Search

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of training with the Perfect Push-Up? exercise device versus regular pushups. College men (n = 37) were measured for body size, composition, and push-ups endurance before and after training. Both training groups exercised every other day for three weeks following the routine suggested by the Perfect Push-Up manufacturer. A control group performed only pre-and post-training testing. After training, the increase in maximum number of push-ups performed was significantly greater for the regular push-up group than for controls but not significantly different from the Perfect Push-Up group. Both the Perfect Push-Up and regular push-up groups made significant increases in chest circumference, arm cross-sectional area, and LBM, while the regular push-up group had a significant reduction in triceps skinfold. Therefore, a regular push-up exercise routine produces similar changes in muscular endurance and body composition measurements to those from a specially designed push-up device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscle strength imbalance around a joint may increase the chances of injury. The purpose of this study was to compare the maximal pushing and pulling strengths of college wrestlers to assess the imbalance ratio at the shoulder. Division II college wrestlers (n = 23) performed one-repetition maximum for free-weight bench press (pushing) and seated horizontal pull machine (pulling), with the pulling test performed two days after the pressing test. Pulling strength was significantly lower (p < 0.01) than pushing strength by 10.3 ± 16.3%, producing a push:pull ratio of 114.8 ± 19.1%. Body mass had a higher correlation with pulling (r = 0.71) than with pushing (r = 0.67) strengths but was only moderately associated with the push:pull ratio (r = 0.43, p = 0.02). The push:pull ratio was more influenced by pushing strength (r = 0.88, p < 0.001) than by pulling strength (r = 0.28, p = 0.21) even when weight was held constant by partial correlation. Due to the nature of the sport of wrestling, perhaps more emphasis should be placed on development of pulling strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weight cycling procedures currently being done by college wrestlers may lead to detrimental health consequences. The purpose of this study was to evaluate body weight and hydration changes during a college wrestling season. Eight NCAA Division II wrestlers (age = 19-22 yrs) who had to "cut weight" for the final match of the season were measured on four separate occasions. Body weight and hydration (i.e., urine specific gravity) were measured two hours before the match (T1), 20 hrs after the match (T2), one week after the completion of the season (T3), and three weeks after the season (T4). Body weight at T1 was significantly lower than at all other time points after the season and increased significantly (p<0.001) at each time point after competition. Wrestlers gained an average of 6.3% (± 3.0%) in body weight three weeks after the season. Urine specific gravity at T1 (1.035 ± 0.004 g/cc) was significantly higher than at all other time points, was significantly lower (p = 0.05) one day after the match (1.028 ± 0.008 g/ cc), reached its lowest point one week after the season (1.019 ± 0.011 g/cc), and rose again three weeks after the season (1.024 ± 0.006 g/cc). Wrestlers who cut weight for competition may progressively regain weight following the season. Although hydration improved by one week after the season, it may regress towards dehydration several weeks after the season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare the pushing and pulling strengths of college wrestlers prior to and in the middle of the competitive season. Division II college wrestlers (n = 18) performed maximum repetitions on a seated horizontal shoulder press and a seated horizontal pull machine. If the subject could perform more than one repetition with the maximum weight stack, a curvilinear prediction equation was used to estimate 1RM from repetition weight and maximum repetitions. Test order was randomized, and a minimum of five minutes recovery was given between tests. Pulling strength decreased significantly by mid-season, while pushing strength remained relatively constant. This caused the push:pull ratio to increase nonsignificantly (p = 0.08) from pre-season (0.89 ± 0.13) to mid-season (0.94 ± 0.07). Body mass was significantly correlated with both pushing (r = 0.59) and pulling (r = 0.60) strengths but not with the push:pull ratio (r = -0.05). These results illustrate the fluid nature of the upper-body strength imbalance ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship of selected anthropometric dimensions to 1-RM bench press and the NFL-225 test in NCAA Division II college football players. Players (n = 40, Age = 21.2 ± 1.3 yrs, Ht = 71.8 ± 2.7 ins, Wt = 221 ± 35 lbs) volunteered to be evaluated during the summer of-season heavy-resistance training programs for 1-RM bench press and NFL-225 repetitions. Seven of 12 NFL-225 prediction equations currently available produced estimated means which were not significantly different from the actual 1-RM (296.5 ± 38.8 lbs), with high correlations between predicted and actual 1RM (ICC > 0.962). The remaining 5 equations overpredicted by an average of 12.4 ± 15.2 lbs despite high correlations (ICC > 0.960) between predicted and actual 1-RM values. The best equation was the Hetzler et al. anthropometric equation developed on Division I players with a technical error of measurement of 9.9 lbs or 3.3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference between pre-season and in-season hydration and body composition of high school wrestlers. Male members (N = 21) of a 3-A high school team were measured during their routine preseason screening for hydration and skinfold assessment of body composition and again during an unannounced mid-season testing. While all of the wrestlers were hydrated at the pre-season screening, most were dehydrated (USG>1.025 g/cc) prior to a mid-season practice. Wrestlers had lost 3.3% body fat while gaining 1% in LBM. Therefore, despite meeting the mandated state standard for hydration during pre-season evaluation, a substantial number of young wrestlers may be exercising and competing in a dehydrated state during the competitive season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents research on resistance training by women. Underweight and obese women underwent varying modes of resistance training, training with free weights or a bench press machine, to determine the amount of upper-body muscle strength gained through the training. It was found that although strength gains did not vary by exercise technique, obese women tended to gain more strength than did underweight ones.

The article reports on research which was conducted to compare the speed and agility of college football players who performed the 40 yard dash on field turf and natural grass. Researchers evaluated 24 football players. They found that straight ahead running speed was the same on both surfaces but that change of direction running speed may be faster on field turf.

The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of weight gain that might be expected if college students engaged in a structured exercise program during their first semester. A random sample of first-time college men (n = 346) and women (n = 509) were selected from a required fitness class and stratified by gender and Body Mass Index (BMI). They were measured for height, weight, and gender-specific skinfolds before and after participating in fitness activities 3 days/wk for 12 wks. Results indicated that underweight individuals tended to gain weight while overweight and obese individuals tended to lose weight. The average weight gain was 0.9 kg (±2.4 kg). There was no significant difference between the genders in body composition change. Regular physical activity may be a viable means of restricting the typical weight gain of college freshman. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive potential of NFL-225 equations to estimate one-repetition maximum (1-RM) bench press in small-college football players. Players (n = 130) from three colleges with enrollments of less than 1,800 students volunteered to be evaluated at the conclusion of their off-season heavy-resistance training programs. Within 3-5 days before or after 1-RM testing, players performed as many repetitions as possible with an absolute load of 225 lbs. Six, previously developed NFL-225 prediction equations had high correlations between predicted and actual 1-RM values (ICC > 0.95) but overpredicted by an average of 1.3 to 4.2%. Success of the NFL-225 test in small-college players for predicting may depend of the desired application by the strength and conditioning specialist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of a study which investigated the impact of electric muscle stimulation during exercise on the body composition, metabolic rate and strength of post-menopausal women. Details of the experimental protocol are provided. It was found that electric stimulation produced statistically significant physiological benefits.

The article presents the results of a study which investigated the relationship between muscle strength, body weight and sprinting speed in college football players. It focused on the 40-yard sprint, and the generation of acceleration and velocity. Details of the experimental protocol are provided. It was found that the ratio of strength to body mass was a significant factor in sprint performance.

The article reports on research conducted to determine the difference between hand and electronic timing of 40 yard dashes in college football players. Researchers evaluated 59 players. They found that electronic timing produced the best measurement of 40 yard dash speed and that using hand timing produced consistently but significantly faster times.

This study sought to determine the degree of difference among selected modes of upper body strength measurement. College-aged recreational weight trainers (n = 29) performed 1-RM lifts with free weights and two machine weights. It appears that maximal lifting performance in the bench press is contingent on the type of device used for evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of difference among and inter-tester reliability for experienced skinfold testers for selected skinfolds and estimates of body composition. College men (n = 27) were measured by four experienced testers at the chest, abdomen, and thigh sites. Despite significant intraclass correlation coefficients among the testers (ICC = 0.89 to 0.99), there were significant differences for all skinfolds and body composition components. Therefore, substantial experience may not result in closer agreement on skinfold measurement among testers, which could lead to inappropriate advice for individuals attempting to reach an ideal body weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of differences in body composition measurement techniques on the establishment of minimal wrestling weight in high school wrestlers. Male members (n = 29) of a 3-A high school team were measured during their routine preseason screening at three skinfold sites by two certified testers and by two bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) techniques. Despite high correlations among the methods (r>0.76), a less experienced skinfold tester had significantly higher percent fat estimates (p<0.01) and leg-to-leg BIA had significantly lower estimates (p<0.01) than a more experienced skinfold tester and the arm-to-arm BIA; the latter two methods were not significantly different. These results suggest that inconsistencies might exist in the determination of minimal wrestling weight for high school wrestlers when different measurement methods are used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on a study which aims to determine the accuracy of current repetition prediction equations for estimating 1-RM squat performance in high school male athletes. The study was participated by fifty-two high school football players who had completed a minimum of six weeks of training and instruction on the proper lifting technique for the squat. It suggests that a separate equation might be needed to estimate 1-RM squat performance from repetitions in athletes.

The article highlights a study which compared hand- and electronic-timing of 10- and 40-yard sprints in college football players. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was employed to evaluate differences among player positions for age, height, body mass and the 2 sprint distances. It was noted that the average of hand timing for both 10- and 40-yard was significantly faster than electronic timing.

This study examined the differences in sportsmanship attitudes among English and American collegiate rugby players. Male and female collegiate players from England (18 F, 17 M) and the United States (19 F, 19 M) completed the Competitive Attitude Scale. Players were divided into groups based on years of playing experience. A gender x country x experience ANOVA revealed that English rugby players displayed poorer sportsmanship attitudes than American rugby players. Males had poorer sportsmanship attitudes than females. Inexperienced players in both countries displayed slightly, but not significantly, poorer sportsmanship attitudes than players who had been playing rugby for 2-4 years. Players with more than four years of experience displayed the most unsportsmanlike behaviors. In a country where rugby has a higher visibility and following, the pressure to win may erode sportsmanship attitudes especially in veteran players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study examining the differences between unsupervised and supervised summer training for college football players. According to the study, athletes who train under the supervision of a specialist are more likely to experience greater improvement than athletes who trained without supervision. It is suggested that under supervision athletes receive more encouragement, are more connected to the team, and are more motivated.

INTRODUCTION: Short sprints are an integral part of many field and court sports. A fundamental element of American football is the requirement of exceptional acceleration for short distances. While the 40-yd (36.6 m) sprint has been a fixture in testing for many years, more emphasis has recently been placed on evaluation of shorter sprint distances. Part of the reason may center around concern for the possibility of players incurring a hamstring strain during the execution of longer sprints. Due to the growing popularity of short sprints, many strength and conditioning specialists have begun to time both short and long sprints simultaneously. When performing both tests together the question arises as to whether the short sprint times differ when run singularly versus when they are embedded in the longer sprint. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference in times for a short sprint run separately versus embedded in a longer sprint. METHODS: NCAA Division-IA American football players (n = 33, age = 21.2 ± 0.8 yrs, weight = 105.8 ± 20.2 kg) who had trained for at least three years within the collegiate program were evaluated weekly over a 4-week period of their off-season summer conditioning for a short sprint (9.1 m) run singularly or embedded in a longer sprint (36.6 m). At each test session, players performed 3 trials of each sprint separated by a minimum of 5 mins recovery between. Each sprint was begun from a 3-point stance and timed by an automatic laser beam electronic timing system. During weeks 1 and 3, players ran only 9.1 m sprints, whereas in weeks 2 and 4, they run the 36.6 m distance with 9.1 m timed in route. RESULTS: Reliabilities at each test period were high for both the short (ICC = 0.844) and long sprints (ICC = 0.889) with no significant difference between the two conditions. A condition x time repeated-measures ANOVA revealed no significant difference (p=0.06) between singular (1.743 ± 0.079 s) or embedded short sprint times (1.742 ± 0.087 s) and no significant interaction (p=0.80). The best singular and embedded short sprints were highly correlated (r = 0.894). Bland- Altman analysis on the best times for each condition indicated no bias (-0.001 s) and a small 90% limit of agreement (- 0.062 to 0.062 s). DISCUSSION: Short sprints run singularly or embedded in a longer sprint are likely to have high reliability across trials and between days. In addition, the best singular and embedded sprints are not likely to be significantly different and will be highly correlated. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: A shorter sprint can be used in lieu of longer sprints to assess acceleration with less danger of hamstring injury and without loss of accurate information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential for high performance in many sports can be assessed by quantifying whole-body explosiveness. The backwards overhead medicine ball (BOMB) throw is commonly-used to tests this ability, but the effect of varied loading on test execution is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different medicine ball (MB) loads on force, velocity, and power output during the BOMB throw. Female collegiate softball and rugby players (n=31) performed the BOMB throw on a force plate using 2.7, 3.6, 4.5, and 5.5 kg MBs, with three throws per load in a randomised order, and 30 seconds rest between throws. A series of Repeated Measures ANOVAs noted no differences (p>0.05) in peak power, peak force, peak velocity, force at the moment of peak power, or velocity at the moment of peak power, across MB loads. The lack of differences among these loads indicates that coaches can likely compare kinetic characteristics of the BOMB throw within this range (2.7-5.5 kg). Therefore, coaches can use the BOMB throw with 2.7-5.5 kg MBs for training or measurement among female athletes to obtain reference data for programming or evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effects of four resistance exercise orders on muscular strength, body composition, functional fitness, cardiovascular risk factors, and mental health parameters in trained older women. Methods: The intervention lasted 63 wk. Sixty-one physically independent women (>60 yr) after completing a 12-wk resistance training (RT) preconditioning phase were randomized into four different exercise orders groups to perform 12 wk of RT: multijoint to single-joint and upper- to lower-body, single-joint to multijoint and upper- to lower-body, multijoint to single-joint and lower- to upper-body, and single-joint to multijoint and lower- to upper-body. This was followed by a 12-wk detraining period and another 12-wk RT in which exercise orders were crossed over between MJ-SJ and SJ-MJ conditions. Body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), muscular strength (one-repetition maximum tests), functional fitness (gait speed, walking agility, 30-s chair stand, and 6-min walk tests), cardiovascular risk factors (glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, C-reactive protein, advanced oxidation protein product, total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter, and nitric oxide), depressive (Geriatric Depression Scale) and anxiety symptoms (Beck Anxiety Inventory), and cognitive performance (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Trail Making, verbal fluency, and Stroop test) were analyzed. Results: After the final training period, all groups presented significant improvements (P < 0.05) in almost all analyzed variables (muscular strength, body composition, functional tests, blood biomarkers, and mental health parameters), without significant difference among exercise orders. Conclusions: Our results suggest that RT exercise orders in which MJ, SJ, upper, or lower-body exercises are performed first have similar effects on health parameters in trained older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nunes, JP, Marcori, AJ, Ribeiro, AS, Cunha, PM, Kassiano, W, Costa, BDV, Aguiar, AF, Nakamura, M, Mayhew, JL, and Cyrino, ES. Differential responsiveness for strength gain between limbs after resistance training in older women: Impact on interlimb asymmetry reduction. J Strength Cond Res 36(11): 3209–3216, 2022—The present study compared strength responses between preferred (PREF) and nonpreferred (N-PREF) legs in older women. Muscular strength was measured unilaterally using an isokinetic dynamometer and was analyzed for reproducibility scores, acute performance, and responsiveness to a resistance training (RT) program. One hundred eleven women (aged ≥60 years) performed 12 weeks of whole-body RT (3 times a week; 4 lower-body exercises). Reproducibility scores (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥0.920; following test-retests in part of the sample at pretraining; n = 19), average acute performances, and average strength gains (PREF = ∼6.9%; N-PREF = ∼7.2%) were similar between legs (p > 0.05). However, the individual analyses showed that some subjects were considered responders to strength gains in 1 leg, whereas nonresponders in the other. Nonetheless, when considering the responses in all strength tests, most subjects (91%) were considered responder to at least 1 measure. In addition, it was observed that the strength ratio between PREF/N-PREF legs was altered for those who presented some asymmetry at baseline, as the limbs became more symmetrical in all strength measures after the RT. In conclusion, we observed that some older women may have different levels of strength between legs; however, a traditional 12-week RT program with bilateral exercises can reduce such asymmetry by inducing greater strength gains in the weaker leg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calculating resistance-training volume in programs focused on muscle hypertrophy is an attempt to quantify the external workload carried out, then to estimate the dose of stimulus imposed on targeted muscles. The volume is usually expressed in some variables that directly affected the total training work, such as the number of sets, repetitions, and volume-load. These variables are used to try to quantify the training work easily, for the subsequent organization and prescription of training programs. One of the main uses of measures of volume quantification is seen in studies in which the purpose is to compare the effects of different training protocols on muscle growth in a volume-equated format. However, it seems that not all measures of volume are always appropriate for equating training protocols. In the current paper, it is discussed what training volume is and the potentials and shortcomings of each one of the most common ways to equate it between groups depending on the independent variable to be compared (e.g., weekly frequency, intensity of load, and advanced techniques). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]