The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of steroid anabolic androgenic hormones use on lean mass gain in elderly men through a systematic review with a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies. We systematically searched PubMed database until 4th October 2013. We included randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCT) that studied testosterone replacement therapy in men over 60 years of age, with total testosterone levels ≤550 ng/dl, observing gains in weight, lean mass tissue and fat mass as outcome. We excluded duplicated studies, studies which mixed men and women, and studies using weak androgens such as dehydroepiandrosterone or androstenedione. The initial search yielded 2681 articles, of which 26 were selected for full text analysis. In the end, 11 studies were included. However, 3 studies were not included in the metaanalysis. Meta-analysis showed that mean weight increased (lean mass), ranging from 1.65 (95 % CI, AGE (2015) ) kg, although it was heterogeneous (I 2 =98 %). Effect estimate was 3.59 [2.38-4.81]. Androgen therapy decreased fat mass; effect estimate was −1.78 [−2.57, −0.99] that analysis had also a high level of heterogeneity (I 2 =81 %). The results suggest that testosterone replacement therapy is able to increase muscle mass in elderly men and that is affected by the time that the treatment is carried out and the method of administration of the drug.
Qì Gōng is a type of exercise that involves meditation and is used for health. With a background from the martial arts, it is known also as an auto healing exercise with three main elements according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): body focus (posture and movement), breathing and mind focus (meditative elements). Heart rate variability is a tool that allows us to measure the autonomic system velocity to detect and respond to unexpected stimuli. So our goal was to build a systematic review of Qi Gong and Heart rate variability. PUBMED, EBSCO and Science Direct data bases were searched. Key terms (MeSH) were Heart Rate Variability and Ch'i Kung OR Qi Gong with a 10-year filter. Four independent reviewers analyzed all articles and excluded duplicated articles, articles in Chinese and articles with no adherence to the subject. The end result was 5 studies selected. Our results showed no significant improvements in HRV with the practice of Qì Gōng, probably because of data heterogeneity. We found 5 types of Qì Gōng, 3 different instruments and different time intervals to measure HRV and 2 different age groups in the studies. We can conclude that there is evidence that Qì Gōng can improve HRV but studies that would use the same parameters are needed to further confirm that.
Introduction Throwing is considered the most important technical skill in Handball. However, it requires the athlete to perform this movement with maximum speed and accuracy, as it can define the final score of the game. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, known as the Kabat method, on the throwing performance of handball athletes. Methods An experimental study of 18 male handball athletes with a mean age of 14 ± 1.13 years. The athletes were divided into two groups: control group (CG) and Kabat method group (KG). The athletes performed 16 training sessions, with analyses at the beginning and end of each session. Range of motion (ROM) of internal and external shoulder rotation, strength, muscle imbalance, throwing speed and accuracy were measured. The results were compared by the Student t-test of repeated measures. Results KG significantly increased external shoulder rotation and muscle strength in all the analyzed shoulder complex muscles. CG also increased strength, but not in all muscles. KG significantly increased the speed and accuracy of the pitch. Conclusion The Kabat method, through proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, significantly increased throwing performance, speed and accuracy in handball athletes when compared to the control group. Level of evidence III; Randomized Experimental Study.
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