Strength training (ST) has been studied for acute and chronic effects on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate variability (HRV). These effects have never been reviewed collectively concerning the variables that comprise a ST program. Therefore, this review aims to examine the manipulation of ST variables (i.e., load intensity, number of sets and repetitions, exercise order, and rest interval length) on BP and HRV after a session and a long-term program. The BP reduced significantly after an ST session independently of the load intensity, the number of sets and repetitions, the rest interval length, the mode, and the participant characteristic (healthy patients or patients with chronic disease). However, a high number of sets and repetitions, prioritizing multijoint exercises, with longer rest interval lengths between sets and exercises may potentiate these effects. In the HRV analyses, most of the trials showed a sympathetic predominance after an ST session. Hence, it is reasonable to confirm that central adjustments are responsible to control hemodynamics after an ST session.

Gestational hypertension can lead to fetal complications, and, if untreated, high blood pressure during pregnancy may cause eclampsia and even death in the mother and fetus. Exercise is a strategy for preventing blood pressure disorders. There is little knowledge about the physiological impacts of different physical types of training on blood pressure during pregnancy. For that, this meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of different physical exercise modalities (i.e., aerobic training—AT, strength training—ST, and combined training—AT + ST) on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of pregnant women. A search was performed on PUBMED, LILACS, CINAHL, Sport discus, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify researchers. From 3,450 studies, 20 and 19 were included in the qualitative and quantitative analyses. AT studies presented a medium effect size (ES) on SBP [−0.29 (−2.95 to 2.36) p = 0.83], with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 64%), and had a large impact on DBP [−1.34 (−2.98 to 0.30) p = 0.11], with moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 30%). ST researchers showed a large ES on SBP [−1.09 (−3.66 to 1.49) p = 0.41], with a reduced heterogeneity (I2 = 0%), and a medium ES on DBP [−0.26 (−2.77 to 2.19) p = 0.83] with moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 38%). AT + ST studies had a large ES on SBP [−1.69 (−3.88 to 0.49) p = 0.13] and DBP [−01.29 (−2.26 to 0.31) p = 0.01] with considerable (I2 = 83%) and moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 47%), respectively. These findings are essential for developing new research protocols to avoid gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. AT + ST had a large impact on the SBP and DBP reduction; however, there is a need for more similar procedures to reduce heterogeneity between studies, promoting consensual results.Systematic Review Registration: [PROSPERO], identifier [CRD42021256509].

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Purpose. the study aim was to review the isokinetic strength assessment protocols, the obtained peak torque (Pt) values, and the hamstring/quadriceps ratio (H/Q); review the unilateral evaluation protocols and normative values for flexibility; and verify the existence of asymmetries between the limbs, muscle imbalances, or bilateral differences (BD) in the strength and flexibility of young soccer players. Methods. the PRISMA model was used. Searches were conducted in PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS, divided into soccer, isokinetic, and flexibility. Inclusion criteria: articles with a sample of young elite male soccer players with an average age less than 20 years; isokinetic strength assessment: presentation of values for absolute Pt and/or H/Q ratio; flexibility assessment: use of unilateral tests for the hip flexion movement. the quality and risk of bias in each study were also analysed. Results. In the isokinetic strength, a symmetrical pattern was observed for Pt and the H/Q ratio between the limbs and divergent results for BD. Regarding flexibility, it was possible to verify a tendency towards an asymmetry of flexibility, with a more flexible dominant than non-dominant leg. Evaluation protocols and normative values were proposed for the tests of isokinetic strength and flexibility. Conclusions. Imbalances for the H/Q ratio, asymmetries, and BD for isokinetic strength and flexibility are not natural aspects of the modality and should be avoided in young soccer players. the monitoring of these characteristics and the use of interventions to restore a symmetrical pattern have become essential since the beginning of sports life.

Purpose. To analyze and to compare the absolute and relative muscle power of the lower limbs in sedentary elderly subjects with and without heart failure. Methods. The study included 36 elderly subjects (72 ± 6.5 years, 76.8 ± 4.8 kg, 171 ± 9.4 cm) divided into two groups: sixteen patients with heart failure versus twenty patients with coronary artery disease, but without heart failure. The muscle power of the lower limbs was assessed with a half-squat exercise; three repetitions were performed with three seconds of the interval between repetitions as fast as possible in the concentric phase. For the statistical analysis, unpaired Student's t-tests were used to compare the absolute and relative muscular power between groups. Results. Subjects without heart failure had significantly greater absolute (362 ± 18.5 W vs. 438 ± 22.3 W, p = 0.015) and relative (4.6 ± 0.2 W / kg vs. 5.9 ± 0.2 W / Kg, p = 0.001) muscle power versus subjects with heart failure. Conclusion. Heart failure harms the muscular power of the lower limbs in the elderly, which may influence the prognosis and evolution of the disease and capacity functional.