MORPHOLOGICAL ADJUSTMENTS OF THE RADIAL NERVE ARE INTENSITY-DEPENDENT

Ladder-based resistance training with the progression of training load altered the tibial nerve ultrastructure and muscle fiber area without altering the morphology of the postsynaptic compartment

Scientific evidence regarding the effect of different ladder-based resistance training (LRT) protocols on the morphology of the neuromuscular system is scarce. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the morphological response induced by different LRT protocols in the ultrastructure of the tibial nerve and morphology of the motor endplate and muscle fibers of the soleus and plantaris muscles of young adult Wistar rats. Rats were divided into groups: sedentary control (control, n = 9), a predetermined number of climbs and progressive submaximal intensity (fixed, n = 9), high-intensity and high-volume pyramidal system with a predetermined number of climbs (Pyramid, n = 9) and lrt with a high-intensity pyramidal system to exhaustion (failure, n = 9). myelinated fibers and myelin sheath thickness were statistically larger in pyramid, fixed, and failure. myelinated axons were statistically larger in pyramid than in control. schwann cell nuclei were statistically larger in pyramid, fixed, and failure. microtubules and neurofilaments were greater in pyramid than in control. morphological analysis of the postsynaptic component of the plantar and soleus muscles did not indicate any significant difference. for plantaris, the type i myofibers were statistically larger in the pyramid and fixed compared to control. the pyramid, fixed, and failure groups for type ii myofibers had larger csa than control. for soleus, the type i myofibers were statistically larger in the pyramid than in control. pyramid and fixed had larger csa for type ii myofibers than control and failure. the pyramid and fixed groups showed greater mass progression delta than the failure. We concluded that the LRT protocols with greater volume and progression of accumulated mass elicit more significant changes in the ultrastructure of the tibial nerve and muscle hypertrophy without endplate changes.

Ladder-based resistance training elicited similar ultrastructural adjustments in forelimb and hindlimb peripheral nerves of young adult Wistar rats

To analyze the morphological response induced by high-volume, high-intensity ladder-based resistance training (LRT) on the ultrastructure of the radial (forelimb) and sciatic (hindlimb) nerves of adults Wistar rats. Twenty rats were equally distributed into groups: sedentary (SED) and LRT. After the rodents were subjected to the maximum load (ML) carrying test, the LRT group performed 6-8 progressive climbs (2 × 50% ML, 2 × 75% ML, 2 × 100% ML, and 2 × 100% ML + 30 g) three times per week. After 8 weeks, the radial and sciatic nerves were removed and prepared for transmission electron microscopy. In the radial nerve, myelinated axons cross-sectional area (CSA), unmyelinated axons CSA, myelin sheath thickness, and Schwann cells nuclei area were statistically larger in the LRT group than SED (p < 0.05). Also, the number of microtubules and neurofilaments per field were statistically higher in the LRT group than in SED (p < 0.01). For sciatic nerve, myelinated fibers CSA, unmyelinated axons CSA, myelin sheath thickness, Schwann cells nuclei area, and the number of neurofilaments per field were statistically larger in the LRT group compared to the SED group (p < 0.05). LRT with high-volume and high-intensity effectively induce similar changes in adult Wistar rats' radial and sciatic nerves' ultrastructure.

Muscle hypertrophy and ladder-based resistance training for rodents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This study aimed to review the effects of ladder-based resistance training (LRT) on muscle hypertrophy and strength in rodents through a systematic review with meta-analysis. We systematically searched PubMed/Medline, SportDiscuss, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Scielo database on May 18, 2020. Thirty-four studies were included measuring total (mCSA) or mean muscle fibers cross-sectional area (fCSA) or maximum load-carrying capacity (MLCC) or muscle mass (MM). About the main results, LRT provides sufficient mechanical stimulation to increase mCSA and fCSA. Meta-analysis showed a significant overall effect on the fCSA (SMD 1.89, 95% CI [1.18, 2.61], p < .00001, I2  = 85%); however, subgroup analysis showed that some muscle types might not be hypertrophied through the LRT. Meta-analysis showed a significant training effect on the MM (SMD 0.92, 95% CI [0.52, 1.32], p < .00001, I2  = 72%). Sub-group analysis revealed that soleus (SMD 1.32, 95% CI [0.11, 2.54], p = .03, I2  = 86%) and FHL (SMD 1.92, 95% CI [1.00, 2.85], p < .0001, I2  = 71%) presented significant training effects, despite moderate heterogeneity levels (I2  = 72%). MLCC increases considerably after a period of LRT, regardless of its duration and the characteristics of the protocols (SMD 12.37, 95% CI [9.36, 15.37], p < .00001, I2  = 90%). Through these results, we reach the following conclusions: (a) LRT is efficient to induce muscle hypertrophy, although this effect varies between different types of skeletal muscles, and; (b) the ability of rodents to carry load increases regardless of the type and duration of the protocol used.

POSTURAL COMPARISON BETWEEN A CONVENTIONAL BICYCLE HANDLEBAR AND AN ELLIPTICAL HANDLEBAR

ABSTRACT Introduction Cycling has been encouraged, not only as a way to reduce environmental pollution but also to improve people’s health. For many, the bicycle is their sole form of transportation. In view of this growth, and potential risk of injury due to excessive bicycle use, an elliptical handlebar was developed with the purpose of modifying the hand and forearm grip and improving the rider’s posture. Objective To compare vertebral spine angulations with the use of conventional and elliptical handlebars. Methods Twenty-six individuals participated in this study, in which they pedaled for two minutes with elliptical handlebars and two minutes with conventional handlebars, in order to compare the angulation of the vertebral spine using each type of handlebars. The images were filmed and evaluated by the Kinovea kinematic evaluation program. The statistical analysis was performed by Graphpad Prism 7. Results It was observed that 88% of the participants had a more upright vertebral spine angulation when using the elliptical handlebar, with statistically significant difference (p = 0.0001). Conclusion Bearing in mind that the handlebars were placed in similar support positions, it was observed, based on the quantified data, that the posture is more upright, and therefore more suitable, when using the elliptical handlebars. Level of Evidence II; Diagnostic Studies - Investigating a Diagnostic Test.

Aging Induces Changes in the Somatic Nerve and Postsynaptic Component without Any Alterations in Skeletal Muscles Morphology and Capacity to Carry Load of Wistar Rats

The present study aimed to analyze the morphology of the peripheral nerve, postsynaptic compartment, skeletal muscles and weight-bearing capacity of Wistar rats at specific ages. Twenty rats were divided into groups: 10 months-old (ADULT) and 24 months-old (OLD). After euthanasia, we prepared and analyzed the tibial nerve using transmission electron microscopy and the soleus and plantaris muscles for cytofluorescence and histochemistry. For the comparison of the results between groups we used dependent and independent Student's t-test with level of significance set at p ≤ 0.05. For the tibial nerve, the OLD group presented the following alterations compared to the ADULT group: larger area and diameter of both myelinated fibers and axons, smaller area occupied by myelinated and unmyelinated axons, lower numerical density of myelinated fibers, and fewer myelinated fibers with normal morphology. Both aged soleus and plantaris end-plate showed greater total perimeter, stained perimeter, total area and stained area compared to ADULT group (p < 0.05). Yet, aged soleus end-plate presented greater dispersion than ADULT samples (p < 0.05). For the morphology of soleus and plantaris muscles, density of the interstitial volume was greater in the OLD group (p < 0.05). No statistical difference was found between groups in the weight-bearing tests. The results of the present study demonstrated that the aging process induces changes in the peripheral nerve and postsynaptic compartment without any change in skeletal muscles and ability to carry load in Wistar rats.

Effects of Strength Training and Anabolic Steroid in the Peripheral Nerve and Skeletal Muscle Morphology of Aged Rats

Thirty male 20-month-old Wistar rats were divided into groups: IC—initial control (n = 6), FC—final control (n = 6), AC—anabolic hormone control (n = 6), ST—strength trained (n = 6) and STA—strength trained with anabolic hormone (n = 6). All groups were submitted to adaptation, familiarization and maximum load carrying test (MLCT). Strength training (6–8×/session with loads of 50%–100% MLCT, 3×/week and pause of 120 s) was performed in ladder climbing (LC) for 15 weeks. The administration of testosterone propionate (TP) was performed 2×/week (10 mg/kg) in animals in the AC and STA groups. After the experimental period, animals were euthanized and the tibial nerve and plantaris muscle removed and prepared for electron transmission and histochemistry. To compare the groups we used one-way ANOVA (post hoc Bonferroni), student’s t-tests for pre vs. post (dependent and independent variables) comparisons and significance level set at p ≤ 0.05. The following significant results were found: (a) aging decreased the number of myelinated axon fibers; (b) use of isolated TP increased the diameter of myelinated fibers, along with increased thickness of myelin sheath; (c) ST increased area of myelinated and unmyelinated fibers, together with the myelin sheath. These changes made it possible to increase the area occupied by myelinated fibers keeping their quantity and also reduce the interstitial space; and (d) association of anabolic steroid and ST increased the area of unmyelinated axons and thickness of the myelin sheath. Compared to ST, both strategies have similar results. However, Schwann cells increased significantly only in this strategy.