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L-carnitine L-tartrate (LCLT) supplementation beneficially affects markers of postexercise metabolic stress and muscle damage. However, to date, no study has determined the dose response of LCLT to elicit such responses. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of different doses of LCLT on criterion variables previously shown to be responsive to LCLT supplementation. Eight healthy men (22 [+ or -] 3 y, 174 [+ or -] 5 cm, 83.0 [+ or -] 15.3 kg) were supplemented with 0 g, 1 g, and 2 g of LCLT for 3 weeks and then performed a bout of resistance exercise (5 sets of 15-20 repetition maximum with a 2-min rest between sets) with associated blood draws. This procedure was performed in a balanced, randomized, repeated measures design. Serum carnitine concentrations increased (p [less than or equal to] 0.05) following the 1 g and 2 g doses, with the 2-g dose providing the highest carnitine concentrations. The 1 and 2-g doses reduced postexercise serum hypoxanthine, serum xanthine oxidase, serum myoglobin, and perceived muscle soreness. In conclusion, both the 1- and 2-g doses were effective in mediating various markers of metabolic stress and of muscle soreness. Use of LCLT appears to attenuate metabolic stress and the hypoxic chain of events leading to muscle damage after exercise. KEY WORDS. ergogenic aids, metabolic stress, performance, recovery, sports supplements, strength training

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of low- vs. high-intensity resistance exercise on lipid peroxidation. In addition, the role of muscle oxygenation on plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations was explored. Eleven experienced resistance trained male athletes (age: 20.8 [+ or -] 1.3 years; weight: 96.2 [+ or -] 14.4 kg; height: 182.4 [+ or -] 7.3 cm) performed 4 sets of the squat exercise using either a low-intensity, high-volume (LI; 15 repetitions at 60% 1 repetition maximum [1RM]) or high-intensity, low-volume (HI; 4 repetitions at 90% 1RM load). Venous blood samples were obtained before the exercise (PRE), immediately following the exercise (IP), and 20 (20P) and 40 minutes (40P) postexercise. Continuous wave near-infrared spectroscopy was used to measure muscle deoxygenation in the vastus lateralis during exercise. Deoxygenated Hb/Mb change was used to determine reoxygenation rate during recovery. No difference in MDA concentrations was seen between LI and HI at any time. Significant correlations were observed between plasma MDA concentrations at IP and the half-time recovery ([T.sup.1/2] recovery) of muscle reoxygenation (r = 0.45) and between [T.sup.1/2] recovery and the area under the curve for MDA concentrations (r = 0.44). Results suggest that increases in MDA occur independently of exercise intensity, but tissue acidosis may have a larger influence on MDA formation. KEY WORDS. weight training, near-infrared spectroscopy, athletes, malondialdehyde, oxidative stress

To characterize the effects of daytime exercise on subsequent overnight growth hormone (GH) secretion and elimination dynamics, serum was sampled, and GH was measured every 10 min for 12 h (1800 to 0600) in a control (CON) condition and after a 50-set resistance exercise protocol (EX) from 1500 to 1700. GH was measured with a conventional immunoreactive (IR) and an immunofunctional (IF) assay, and values were analyzed via a multi-parameter deconvolution analysis. EX resulted in a higher overnight secretory burst frequency [CON: 7.6 (SD 2.4) < EX: 9.4 (2.2) bursts per 12 h, P = 0.005] but lower mean burst mass [CON: 9.2 (4.7) > EX: 6.0 (2.9) [micro]g/1, P = 0.019] and secretory rate [CON: 0.68 (0.29) > EX: 0.48 (0.23) [micro]g/1/min; P = 0.015; ANOVA main effect means presented]. Approximate entropy (ApEn) was greater after EX, indicating a less orderly GH release process than CON. The estimated half-life of IF GH was significantly lower than IR GH [IF: 15.3 (1.1) < IR 19.8 (1.6) min, P < 0.001] but similar between the CON and EX conditions (~17 min). Despite the changes in secretory dynamics, 12-h mean and integrated GH concentrations were similar between conditions. The results suggest that although quantitatively similar total amounts of GH are secreted overnight in CON and EX conditions, resistance exercise alters the dynamics of secretion by attenuating burst mass and amplitude yet increasing burst frequency. pulsatile; somatotropin; kinetics; approximate entropy; weight lifting

This investigation determined the influence of acute and chronic resistance exercise on responses of growth hormone (GH) molecular variants in women. Seventy-four healthy young women (23 [+ or -] 3 yr, 167 [+ or -] 7 cm, 63.8 - 9.3 kg, 26.3 [+ or -] 4.0% body fat) performed an acute bout of resistance exercise (6 sets of 10 repetition maximum squat). Blood samples were obtained pre- and post-exercise. Resulting plasma was fractionated by molecular mass (fraction A, >60 kDa; fraction B, 30-60 kDa; and fraction C, hormones; isoforms; somatotrophs; strength training

The purposes of this study were (a) to determine whether a significant strength imbalance existed between the left and right or dominant (D) and nondominant (ND) legs and (b) to investigate possible correlations among various unilateral and bilateral closed kinetic chain tests, including a field test, and traditional isokinetic dynamometry used to determine strength imbalance. Fourteen Division I collegiate women softball players (20.2 [+ or -] 1.4 years) volunteered to undergo measures of average peak torque for isokinetic flexion and extension at 60[degrees] x [s.sup.-1] and 240[degrees] x [s.sup.-1]; in addition, measures of peak and average force of each leg during parallel back squat, 2-legged vertical jump, and single-leg vertical jump and performance in a 5-hop test were examined. Significant differences of between 4.2% and 16.0% were evident for all measures except for average force during single-leg vertical jump between the D and ND limbs, thus revealing a significant strength imbalance. The 5-hop test revealed a significant difference between D and ND limbs and showed a moderate correlation with more sophisticated laboratory tests, suggesting a potential use as a field test for the identification of strength imbalance. The results of this study indicate that a significant strength imbalance can exist even in collegiate level athletes, and future research should be conducted to determine how detrimental these imbalances could be in terms of peak performance for athletes, as well as the implications for injury risk. KEY WORDS. injury, performance, isokinetic, field test, softball

Anecdotal and research evidence is that vertical jump performance declines over the competitive volleyball season. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a short period of ballistic resistance training would attenuate this loss. Fourteen collegiate women volleyball players were trained for 11 weeks with periodized traditional and ballistic resistance training. There was a 5.4% decrease (p < 0.05) in approach jump and reach height during the traditional training period (start of season to midseason), and a 5.3% increase (p < 0.05) during the ballistic training period (midseason to end of season), but values were not different from start to end of season. These changes in overall jump performance were reflective of changes in underlying neuromuscular performance variables: in particular, power output and peak velocity during loaded jump squats, countermovement jumps, and drop jumps. During the first 7 weeks of traditional heavy resistance training, it appears that the neuromuscular system is depressed, perhaps by the combination of training, game play, and skills practice precluding adequate recovery. Introduction of a novel training stimulus in the form of ballistic jump squats and reduction of heavy resistance training of the leg extensors stimulated a rebound in performance, in some cases to exceed the athlete's ability at the start of the season. Periodization of in-season training programs similar to that used in this study may provide volleyball players with good vertical jump performance for the crucial end-of-season games. KEY WORDS. strength, power, jumping, power, periodization

The purpose of this study was to examine changes in body composition (BC) and physical performance tests (PT) resulting from a competitive season in soccer. Twenty-five male collegiate players (age = 19.9 [+ or -] 1.3 years; height = 177.6 [+ or -] 6.4 cm; body mass = 77.6 [+ or -] 8.6 kg, and percentage body fat = 12.8 [+ or -] 5.2%) were tested before (PRE) and after (POST) the 2003-2004 National Collegiate Athletic Association season. The following tests were performed: BC (anthropometric and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry measurements), vertical jump (VJ), 9.1-m (9 m) and 36.5-m (36 m) sprint, lower-body power (LP), total body power (TP), and cardiorespiratory endurance ([Vo.sub.2]max). Training was divided into soccer-specific training: field warm-up drills, practices, games, and additional conditioning sessions. A daily, unplanned, nonlinear periodization model was used to assign session volume and intensity for strength sessions (total repetitions [less than or equal to] 96 and workload was [greater than or equal to] 80% of 1 repetition maximum). For the entire team, body mass significantly increased by 1.5 [+ or -] 0.4 kg from PRE to POST due to a significant increase in total lean tissue (0.9 [+ or -] 0.2 kg). Regionally, lean tissue mass significantly increased in the legs (0.4 [+ or -] 0.0 kg) and trunk (0.3 [+ or -] 0.1 kg). Physical performance variables were very similar for the entire team at PRE and POST; VJ (cm) = 61.9 [+ or -] 7.1 PRE vs. 63.3 [+ or -] 8.0 POST, 9.1-m (s) = 1.7 [+ or -] 0.1 PRE and POST, 36.5-m (s) = 5.0 [+ or -] 0.2 PRE and POST, predicted [Vo.sub.2]max (ml x kg x [min.sup.-1] = 59.8 [+ or -] 3.3 PRE vs. 60.9 [+ or -] 3.4 POST. The only significant improvements across the season were for TP (17.3%) and for LP (10.7%). In conclusion, soccer athletes who begin a season with a high level of fitness can maintain, and in some cases improve, body composition and physical performance from before to after a competitive season. A correct combination of soccer-specific practices and strength and conditioning programs can maintain and develop physical performance, allowing a soccer athlete to perform optimally throughout pre-, in-, and postseason play. KEY WORDS. starters, nonstarters, DEXA, conditioning, strength training

Resistance exercise intensity is commonly prescribed as a percent of 1 repetition maximum (1RM). However, the relationship between percent 1RM and the number of repetitions allowed remains poorly studied, especially using free weight exercises. The purpose of this study was to determine the maximal number of repetitions that trained (T) and untrained (UT) men can perform during free weight exercises at various percentages of 1RM. Eight T and 8 UT men were tested for 1RM strength. Then, subjects performed 1 set to failure at 60, 80, and 90% of 1RM in the back squat, bench press, and arm curl in a randomized, balanced design. There was a significant (p < 0.05) intensity x exercise interaction. More repetitions were performed during the back squat than the bench press or arm curl at 60% 1RM for T and UT. At 80 and 90% 1RM, there were significant differences between the back squat and other exercises; however, differences were much less pronounced. No differences in number of repetitions performed at a given exercise intensity were noted between T and UT (except during bench press at 90% 1RM). In conclusion, the number of repetitions performed at a given percent of 1RM is influenced by the amount of muscle mass used during the exercise, as more repetitions can be performed during the back squat than either the bench press or arm curl. Training status of the individual has a minimal impact on the number of repetitions performed at relative exercise intensity. KEY WORDS. weight training, percentage loading, intensity, exercise prescription

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a very slow (VS) velocity and a self-selected volitional (VOL) velocity at varying intensities on repetition number, peak force, peak power, and total volume in the squat and shoulder press exercises. On separate testing days, 9 resistance trained men (age: 23.9 [+ or -] 2.5 years; height: 174.8 [+ or -] 6.5 cm; body mass: 80.1 [+ or -] 12.4 kg) performed a squat (SQ) and shoulder press (SP) exercise at 60 or 80% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) at either VOL or VS (10-second eccentric and 10-second concentric actions) velocity for as many repetitions as possible. Force, power, and volume (repetitions x kg) were also determined. Subjects performed significantly fewer repetitions (p [less than or equal to] 0.05) in the VS exercises (60% VS SQ 5 [+ or -] 1 vs. VOL SQ 24 [+ or -] 2; 80% VS SQ 2 [+ or -] 0 vs. VOL SQ 12 [+ or -] 1;60% VS SP 4 [+ or -] 1 vs. VOL SP 14 [+ or -] 2; 80% VS SP 1 [+ or -] 0 vs. VOL SP 6 [+ or -] 1). Peak force and power were significantly higher at the VOL speed (peak force) [in newtons]: 60% VS SQ 564.4 [+ or -] 77.3 vs. VOL SQ 1229.0 [+ or -] 134.9 N; 80% VS SQ 457.3 [+ or -] 27.9 vs. VOL SQ 1059.3 [+ or -] 104.7 N; 60% VS SP 321.6 [+ or -] 37.8 vs. VOL SP 940.7 [+ or -] 144.8 N; 80% VS SP 296.5 [+ or -] 24.7 vs. VOL SP 702.5 [+ or -] 57.7 N; and peak power [in watts]: 60% VS SQ 271.2 [+ or -] 40.1 vs. VOL SQ 783.2 [+ or -] 129.1 W; 80% VS SQ 229.3 [+ or -] 49.5 vs. VOL SQ 520.2 [+ or -] 85.8 W; 60% VS SP 91.3 [+ or -] 21.9 vs. VOL SP 706.6 [+ or -] 151.4 W; 80% VS SP 78.1 [+ or -] 19.8 vs. VOL SP 277.6 [+ or -] 46.4 W). VOL speed elicited higher total volume than the VS velocity. The results of this study indicate that a VS velocity may not elicit appropriate levels of force, power, or volume to optimize strength and athletic performance. KEY WORDS. volume, force, power, maximal strength, strength training

Progressive strength training can lead to substantial increases in maximal strength and mass of trained muscles, even in older women and men, but little information is available about the effects of strength training on functional capabilities and balance. Thus, the effects of 21 weeks of heavy resistance training--including lower loads performed with high movement velocities--twice a week on isometric maximal force (ISOmax) and force-time curve (force produced in 500 milliseconds, F0-500) and dynamic 1 repetition maximum (1RM) strength of the leg extensors, 10-m walking time (10WALK) and dynamic balance test (DYN.D) were investigated in 26 middle-aged (MI; 52.8 [+ or -] 2.4 years) and 22 older women (O; 63.8 [+ or -] 3.8 years). 1RM, ISOmax, and F0-500 increased significantly in MI by 28 [+ or -] 10%, 20 [+ or -] 19%, 31 [+ or -] 34%, and in O by 27 [+ or -] 8%, 20 [+ or -] 16%, 18 [+ or -]+ 45%, respectively. 10WALK (MI and O, p < 0.001) shortened and DYN.D improved (MI and O, p < 0.001). The present strength-training protocol led to large increases in maximal and explosive strength characteristics of leg extensors and in walking speed, as well to an improvement in the present dynamic balance test performance in both age groups. Although training-induced increase in explosive strength is an important factor for aging women, there are other factors that contribute to improvements in dynamic balance capacity. This study indicates that total body heavy resistance training, including explosive dynamic training, may be applied in rehabilitation or preventive exercise protocols in aging women to improve dynamic balance capabilities. KEY WORDS. resistance training, maximal and force-time characteristics, performance

Hatfield, D.L., W.J. Kraemer, J.S. Volek, M.R. Rubin, B. Grebien, A.L. Gcentsmez, D.N. French, T.P. Scheett, N.A. Ratamess, M.J. Sharman, M.R. McGuigan, R.U. Newton, and K. Hakkinen. The effects of carbohydrate loading on repetitive jump squat power performance. J. Strelzgth Cond. Res. 20(1): 167-171. 2006.--The beneficial role of carbohydrate (CHO) supplementation in endurance exercise is well documented. However, only few data are available on the effects of CHO loading on resistance exercise performance. Because of the repetitive use of high-threshold motor units, it was hypothesized that the power output (power-endurance) of multiple sets of jump squats would be enhanced following a high-CHO (6.5 g CHO kg body [mass.sup.-1]) diet compared to a moderate-CHO (4.4 g CHO kg body [mass.sup.-1]) diet. Eight healthy men (mean [+ or -] SD: age 26.3 [+ or -] 2.6 years; weight 73.0 [+ or -] 6.3 kg; body fat 13.4 [+ or -] 5.0%; height 178.2 [+ or -] 6.1 cm) participated in 2 randomly assigned counterbalanced supplementation periods of 4 days after having their free-living habitual diet monitored. The resistance exercise test consisted of 4 sets of 12 repetitions of maximal-effort jump squats using a Plyometric Power System unit and a load of 30% of 1 repetition maximum (IRM). A 2-minute rest period was used between sets. Immediately before and after the exercise test, a blood sample was obtained to determine the serum glucose and blood lactate concentrations. No significant difference in power performance existed between the 2 diets. As expected, there was a significant (p [less than or equal to] 0.05) decrease in power performance between the repetitions in every set. Blood lactate concentrations were significantly higher postexercise with both the high-CHO and the moderate- or lower-CHO diet, but there were no differences between conditions. The results indicated that the power output during multiple sets of maximal jump squats was not enhanced following a higher-CHO diet compared to a moderate- or lower-CHO diet. These data show that elevated carbohydrate intake is not needed to optimize a repetitive power-endurance performance when it is done as the first exercise in a workout. KEY WORDS. nutrition, supplementation, power, recovery

Silvestre, R., C. West, C.M. Maresh, and W.J. Kraemer. Body composition and physical performance in men's soccer: A study of a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I team. J. Strength Cond. Res. 20(1):177-183. 2006.--The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between body composition (BC) and physical performance (PP) in male collegiate soccer players and differences among positions and between starters and non-starters. Twenty-seven male collegiate soccer players were tested at the beginning of the 2003-2004 season (age = 19.9 [+ or -] 1.3 years, height = 177.6 [+ or -] 6.3 cm, body mass 77.5 [+ or -] 9.2 kg, body fat (BF) = 10.6 [+ or -] 5.8 kg, and %BF = 13.9 [+ or -] 5.8%). BC, vertical jump (VJ), speed (S), lower-body and total body power production (TPW), and estimated [V.sub.O2]max were measured. Values found for BC were similar than the ones in the literature. Significant correlations were found between BC and PP ranging from 0.38 to 0.61 for weight, VJ, S, TPW, and [V.sub.O2]max. BF showed a positive correlation with S (r = 0.60) anda negative correlation with [V.sub.O2]max (r = -0.67). The values for BC and PP were similar in starters and nonstarters with only TPW showing a significantly greater value in starters. It is apparent that all members of a team train to play owing to the long seasons and substitutions, and a high level of excellence is demanded of both starters and non-starters alike. Training programs that equally benefit both groups are important in soccer. KEY WORDS. positions, starters, non-starters, DEXA, lean tissue, fat tissue

Spreuwenberg, L.P.B., W.J. Kraemer, B.A. Spiering, J.S. Volek, D.L. Hatfield, R. Silvestre, J.L. Vingren, M.S. Fragala, K. Hfikkinen, R.U. Newton, C.M. Maresh, and S.J. Fleck. Influence of exercise order in a resistance-training exercise session. J. Strength Cond. Res. 20(1):141-144. 2006.--The order of resistance exercises within a training session may have a vital impact on the quality of the constituent exercises performed. However, very few studies have documented the specific influence of exercise order. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of exercise order on back squat performance in the context of a whole-body workout. Nine resistancetrained male subjects (age: 24 [+ or -] 4 years, body mass: 81.5 [+ or -] 15.3 kg, resistance-training experience: 7 [+ or -] 4 years) performed the back squat exercise (4 sets at 85% of 1 repetition maximum) on 2 separate occasions in a balanced, crossover design. During one protocol, the squat exercise was performed first (protocol A); during the other protocol, it was performed after a whole-body resistance-exercise session (protocol B). Number of repetitions, average power, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected during each set of the squat exercise. All subjects performed significantly (p < 0.01) more repetitions during set 1 when they performed protocol A (8.0 [+ or -] 1.9 repetitions) compared with protocol B (5.4 [+ or -] 2.7 repetitions). The average power for each set was higher during protocol B compared with protocol A. There were no significant differences in RPE values between the 2 protocols. In conclusion, performing the barbell back squat first in an exercise session allowed the completion of more total repetitions. However, this study showed that performing the squat exercise after a whole-body workout session may result in greater power output if the squat is preceded by a power exercise (i.e., hang pull). This phenomenon may have been due to postactivation potentiation. KEY WORDS. performance, postactivation potentiation, power output, resistance exercise, strength

Doan, B.K., R.U. Newton, YH. Kwon, and W.J. Kraemer. Effects of' physical conditioning on intercollegiate golfer performance. J. Strength Cond. Res. 20(1):62-72. 2006.--This investigation was conducted to determine the effects of a physical conditioning program on clubhead speed, consistency, and putting distance control in 10 men and 6 women National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I golfers. Supervised strength, power, and flexibility training was performed 3 times per week for 11 weeks. Performance tests were conducted before and after the training period. Significant (p < 0.05) increases were noted for all strength, power, and flexibility tests from pre-to posttraining of between 7.3 and 19.9%. Clubhead speed increased significantly (1.6~~), equating to approximately a 4.9-m increase in driving distance. Putting distance control significantly improved for the men-only group (29.6%), whereas there was no significant difference in putting distance control for the total and women-only groups. Eleven weeks of golf-specific physical conditioning increased clubhead speed without a negative effect on consistency of putting distance control in intercollegiate men and women golfers. KEY WORDS. clubhead speed, sport-specific conditioning, exercise

Acute and long-term hormonal and neuromuscular adaptations to hypertrophic strength training were studied in 13 recreationally strength-trained men. The experimental design comprised a 6-month hypertrophic strength-training period including 2 separate 3-month training periods with the crossover design, a training protocol of short rest (SR, 2 minutes) as compared with long rest (LR, 5 minutes) between the sets. Basal hormonal concentrations of serum total testosterone (T), free testosterone (FT), and cortisol (C), maximal isometric strength of the leg extensors, right leg 1 repetition maximum (1RM), dietary analysis, and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) of the quadriceps femoris by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were measured at months 0, 3, and 6. The 2 hypertrophic training protocols used in training for the leg extensors (leg presses and squats with 10RM sets) were also examined in the laboratory conditions at months 0, 3, and 6. The exercise protocols were similar with regard to the total volume of work (loads x sets x reps), but differed with regard to the intensity and the length of rest between the sets (higher intensity and longer rest of 5 minutes vs. somewhat lower intensity but shorter rest of 2 minutes). Before and immediately after the protocols, maximal isometric force and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the leg extensors were measured and blood samples were drawn for determination of serum T, FT, C, and growth hormone (GH) concentrations and blood lactate. Both protocols before the experimental training period (month 0) led to large acute increases (p < 0.05-0.001) in serum T, FT, C , and GH concentrations, as well as to large acute decreases (p < 0.05-0.001) in maximal isometric force and EMG activity. However, no significant differences were observed between the protocols. Significant increases of 7% in maximal isometric force, 16% in the right leg 1RM, and 4% in the muscle CSA of the quadriceps femoris were observed during the 6-month strength-training period. However, both 3-month training periods performed with either the longer or the shorter rest periods between the sets resulted in similar gains in muscle mass and strength. No statistically significant changes were observed in basal hormone concentrations or in the profiles of acute hormonal responses during the entire 6-month experimental training period. The present study indicated that, within typical hypertrophic strength-training protocols used in the present study, the length of the recovery times between the sets (2 vs. 5 minutes) did not have an influence on the magnitude of acute hormonal and neuromuscular responses or long-term training adaptations in muscle strength and mass in previously strength-trained men. Key Words. serum hormones, resistance exercise, muscle strength, electromyography, cross sectional area, dietary intake

The purpose of this study was to examine acute hormonal and neuromuscular responses in men and women to 3 heavy resistance but clearly different exercise protocols: (a) submaximal heavy resistance exercise (SME), (b) maximal heavy resistance exercise (HRE), and (c) maximal explosive resistance exercise (EE). HRE included 5 sets of 10 repetition maximum (10RM) sit-ups, bench press, and bilateral leg extensions (David 210 machine) with a 2-minute recovery between the sets. In SME, the load was 70%, and in EE, the load was 40% from that used in HRE. A significant increase (p < 0.05)in serum growth hormone (GH) was observed after HRE both in men and women, but the increase was greater (p < 0.05) in men than in women. Serum testosterone (T) increased significantly (p < 0.05) only during HRE in men. Since GH and T are anabolic hormones, the acute exercise-induced response during HRE may play an important role in the long-term anabolic adaptation processes related to muscle hypertrophy and maximal strength development. Key Words. serum hormones, fatigue, gender, heavy resistance exercise, explosive exercise

The purpose of this study was to present a profile of body size and composition of National Football League (NFL) players prior to the start of the regular season. Fifty-three members of the Indianapolis Colts professional football team were measured for height, body mass, and percentage body fat using the BOD POD air-displacement plethysmography system during summer camp of the 2003 football season. These data were categorized by position for comparison with previous studies of NFL football players. The relationships observed were as follows (= represents nonsignificant; > represents p [less than or equal to] 0.05): Height: Offensive Line = Defensive Line = Quarterbacks/Kickers/Punters = Tight Ends > Linebackers > Running Backs = Wide Receivers = Defensive Backs. Body Mass: Offensive Line = Defensive Line > Tight Ends = Linebackers > Running Backs = Quarterbacks/ Kickers/Punters > Wide Receivers = Defensive Backs. Percentage Body Fat: Offensive Line > Defensive Line > Quarterbacks/ Kickers/Punters - Linebackers = Tight Ends > Running Backs = Wide Receivers = Defensive Backs. Comparisons to teams in the 1970s indicate that body mass has increased only for offensive and defensive linemen; however, height and body fat among player positions have not dramatically changed. Furthermore, the body mass index is not an accurate measure or representation of body fat or obesity in NFL players. These data provide a basic template for size profiles and differences among various positions and allow comparisons with other studies for changes in the NFL over the past 3 decades. Key Words. air-displacement plethysmography, BOD POD, percentage fat, athletics, NFL

This investigation was an extension of a previous study conducted in our laboratory in which we showed that 1 month of treatment with a topical cream (Celadrin[R] consisting of cetylated fatty acids was effective for reducing pain and improving functional performance in individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee (Kraemer et al., Journal of Rheumatology, 2004). We wanted to verify that the addition of menthol to the compound would produce a similar percentage of improvement in therapeutic effects. We used a single treatment group with a pre-post experimental design to examine % treatment changes. Individuals diagnosed with OA of the knee (N = 10; age, 66.4 [+ or -] 11.5 years) and severe pain (e.g., OA, rheumatoid arthritis) of the elbow (N = 8; age, 59.1 [+ or -] 18.2 years) and wrist (N = 10; age, 60.3 [+ or -] 16.8 years) were tested for pain and functional performance before and after 1 week of treatment with a topical cream consisting of cetylated fatty acids and menthol applied twice per day. In individuals with knee OA, significant improvements in stair-climbing ability (about 12%), 'up-and-go' performance (about 12%), balance and strength (about 16.5%), and range of motion (about 3.5%) were observed, as were reductions in pain. In individuals with severe pain of the elbow and wrist, significant improvements in dynamic (about 22 and 24.5%, respectively) and isometric (about 33 and 42%, respectively) local muscular endurance were observed, as was a reduction in pain. Neither group demonstrated significant changes in maximal grip strength or maximal force production. One week of treatment with a topical cream consisting of cetylated fatty acids and menthol was similarly effective for reducing pain and improving functional performance in individuals with arthritis of the knee, elbow, and wrist. The % changes were consistent with our prior work on the compound without menthol. Further work is needed to determine the impact of menthol in such a cream. Nevertheless, our data support the use of a topical cream consisting of cetylated fatty acids (with or without menthol) for enhancing the potential for exercise training in this population. KEY WORDS. fatty acids, osteoarthritis, physical performance, quality of life

Kraemer, W.J., N.A. Ratamess, C.M. Maresh, J.A. Anderson, D.P. Tiberio, M.E. Joyce, B.N. Messinger, D.N. French, M.J. Sharman, M.R. Rubin, A.L. Gomez, J.S. Volek, R. Salvestre, and R.L. Hesslink Jr. Effects of treatment with a cetylated fatty acid topical cream on static postural stability and plantar pressure distribution in patients with knee osteoarthritis. J. Strength Cond. Res. 19(1):115-121. 2005.--The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the effects of 30 days of treatment with a topical cream consisting of cetylated fatty acids on static postural stability and plantar pressures in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of one or both knees. Forty patients diagnosed with knee OA were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 topical treatment groups: (a) cetylated fatty acid (CFA; N = 20; age = 62.7 [+ or -] 11.7 years); or (b) placebo (P; N = 20; age = 64.6 [+ or -] 10.5 years). Patients were tested on 2 occasions: (a) baseline (T1), and (b) following a 30-day treatment period consisting of cream application twice per day (T2). Assessments included 20- and 40-second quiet standing protocols on a force plate to measure center of pressure (COP) total excursion length, COP velocity, and rearfoot and forefoot plantar pressure distribution. In the CFA group, a significant reduction in the COP excursion length and velocity were observed at T2, whereas no significant differences were observed in the P group. No significant differences in mean forefoot, rearfoot, or rearfoot-to-forefoot plantar pressure ratios were observed in either group at T2. However, in a subgroup of participants designated to be right- or left-side dominant, improvements in the right-to-left forefoot plantar pressure ratios were observed in both groups. These data indicate that 30 days of treatment with a topical cream consisting of cetylated fatty acids improves static postural stability in patients with knee OA presumably due to pain relief during quiet standing. Such over-the-counter treatment may help improve the exercise trainability of people with OA. KEY WORDS. postural sway, plantar pressure, center of pressure, standing balance