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Purpose: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability in the US, yet a feasible assessment measure with predictive value for components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) Core Set for Stroke is lacking. The purpose of the present study was to explore the predictive value of potential assessment measures on factors within each ICF component in stroke survivors. Materials and Methods: Demographic, anthropometric, blood-based biomarker, physical functioning, and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire data were collected on stroke survivors in the 2011–2018 NHANES cycles. Potential predictors (handgrip strength relative to weight, age, sex, race, education level, marital status, poverty ratio, stroke chronicity) of physical function, activities of daily living (ADLs), participation in social activities, metabolic syndrome, and meeting physical activity recommendations were evaluated using weighted linear and ordinal logistic regression. Results: Relative handgrip strength was a significant predictor of physical function, difficulty participating in ADLs and social activities, and odds of meeting physical activity recommendations. As relative handgrip strength increased, these factors improved among stroke survivors. Conclusions: To decrease disability rates and optimize function among stroke survivors, the use of assessment measures like relative handgrip strength that may predict multiple ICF components is warranted. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Handgrip strength relative to weight may be a significant predictor of multiple components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) Core Set for Stroke, including physical function, difficulty completing activities of daily living, difficulty participating in social activities, and the odds of meeting physical activity recommendations. Environmental and personal factors, such as income and education, may influence outcomes; thus, education and appropriate resources may need to be included as an aspect of stroke rehabilitation. The heterogenous and pervasive effects of chronic stroke highlight the need to identify outcome measures, like relative handgrip strength, that can influence multiple domains of stroke recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine performance differences between starters and nonstarters and between different playing positions in collegiate female lacrosse athletes. Twenty-two subjects playing on a two-time defending National Champion National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III female lacrosse team volunteered to participate in this study. Subjects were examined during the preseason period and participated in a total of 5 testing sessions, separated by at least 72 hours. Subjects were tested on their 1 repetition maximum (1RM) (bench press and squat), vertical jump, Wingate anaerobic power test (WANT), 30-second sprint using a nonmotorized treadmill, maximal aerobic capacity, 40-yd sprint, T-drill, and pro-agility test. No significant differences were observed between starters and nonstarters in any performance variable. Anthropometric analysis revealed that attackers were 15.7% (p < 0.05) heavier than midfielders. A significant difference (10.3%) between defenders and midfielders was seen in 1RM squat, while no other strength differences were noted. Attackers were more powerful in the WAnT (both peak and mean power) than both defenders (19.6 and 13.4%, respectively) and midfielders (21.2 and 13.4%, respectively). No significant differences were noted between the groups in any speed or agility measure. Although physical performance characteristics were not different between starters and nonstarters, results indicate that attackers are heavier and more powerful than the other positions and midfielders appear to be weaker in lower-body strength relative to the other positions in lacrosse. KEY WORDS performance testing, strength, power, speed, agility

The purpose of the present study was to examine the independent and combined effects of resistance and treadmill sprint training on maximal sprint velocity and power. Twenty-five male athletes (age = 19.8 [+ or -] 1.5 years, height = 181.2 [+ or -] 7.9 cm, body mass = 88.9 [+ or -] 10.9 kg) were matched for 30-m sprint times and assigned to 1 of 3 training groups: 1) sprint training only (ST), 2) resistance training only (RT), or 3) combined sprint and resistance training (SRT) for 7 weeks. Periodized resistance training was performed 4 d x [wk.sup.-1] (3-4 sets of 6-10 repetitions). The treadmill sprint training program was performed 2 d x [wk.sup.-1] and consisted of 8-12 sets of maximal sprints for 40-60 m at 0-25% of each athlete's body mass, with rest intervals of 2-3 minutes on a treadmill that was user driven and that enabled loading via a magnetic braking system. Peak 30-m sprint times, power and average velocity attained during maximal sprint trials on the treadmill, and 1 -repetition maximum (1RM) squat were determined pre and post training. The 30-m sprint times improved significantly only in the SRT group, and a trend for improvement (p = 0.06) was observed in the ST group. All groups significantly increased treadmill sprint velocity. However, the SRT and ST groups increased significantly more than RT. Only the SRT group increased treadmill sprint peak power. All training groups increased 1RM squat strength significantly by 6.6-8.4 kg, with no differences observed between groups. The results of this study showed that 7 weeks of sprint training on a newly designed treadmill resulted in significant kinematic and kinetic improvements in sprint performance. Of practical significance, treadmill sprint training enhanced land-based sprint performance. KEY WORDS maximal strength, periodization, resisted sprinting, speed

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of periodization and to compare different periodization models in resistance trained American football players. Fifty-one experienced resistance trained American football players of an NCAA Division III football team (after 10 weeks of active rest) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups that differed only in the manipulation of the intensity and volume of training during a 15-week off-season resistance training program. Group 1 participated in a nonperiodized (NP) training program, group 2 participated in a traditional periodized linear (PL) training program, and group 3 participated in a planned nonlinear periodized (PNL) training program. Strength and power testing occurred before training (PRE), after 7 weeks of training (MID), and at the end of the training program (POST). Significant increases in maximal (1-repetition maximum [1RM]) squat, 1RM bench press, and vertical jump were observed from PRE to MID for all groups; these increases were still significantly greater at POST; however, no MID to POST changes were seen. Significant PRE to POST improvements in the medicine ball throw (MBT) were seen for PL group only. The results do not provide a clear indication as to the most effective training program for strength and power enhancements in already trained football players. Interestingly, recovery of training-related performances was achieved after only 7 weeks of training, yet further gains were not observed. These data indicate that longer periods of training may be needed after a long-term active recovery period and that active recovery may need to be dramatically shortened to better optimize strength and power in previously trained football players. Key Words American football, athletes, power, strength training

Objective and importanceResidual effects of stroke include well-documented functional limitations and high prevalence of depression. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and aerobic exercise (AEx) are established techniques that improve depressive symptoms, but a combination of the two has yet to be reported. The purpose of this case series is to examine the safety, feasibility, and impact of combined rTMS and AEx on post-stroke depression and functional mobility. Clinical presentationThree participants with a history of stroke and at least mild depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionare-9 ≥5). InterventionBoth rTMS and AEx were completed 3 times/week for 8-weeks. rTMS was applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, 5000 pulses/session at 10 Hz, at an intensity of 120% of resting motor threshold. AEx consisted of 40 min of treadmill walking at 50–70% of heart rate reserve. ResultsDepressive symptoms improved in all three participants, with all demonstrating response (≥50% improvement in symptoms) and likely remission. All participants improved their Six Minute Walk Test distance and Participants 1 and 2 also improved Berg Balance Scale scores. Participants 1 and 3 improved overground walking speeds. No serious adverse events occurred with the application of rTMS or AEx and the participants’ subjective reports indicated positive responses. Adherence rate for both rTMS and AEx was 98%. ConclusionCombined treatment of rTMS and AEx appears safe, feasible, and tolerable in individuals with a history of stroke and at least mild depressive symptoms. All participants had good compliance and demonstrated improvements in both depressive symptoms and walking capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The transfer of training effects of multiple-joint isokinetic resistance training to dynamic exercise performance remain poorly understood. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the magnitude of isokinetic and dynamic one repetition-maximum (1RM) strength and local muscular endurance increases after 6 weeks of multiple-joint isokinetic resistance training. Seventeen women were randomly assigned to either an isokinetic resistance training group (IRT) or a non-exercising control group (CTL). The IRT group underwent 6 weeks of training (2 days per week) consisting of 5 sets of 6-10 repetitions at 75-85% of subjects' peak strength for the isokinetic chest press and seated row exercises at an average linear velocity of 0.15 m-s-1 [3-sec concentric (CON) and 3-sec eccentric (ECC) phases]. Peak CON and ECC force during the chest press and row, 1RM bench press and bent-over row, and maximum number of modified push-ups were assessed pre and post training. A 2 x 2 analysis of variance with repeated measures and Tukey's post hoc tests were used for data analysis. The results showed that 1RM bench press (from 38.6 ± 6.7 to 43.0 ± 5.9 kg), 1RM bent-over row (from 40.4 ± 7.7 to 45.5 ± 7.5 kg), and the maximal number of modified push-ups (from 39.5± 13.6 to 55.3 ± 13.1 repetitions) increased significantly only in the IRT group. Peak isokinetic CON and ECC force in the chest press and row significantly increased in the IRT group. No differences were shown in the CTL group for any measure. These data indicate 6 weeks of multiple-joint isokinetic resistance training increases dynamic muscle strength and local muscular endurance performance in addition to specific isokinetic strength gains in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]