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Guilhem, G, Cornu, C, Nordez, A, and Guevel, A. A new device to study isoload eccentric exercise. J Strength Cond Res 24(12): 3476-3483, 2010--This study was designed to develop a new device allowing mechanical analysis of eccentric exercise against a constant load, with a view in mind to compare isoload (IL) and isokinetic (IK) eccentric exercises. A plate-loaded resistance training device was integrated to an IK dynamometer, to perform the acquisition of mechanical parameters (i.e., external torque, angular velocity). To determine the muscular torque produced by the subject, load torque was experimentally measured ([T.sub.Lexp]) at 11 different loads from 30[degrees] to 90[degrees] angle (0[degrees] = lever arm in horizontal position), [T.sub.Lexp] was modeled to take friction effect and torque variations into account. Validity of modeled load torque ([T.sub.Lmod]) was tested by determining the root mean square (RMS) error, bias, and 2SD between the descending part of [T.sub.Lexp] (from 30[degrees] to 90[degrees]) and [T.sub.Lmod]. Validity of [T.sub.Lexp] was tested by a linear regression and a Passing-Bablok regression. A pilot analysis on 10 subjects was performed to determine the contribution of the torque because of the moment of inertia to the amount of external work (W). Results showed the validity of [T.sub.Lmod] (bias = 0%; RMS error = 0.51%) and [T.sub.Lexp] SEM = 4.1 N x m; Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 1.00; slope = 0.99; y-intercept = -0.13). External work calculation showed a satisfactory reproducibility (SEM = 38.3 J; ICC = 0.98) and moment of inertia contribution to W showed a low value (3.2 [+ or -] 2.0%). Results allow us to validate the new device developed in this study. Such a device could be used in future work to study IL eccentric exercise and to compare the effect of IL and IK eccentric exercises in standardized conditions. KEY WORDS constant load, lengthening contraction, ergometer, knee extensors, muscular torque

The present study tested a trans-contextual model based on self-determination theory of the relations between motivation in physical education, motivation in leisure-time physical activity, physical activity, and psychological well-being. Participants were 329 Norwegian upper secondary school students (M age = 16.5 yr., SD = 0.7). Students' perceptions of autonomy-supportive teachers in physical education were expected to be positively associated with students' psychological needs satisfaction in physical education, which was expected to be positively related to autonomous motivation for physical education participation. In turn, autonomous motivation for physical education was expected to be positively associated with perceived competence and autonomous motivation for leisure-time physical activity, which both were expected to be positively associated with leisure-time physical activity and psychological well-being in general. Structural equation models and bootstrapping supported the hypotheses and the indirect links between variables. Sex differences indicate that more research is needed on how to motivate girls to be more physically active in leisure time. DOI 10.2466/06.10.11.13.14.PMS.111.5.407-432

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and tobacco consumption in adult individuals (over the age of 15). The study was based on individual data from the City of Madrid Health Survey (ESCM05). Subjects were divided into three groups according to tobacco consumption: smokers, nonsmokers, and ex-smokers. HRQOL was measured using the COOP/WONCA quality-of-life vignettes. A multivariate adjustment with multinomial logistic regression was made, including the following as covariables: sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, drug use, and lifestyles. A total of 7341 individuals were interviewed (53.7% women), with an average age of 46.7 (SD = 19.02) years. The percentage of smokers was 27%, that of ex-smokers was 16.5%, and that of nonsmokers was 56.5%. There were no significant differences between smokers, ex-smokers, and nonsmokers in the raw scores obtained as totals from the COOP/WONCA questionnaire. Multivariate analysis revealed that smokers consume more antidepressant drugs (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.09-2.16) and tranquilizers (OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.45-2.51), drink more alcohol (OR = 2.55, 95% CI = 2.11-3.08), get less physical exercise (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.11-1.60), and have a lower quality of life (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 1.00-1.04) than nonsmokers. Following adjustment for a significant number of covariables, sociodemographic as well as health-related, smokers consume more antidepressant drugs and tranquilizers, drink more alcohol, get less physical exercise, and demonstrate a lower HRQOL than nonsmokers. Keywords Tobacco * Health-related quality of life * Adults * Psychoactive drugs, Introduction Currently, there is no doubt that tobacco consumption is the cause of many diseases with high morbidity and mortality [1-3]. Consequently, exposure to tobacco may give rise to a [...]

Despite a lack of studies on Hispanic midlife women's physical activity, the existing studies have indicated that Hispanics' ethnic-specific attitudes toward physical activity contributed to their lack of physical activity. However, little is still clearly known about Hispanic midlife women's attitudes toward physical activity. The purpose of this study was to explore Hispanic midlife women's attitudes toward physical activity using a feminist perspective. The study was a 6-month qualitative online forum among 23 Hispanic women who were recruited through Internet communities/groups. The data were collected using 17 online forum topics on attitudes toward physical activity and ethnic-specific contexts. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three major themes emerged from the data analysis process: (a) 'family first, no time for myself,' (b) 'little exercise, but naturally healthy,' and (c) 'dad died of a heart attack.' Although some of the women perceived the importance of physical activity due to their family history of chronic diseases, the study participants thought that physical activity would be a waste of time in their busy daily schedules. These findings provided directions for future health care practice and research to increase physical activity among Hispanic midlife women. KEYWORDS physical activity, attitudes, midlife, women, online forum DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2010.510387

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ahj.2010.06.005 Byline: John D. Eicher (a), Carl M. Maresh (a), Gregory J. Tsongalis (b), Paul D. Thompson (c), Linda S. Pescatello (a) Abbreviations: ABP, ambulatory blood pressure; HTN, hypertension; BP, blood pressure; CVD, cardiovascular disease; Vo.sub.2peak, peak oxygen consumption; PEH, post-exercise hypotension; SBP, systolic blood pressure; DBP, diastolic blood pressure; HR, heart rate; CRP, C-reactive protein; FIB, fibrinogen; CV, coefficient of variation; LDL, low density lipoprotein Abstract: Evidence contends lower levels of physical exertion reduce blood pressure (BP) as effectively as more rigorous levels. We compared the effects of low (40% peak oxygen consumption, Vo.sub.2peak), moderate (60% Vo.sub.2peak), and vigorous (100% Vo.sub.2peak) exercise intensity on the BP response immediately following aerobic exercise. We also examined clinical correlates of the BP response. Author Affiliation: (a) University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT (b) Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH (c) Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT Article History: Received 20 January 2010; Accepted 2 June 2010 Article Note: (footnote) Sources of Support: Supported by American Heart Association Grant-in-Aid #0150507N.

Physical inactivity is a global problem which is related to many chronic health disorders. Physical activity scales which allow cross-cultural comparisons have been developed. The goal was to assess the reliability and validity of a Turkish version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). 1,097 university students (721 women, 376 men; ages 18-32) volunteered. Short and long forms of the IPAQ gave good agreement and comparable 1-wk. test-retest reliabilities. Caltrac accelerometer data were compared with IPAQ scores in 80 participants with good agreement for short and long forms. Turkish versions of the IPAQ short and long forms are reliable and valid in assessment of physical activity. DOI 10.2466/06.08.PMS.111.4.278-284

To assess whether subgroups based on children's fundamental movement skills, perceived competence, and self-determined motivation toward physical education vary with current self-reported physical activity, a sample of 316 Finnish Grade 7 students completed fundamental movement skills measures and self-report questionnaires assessing perceived competence, self-determined motivation toward physical education, and current physical activity. Cluster analysis indicated a three-cluster structure: 'Low motivation/low skills profile,' 'High skills/low motivation profile,' and 'High skills/high motivation profile.' Analysis of variance indicated that students in the third cluster engaged in significantly more physical activity than students of clusters one and two. These results provide support for previous claims regarding the importance of the relationship of fundamental movement skills with continuing engagement in physical activity. High fundamental movement skills, however, may represent only one element in maintaining adolescents' engagement in physical activity. DOI 10.2466/06.10.25.PMS.111.4.115-128

This study focused on the perceived climate for LGBT youth and other minority groups in physical activity settings. A large sample of undergraduates and a selected sample including student teachers/interns and a campus Pride group completed a school climate survey and rated the climate in three physical activity settings (physical education, organized sport, exercise). Overall, school climate survey results paralleled the results with national samples revealing high levels of homophobic remarks and low levels of intervention. Physical activity climate ratings were mid-range, but multivariate analysis of variation test (MANOVA) revealed clear differences with all settings rated more inclusive for racial/ethnic minorities and most exclusive for gays/lesbians and people with disabilities. The results are in line with national surveys and research suggesting sexual orientation and physical characteristics are often the basis for harassment and exclusion in sport and physical activity. The current results also indicate that future physical activity professionals recognize exclusion, suggesting they could benefit from programs that move beyond awareness to skills and strategies for creating more inclusive programs. KEYWORDS physical activity, perceived climate, sport, exercise, lesbian, gay, racial minorities, physical disabilities, homophobia, harassment DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2010.493431

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2010.04.041 Byline: Kylie Ball (a), Verity J. Cleland (a), Anna F. Timperio (a), Jo Salmon (a), Billie Giles-Corti (b), David A. Crawford (a) Abstract: Using a multilevel study design, this study examined the associations between social characteristics of individuals and neighbourhoods and physical activity among women. Women (n = 1405) recruited from 45 Melbourne (Australia) neighbourhoods of varying socioeconomic disadvantage provided data on social factors and leisure-time: physical activity; walking; and walking in one's own neighbourhood. Individual level social factors were number of neighbours known and social participation. Neighbourhood-level social characteristics (interpersonal trust, norms of reciprocity, social cohesion) were derived by aggregating survey data on these constructs within neighbourhoods. Objective data on crimes within neighbourhoods were obtained from Victoria Police. In bivariable regression models, all social variables at both the individual and neighbourhood level were positively associated with odds of physical activity, walking, and walking in one's own neighbourhood. Associations with individual social participation (associated with all three physical activity variables) and neighbourhood interpersonal trust (associated with overall physical activity only) remained significant in multivariable models. Neither neighbourhood crime against the person nor incivilities were associated with any form of physical activity. These results demonstrate that women who participated in local groups or events and, less consistently, women living in neighbourhoods where residents trusted one another, were more likely to participate in leisure-time physical activity. While redressing macro-level social and economic policies that contribute to neighbourhood inequalities remains a priority, public health initiatives aimed at promoting physical activity could consider focusing on fostering social interactions targeting both individuals and communities. Further investigation of causal mechanisms underlying these associations is required. Author Affiliation: (a) Deakin University, Burwood, Vic. 3125, Australia (b) University of Western Australia, Australia

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2010.04.009 Byline: Christi S. Ulmer, Barbara A. Stetson, Paul G. Salmon Abstract: Although most U.S. adults have initiated an exercise program at some time, only a fraction are able to maintain consistent exercise. Instead, research suggests that intermittent exercise is commonplace among U.S. adults, underscoring the importance of identifying factors associated with consistent exercise at a level that promotes health and long-term maintenance of this activity. We proposed a theoretical model in which mindfulness and acceptance may promote exercise initiation and maintenance. Mindfulness, acceptance, and suppression were examined as a function of exercise status in 266 YMCA exercisers. Those who were successful at maintaining exercise tended to score higher on measures of mindfulness and acceptance, and lower on measures of suppression. Findings are discussed in light of our proposed theoretical model in which exercisers having greater mindfulness and acceptance are less reactive; responding with more balanced appraisals to threats to their exercise regimen which in turn promotes increased exercise maintenance. Future studies should utilize longitudinal design to examine causal relationships between variables. Author Affiliation: Department of Psychological and Brain Science, 317 Life Sciences Building, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA Article History: Received 16 July 2009; Revised 19 April 2010; Accepted 26 April 2010 Article Note: (footnote) [star] The views expressed in this presentation are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Department of Veterans Affairs.