Medicina Sportiva 

About: Medicina Sportiva is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Athletes & Isometric exercise. It has an ISSN identifier of 1429-0022. Over the lifetime, 223 publications have been published receiving 1434 citations.

Evidence-based resistance training recommendations

Abstract: Resistance training produces an array of health benefits, as well as the potential to promote muscular adaptations of strength, size, power and endurance. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) regularly publish a position stand making recommendations for optimal achievement of the desired training goals. However, the most recent position stand (as well as previous ones) has come under heavy criticism for misrepresentation of research, lack of evidence and author bias. Therefore this paper proposes a set of scientifically rigorous resistance training guidelines, reviewing and summarising the relevant research for the purpose of proposing more logical, evidence-based training advice. We recommend that appreciably the same muscular strength and endurance adaptations can be attained by performing a single set of ~8-12 repetitions to momentary muscular failure, at a repetition duration that maintains muscular tension throughout the entire range of motion, for most major muscle groups once or twice each week. All resistance types (e.g. free-weights, resistance machines, bodyweight, etc.) show potential for increases in strength, with no significant difference between them, although resistance machines appear to pose a lower risk of injury. There is a lack of evidence to suggest that balance from free weights or use of unstable surfaces shows any transference to sporting improvement, and explosive movements are also not recommended as they present a high injury risk and no greater benefit than slow, controlled weight training. Finally, we consider genetic factors in relation to body type and growth potential.

Effects of Exercise on Appetite and Food Intake Regulation

Abstract: In this review, we discuss the effects of acute and chronic exercise on appetite and food intake regulation, the potential mechanisms involved and its relationship with hormonal and metabolic changes that affect energy balance. The mechani-sms of post exercise short-term appetite modification remain unclear and although the role of orexigenic and anorexigenic peptides is possible hypotheses, it still remains unproven. Motivation to eat and food intake in response to acute exercise seem to be modulated by gender, body weight and eating behavior. In general, acute exercise has no effect on subsequent El in men, whereas in women an increase in EI is usually observed, either decreasing or abolishing the effects of exercise on EB. Normal weight women, unlike men, report an increased palatability of foods with exercise and do not experience the transient suppression of hunger observed immediately after exercise. The evidence to date emphasizes the need to increase physical exercise levels, particularly because of the high prevalence of obesity. More research is needed to explain the mechanisms behind the post exercise adjustments in short-term appetite control, and their long-term consequences.

Evidence!based resistance training recommendations for muscular hypertrophy

Abstract: Objective: There is considerable interest in attaining muscular hypertrophy in recreational gym-goers, bodybuilders, older adults, and persons suffering from immunodeficiency conditions. Multiple review articles have suggested guidelines for the most efficacious training methods to obtain muscular hypertrophy. Unfortunately these included articles that inferred hypertrophy markers such as hormonal measurements, used older techniques that might not be valid (e.g. circumference) and failed to appropriately consider the complexity of training variables. Methods: The present commentary provides a narrative review of literature, summarising main areas of interest and providing evidence-based guidelines towards training for muscular hypertrophy. Conclusions: Evidence supports that persons should train to the highest intensity of effort, thus recruiting as many motor units and muscle fibres as possible, self-selecting a load and repetition range, and performing single sets for each exercise. No specific resistance type appears more advantageous than another, and persons should consider the inclusion of concentric, eccentric and isometric actions within their training regime, at a repetition duration that maintains muscular tension. Between set/exercise rest intervals appear not to affect hypertrophy, and in addition the evidence suggests that training through a limited range of motion might stimulate similar results to full range of motion exercise. The performance of concurrent endurance training appears not to negatively affect hypertrophy, and persons should be advised not to expect uniform muscle growth both along the belly of a muscle or for individual muscles within a group. Finally evidence suggests that short (~3 weeks) periods of detraining in trained persons does not incur significant muscular atrophy and might stimulate greater hypertrophy upon return to training.

Physical endurance, somatic indices and swimming technique parameters as determinants of front crawl swimming speed at short distances in young swimmers

Abstract: Introduction: Appropriate swimming techniques and anaerobic capacity have a strong influence on factors related to performance in young swimmers. This study evaluated the factors attributed to performance in sprint front crawl swimmers. Aim of the study: To investigate the level of aerobic and anaerobic component of physical endurance, swimming technique and somatic indices, as well as to determine their influence on young swimmers’ all-out sprint front crawl swimming. Methods: The group of 26 swimmers (age: 16.1±1.09 years) was subject to anthropometric measurements including lean body mass (LBM), total body length (TBL) and arm span (AS). Each individual was subject to five laboratory tests and 2 swimming tests: alactic anaerobic test (vertical jump test – CMJ), incremental tests for assessment of arms (¦O 2 max AR) and legs aerobic capacity (¦O 2 max LG) in two different tests, one-minute anaerobic endurance tests for arms (60sAR) and legs (60sLG). Swimming include all-out tests at the distance of 25 and 100 meters. Results: The biometric (TBL, AS) and body structure (LBM) indices level was in general determining swimming speed at high and average level. The maximal power obtained in anaerobic endurance test with legs (PmxLG) and total work in the CMJ (counter movement jump) test had the strongest influence on 25 and 100 meters swimming speeds. At both distances speed statistically significantly correlated also with the swimming technique parameters: stroke rate (SR), index of coordination (IdC) and propulsion phases (PL+PS). Conclusions: Research on young swimmers confirmed essential influence of energy obtaining mechanisms from alactic, glycolitic and aerobic sources on swimming speed at short distances. Body size and swimming technique parameters had also significant influence on swimming results.