The aim of this study was to estimate the influence of a 33-week swimming program on aerobic capacity, muscle strength, balance, flexibility, and body composition of adolescents with Down syndrome (DS). Twenty-two adolescents diagnosed with DS were randomly allocated into the training group (T) and the control group (C). The T group participated in 33 weeks of water-based exercise and a swimming program while the control group maintained their normal daily activity. Following thirty-three weeks of swimming program, body mass, body fat, and BMI of the T group decreased significantly (from 56.8 ± 7.97 kg to 55.0 ± 7.11 kg, from 15.1 ± 4.47 kg to 13.2 ± 3.92 kg, and from 25.1 ± 2.37 to 24.0 ± 2.05, respectively) while a significant increase was recorded in C (from 57.3 ± 8.43 kg to 59.7 ± 8.29 kg, from 14.5 ± 2.76 kg to 16.0 ± 3.11 kg, and from 25.4 ± 2.46 to 26.0 ± 2.72, respectively). Moreover, significant improvement in aerobic capacity in the T group was noted; VO₂max (mL/kg/min) increased by 16.3% in T and decreased by 4.8% in C. Improvement in static arm strength, trunk strength and endurance/functional strength were noted in T, while the parameters did not change in C. The speed of arm movement, balance and flexibility did not change following the intervention. Also, the aquatic skills improved significantly in the training group. Changes in C were not significant. The results of our study indicate that 33-week swimming program significantly improved health status and swimming skills in adolescents with DS.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of inertial training on upper and lower extremity strength in the elderly. The study also assessed the influence of inertial training on their independence, balance, and speed and quality of gait. Methods: Twenty physically inactive older residents of a nursing home (6 women and 14 men; age, 76.7 ± 8.77 years) were randomized to a training (T; n = 10) or control group (C; n = 10). The T group performed inertial training twice a week for 6 weeks using a Cyklotren inertial device. Each training session included 12 exercise sets involving the elbow and knee flexor and extensor muscles (3 sets per single muscle group). The training loads were 10 and 20 kg for the upper and lower extremities, respectively. Before and after training, the maximum force of trained muscles was evaluated under training conditions. Functional tests were also completed. Results: Participants from the T group had significantly increased (37.1– 69.1%) elbow and knee flexor and extensor muscle strength. Improvement in upper and lower limb strength in non-specific conditions was also noted; 23.3% and 40.6%, respectively. Functional abilities improved significantly in the T group (Tinetti balance test: 29%, Tinetti gait tests: 18.6%, and gait speed (8-Foot Up-and-Go): 12.8%), while remaining unchanged in C. Conclusion: We strongly recommend a daily routine of inertial training for older adults. Benefits from inertial training can reduce the risk of falls and increase the safety and independence of the elderly.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of inertial training on the muscle strength, on breast-cancer-related lymphedema, and on quality of life in breast cancer survivors. After a mastectomy, 24 women (age, 66.2 ± 10.6 years) were randomized to a training (n = 12) or control group (n = 12). The training group performed inertial training twice per week for 6 weeks with a training load of about 70% of the maximal force. Before and after training, we tested the maximum force of shoulder flexors, extensors, abductors, and adductors; body composition; breast-cancer-related lymphedema; and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand. Inertial training significantly improved the strength in all tested muscles (from 32 to 68%; effect size (ES) from 0.89 to 1.85 in the impaired limb and from 31 to 64%; ES from 0.86 to 1.57 in the unimpaired limb). However, changes in the control group were not significant. Quality of life improved following treatment; the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand score decreased significantly by 24.5% (ES from—0.29 to 1.38), p ≤ 0.05 in the training group and by 3.99% (ES from −0.49 to 1.14) in the control group p > 0.05. Breast-cancer-related lymphedema and body composition did not change significantly after the intervention in either group. We recommend inertial training for increasing muscle strength and improving quality of life in breast cancer survivors.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of dry‐land inertial training (IT) on muscle force, muscle power, and swimming performance. Fourteen young, national‐level, competitive swimmers were randomly divided into IT and control (C) groups. The experiment lasted four weeks, during which time both groups underwent their regular swimming training. In addition, the IT group underwent IT using the Inertial Training Measurement System (ITMS) three times per week. The muscle groups involved during the upsweep phase of the arm stroke in front crawl and butterfly stroke were trained. Before and after training, muscle force and power were measured under IT conditions. Simultaneously with the biomechanical measurements on the ITMS, the electrical activity of the triceps brachii was registered. After four weeks of training, a 12.8% increase in the muscle force and 14.2% increase in the muscle power (p < .05) were noted in the IT group. Moreover, electromyography amplitude of triceps brachii recorded during strength measurements increased by 22.7% in the IT group. Moreover, swimming velocity in the 100 m butterfly and 50 m freestyle improved significantly following the four weeks of dry‐land IT (−1.86% and −0.76%, respectively). Changes in the C group were trivial. Moreover, values of force and power registered during the ITMS test correlated negatively with the 100 m butterfly and 50 m freestyle swimming times (r value ranged from −.80 to −.91). These results suggest that IT can be useful in swimming practice.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the positive and negative aspects of pole dance training. METHODS: We included 30 women trained in pole dancing and 30 untrained young women. We measured maximal hand strength, lower back and hamstring muscle flexibility, and body composition. Participants also completed an anonymous questionnaire, which mainly asked about injuries. RESULTS: The pole dancers possessed significantly greater muscle strength and lower back and hamstring muscle flexibility compared to untrained controls. Pole dancers had significantly less body fat and significantly more muscle mass in the upper limbs compared to untrained controls. During two years of pole dance training, 36.7% of the dancers had sustained acute injuries (mainly muscle, shoulder joint, and wrist injuries) and 80% of the dancers had sustained a chronic injury. Most injuries occurred during handsprings, twines, and carousel performances. Moreover, pole dancers experienced more menstrual irregularities than the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Pole dancing had many positive physiological effects, but pole dancers should be aware that pole dancing and behavior associated with training significantly increased the risk of injury. The most important factors which can protect pole dancers by acute injuries are well performed warm-up and balanced diet. Results indicate that many attempts at weight loss are connected with high risk of acute injury.

This study aimed to estimate the efficacy of inertial training in older women using the Inertial Training and Measurement System (ITMS), an original device. Forty-five active women age 53–74 yr performed inertial training with 2 different loads (0 or 5 kg) 3 times weekly for 4 wk. Training sessions consisted of exercises involving the shoulder muscles of the dominant and nondominant arms. The maximal torque and power developed by the dominant and nondominant arms in the 0-kg and 5-kg groups were significantly greater after 4 wk of inertial training (with the exception of torque for the nondominant arm in the 5-kg group; p > .05). Thus, short-term training using the ITMS is efficacious and can be used in older women to improve strength and power. However, ITMS training-induced changes in older women are greater after application of smaller external loads.