Variable resistance training has been widely used in athletic preparation. Objectives: To analyze the use of currents (VRT) and the traditional method (TRAD) on speed, power and temperature in a training session. Methods: Fourteen paralympic powerlifting (PP) athletes took part over three weeks. In week 1, familiarization and 1RM tests took place, and, in weeks 2 and 3, pre- and post-training took place, where the propulsive mean velocity and power and temperatures were assessed before and after, at 24 h and 48 h. Results: There was a difference in the sternal pectoral temperatures before and after VRT (p = 0.040) and at 48 h for TRAD and VRT (p = 0.018); in the clavicular pectoralis before and after VRT and TRAD (p = 0.003); in the anterior deltoid after and at 48 h for TRAD and VRT (p = 0.026 and p = 0.017); and in the triceps after and at 24 h and 48 h between TRAD and VRT (p = 0.005). In the training series, the MPV was significant in TRAD between Set1 and Set5 (p = 0.003), in training (VRT) between Set1 and Set5 (p = 0.001) and in Set5 between the methods (p = 0.047). For power, there was a difference between Set1 and 5 in TRAD (p = 0.016) and VRT (p = 0.002). Conclusion: We conclude that training with currents (VRT) promoted greater muscle fatigue when compared to traditional training.

Introduction: Paralympic powerlifting (PP) is a sport in which the bench press is the sole exercise. Warm-up routines are considered essential for optimal performance. Objectives: This study aims to analyze different types of warm-up protocols—traditional warm-up (TW), post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE), and without warm-up (WW)—and their effects on dynamic strength indicators, core temperature, and skin temperature in athletes with disabilities. Methods: Fourteen nationally ranked PP athletes participated in the study. Their performance was evaluated following different warm-up protocols. Dynamic variables analyzed included Maximum Velocity (VMax), Mean Propulsive Velocity (MPV), and Power output. Additionally, tympanic and skin temperatures were measured. Results: No significant differences were observed in dynamic strength indicators across the different warm-up protocols. Thermographic analysis revealed differences only in the triceps muscle between PAPE and TW (p < 0.001), TW and WW (p = 0.004), and PAPE and WW (p = 0.015). Differences were also observed between TW and WW (p = 0.026). Ten minutes post-warm-up, differences were noted between PAPE and WW (p < 0.001) and between TW and WW (p = 0.001). In the WW condition, significant differences were found between pre-warm-up and 10 min post-warm-up (p = 0.031), as well as between post-warm-up and 10 min later (p = 0.003). Conclusions: The study evaluated the potential impact of warm-ups on dynamic indicators of strength, core temperature, and skin temperature. No differences were found between the warm-up methods for strength indicators. Regarding skin temperature, only the triceps showed differences between the PAPE and Traditional methods. Regarding core temperature, after warm-up and 10 min later, the methods without warm-up showed higher temperatures than the PAPE and Traditional methods. Therefore, in practical applications, warm-up methods do not appear to interfere with strength indicators, with lower skin temperatures for the triceps in the PAPE methods.

Introduction: Paralympic powerlifting (PP) is a sport in which the bench press is the sole exercise. Warm-up routines are considered essential for optimal performance. Objectives: This study aims to analyze different types of warm-up protocols—traditional warm-up (TW), post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE), and without warm-up (WW)—and their effects on dynamic strength indicators, core temperature, and skin temperature in athletes with disabilities. Methods: Fourteen nationally ranked PP athletes participated in the study. Their performance was evaluated following different warm-up protocols. Dynamic variables analyzed included Maximum Velocity (VMax), Mean Propulsive Velocity (MPV), and Power output. Additionally, tympanic and skin temperatures were measured. Results: No significant differences were observed in dynamic strength indicators across the different warm-up protocols. Thermographic analysis revealed differences only in the triceps muscle between PAPE and TW (p< 0.001), TW and WW (p=0.004), and PAPE and WW (p=0.015). Differences were also observed between TW and WW (p=0.026). Ten minutes post-warm-up, differences were noted between PAPE and WW (p< 0.001) and TW and WW (p=0.001). In the WW condition, significant differences were found between pre-warm-up and 10 minutes post-warm-up (p=0.031), as well as between post-warm-up and 10 minutes later (p=0.003). Conclusion: No differences were found among the warm-up protocols regarding dynamic strength indicators; however, TW and PAPE warm-ups maintained local skin temperature for longer durations compared to WW. This finding is significant considering the physiological benefits associated with increased temperature in sports practice.

Background: Among the strength sports we have Paralympic powerlifting, and the factors that influence strength have been investigated; among them is the relationship between strength and the ratio of the size of the second and fourth fingers of the hand (2D:4D). Objectives: The study is aimed at evaluating the relationship between the 2D:4D finger length ratio and the dynamic strength indicators, mean propulsive velocity (MPV), maximum velocity (Vmax), and power, with loads of 45% and 80% of one repetition maximum (1RM), in Paralympic powerlifting. Methodology: Sixteen elite Paralympic powerlifting athletes were evaluated for dynamic strength indicators, MPV, Vmax, and power, with loads of 45% and 80% 1RM. The 2D:4D proportions and correlations between the indicators were evaluated of 2D:2D ratios and dynamic strength indicators. Results: Moderate correlations were found between MPV 45% and 4D ( r = 0.551, p = 0.027), between MPV 45% and R‐L 2D:4D diff. ( r = −0.595, p = 0.015), between power 80% and L2 ( r = 0.542, p = 0.030), and between MPV 45% and R‐L 2D:4D ( r = −0.585, p = 0.017). There was also a moderate correlation between power 80% left 2D ( r = −0.542, p = 0.030). However, no correlation was found between the 2D:4D ratios and dynamic strength indicators in Paralympic powerlifting. Conclusion: The 2D:4D ratio presents a moderate correlation with dynamic strength indicators in Paralympic powerlifting athletes, where the ratios with the velocity of 45 of 1RM can be used as a predictor but with caution.

Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive and affective symptoms. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the acute effects of Resistance Training (RT) and Pilates on pain, functional impact, flexibility, and health-related quality of life in individuals with FM. Methods: In this randomized crossover pilot study, eight adults (7 females, 1 male; mean age: 48.5 ± 8.2 years) with a clinical diagnosis of FM participated. Each participant performed both RT and Pilates sessions in a randomized order. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 24 h post-intervention using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and the Wells sit-and-reach test (WELLS). Data were analyzed using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and paired t-tests, with effect sizes (η²p and Cohen’s d) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. No formal sample size calculation was performed. Results: Participants presented a mean body mass index (BMI) of 27.4 ± 4.1 kg/m² and time since diagnosis of 6.2 ± 3.1 years. Within-subject variations were observed following both interventions. FIQ scores decreased at 24 h after both RT and Pilates sessions (RT: 52.21 ± 18.61; Pilates: 45.50 ± 18.63; p = 0.038, η²p = 0.42, 95% CI [−12.5, −1.2]). Conclusions: Both Resistance Training and Pilates acutely reduced overall disease impact in individuals with fibromyalgia, with Pilates promoting superior acute gains in posterior chain flexibility.