Time to consider the potential role of alternative resistance training methods in cancer management?

Exercise has emerged as fundamental therapeutic medicine in the management of cancer. Exercise improves health-related outcomes, including quality of life, neuromuscular strength, physical function, and body composition, and it is associated with a lower risk of disease recurrence and increased survival. Moreover, exercise during or post cancer treatments is safe, can ameliorate treatment-related side effects, and may enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. To date, traditional resistance training (RT) is the most used RT modality in exercise oncology. However, alternative training modes, such as eccentric, cluster set, and blood flow restriction are gaining increased attention. These training modalities have been extensively investigated in both athletic and clinical populations (e.g., age-related frailty, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes), showing considerable benefits in terms of neuromuscular strength, hypertrophy, body composition, and physical function. However, these training modes have only been partially or not at all investigated in cancer populations. Thus, this study outlines the benefits of these alternative RT methods in patients with cancer. Where evidence in cancer populations is sparse, we provide a robust rationale for the possible implementation of certain RT methods that have shown positive results in other clinical populations. Finally, we provide clinical insights for research that may guide future RT investigations in patients with cancer and suggest clear practical applications for targeted cancer populations and related benefits

“Does isometric exercise improve leg stiffness and hop pain in subjects with Achilles tendinopathy? A feasibility study"

Background In Achilles tendinopathy (AT) the ability to store and recycle elastic energy during ground contact phase is often altered. A measure of this function is represented by leg stiffness (LS). Immediate responses in LS following therapeutic intervention have not been examined. Objective The aim of this paper was to examine the feasibility of the protocol in participants with AT. Design Single cohort feasibility study. Participants Adults with persistent AT pain, symptoms on palpation and less than 80 points on the Visa-A questionnaire. Intervention heavy isometric exercise sequence in plantarflexion Outcome Measures Feasibility was assessed by evaluating: the willingness of participants to enroll into the study, the number of eligible participants, the recruitment rate, adherence to the intervention, the drop-out rate, the tolerability of the protocol. LS, reactive strength index, pain and rate of perceived effort were secondary outcomes. Results 22 AT were eligible for data collection and 19 entered the statistical analysis. The intervention was well tolerated, no withdrawals. Pain scores were low during both the intervention and the assessment. Immediate improvements in LS and pain were recorded. Conclusions The isometric exercise protocol was feasible. Future research should investigate its effectiveness

The effects of a unilateral strength and power training intervention on inter-limb asymmetry and physical performance in male amateur soccer players

The aims of this study were (a) to investigate the effects of a unilateral training program in reducing inter-limb asymmetry in male soccer players; (b) to explore such effects on measures of physical performance and unilateral inter-limb asymmetry. Twenty-four soccer players, randomly assigned to a 6-week unilateral strength and power training (UNI) (n = 12) or a control group (CON) (n = 12), performed single countermovement jump (SLCMJ), single leg broad jump (SLBJ), single leg drop jump (SLDJ), 10-m sprint, and 505 change of direction (COD) speed test. Raw jump scores revealed small to large improvements in SLCMJ, SLBJ, and SLDJ reactive strength index (RSI) (g = 0.46 to 1.66) in the UNI group, whereas negligible changes were found in the CON group (g = − 0.31 to 0.33). Asymmetry indexes showed a moderate significant reduction in the SLDJ (RSI) and in the SLDJ stiffness (K) (g = 1.00 to 1.11) in the UNI group. The between-group comparison indicated a significant change in the SLDJ (RSI) and in the SLDJ (K) (g = 1.01 to 1.07) in favour of the UNI group. Thus, a unilateral training program seems to be able to reduce between-limb imbalances and foster improvements in jump performance, without any detrimental effects on linear or COD speed times. Given the importance of these physical characteristics for soccer, it is suggested that unilateral strength and power training are incorporated into strength training routines for players of all levels

The effects of a 6-week unilateral strength and ballistic jump training program on the force-velocity profiles of sprinting

The aims of this study were: a) to investigate the effects of a unilateral training program, compared to a control group, on F-V profile in soccer players; b) to explore such effects on linear speed. Twenty-four soccer players, randomly assigned to a 6-week unilateral strength and ballistic jump training (UNI) (n = 12) or a control group (CON) (n = 12), performed 30 meter linear sprint test. Findings showed small to moderate improvements (p < 0.05) in linear speed time (g = 0.66 to 0.81) and in most F-V variables: maximal running velocity (V0) (g = 0.81), maximal power output (Pmax) (g = 0.49), maximal ratio of force (RFmax) (g = 0.55), optimal velocity (Vopt) (g = 0.83) and maximal speed (g = 0.84) from pre- to post-intervention in the UNI group, whereas no meaningful changes were found in the CON group. The between-group comparison indicated small to large significant changes in V0 (g = 0.95), RFmax (g = 0.48), Vopt (g = 0.95), maximal speed (g = 0.98) and linear speed time performance (g = 0.42 to 1.02), with the exception of the 0-5 meter distance, in favour of the UNI group. Thus, a unilateral strength and ballistic jump training program can be used to improve the F-V profile and linear speed performance of amateur soccer players

Reliability and validity of hand-held dynamometer and hand-held sphygmomanometer for testing shoulder isometric external and internal rotator muscles strength

Background: Shoulder strength evaluation is a recommended procedure in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Aim: To examine hand-held sphygmomanometer (HHS) and hand-held dynamometer (HHD) intra- and inter-rater reliability during isometric shoulder external and internal rotation strength testing in prone rotation position in asymptomatic participants, and to compare these two testing modalities. Design: Reliability study. Methods: A total of 20 asymptomatic participants (27.7 ± 7.4 years; 77.1 ± 10.1 kg) attended a strength assessment consisting of HHS and HHD tests. Reliability was assessed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), coefficient of variation (CV) with 95%CI, and standard error of measurement (SEM). Pearson correlation and linear regression analysis were used to compare HHS and HHD testing modalities. Results: “Good” to “excellent” intra (ICC range = 0.896 to 0.979) and inter-rater reliability scores (ICC range = 0.850 to 0.978) were displayed during both HHS and HHD tests during internal and external rotation strength assessments. Linear relationships between HHS and HHD measures were found, with coefficients of determination (R 2) ranging between 0.60 and 0.79. Conclusion: HHS and HHD resulted to be reliable strength assessment modalities for clinical practice. These assessment modes can be equally valid in assessing intra and inter-limb asymmetries in isometric shoulder rotation strength. The affordability and availability of HHS in ordinary clinical settings can facilitate its implementation in musculoskeletal practice