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Ferreira, M.I., Barbosa, T.M., Costa, M.J., Neiva, H.P., Vilaça, J., & Marinho, D.A. (2016). Effects of swim training on energetic and performance in women masters' swimmers. J. Hum. Sport Exerc., 11(1), 99-106. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the changes of performance and energetic profile of female masters swimmers over a season, in three distinct time periods (TP): December (TP1), March (TP2) and June (TP3). Eleven female masters swimmers performed an all-out 200 m freestyle to evaluate the swimmers' energetic adaptations. The 200 m freestyle performance, the total energy expenditure (Etot) and the partial contribution of aerobic energy source (%Aer), partial contribution of anaerobic lactic energy source (%AnL) and partial contribution of anaerobic alactic energy source (%AnAl) contributions were estimated or assessed. Female masters swimmers improved significantly the 200 m freestyle performance over a season. However, a non-significant improvement was found on their energetic profile. Hence, one might speculate that performance improvement might be related to other performance determinants, such as, technical enhancement. Aerobic metabolism was the major contributor for Etot whereas anaerobic alactic was the second major contributor.

Graduated compression stockings have been used as a mechanical method of deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis for several years. Several studies have demonstrated an increase in mean deep venous velocity, reduced venous pooling, improved venous return, and increase blood lactate clearance in subjects who wore graduated compression stockings during exercise. A possible improvement in venous return during and after exercise may facilitate the clearance of metabolites produced during exercise. Also, studies have suggested that compressive clothing can promote tissue regeneration and consequently positively benefit the muscle function following strenuous exercise. However, the results from the previous studies are controversial. Also, the majority of the studies investigated the effects of compression stockings and there is a lack of studies using different compression garments such as compression shorts, shirts and sleeves. Thus, the purpose of this text is to briefly review the possible effects of compression garments on exercise performance and muscle recovery.

The combination of Strength Training (ST) with Aerobic Training (AT) exercises in the same training session, which commonly appears in literature as the concurrent training, is widely used in fitness and physical condition programs, especially when the aim is to increase the energy expenditure during and after training session. The aim of this study was to identify, through literature, whether the combination of exercises of the ST with exercises of the AT allows changes in body composition and energy expenditure during and after the training session. Chronic studies have showed a positive effect on body composition (decreased in relative body fat) when the ST are combined with AT. Similarly, the acute effects of the order of combining these two types of exercise does not seem to affect energy expenditure, measured by oxygen consumption (VO2), during the training session and only change this expenditure in the first 15 minutes after the training session. In conclusion, we can say that the studies indicate that the combination of exercises of the ST with exercises of the AT has a positive effect on changes in body composition, and energy expenditure during and after training sessions.

The aim of this study was to identify the acute eff ects of hypertrophic strength training programs on the vertical jump and technical actions in small-sided handball games during preseason. 12 senior male players ( M age = 22.2 yr., SD = 3.4) participated in 3 × 3 and 6 × 6 small-sided games preceded by no strength training or upper limbs/ lower limbs/ upper+lower limbs strength training. The results showed that strength training aff ected the vertical jump performance and the eff ectiveness of some skills. The higher physiological stimuli during 3 × 3 games promoted the deterioration of some skills' profi ciency, mainly during small-sided games with preceding strength training. The 6 × 6 games elicited higher cooperation and interaction between players and potentiated the vertical jump performance after strength training. Thus, when training sessions are focused on the development of skills performance, combining hypertrophic strength training with 3 × 3 games may be detrimental. On the other hand, coaches should use strength training before 6 × 6 small-sided games to develop the technical profi ciency in a game context without the impairment of the vertical jump capacity and technical skills.

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Aims: Stroke represents one of the main causes of mobility and mortality, occurring in three-quarters of the elderly. Rehabilitation aims at improving deficits, function and social integration of patients with stroke sequelae. We characterized an elderly population admitted for post-stroke rehabilitation and evaluated the differences in the functional evolution between elderly and non-elderly patients.Methods: We analyzed retrospectively all the patients suffering a stroke admitted in a Centre of Rehabilitation Medicine between June 1, 2014, and May 31, 2016. Patients were divided into 2 groups: elderly (65 years) and non-elderly (<65 years). The following variables were analyzed: sex, age, days of admission, post-discharge destination and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) at admission and discharge.Results: We analyzed 134 patients with stroke. The majority were elderly with a mean age of 72.07±6.50. 51.3% were men and the number of days of admission was 107.4±59.5 (vs 109.50±55.7 days in the non-elderly group). 86.4% of these patients were discharged home. Comparing FIM mean values at admission and discharge, we found differences between these two groups, the elderly patients having lower FIM values at admission (75.75 vs 82.96 non-elderly; p=0.005) and at discharge (88.93 vs 99.12 non-elderly; p=0.005). There was also some difference in the FIM increase between admission and discharge in these groups. Despite not being statistically significant.Conclusions: Most patients hospitalized were over 65 years old. FIM values at admission of the elderly patients are lower than of the non-elderly, probably because the latter present specific characteristics associated with the ageing process. Although FIM increases were lower in the elderly patients’ group, this difference was not significant whereby they appeared to have functionally benefited as much as the non-elderly. Therefore, age on its own does not appear to be a decision criteria for admission.