a week. Maximal dinamic muscle strength of upper (elbow flexion and chest press) and lower body (knee extension and flexion) was evaluated by one maximum repetition test (1RM). The muscular endurance was also evaluated in these four exercises. In maximal voluntary contraction test (MVC) was assessed the knee extension and flexion maximum isometric strength with the neuromuscular activity of the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris and semitendinosus. From the MVC the maximal rate of force development (RFD) and at 50, 100 and 250 ms RFD was calculated. Finally, the number of repetitions of knee and elbow flexion/extension and shoulders flexion/extension horizontal water based exercises was analyzed by underwater shooting. One-way ANOVA was used to compare sample characterization variables among the three groups. For comparison before and after training and between the three groups was used Generalized Estimating Equations with post hoc of Bonferroni (α=0.05). The strength of knees extension 1RM (1x30s: 37.99±9.62%; 3x10s: 14.72±4.93%; 1x10s: 27.23±4.63%), knees flexion (1x30s: 20,79±3.86%; 3x10s: 21.00±7.11%; 1x10s: 18.12±4.73 %%) and elbows flexion (1x30s: 19.86±5.11%; 3x10s: 15.85±4.48%; 1x10s: 17.04±5.69%) increased significantly in all groups with no difference between them. However, only 3x10s and 1x10s groups showed an increase in 1RM chest press (32.0±6.95 and 11.27±4.67%, respectively). There was a significant increase in all groups of muscular endurance knees extension (1x30s 42.31±20.78%; 3x10s: 27.69±26.78%; 1x10s: 57.29±13.59%), knees flexion (1x30s 96.57±39.12%; 3x10s: 101.06±67.48%; 1x10s: 40.69±14.49%) and elbows flexion (1x30s 64.90±22.98%; 3x10s: 93.18±49.78%; 1x10s: 53,95±16.95%). However, only 1x30s and 3x10s groups incresed muscular endurance on chest press (1x30s 87.55±41.34%; 3x10s: 46,23±27.07%). The maximum isometric strength of knee extension showed increse only in 1x10s group (34,06±13,37%) and the neuromuscular activity of the rectus femoris increased similarly in all groups (1x30s: 8.25±8.76%; 3x10s: 17.41±17.21%; 1x10s: 29.26±13.53%). The maximum isometric strength of knee flexion showed no significant change after training, as well as the neuromuscular activity of the vastus lateralis, biceps femoris and semitendinosus. Knee extension RFD showed a significant improvement after all trainings in 50 (1x30s: 1809.66±1664.15%; 3x10s: 946.41±662.25%; 1x10s: 228.35±120.41%), 100 (1x30s: 505.41±386.47%; 3x10s: 402.13±158.13%; 1x10s: 220.18±143.02%) and 250 ms (1x30s: 54.57±27.90%; 3x10s: 68.72±38.08%; 1x10s: 31.83±13.93%). Maximum knee flexion RFD (1x30s: 299.43±236.11%; 3x10s: 92,37±33,45%; 1x10s: 103.95±58.28%) significantly increased and in 50 (1x30s: 406.91±303.23%; 3x10s: 113.55±78.43%; 1x10s: 980.11±833.62%), 100 (1x30s: 92.14±45.66%; 3x10s: 82.71±53.76%; 1x10s: 146.25±65.10%) and 250 ms (1x30s: 162.01±105.90%; 3x10s: 65.20±18.87%; 1x10s: 83.76±47.92%). Finally, the number of repetitions of elbow flexion/extension (1x30s: 8.24±8.07%; 3x10s: 17.29±9.36%; 1x10s: 20.17±4.87%) and knee flexion/extension (1x30s: 8.29±12.08%; 3x10s: 35.70±9.84%; 1x10s: 22.53±10.44%) showed a significant increase in all groups. Number of repetitions of shoulder flexion/extension horizontal showed a increase in 1x10s group and in first set performed by 3x10s group. The number of repetitions of elbow flexion/extension was higher in the 3x10s group compared to the other groups. We conclude that the three resistance training in the aquatic environment promoted gains in maximum strength, endurance strength and fast strength, what represents an improved in ability of older women to perform their activities of daily living.

Diversos estudos têm relatado incrementos na força muscular a partir de treinamentos com diferentes metodologias no meio aquático. No entanto, não foram encontradas abordagens sobre a utilização de séries únicas e múltiplas no treinamento de força no meio aquático. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar os incrementos na força muscular dinâmica máxima, na força de resistência e na força de potência em mulheres jovens e sedentárias, submetidas ao treinamento de força no meio aquático, com diferentes volumes de treinamento. Sessenta e seis mulheres jovens e saudáveis (24,72±4,33 anos) foram aleatoriamente divididas em dois grupos: Série Simples (1S) e Séries Múltiplas (3S), durante a primeira etapa do treinamento, composta por 10 semanas. Após este período, sessenta mulheres continuaram o treinamento por mais um período de dez semanas e foram aleatoriamente sub-divididas em quatro grupos de estudo: simples/simples (SS), simples/múltipla (SM), múltipla/simples (MS) e múltipla/múltipla (MM). Todos os grupos realizaram duas sessões semanais durante as 20 semanas, sendo que os exercícios foram executados em máxima velocidade por trinta segundos e foram realizados em forma de circuito, com intervalo de dois a três minutos entre cada grupo muscular. Foram realizadas avaliações nas etapas pré-treinamento, após 10 semanas e após 20 semanas de treinamento. Foram realizadas avaliações de uma repetição máxima (1RM) e de Repetições Máximas com 60% de 1RM nos exercícios supino, rosca bíceps, flexão de joelhos e extensão de joelhos. Além destas, foram realizadas avaliações de força potente por meio dos saltos Squat Jump e Countermovement Jump. Os resultados foram analizados utilizando ANOVA para medidas repetidas com fator grupo ( =0,05). Ao longo das primeiras dez semanas de treinamento, ambos os grupos (1S e 3S) apresentaram incrementos na força muscular dinâmica máxima, na força resistente e na força potente sem diferença entre os grupos (p>0,05). Nesta etapa os incrementos percentuais na força máxima para o grupo 1S foram de 9,72±9,54% a 18,82±11,17%; no grupo 3S foram de 10,49±9,99% a 18,48±11,07%. Na força resistente os incrementos no grupo 1S foram de 19,45±15,24% a 38,01±26,50%; no grupo 3S foram de 13,04±11,25% a 51,01±36,07%. Na força potente os incrementos no grupo 1S foram de 10,90±13,68% (SJ) e 9,09±8,01% (CMJ); no grupo 3S foram de 8,25±11,67% (SJ) e 6,78±6,83% (CMJ). Após vinte semanas de treinamento, todos os grupos de estudo demonstraram incremento na força muscular dinâmica máxima, na força resistente e na força potente, sem diferença significativa entre os grupos, ou seja, mesmo com a manutenção, o aumento ou a diminuição do número de séries, observou-se o mesmo comportamento da força muscular. Na força máxima os incrementos para o grupo SS foi de 16,53±9,81% a 30,93±11,65%; no grupo SM foi de 15,41±12,77% a 28,87±15,11%; no grupo MS foi de 17,12±13,02% a 28,04±12,95%; no grupo MM foi de 20,98±13,60% a 26,53±13,17%. Na força resistente, os incrementos para o grupo SS foram de 18,32±25,57% a 46,65±49,04%; no grupo SM foram de 13,99±14,50% a 42,50±20,49%; no grupo MS foram de 13,26±23,03 a 48,24±46,50%; no grupo MM foram de 14,14±28,54% a 59,62±43,59%. Na força potente, os incrementos no grupo SS foram de 12,60±12,13% (SJ) e 11,28±10,62% (CMJ); no grupo SM foram de 21,17±17,83% (SJ) e 4,75±7,25% (CMJ); no grupo MS foram de 12,43±13,67% (SJ) e de 5,74±6,63% (CMJ); no grupo MM foram de 18,67±26,18% (SJ) e de 8,83±4,71% (CMJ). Ao final do estudo, pode-se concluir que mulheres jovens e sedentárias apresentaram melhora na força muscular dinâmica máxima, na força de resistência e na força de potência após 20 semanas de treinamento, independente do volume de treinamento realizado. / Several studies have shown significant increase in the muscle strength induced by different exercise trainings protocols in aquatic environment. However, no studies were found investigating the adaptations of single and multiple sets during the resistance training in aquatic environment. Thus, the aim of the present study was to compare the effects between two aquatic resistance training (single and multiple sets) on maximal dynamic muscle strength, muscle endurance and muscle power in untrained women. Sixty-six young women (24.72±4.33 years) were randomly placed into two groups: single set (1S) and multiple set (3S) during the first 10 weeks. After that, sixty women maintained the training by an additional 10 weeks and were randomly sub-divided in four experimental groups: single/single (SS), single/multiple (SM), multiple/single (MS), multiple/multiple (MM). The subjects performed the aquatic resistance training during 20 weeks twice a week, and the exercises were performed in circuit form with 2-3 min of recovery among each muscular group. The one repetition maximal test (1RM), muscle endurance test (maximal repetitions at 60% 1RM) and muscle power test (squat and counter movement jump performance) were evaluated at pre, middle and post training. The results were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA (factor: group), and when applicable, Bonferroni post-hoc test was used ( =0.05). After the first 10 weeks of training, there were increases in maximal dynamic muscle strength, muscle endurance and muscle power in both 1S and 3S, with no difference between the groups. The relative gains in the first 10 weeks for the maximal strength in the 1S ranged from 9.72±9.54% to 18.82±11.17%, and in the 3S ranged from 10.49±9.99% to 18.48±11.07% in the different exercises. The muscle endurance relative gains in the 1S ranged from 19.45±15.24% to 38.01±26.50%, and in the 3S ranged from 13.04±11.25% to 51.01±36.07% in the different exercises. In addition, the muscular power relative gains in the 1S was 10.90±13.68% in Squat Jump and 9.09±8.01% in Counter Movement Jump. The same pattern was found in the 3S, with relative gain of 8.25±11.67% in the Squat Jump and 6.78±6.83% in the Counter Movement Jump. After the 20 weeks of training, both groups showed increases on maximal dynamic in the muscle strength, on muscle endurance, and, on muscle power with no differences among the groups. Thus, even maintaining, increasing or decreasing the number of sets, there were no differences in muscle strength performance. The maximal strength gains ranged from 16.53±9.81% to 30.93±11.65% in the SS group; from 15.41±12.77% to 28.87±15.11% in the SM group; from 17.12±13.02% to 28.04±12.95%; in the MS group; and, from 20.98±13.60% to 26.53±13.17% in the MM group. The muscle endurance relative gains raged from 18.32±25.57% to 46.65±49.04% in the SS group; from 13.99±14.50% to 42.50±20.49% in the SM group; from 13.26±23.03 to 48.24±46.50% in the MS group; and, from 14.14±28.54% a 59.62±43.59% in the MM group. Moreover, the muscle power gains were 12.60±12.13% in the SJ and 11.28±10.62% in the CMJ in the SS group; 21.17±17.83% in the SJ and in the 4.75±7.25% CMJ in the SM group; 12.43±13.67% in the SJ and 5.74±6.63% in the CMJ in the MS group; and, 18.67±26.18% in the SJ and 8.83±4,71% in the CMJ in the MM. In conclusion, untrained young women presented a improvements in maximal dynamic muscle strength, muscle endurance and muscle power after 20 weeks of aquatic resistance training, independent of the training volume performed.