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This study examined the impact extreme volume-load differences for a single weekly exercise, when all other exercises' volume loads were similar, would have on American football performance variables after inseason resistance training (RT). Twenty male National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) American footballers (18-23 years, 98.4 6 19.3 kg) were randomly assigned to an extreme high-volume low-intensity (EHVLI; n 5 11) group or a low-volume highintensity (LVHI; n 5 9) group. Subjects performed the same evidence-based RT exercises and volume loads for 8 weeks thrice weekly, with the only differences being once weekly unilateral reverse dumbbell lunge (EHVLI) or unilateral Hatfield safety bar back squat (LVHI) exercises performed with different volume loads. Performance variables were assessed 1 week before (PRE) and after (POST) 8 weeks of RT. A 2-way analysis of variance with repeated measures and the Sidak post hoc test were used (p, 0.05). Extreme high-volume low-intensity had no significant (p. 0.05) PRE-to-POST RT changes in muscular strength in 1 repetition maximum (251.8 6 48.7 to 274.6 6 61.3 kg) or power in vertical jump (79.2 6 8.8 to 78.2 6 10.8 cm). Conversely, LVHI had significant (p=0.05) PRE-to-POST RT improvements in strength (249.2654.4 to 284.1655.0 kg) and power (72.8611.4 to 76.3 6 10.0 cm). Furthermore, LVHI vs. EHVLI displayed significantly greater percentage difference increases from PRE values in muscular power (6.7% 6 7.2 vs. 21.3% 6 6.0, respectively), with no significant differences between groups (LVHI vs. EHVLI) in muscular strength (8.8% 6 3.1 vs. 6.7% 6 8.0, respectively) and 10-yard acceleration (2.2% 6 5.6 vs. 3.2% 6 5.6, respectively). For in-season RT of strength and power in collegiate American football players, all exercises performed should use evidence-based volume loads to optimize adaptations because a single exercise performed with extreme volume load may limit muscular strength and power development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addressed the role of chronic exercise to enhance physical self-description as measured by self-estimated percent body fat. Accuracy of physical self-description was determined in normal-weight, regularly exercising and non-exercising males with similar body mass index (BMI)'s and females with similar BMI's (n=42 males and 45 females of which 23 males and 23 females met criteria to be considered chronic exercisers). Statistical analyses were conducted to determine the degree of agreement between self-estimated percent body fat and actual laboratory measurements (hydrostatic weighing). Three statistical techniques were employed: Pearson correlation coefficients, Bland and Altman plots, and regression analysis. Agreement between measured and self-estimated percent body fat was superior for males and females who exercised chronically, compared to nonexercisers. The clinical implications are as follows. Satisfaction with one's body can be influenced by several factors, including self-perceived body composition. Dissatisfaction can contribute to maladaptive and destructive weight management behaviors. The present study suggests that regular exercise provides a basis for more positive weight management behaviors by enhancing the accuracy of self-assessed body composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study comparing the one repetition maximum (1RM) and three repetition maximum (3RM) yields of eccentrically loaded deadlifts and conventional deadlifts. Division I football players were used as subjects. Other topics include strength training, sticking points, and training loads.

The article reports on research conducted to compare the physiological and psychophysical stress between a lifting task with identical weight but different coupling factors. Researchers evaluated 21 subjects who transferred either a milk crate or bag of dog food each weighing 12.5 kilograms from the floor to a table two times. They found that there was higher oxygen consumption, caloric cost, heart rate, and rate of perceived exertion lifting the milk crate versus the bag of dog food.

In this study, we assessed the influence of training intensity on strength retention and loss incurred during detraining in older adults. In a previous study, untrained seniors (age = 71.0 ± 5.0; n = 61) were randomly divided into 3 exercise groups and 1 control group. Exercise groups trained 2 days per week for 18 weeks with equivalent volumes and acute program variables but intensities of 2 X 15 repetitions maximum (RM), 3 X 9RM, or 4 X 6RM. Thirty of the original training subjects (age 71.5 ± 5.2 years) participated in a 20-week detraining period. A 1RM for 8 exercises was obtained pre- and posttraining and at 6 and 20 weeks of detraining. The total of 1RM for the 8 exercises served as the dependent variable. Analysis of variance procedures demonstrated significant increases in strength with training (44-51%; p > 0.05), but no group effect. All training groups demonstrated significant strength decreases at both 6 and 20 weeks of detraining independent of prior training intensity (all group average 4.5% at 6 weeks and 13.5% at 20 weeks; p > 0.04). However, total-body strength was significantly greater than pretraining values after the detraining period (all group average 82% at 6 weeks and 49% at 20 weeks; p > 0.001). The results suggest that when older adults participate in progressive resistance exercise for 18 weeks, then stop resistance training (i.e., detrain), strength losses occur at both 6 and 20 weeks of detraining independent of prior resistance training intensity. However, despite the strength losses, significant levels of strength are retained even after 20 weeks of detraining. The results have important implications for resistance-trained older adults who could undergo planned or unplanned training interruptions of up to 5 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined how training intensity affects strength gains in older adults over an 18-week training period using nonperiodized, progressive resistance-training protocols. Untrained men and women participants were separated into 4 groups: group A (n = 17, 71.4 ± 4.6 years) performed 2 sets of 15 repetitions maximum (RM), group B (n = 13, 71.5 ± 5.2 years) performed 3 sets of 9 RM, group C (n = 17, 69.4 ± 4.4 years) performed 4 sets of 6 RM, group D (n = 14, 72.3 ± 5.9 years) served as controls. Training groups exercised 2 days/week performing 8 resistance exercises. Except for training intensity, the acute program variables were equated between groups. A 1RM for 8 exercises was obtained every 6 weeks. The total of 1RM for the 8 exercises served as the dependent variable. Results: repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Scheffe post hoc revealed that, at 6 weeks, only groups B and C were significantly stronger than group D (p < 0.01). By weeks 12 and 18, all training groups were significantly stronger than controls (p < 0.01). However, no difference existed between groups A, B, and C at any time. The data suggests that, for protocols with equated acute program variables, strength gain is similar over 18 weeks for training intensities ranging from 6 to 15 RM in previously untrained older adults. When programming nonperiodized, progressive resistance exercise for novice senior lifters, in the initial phases of the program, a wide range of intensities may be employed with similar strength gain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnification error may be considered a potential limitation in our recommended analysis; however, the procedure assesses relative areas (external auditory canal and exostosis) as opposed to quantifying absolute 3D measurements of the exostosis. RESULTS AND ANALYSIS The analysis initiated with the assumption that rounding to a 10th of a millimetre SP 2 sp was sufficient for the purpose of estimating exostosis percentage ((exostosis area mm SP 2 sp /auditory canal area mm SP 2 sp )*100). Keywords: analysis; auditory exostoses; otology; sports medicine; surfer's ear; swimmer's ear EN analysis auditory exostoses otology sports medicine surfer's ear swimmer's ear 1247 1250 4 10/14/21 20211101 NES 211101 Key points Exostosis is a benign, irreversible growth of bone in the external auditory canal commonly seen in aquatic enthusiasts such as surfers and swimmers. [Extracted from the article]

Consumer wearable technology use is widespread and there is a need to validate measures obtained in uncontrolled settings. Because no standard exists for the treatment of heart rate data during exercise, the effect of different approaches on reliability (Coefficient of Variation [CV], Intraclass Correlation Coefficient [ICC]) and validity (Mean Absolute Percent Error [MAPE], Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficient [CCC)] were determined in the Polar Verity Sense and OH1 during trail running. The Verity Sense met the reliability (CV < 5%, ICC > 0.7) and validity thresholds (MAPE < 5%, CCC > 0.9) in all cases. The OH1 met reliability thresholds in all cases except entire session average (ICC = 0.57). The OH1 met the validity MAPE threshold in all cases (3.3–4.1%), but not CCC (0.6–0.86). Despite various heart rate data processing methods, the approach may not affect reliability and validity interpretation provided adequate data points are obtained. It is also possible that a large volume of data will artificially inflate metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gillingham, B, Bishop, A, Higa, GK, Adams, KJ, and DeBeliso, M. The relationship between partial and full range of motion deadlift 1-repetition maximum: a technical note. J Strength Cond Res 37(4): 909–914, 2023—The full range of motion (FROM) or partial range of motion (PROM) deadlift (DL) are often included in resistance training (RT) programs and are performed by strength athletes in competition. This study examined the relationship between the FROM and PROM 1-repetition maximum (1RM) DL and if the PROM 1RM DL can be estimated by the FROM 1RM DL. Eighteen National Collegiate Athletic Association wrestlers (20.8 ± 1.2 years, 176.0 ± 5.2 cm, 78.9 ± 10.6 kg) performed a warm-up followed by the assessment of the FROM and PROM 1RM DLs. The FROM DLs were executed with a starting position of the bar resting on the lifting platform. Partial range of motion DLs were executed in a power rack with the bar starting position at ≈2.54 cm above the patella. Regression analysis was employed to estimate PROM 1RM DL based on FROM 1RM DL, body height, and mass. A Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) was used to compare the PROM 1RM DL with FROM 1RM DL. A dependent t test was used to compare the PROM 1RM DL and FROM 1RM DL scores (α < 0.05). The PROM 1RM DL scores (226.0 ± 40.6 kg) were significantly greater than the FROM 1RM DL scores (191.7 ± 37.2 kg) (p < 0.05: effect size = 0.92). The PCC between the PROM and FROM 1RM DL was r = 0.85 (p < 0.05). The regression coefficient for the FROM 1RM DL was significant (p < 0.05; R = 0.85, R 2 = 0.73). The regression coefficients for body mass and height were not significant (p > 0.05). The PROM and FROM DL may be interchangeable modalities within an RT program, and the PROM 1RM DL can be accurately predicted by the FROM 1RM DL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of a study which investigated the impact of a squat exercise on the vertical jump in both trained and untrained male subjects. An overview of related previous research is provided, along with details of the experimental protocol. It was found that the functional isometric squat technique improved vertical jump performance in the trained men, but not the untrained ones.

Objective: The authors investigated the use and perceived use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) among nonathlete college students. Participants: The authors surveyed a sample of 485 nonathlete college students at a major metropolitan university. Methods: They administered a survey on use and perceived use of AAS to the students. Results: Forty-two participants (9%) reported using AAS (37 men, 5 women). Seniors were the most likely to use AAS (36%), and freshman the least likely (7%). Thirty-four percent of nonusers and 41% of users indicated they knew between 1 and 5 AAS users. Of the total sample, 36% perceived that 5% to 10% of nonathlete college students used AAS. Reasons for AAS use were because friends were using (7%), a desire to enhance physical appearance (45%), and a desire to increase physical performance (48%). Conclusions: These findings may have significant implications in planning strategic preventive educational programs, and health educators should target incoming college freshmen with the intent of dissuading AAS use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Validation of heart rate responses in wearable technology devices is generally composed of laboratory-based protocols that are steady state in nature and as a result, high accuracy measures are returned. However, there is a need to understand device validity in applied settings that include varied intensities of exercise. The purpose was to determine concurrent heart rate validity during trail running. Twenty-one healthy participants volunteered (female n = 10, [mean (SD)]: age = 31 [11] years, height = 173.0 [7] cm, mass = 75.6 [13] kg). Participants were outfitted with wearable technology devices (Garmin Fenix 5 wristwatch, Jabra Elite Sport earbuds, Motiv ring, Scosche Rhythm+ forearm band, Suunto Spartan Sport watch with accompanying chest strap) and completed a self-paced 3.22 km trail run while concurrently wearing a criterion heart rate strap (Polar H7 heart rate monitor). The trail runs were out-and-back with the first 1.61 km in an uphill direction, and the 1.61 return being downhill in nature. Validity was determined through three methods: Mean Absolute Percent Error (MAPE), Bland-Altman Limits of Agreement (LOA), and Lin's Concordance Coefficient (rC). Validity measures overall are as follows: Garmin Fenix 5 (MAPE = 13%, LOA = -32 to 162, rC = 0.32), Jabra Elite Sport (MAPE = 23%, LOA = -464 to 503, rC = 0.38), Motiv ring (MAPE = 16%, LOA = -52 to 96, rC = 0.29), Scosche Rhythm+ (MAPE = 6%, LOA = -114 to 120, rC = 0.79), Suunto Spartan Sport (MAPE = 2%, LOA = -62 to 61, rC = 0.96). All photoplethysmography-based (PPG) devices displayed poor heart rate agreement during variable intensity trail running. Until technological advances occur in PPG-based devices allowing for acceptable agreement, heart rate in outdoor environments should be obtained using an ECG-based chest strap that can be connected to a wristwatch or other comparable receiver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Footpod monitors are wearable devices attaching to the shoe with the ability to sense oscillations in leg movement; however, few studies provide reliability. The purpose was to provide reliability data for outdoor tasks as measured by the Stryd Power Meter, which is a footpod monitor. Young healthy individuals (N=20, male n=12, female n=8) completed two 5-min self-paced walks along a trail, and two 5-min trail runs. Reliability of the tasks was determined using Coefficient of Variation (CV), Intraclass Correlation (ICC), and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Measures during trail running that returned a CV less than 10%, met the ICC threshold of 0.70, and displayed good to excellent 95% CI included pace, average elapsed power, average elapsed form power, average elapsed leg spring, and vertical oscillation. The only variable during walking to meet these criteria was maximal power (CV=4.02%, ICC=0.968, CI=0.902, 0.989). Running tasks completed on a trail generally return more consistent measures for variables that can be obtained from the Stryd footpod device than walking tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of U.S. adults participate in outdoor recreation, and hiking is a top activity. However, little literature exists in which the physiological responses to trail hiking are detailed. The purposes of this study were to compare cardiovascular and perceived exertion measurements during hiking on an easy rated versus a strenuous trail and to determine the reliability on the easy trail. Volunteers completed two easy hikes in 1 day and 1 strenuously rated trail the next day. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded. Significant test-retest reliability was observed for HR, SBP, and RPE. The strenuous uphill trail elicited increased HR and RPE compared with the easy trail and the downhill portion. This shows that select cardiovascular and perceived exertion variables have moderate to high test-retest reliability. These results provide evidence that leisure trail hiking likely provides sufficient cardiovascular stimulation to induce beneficial physiological adaptations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thousands of masters athletes participate quadrennially in the World Masters Games (WMG). However, this unique cohort remains under-investigated. With a need for multifaceted solutions to the global obesity epidemic, investigating special populations such as those competing in sport at older ages may further understanding of the nexus between aging, physical activity and obesity. Research question: To investigate body mass index (BMI) within the WMG competitors in context with national populations and health guidelines. To test the hypotheses prevalence of obesity in the WMG cohort would be less than comparative national populations and males would demonstrate a higher level of obesity than females. Type of study: Cross-sectional comparative study. Methods: 592 (44.3% male, 55.7% female) WMG soccer players aged 29-66yrs (mean 47.6, SD ± 6.9) were investigated via an online survey and compared to national populations, primarily a representative sample (n=9,501) of the Australian population (aged 30-65yrs). Results: Analysis demonstrated a significantly (p<0.001) reduced classification of obesity compared to Australian and other national populations. The investigation revealed, amongst other findings, that male soccer players had higher BMI than females (p<0.001).Conclusions: This study indicated that one key index of health, namely obesity, was on average far lower in WMG soccer players compared to a representative sample of population controls. This finding may indicate a lower risk for many diseases, such as type 2 diabetes or heart diseases, in masters soccer players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which aims to establish the relationship of plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) to physiologic parameters and cardiac morphologic characteristics of young athletes. The study found that the physiologic parameters and cardiac morphologic characteristics of young athletes have no correlation between BNP, mean arterial pressure, body mass index, and left ventricular (LV) mass index. The study also assessed that the plasma BNP levels in healthy young athletes have no correlation to body mass index or LV mass.

The purpose of this study was to examine lower extremity kinematics following implementation of the Sportsmetrics Warm-Up for Injury Prevention and Performance (WIPP) training program. The hypothesis was that there would be no difference in landing mechanics between 2 groups of female youth soccer players (9-11 years of age), with 1 group (Treatment) completing the 8-week-duration (2 days per week) WIPP program and the other serving as a Control group. We recruited 21 female youth soccer players. Treatment (n = 12) and Control (n = 9) groups were established. Using the Sportsmetrics Software for Analysis of Jumping Mechanics, we analyzed lower extremity movement during landing after subjects jumped off a 30.5-cm box and immediately went into a vertical jump. No significant changes in knee separation values were observed in the Treatment group after 8 weeks of WIPP training. The results indicate that 8 weeks of WIPP training did not significantly alter landing strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research suggests high impact forces generated during landings contribute to noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. In women, neuromuscular differences appear to modify the ability to dissipate landing forces when compared to men. This study examined peak vertical impact forces (Fp) and rate of force development (RFD) following a 9-week, low-intensity (simple jump-landing-jump tasks) and volume (number of foot contacts per workout) plyometric-based knee ligament injury prevention (KLIP) program. Female subjects were randomly assigned into control (n = 14) and treatment (n = 14) groups. Treatment subjects attended KLIP sessions twice a week for 9 weeks, and control subjects received no intervention. Ground reaction forces (Fp and RFD) generated during a step-land protocol were assessed at study onset and termination. Significant reductions in Fp (p = 0.0004) and RFD (p = 0.0205) were observed in the treatment group. Our results indicate that 9 weeks of KLIP training altered landing strategies in women to lower Fp and RFD. These changes are considered conducive to a reduced risk of knee injury while landing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: This double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study examined the effect of induced painful sensation (via acute Beta Alanine (B-ALA) ingestion) on Love and Care of Nature (LCN), heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) during outdoor exercise. METHODS: Twenty participants volunteered on consecutive days to complete a 0.8km (0.5 mi) up-hill hike after consuming either B-ALA (6.4g) or placebo. Immediately after consumption participants answered LCN, RPE, and MPQ questionnaires, immersed in a natural environment for 45 minutes, and then completed a hike as quickly as possible without running. RESULTS: No difference in HR (p = .846), or RPE (p = .606) were observed between treatments. Total MPQ scores increased with consumption of B-ALA (p = 0.001). An increased LCN score was observed following exercise regardless of condition (p = .035). CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that acute B-ALA supplementation is effective in increasing perceived pain. The results also demonstrate an increase in LCN in the presence of increased perceptions of pain during exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research suggests that warm-ups which elicit a post activation potentiation (PAP) effect via high intensity muscular contractions may increase performance in subsequent activities requiring strength and power. Warm-up strategies designed to elicit a PAP may positively impact performance. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if a cycling warm-up that included a maximal overload would elicit a PAP effect and increase subsequent sprint cycling power output. Ten (age = 22 + 2yrs; mass = 75 + 15 kg;ht = 173 + 11 cm) recreationally trained athletic males (n = 7) and females (n = 3) participated in a with-in subjects design consisting of two randomly ordered sessions of sprint cycling on a bicycle ergometer with computer interface to assess power output. Two warm-up conditions were employed over two days. The standard warm-up condition consisted of a 4 minute stationary cycle ride with little resistance (1 kg) at a self-selected cadence. The overload warm-up condition consisted of the standard warm-up, plus an overload condition. That is, after the standard warm-up, in the overload condition subjects rested for 4-minutes while the weight basket was loaded to full capacity (10 kg). At 4 minutes, subjects pedaled the cycle as fast as possible. At maximal pedaling rpm, the weight basket was dropped manually, loading the cycle and starting a 10-second timer. In order to elicit complete fatigue (i.e. failure to pedal) within 8-10 seconds, the researcher pressed down as needed on the weight basket thereby increasing cycling resistance. After completing each individual warm-up condition, subjects then rested for 4-minutes, while 7.5% of the subject's body weight (kg) was loaded on the weight basket. At the 4-minute mark, subjects then pedaled the cycle as fast as possible. Once the subject reached 150 rpm (near maximal) on the cycle, the weight basket dropped, loading the cycle and starting a 10-second timer; the subject continued to pedal as hard as possible throughout the 10-second test. Paired Samples T-test was used to determine if there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in power output between the two conditions. The results of this study demonstrated a significant increase (p < 0.05) in relative (W/kg) and absolute (Watts) power output (13.1 + 3.0 vs. 13.4 + 3.0 and 1002.0 + 273.4 vs. 1030.2 + 270.5, respectively) after subjects performed a maximal sprint cycle overload as compared to a standard warm-up. Despite an increase in power in the overload condition, no difference was observed in fatigue (percent power drop) between the two conditions. Data from this study suggests that the use of an overload sprint cycle warm-up may enhance activities where peak power output is required and needs to be maintained for short bouts. The coach may consider using this type of variation in overload during their dynamic, athletic warm-up to optimize performance in sports where peak and short-term power output are key components of competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]