Dr. Ulloa-Díaz, David

Background: The aim of the study was to analyze the relative and absolute reliability of intra-session comparisons of three repetitions in a protocol for assessment peak muscle strength in a knee extension and flexion exercise in competitive female soccer players. Methods: The participants in this research are professional level female soccer players. Peak muscle strength was assessed with functional electromechanical dynamometry (FEMD) for the knee muscles with the following movements: knee flexion (FLE) and extension (EXT). Each movement was assessed at a speed of 0.4 m·s-1 unilaterally, recording peak muscle strength values in the concentric phase (CON) and an eccentric phase (ECC). Results: Null differences (ES < 0.19) were detected in the measurements of peak muscle strength of the extensors and flexors of the right and left knee in their concentric or eccentric phases. In the intra-set reliability measures, they reported acceptable absolute reliability (CV% < 9.71) and extremely high relative reliability (ICC = 0.92–0.98). Conclusion: In relation to the results of this study, it can be concluded that the FEMD presents a high relative and absolute intra-series reliability for the evaluation of muscle strength in knee extension and flexion in female soccer players. These reported antecedents may facilitate a more specific evaluation of the function of the muscles of the lower limbs.

Background: The aim of our study was analyze the bilateral strength balance of the knee extensor and flexor muscles in female soccer players. Methodology: Participated in this study twenty-three professional female soccer players. The volunteer participants of the study were eligibly if: (a) signing of informed consent, (b) 5 years of sporting experience as a soccer player and have experience with training and evaluation of muscle strength in the lower limb, (c) participate in five weekly training sessions (d) no musculoskeletal pathology in the lower limbs 6 months prior to the evaluation date. The assessment was performed unilaterally, with peak muscle strength values recorded using the FEMD device software at a constant velocity of 0.4 m s-1. The range of motion (ROM) was 90°–0° of joint extension in the sitting position and 150°–90° of flexion in the prone position. Each participant was required to perform their maximum effort for all repetitions. Results: Bilateral strength balance measurements were obtained in the range of 10.68%–13.80% for maximum muscle strength in knee extension and 13.27%–15.21%. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in the comparison of independent means for maximum muscle strength between the knee extension and flexion in the concentric and eccentric phases. Significant differences (p < 0.01) and small ES (ES < 3.32) were found in peak muscle strength measurements of the dominant and non-dominant lower extremity in the unilateral comparison of the extensor muscle and the flexor muscle group in the concentric and eccentric phase. Conclusion: In the analysis of bilateral strength balance, lower indices are presented in the knee extensor compared to the flexor, these bilateral indices would reveal intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries in the hamstring muscles and anterior cruciate ligament of professional soccer players.

Background: The Chilean population has experienced increased longevity in recent decades, leading to an increased incidence of and mortality from neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD is a chronic degenerative condition that affects the central nervous system. The main objective of this research is to evaluate the effect of 12-week programs of tonic, isometric, and isometric/vibratory muscular strength training while controlling the manipulation of the intensity variable on motor and non-motor symptomatology in PD patients. The secondary objective is to assess the levels of muscular strength in PD patients and their relationship with motor and non-motor symptomatology. Methods: A parallel-group, randomized trial will randomly assign (n = 34) people of both sexes with Parkinson’s disease between stages I–III Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y), aged between 50 and 70 years to one of the experimental groups, in which they will undergo a total of 24 strength training sessions during 12 weeks. During the intervention period, the participants will be advised not to undertake additional exercise programs, to avoid substances that may disrupt metabolism and circadian cycles, and to maintain their medication regimen. The primary or motor evaluation of rest tremor will be performed with an accelerometer (Actigraphy), balance with the Mini-BESTest balance test, gait speed with the Ten Meters Walk Test, and non-motor symptomatology through anxiety, depression (MDS-UPDRS), and quality of life (PDQ-39) questionnaires. The Secondary evaluation of muscle strength will be performed with a functional electromechanical dynamometer. Discussion: Established as a hypothesis is that manipulating intensity variables in 12-week tonic, isometric, and isometric/vibratory muscle strength training programs has an effect on motor and non-motor symptomatology in people with Parkinson’s disease. The research will establish the extent to which controlled muscular strength training has an effect on relevant factors related to motor and non-motor symptomatology.

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to (I) evaluate the evidence on the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in hypertensive patients; (II) determine whether HIIT impacts SBP and DBP differently; and (III) assess the clinical relevance of these effects. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple electronic databases, resulting in the inclusion of seven randomized clinical trials in the meta-analysis. The outcomes were analyzed using random-effects models to compute mean differences (MD) and standardized mean differences (SMD) for SBP and DBP. Results: A small reduction in SBP was observed with HIIT interventions (MD −3.00; 95% CI −4.61 to −1.39; p < 0.0001; SMD −0.28; 95% CI −0.42 to −0.13; p = 0.0003). However, no statistically significant reductions were detected for DBP (MD −0.70; 95% CI −1.80 to 0.39; p = 0.21; SMD −0.07; 95% CI −0.22 to 0.08; p = 0.35). Despite demonstrating statistical significance for SBP, the effects did not reach clinical relevance. Conclusions: HIIT interventions yield small reductions in SBP, with minimal impact on DBP. These findings suggest limited clinical relevance in the management of hypertension. Further randomized controlled trials are necessary to standardize HIIT protocols, with specific emphasis on intensity control and manipulation, to better understand their potential role in hypertensive populations.