ORCID Profile
0000-0001-9851-1068
Current Organisation
Bond University
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Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 08-03-2018
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.4431
Abstract: Several water-based sports (swimming, surfing and stand up paddle boarding) require adequate thoracic mobility (specifically rotation) in order to perform the appropriate activity requirements. The measurement of thoracic spine rotation is problematic for clinicians due to a lack of convenient and reliable measurement techniques. More recently, smartphones have been used to quantify movement in various joints in the body however, there appears to be a paucity of research using smartphones to assess thoracic spine movement. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the reliability (intra and inter rater) and validity of the iPhone ® app (Compass) when assessing thoracic spine rotation ROM in healthy in iduals. A total of thirty participants were recruited for this study. Thoracic spine rotation ROM was measured using both the current clinical gold standard, a universal goniometer (UG) and the Smart Phone Compass app. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability was determined with a Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CI). Validation of the Compass app in comparison to the UG was measured using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and levels of agreement were identified with Bland–Altman plots and 95% limits of agreement. Both the UG and Compass app measurements both had excellent reproducibility for intra-rater (ICC 0.94–0.98) and inter-rater reliability (ICC 0.72–0.89). However, the Compass app measurements had higher intra-rater reliability ( ICC = 0.96 − 0.98 95% CI [0.93–0.99] vs. ICC = 0.94 − 0.98 95% CI [0.88–0.99]) and inter-rater reliability ( ICC = 0.87 − 0.89 95% CI [0.74–0.95] vs. ICC = 0.72 − 0.82 95% CI [0.21–0.94]). A strong and significant correlation was found between the UG and the Compass app, demonstrating good concurrent validity ( r = 0.835, p 0.001). Levels of agreement between the two devices were 24.8° (LoA –9.5°, +15.3°). The UG was found to consistently measure higher values than the compass app (mean difference 2.8°, P 0.001). This study reveals that the iPhone ® app (Compass) is a reliable tool for measuring thoracic spine rotation which produces greater reproducibility of measurements both within and between raters than a UG. As a significant positive correlation exists between the Compass app and UG, this supports the use of either device in clinical practice as a reliable and valid tool to measure thoracic rotation. Considering the levels of agreement are clinically unacceptable, the devices should not be used interchangeably for initial and follow up measurements.
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 04-06-2019
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.6973
Abstract: The feasibility and benefits of a 24-week targeted progressive supervised resistance and weight-bearing exercise programme (Group Aged Care Exercise + GAIT (GrACE + GAIT)) in the residential aged care (RAC) setting was investigated as very little peer-reviewed research has been conducted in relation to exercise programmes of this duration in this cohort. A quasi-experimental study design consisting of two groups (control and exercise) explored a 24-week targeted progressive supervised resistance and weight-bearing exercise programme (GrACE + GAIT) in two RAC facilities in Northern New South Wales, Australia. A total of 42 adults consented to participate from a total of 68 eligible residents (61.7%). The primary outcome measures were feasibility and sustainability of the exercise programme via intervention uptake, session adherence, attrition, acceptability and adverse events. Secondary measures included gait speed and the spatio-temporal parameters of gait, handgrip muscle strength and sit to stand performance. Twenty-three residents participated in the exercise intervention (mean (SD) 85.4 (8.1) years, 15 females) and 19 in the control group (87.4 (6.6) years 13 females). Exercise adherence was 79.3%, with 65% of exercise participants attending ≥70% of the sessions 100% of those originally enrolled completed the programme and strongly agreed with the programme acceptability. Zero exercise-related adverse events were reported. ANCOVA results indicated that post-intervention gait speed significantly increased ( p 0.001) with an 18.8% increase in gait speed (m/s). The GrACE + GAIT programme was shown to be feasible and significantly improve adults living in RAC facilities gait speed, handgrip strength and sit to stand performance. These results suggest that the GrACE + GAIT programme is suitable for use in the RAC sector and that it has the potential to reduce disability and improve function and quality of life of the residents.
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 06-2020
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.9208
Abstract: Depending on the stroke and distances of the events, swim starts have been estimated to account for 0.8% to 26.1% of the overall race time, with the latter representing the percentage in a 50 m sprint front crawl event (Cossor & Mason, 2001). However, it is still somewhat unclear what are the key physiological characteristics underpinning swim start performance. The primary aim of this study was to develop a multiple regression model to determine key lower body force-time predictors using the squat jump for swim start performance as assessed by time to 5 m and 15 m in national and international level swimmers. A secondary aim was to determine if any differences exist between males and females in jump performance predictors for swim start performance. A total of 38 males (age 21 ± 3.1 years, height 1.83 ± 0.08 m, body mass 76.7 ± 10.2 kg) and 34 females (age 20.1 ± 3.2 years, height 1.73 ± 0.06 m, body mass 64.8 ± 8.4 kg) who had competed at either an elite ( n = 31) or national level ( n = 41) participated in this study. All tests were performed on the same day, with participants performing three bodyweight squat jumps on a force platform, followed by three swim starts using their main swimming stroke. Swim start performance was quantified via time to 5 m and 15 m using an instrumented starting block. Stepwise multiple linear regression with quadratic fitting identified concentric impulse and concentric impulse 2 as statistically significant predictors for time to 5 m ( R 2 = 0.659) in males. With time to 15 m, concentric impulse, age and concentric impulse 2 were statistically significant predictors for males ( R 2 = 0.807). A minimum concentric impulse of 200–230 N.s appears required for faster times to 5 m and 15 m, with any additional impulse production not being associated with a reduction in swim start times for most male swimmers. Concentric impulse, Reactive strength index modified and concentric mean power were identified as statistically significant predictors for female swimmers to time to 5 m ( R 2 = 0.689). Variables that were statistically significant predictors of time to 15 m in females were concentric impulse, body mass, concentric rate of power development and Reactive strength index modified ( R 2 = 0.841). The results of this study highlight the importance of lower body power and strength for swim start performance, although being able to produce greater than 200 or 230 N.s concentric impulse in squat jump did not necessarily increase swim start performance over 5 m and 15 m, respectively. Swimmers who can already generate greater levels of concentric impulse may benefit more from improving their rate of force development and/or technical aspects of the swim start performance. The sex-related differences in key force-time predictors suggest that male and female swimmers may require in idualised strength and conditioning programs and regular monitoring of performance.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-03-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.APMR.2013.08.237
Abstract: To explore the scope, reliability, and validity of community integration measures for older adults after traumatic brain injury (TBI). A search of peer-reviewed articles in English from 1990 to April 2011 was conducted using the EBSCO Health and Scopus databases. Search terms included were community integration, traumatic brain injury or TBI, 65 plus or older adults, and assessment. Forty-three eligible articles were identified, with 11 selected for full review using a standardized critical review method. Common community integration measures were identified and ranked for relevance and psychometric properties. Of the 43 eligible articles, studies reporting community integration outcomes post-TBI were identified and critically reviewed. Older adults' community integration needs post-TBI from high quality studies were summarized. There is a relative lack of evidence pertaining to older adults post-TBI, but indicators are that older adults have poorer outcomes than their younger counterparts. The Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ) is the most widely used community integration measurement tool used in research for people with TBI. Because of some limitations, many studies have used the CIQ in conjunction with other measures to better quantify and/or monitor changes in community integration. Enhancing integration of older adults after TBI into their community of choice, with particular emphasis on social integration and quality of life, should be a primary rehabilitation goal. However, more research is needed to inform best practice guidelines to meet the needs of this growing TBI population. It is recommended that subjective tools, such as quality of life measures, are used in conjunction with well-established community integration measures, such as the CIQ, during the assessment process.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-2012
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-07-2012
DOI: 10.1007/S12603-018-1113-6
Abstract: Globally there are several operational definitions for sarcopenia, complicating clinical and research applications. The objective of the Australian and New Zealand Society for Sarcopenia and Frailty Research (ANZSSFR) Task Force on Diagnostic Criteria for Sarcopenia was to reach consensus on the operational definition of sarcopenia for regional use by clinicians and researchers. A four-Phase modified Delphi process was undertaken in which 24 in iduals with expertise or a recognised interest in sarcopenia from different fields across Australia and New Zealand were invited to be Task Force members. An initial face-to-face meeting was held in Adelaide, South Australia, in November 2017, followed by two subsequent online Phases conducted by electronic surveys. A final Phase was used to approve the final statements. Responses were analysed using a pre-specified strategy. The level of agreement required for consensus was 80%. In Phase 2, 94.1% of Task Force respondents voted in favour of adopting an existing operational definition of sarcopenia. In Phase 3, 94.4% of respondents voted in favour of adopting the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) definition as the operational definition for sarcopenia in Australia and New Zealand. With consensus achieved, the ANZSSFR will adopt, promote and validate the EWGSOP operational definition of sarcopenia for use by clinicians and researchers in Australia and New Zealand.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 14-01-2014
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 10-11-2015
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.1396
Abstract: Rationale. Many cancer patients and survivors do not meet nutritional and physical activity guidelines, thus healthier eating and greater levels of physical activity could have considerable benefits for these in iduals. While research has investigated cancer survivors’ perspective on their challenges in meeting the nutrition and physical guidelines, little research has examined how health professionals may assist their patients meet these guidelines. Cancer nurses are ideally placed to promote healthy behaviours to their patients, especially if access to dieticians or dietary resources is limited. However, little is known about cancer nurses’ healthy eating promotion practices to their patients. The primary aim of this study was to examine current healthy eating promotion practices, beliefs and barriers of cancer nurses in Australia and New Zealand. A secondary aim was to gain insight into whether these practices, beliefs and barriers were influenced by the nurses’ hospital or years of work experience. Patients and Methods. An online questionnaire was used to obtain data. Sub-group cancer nurse comparisons were performed on hospital location (metropolitan vs regional and rural) and years of experience ( or ≥25 years) using ANOVA and chi square analysis for continuous and categorical data respectively. Results. A total of 123 Australasian cancer nurses responded to the survey. Cancer nurses believed they were often the major provider of nutritional advice to their cancer patients (32.5%), a value marginally less than dieticians (35.9%) but substantially higher than oncologists (3.3%). The majority promoted healthy eating prior (62.6%), during (74.8%) and post treatment (64.2%). Most cancer nurses felt that healthy eating had positive effects on the cancer patients’ quality of life (85.4%), weight management (82.9%), mental health (80.5%), activities of daily living (79.7%) and risk of other chronic diseases (79.7%), although only 75.5% agreed or strongly agreed that this is due to a strong evidence base. Lack of time (25.8%), adequate support structures (17.3%) nutrition expertise (12.2%) were cited by the cancer nurses as the most common barriers to promoting healthy eating to their patients. Comparisons based on their hospital location and years of experience, revealed very few significant differences, indicating that cancer nurses’ healthy eating promotion practices, beliefs and barriers were largely unaffected by hospital location or years of experience. Conclusion. Australasian cancer nurses have favourable attitudes towards promoting healthy eating to their cancer patients across multiple treatment stages and believe that healthy eating has many benefits for their patients. Unfortunately, several barriers to healthy eating promotion were reported. If these barriers can be overcome, nurses may be able to work more effectively with dieticians to improve the outcomes for cancer patients.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 03-07-2014
DOI: 10.1017/S1041610214001124
Abstract: This pilot investigation aimed to assess the relative and absolute test–retest reliability of commonly used functional performance measures in older adults with dementia residing in residential aged care facilities. A total of 12 participants were tested on the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), the Balance Outcome Measure for Elder Rehab (BOOMER), hand grip strength, anthropometric measures and Bio-electric Impedance Analysis (BIA). This study utilized a seven-day test–retest evaluation. Intra-class Correlation Coefficients (ICC) were used to assess relative reliability, Typical Error of Measurement (TEM) was used to assess the absolute reliability, and Bland–Altman plots were used to assess group and in idual levels of agreement. With the exception of Standing Balance (ICC = 0.49), 2.4-m walk (ICC = 0.68), functional reach (ICC = 0.38), and static timed standing (ICC = 0.47), all measures demonstrated acceptable ( .71) ICCs. However, only the anthropometric measures demonstrated acceptable levels of absolute reliability ( % TEM). Bland–Altman analysis showed non-significant ( p 0.05) mean differences, and eight out of the 17 measures showing wide Limits of Agreement (LoA). Current measures of functional performance are demonstrably inappropriate for use with a population of older adults with dementia. Authors suggest aligning current measurement strategies with Item Response Theory as a way forward.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2006
DOI: 10.1519/R-18325.1
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1071/HC17036
Abstract: ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Physical activity is beneficial for the physical and psychological health of patients with prostate cancer (PCa). Health-care practitioners are ideally positioned to promote physical activity to their patients. AIM To identify factors that influenced health care practitioners to either promote or not promote physical activity to their patients with PCa. METHODS In idual interviews were conducted with 16 Auckland-based health-care practitioners, including specialists (oncologists and urologists), physiotherapists and complementary and alternative (acupuncturists) health-care practitioners. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach. RESULTS Treatment-related factors (ie counteracting side-effects of hormone suppression treatment), longer life expectancy and risk factors for other conditions appeared to influence the promotion of physical activity to patients. Time constraints of consultations and complex medical issues were barriers to the promotion of physical activity. CONCLUSIONS This study found that a variety of health-care practitioners are providing some degree of physical activity advice to their patients with PCa. Collaborative practice among health-care practitioners to verbally reinforce the benefits of physical activity, coupled with referral to experts in physical activity promotion/rehabilitation (such as physiotherapists), should be encouraged for best practice care.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-12-2023
DOI: 10.1111/AJAG.13164
Abstract: To develop guidelines, informed by health‐care consumer values and preferences, for sarcopenia prevention, assessment and management for use by clinicians and researchers in Australia and New Zealand. A three‐phase Consumer Expert Delphi process was undertaken between July 2020 and August 2021. Consumer experts included adults with lived experience of sarcopenia or health‐care utilisation. Phase 1 involved a structured meeting of the Australian and New Zealand Society for Sarcopenia and Frailty Research (ANZSSFR) Sarcopenia Diagnosis and Management Task Force and consumer representatives from which the Phase 2 survey was developed. In Phase 2, consumers from Australia and New Zealand were surveyed online with opinions sought on sarcopenia outcome priorities, consultation preferences and interventions. Findings were confirmed and disseminated in Phase 3. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed. Twenty‐four consumers (mean ± standard deviation age 67.5 ± 12.8 years, 18 women) participated in Phase 2. Ten (42%) identified as being interested in sarcopenia, 7 (29%) were health‐care consumers and 6 (25%) self‐reported having/believing they have sarcopenia. Consumers identified physical performance, living circumstances, morale, quality of life and social connectedness as the most important outcomes related to sarcopenia. Consumers either had no preference (46%) or preferred their doctor (40%) to diagnose sarcopenia and preferred to undergo assessments at least yearly (54%). For prevention and treatment, 46% of consumers preferred resistance exercise, 2–3 times per week (54%). Consumer preferences reported in this study can inform the implementation of sarcopenia guidelines into clinical practice at local, state and national levels across Australia and New Zealand.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2011
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2001
DOI: 10.1016/S0167-9457(01)00072-0
Abstract: For successful performance of activities requiring a fine level of manipulative control and dexterity, precise control over the intrinsic oscillations (tremor) in each segment is essential. However, the question of how in iduals control (minimize) their tremor during precise postural movements remains unresolved. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes observed in limb tremor during goal-directed postural pointing tasks. Seven subjects attempted to minimize limb tremor during a pointing task whereby progressively greater levels of accuracy were required. Subjects held a small lightweight laser pointer in their extended hand during all tasks, the goal being to maintain the laser emission within a specified target area. Frequency analysis showed that the tremor profile for the hand and index finger was characterized by two prominent frequency peaks, located between 2-4 and 8-12 Hz. When the accuracy requirement of the task increased, there was a significant increase in the litude of the 8-12 Hz peak for all segments. Analysis of the time series component of tremor revealed a similar trend with the root mean square (RMS) and approximate entropy (ApEn) of the finger tremor increasing as the accuracy requirement increased. This same pattern was not seen for hand tremor where a small but systematic decrease in both the tremor RMS and ApEn was observed. Overall, it would appear that subjects attempted to reduce tremor at the finger by exerting greater control over the hand (as evidenced by decreased tremor output and increased regularity in the tremor signal). Unfortunately, the consequence of this strategy was that the tremor in the distal effector actually increased. Changes in the tremor output observed as a result of defining an explicit external goal probably resulted from the enhanced visual information provided by the laser emission. However, it would appear that subjects were not able to utilize this feedback effectively to reduce their tremor during the targeting tasks.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 11-2011
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-2007
DOI: 10.1080/14763140701489660
Abstract: In the current study, we quantified biological movement variability on the start and early acceleration phase of sprinting. Ten male athletes aged 17-23 years (100-m personal best: 10.87 +/- 0.36s) performed four 10-m sprints. Two 250-Hz cameras recorded the sagittal plane action to obtain the two-dimensional kinematics of the block start and initial strides from subsequent manually digitized APAS motion analysis. Infra-red timing lights (80Hz) were used to measure the 10-m sprinting times. The coefficient of variation (CV%) calculation was adjusted to separate biological movement variability (BCV%) from estimates of variability induced by technological error (SEM%) for each in idual sprinter and measure. Pearson's product-moment correlation and linear regression analysis were used to establish relationships between measures of BCV% and 10-m sprint start performance (best 10-m time) or 10-m sprint start performance consistency (10-m time BCV%) using SPSS version 12.0. Measurement error markedly inflated traditional measures of movement variability (CV%) by up to 72%. Variability in task outcome measures was considerably lower than that observed in joint rotation velocities. Consistent generation of high horizontal velocity out of the blocks led to more stable and faster starting strides.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 16-12-2019
DOI: 10.2196/13929
Abstract: Online cancer support group discussions enable patients to share their illness experience with others. The sharing of technical and emotional support information and the ability to ask for advice are some of the primary discussions shared online. People with bowel cancer can also use these forums to support each other by sharing information based on personal experiences. This type of support provides newly diagnosed patients with advice about several topics, including exercise from those who have been there. Information gathered from online discussion boards may complement the advice received by health professionals. This study aimed to explore the nature of information related to exercise and physical activity exchanged online for cancer survivors. A public open access bowel cancer discussion board was searched for threads containing information related to physical activity or exercise. Keywords such as exercise, physical activity, moving, walking, lifting, weights training, and resistance were used to search for threads (online conversations) related to exercise or physical activity. Only threads initiated by bowel cancer patients or survivors were included. From more than 6000 posts, the inclusion criteria yielded 75 threads for analysis. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted across all included threads. Analysis yielded 3 main themes: level of exercise competence, beneficial dimensions of exercise, and faith in the knowledge. Level of exercise competence illustrated the varying definitions of exercise that members of the forum discussed in the forum. Beneficial dimensions of exercise revealed that forum members shared both the spiritual benefits associated with exercise as well as the physical benefits or goodness that they feel exercise or physical activity provides them. Faith in the knowledge of exercise demonstrated that forum members were aware of the general benefits of exercise but felt disappointed that it did not keep the cancer at bay. However, members also had faith that exercise would keep them healthy after diagnosis and treatment. The analysis revealed that people with bowel cancer discuss exercise and physical activity online and that they view exercise as having a mostly positive influence on their cancer journey. However, personal definitions of exercise became a source of conflict within the group. People with bowel cancer seeking information about exercise may benefit from participating in online support groups as it appears that there are many similar others willing to share their personal experiences with exercise. In addition, health care professionals responsible for caring for people with bowel cancer may use these findings to discuss exercise with their patients while being mindful of how they may view exercise.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 11-2008
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 30-07-2020
Abstract: Longitudinal research on training and dietary practices of natural powerlifters is limited. This study investigated the effect of phases of training on physical and physiological parameters in male natural powerlifters. Nine participants completed testing at two time points: (i) preparatory phase (~3 months prior to a major competition) and (ii) competition phase (1–2 weeks from a major competition). No significant changes between training phases were found for muscle strength and power. A trend for significance was found for decreased muscle endurance of the lower body (−24.4%, p = 0.08). A significant increase in leg lean mass was found at the competition phase (2.3%, p = 0.04), although no changes for other body composition measures were observed. No change was observed for any health marker except a trend for increased urinary creatinine clearance at the competition phase (12.5%, p = 0.08). A significant reduction in training volume for the lower body (−75.0%, p = 0.04) and a trend for a decrease in total energy intake (−17.0%, p = 0.06) was observed during the competition phase. Despite modifications in training and dietary practices, it appears that muscle performance, body composition, and health status remain relatively stable between training phases in male natural powerlifters.
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 13-05-2021
Abstract: The aim of this multi-experiment paper was to explore the concept of the minimum effective training dose (METD) required to increase 1-repetition-maximum (1RM) strength in powerlifting (PL) athletes. The METD refers to the least amount of training required to elicit meaningful increases in 1RM strength. A series of 5 studies utilising mixed methods, were conducted using PL athletes & coaches of all levels in an attempt to better understand the METD for 1RM strength. The studies of this multi-experiment paper are: an interview study with elite PL athletes & highly experienced PL coaches (n=28), an interview & survey study with PL coaches and PL athletes of all levels (n=137), 2 training intervention studies with intermediate-advanced PL athletes (n=25) & a survey study with competitive PL athletes of different levels (n=57). PL athletes looking to train with a METD approach can do so by performing approximately 3-6 working sets of 1-5 repetitions each week, with these sets spread across 1-3 sessions per week per powerlift, using loads above 80% 1RM at a Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) of 7.5 to 9.5 for 6-12 weeks and expect to gain strength. PL athletes who wish to further minimize their time spent training can perform autoregulated single repetition sets at an RPE of 9-9.5 though they should expect that strength gains will be less likely to be meaningful. However, the addition of 2-3 back-off sets at approximately 80% of the single repetitions load, may produce greater gains over six weeks while following a 2-3-1 squat-bench press-deadlift weekly training frequency. When utilizing accessory exercises in the context of METD, PL athletes typically utilize 1-3 accessory exercises per powerlift, at an RPE in the range of 7-9 and utilize a repetition range of approximately 6-10 repetitions.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-2011
DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2011.592341
Abstract: The Paralympic Games are the pinnacle of sport for many athletes with a disability. The overall purpose of this paper is to highlight the role that the field of sports biomechanics specifically (and sports science in general) may play in improving performance in various summer Paralympic sports through research and consultancy. To achieve this broad aim, this review provides some history and background on the Summer Paralympic Games, discusses the eligibility and classification rules, describes the potential for the constraints-led approach of dynamical systems theory to inform practice and research in this area, and reviews selected studies examining the biomechanics of the primary forms of Paralympic locomotion. Some recommendations on how sports biomechanics can help facilitate improvements in Paralympic athletic performance through applied research and consultancy are provided, along with commentary on what may be some of the most important issues addressing Paralympic sport.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-02-2006
DOI: 10.1007/S00421-006-0151-7
Abstract: The present study was designed to examine the finger-pinch force control, digit force sharing and digit coupling relations of 13 young and 14 older adults. Subjects performed four isometric tri-digit finger-pinch force production conditions reflecting all combinations of mean force level (20 and 40% MVC) and target shape (constant and sinusoidal). Older adults had significantly reduced force control, as indicated by their greater levels of absolute and relative force variability and targeting error than young adults. The age-related loss of relative force control was more pronounced at low (20% MVC) than high (40% MVC) forces, and to a lesser extent, in sinusoidal than constant force conditions. Older adults had significantly greater peak and proportional power below 1.5 Hz than young adults, with this especially pronounced in constant force conditions. Digit force sharing results indicated that the index finger's contribution to total force was increased and the middle finger's contribution reduced in older than young adults. The results of the cross-correlation analyses revealed that older subjects had a significantly reduced level of coupling between the middle finger and the target force, thumb force and EMG signals, with longer time lags in comparison to young adults. These differences in force sharing and middle finger force coupling were more pronounced in sinusoidal than constant force conditions. Overall, these results suggest that the older adults' reduced force control reflected age-related differences in the sharing and coupling of the finger forces. The results also highlighted that tasks of this nature display a degree of task-dependency, with these overall differences in digit force output and coupling not consistently observed across all force conditions.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-2020
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002254
Abstract: Del Monte, MJ, Opar, DA, Timmins, RG, Ross, JA, Keogh, JWL, and Lorenzen, C. Hamstring myoelectrical activity during three different kettlebell swing exercises. J Strength Cond Res 34(7): 1953–1958, 2020—Kettlebell exercises have become an increasingly popular form of resistance training and component of lower-body rehabilitative training programs, despite a lack of scientific literature illustrating internal mechanisms and effectiveness of these approaches. Participants ( n = 14) performed 3 different styles of kettlebell swings (hip hinge, squat, and double knee extension) and were assessed for medial hamstrings (MHs) and biceps femoris (BF) myoelectrical activity through surface electromyography (sEMG). Bipolar pregelled Ag/AgCl sEMG electrodes (10 mm diameter, 20 mm interelectrode distance) were placed on the participant's dominant limb after correct skin preparation. There was a main effect for swing type ( p = 0.004), where the hip hinge swing elicited a greater overall MH and BF sEMG in comparison with the squat swing (mean difference = 3.92 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.53–6.32 p = 0.002) and the double knee extension swing (mean difference = 5.32 95% CI = 0.80–9.83 p = 0.020). Across all swing types, normalized percentage of MH sEMG was significantly higher compared with the BF (mean difference = 9.93 95% CI = 1.67–18.19 p = 0.022). The hip hinge kettlebell swing produced the greatest amount of hamstring sEMG for the 3 styles of kettlebell swings assessed. These findings have implications for the application of kettlebell swing exercises in strength and conditioning, injury prevention, and rehabilitation programs.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 09-06-2022
DOI: 10.1177/17479541211021401
Abstract: This study aimed to (1) track changes in body composition, lower body force-time characteristics, and swim start performance over a competitive season, and (2) investigate the intra-in idual associations between changes in body composition and lower body force-time characteristics to swim start performance in five high performance swimmers (three males, two females). Over a ∼12-month period, body composition, lower body force-time characteristics and swim start performance were assessed at three time points via DXA scan, squat jump and swim start performance test (start times to 5 and 15 m and several kinematic and kinetic outputs). Throughout a competitive season of concurrent swimming and dry-land resistance training, improvements in lower body lean mass and squat jump force-time characteristics were observed. However, changes in start times varied between athletes. Total body and lower body lean mass both displayed large negative correlations with the time spent in the entry and propulsive underwater phases ( r = –0.57 to –0.66), along with a large positive correlations with glide time ( r = 0.56–0.53). Additionally, lower body lean mass exhibited large to very large positive correlations with the flight phase ( r = 0.70–0.73). Overall, these findings provide some insight into the potential magnitude of change in body composition, lower body force-time characteristics and swim start performance in high performance swimmers within a season. The large to very large correlations between increased lower body lean mass and SJ force-time metrics to improvements in aspects of start performance may provide useful information to coaches and sports scientists.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2009
DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2009.10599552
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the role of neuromotor noise on golf swing performance in high- and low-handicap players. Selected two-dimensional kinematic measures of 20 male golfers (n=10 per high- or low-handicap group) performing 10 golf swings with a 5-iron club was obtained through video analysis. Neuromotor noise was calculated by deducting the standard error of the measurement from the coefficient of variation obtained from intra-in idual analysis. Statistical methods included linear regression analysis and one-way analysis of variance using SPSS. Absolute invariance in the key technical positions (e.g., at the top of the backswing) of the golf swing appears to be a more favorable technique for skilled performance.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-11-2011
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 29-03-2017
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.3111
Abstract: Kettlebell lifting has gained increased popularity as both a form of resistance training and as a sport, despite the paucity of literature validating its use as a training tool. Kettlebell sport requires participants to complete the kettlebell snatch continuously over prolonged periods of time. Kettlebell sport and weightlifting involve similar exercises, however, their traditional uses suggest they are better suited to training different fitness qualities. This study examined the three-dimensional ground reaction force (GRF) and force applied to the kettlebell over a 6 min kettlebell snatch set in 12 kettlebell-trained males. During this set, VICON was used to record the kettlebell trajectory with nine infrared cameras while the GRF of each leg was recorded with a separate AMTI force plate. Over the course of the set, an average of 13.9 ± 3.3 repetitions per minute were performed with a 24 kg kettlebell. Significance was evaluated with a two-way ANOVA and paired t -tests, whilst Cohen’s F (ESF) and Cohen’s D (ESD) were used to determine the magnitude. The applied force at the point of maximum acceleration was 814 ± 75 N and 885 ± 86 N for the downwards and upwards phases, respectively. The absolute peak resultant bilateral GRF was 1,746 ± 217 N and 1,768 ± 242 N for the downwards and upwards phases, respectively. Bilateral GRF of the first and last 14 repetitions was found to be similar, however there was a significant difference in the peak applied force ( F (1.11) = 7.42, p = 0.02, ESF = 0.45). Unilateral GRF was found have a significant difference for the absolute anterior–posterior ( F (1.11) = 885.15, p 0.0001, ESF = 7) and medio-lateral force vectors ( F (1.11) = 5.31, p = 0.042, ESF = 0.67). Over the course of a single repetition there were significant differences in the GRF and applied force at multiple points of the kettlebells trajectory. The kettlebell snatch loads each leg differently throughout a repetition and performing the kettlebell snatch for 6 min will result in a reduction in peak applied force.
Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Date: 18-04-2011
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2022
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-02-2023
DOI: 10.1111/BJET.13311
Abstract: While gamification and game‐based learning have both been demonstrated to have a host of educational benefits for university students, many university educators do not routinely use these approaches in their teaching. Therefore, this systematic review, conducted using the PRISMA guidelines, sought to identify the primary drivers and barriers to the use of gamification and game‐based learning by university educators. A search of multiple databases (Web of Science, Scopus and EBSCO (Business Source Complete ERIC Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts)) identified 1330 articles, with 1096 retained after duplicates were removed. Seventeen articles (11 quantitative, two mixed‐methods and four qualitative) were included in the systematic review. The primary drivers described by the educators that positively influenced their gamification and game‐based learning usage were their beliefs that it encourages student interactions and collaborative learning provides fun and improves engagement and can easily be used by students. Alternatively, the university educators' major barriers included a lack of time to develop gamification approaches, lack of proven benefits and classroom setting issues. Many of these and other less commonly reported drivers and barriers can be categorised as attitudinal, design‐related or administrative in nature. Such categorisations may assist university educators, teaching support staff and administrators in better understanding the primary factors influencing the utilisation of gamification and game‐based learning and develop more effective strategies to overcome these barriers to its successful implementation. Gamification and game‐based learning may have many benefits for university students. The majority of university educators do not routinely use gamification and game‐based learning in their teaching. University educators' major drivers that positively influence the use of gamification and game‐based learning include their perceptions that it encourages student interactions and collaborative learning, provides fun and improves engagement and can easily be used by students. University educators' major barriers that negatively influence the use of gamification and game‐based learning include their perceptions of a lack of time to develop gamification approaches, lack of proven benefits and classroom setting issues. These drivers and barriers may be classified as attitudinal, design‐related and administrative, with these categories providing a useful way for universities to develop strategies to better support educators who wish to use these approaches in their teaching. Attitudinal factors such as university educators' intention to use gamification and game‐based learning are influenced by a host of their perceptions including attitude, perceived usefulness and ease of use. A range of design‐related and administrative barriers may need to be overcome to increase the use of gamification and game‐based learning in the university sector.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 16-02-2022
Publisher: Springer Singapore
Date: 22-12-2017
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 23-05-2022
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.13348
Abstract: To describe the physical activity (PA) promotion practices, beliefs, and barriers of Indian nurses working with cancer survivors, and to gain preliminary insights into how their educational qualification might affect PA promotion practices. A validated questionnaire was used to obtain the data ( N = 388). Sub-group comparisons were performed based on nursing qualification i.e. , Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc) and General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) using Mann-Whitney U test and chi square analysis for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. The nurses believed that oncologists (47%) followed by physiotherapists (28.9%) were primarily responsible for providing information regarding PA to cancer survivors. The most common period in which the nurses’ promoted PA was post treatment (31.7%), although very few nurses (13.3%) promoted PA across more than one of the three treatment periods. Nurses felt that PA had many benefits for cancer survivors improved mental health (87.7%) and HRQoL (81.1%). Lack of knowledge (42.2%) and lack of time (41.6%) were the most frequently cited barriers. The comparisons based on educational qualification did not typically reveal many significant differences. Indian nurses both BSc and GNM qualified, wish to promote PA to cancer survivors despite numerous barriers, across various stages of treatment and believe PA is beneficial to the survivors in the process of recovery. Overcoming these barriers might aid in better promotion of PA to cancer survivors. Nurses working in a tertiary care hospital in India are willing to promote PA amongst cancer survivors but require more training and support in this area of practice.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 30-10-2012
Abstract: This study aimed to (a) identify factors that motivate older adults to participate in aqua-based exercise (b) identify potential barriers and (c) compare perceptions between older adults with and without osteoarthritis (OA). Fifteen adults above 60 years of age participated in one of three focus groups during which they discussed perceived benefits, motives, and barriers to aqua exercise. Pain reduction was considered a major benefit among those with OA, improved health and fitness was a principal benefit for those without OA. All participants felt that the instructor could act as both a motivator and barrier the most significant barrier was cold changing facilities in winter. With the exception of pain reduction, perceived benefits, motivators, and barriers to aqua-based exercise are similar among older adults with and without OA. A greater understanding of these factors may help us to facilitate older adults with OA to initiate and adhere to aqua-based exercise.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1155/2016/3864728
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 06-10-2023
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 08-05-2019
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 11-08-2022
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004324
Abstract: Winwood, PW, Keogh, JW, Travis, SK, and Pritchard, HJ. The tapering practices of competitive weightlifters. J Strength Cond Res 37(4): 829–839, 2023—This study explored the tapering strategies of weightlifting athletes. Weightlifting athletes ( n = 146) (mean ± SD age: 29.2 ± 8.7 years, height: 172.5 ± 10.1 cm, body mass: 84.0 ± 17.2 kg, 4.7 ± 3.4 years of weightlifting training experience, and 3.9 ± 3.3 years of competitive weightlifting experience) completed a self-reported 4-page, 39-item internet survey on tapering practices. Subgroup analysis by sex (male and female) and competitive standard (local or regional, national and international level) was conducted. Ninety-nine percent ( n = 144) of weightlifting athletes reported they used a taper. Athletes stated that their typical taper length was 8.0 ± 4.4 days, with the linear (36%) and step tapers (33%) being the most performed. Training volume decreased during the taper by 43.1 ± 14.6%, and athletes ceased all training 1.5 ± 0.6 days out from competition. Muscular strength, light technique work, and aerobic conditioning were the most common types of training performed in the taper. Athletes typically stated that tapering was performed to achieve rest and recovery, physical preparation for peak performance and mental preparation training intensity and training duration decreased whereas training frequency remained the same or decreased traditional exercises were performed further out from competition than weightlifting exercises assistance exercises and some strength work were reduced nutritional changes, foam rolling, static stretching, and massage were strategies used in the taper and poor tapering occurred because of training too heavy, too hard, or too light and life–work circumstances. These results may aid athletes and coaches in strength sports to optimize tapering variables leading to improved performances.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-07-2004
DOI: 10.1007/S00221-004-1968-0
Abstract: Physiological tremor in the upper limb of eight adults was examined during the performance of a unilateral pointing task under conditions where the visual feedback, limb used and target size were altered. All subjects were required to aim a hand-held laser pointer at a circular target 5.5 m away with the goal of keeping the laser emission within the centre of the target. Visual feedback was defined as either normal vision (NV) of their limb tremor, where the laser was switched off, or augmented vision (AV) where the laser was switched on. Postural tremor from the segments of the upper limb, forearm muscle EMG activity, and target accuracy measures were recorded and analysed in the time and frequency domains. Accuracy-tremor relations were assessed using cross correlation and linear regression. Results revealed a high degree of similarity in the general pattern of the tremor output seen for each limb segment across conditions with only scalar ( litude) changes being seen as a function of the different constraints imposed. For any single condition the tremor litude increased from proximal to distal segments. The frequency profile for the tremor in any segment displayed two prominent frequency peaks (at 2-4 Hz and 8-12 Hz). A third, higher frequency peak (18-22 Hz) was observed in the index fingers only. Across all conditions significant coupling relations were observed only between the hand-finger and forearm-upper arm segment pairs. Altering the visual feedback was shown to have the greatest effect on limb tremor with increased tremor and EMG activity and decreased coupling being seen under AV conditions. In trying to reduce tremor output when the augmented feedback was provided novice subjects instead increased muscle activity which resulted in increased tremor. Overall these results indicate that the physiological tremor output observed in neurologically normal subjects is not simply the product of intrinsic oscillations but is influenced by the nature of the task being performed.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-2011
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 18-05-2016
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.2018
Abstract: The objective of the study was to examine the feasibility and benefits of a group resistance training exercise programme for improving muscle function in institutionalised older adults. A feasibility and acceptability study was designed for a residential aged care (RAC) facility, based on the Gold Coast, Australia. Thirty-seven adults, mean age 86.8 ± 6.1 years (30 females) living in a RAC facility. Participants were allocated into an exercise (n = 20) or control (n = 17) group. The exercise group, the Group Aged Care Exercise (GrACE) programme, performed 12 weeks of twice weekly resistance exercises. Feasibility was measured via recruitment rate, measurement (physiological and surveys) completion rate, loss-to-follow-up, exercise session adherence, adverse events, and ratings of burden and acceptability. Muscle function was assessed using gait speed, sit-to-stand and handgrip strength assessments. All intervention participants completed pre- and post-assessments, and the exercise intervention, with 85% (n = 17) of the group attending ≥ 18 of the 24 sessions and 15% (n = 3) attending all sessions. Acceptability was 100% with exercise participants, and staff who had been involved with the programme strongly agreed that the participants “Benefited from the programme.” There were no adverse events reported by any participants during the exercise sessions. When compared to the control group, the exercise group experienced significant improvements in gait speed ( F (4.078) = 8.265, p = 0.007), sit to stand performance ( F (3.24) = 11.033, p = 0.002) and handgrip strength ( F (3.697) = 26.359, p 0.001). Resistance training via the GrACE programme is feasible, safe and significantly improves gait speed, sit-to-stand performance and handgrip strength in RAC adults.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.GERINURSE.2015.11.001
Abstract: The impact of progressive resistance training on sarcopenia among very old institutionalized adults was investigated. Residents of Nursing Care Facilities were included in a controlled trial of twice weekly resistance and balance exercise program for six months (Age: 85.9 ± 7.5 years, Time in care: 707.1 ± 707.5 days, N = 21 per group). Sarcopenia was measured based on the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria. Of the recruited 42 participants, 35.7% had sarcopenia at baseline, with prevalence increasing in the control group post-intervention (42.9%-52.4%). Following training, the exercise group experienced a significant increase in grip strength when compared to controls (p = .02), and a within-group decrease in body mass index and increase in grip strength (p ≤ .007). Resistance and balance exercise has positive benefits for older adults residing in a nursing care facilities which may transfer to reduce disability and sarcopenia transition, but more work is needed to ensure improved program uptake among residents.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 18-10-2013
DOI: 10.1111/ECC.12141
Abstract: While physical activity is beneficial for men with prostate cancer, too few perform sufficient activity for such benefit. This study examined perceptions of men with prostate cancer of their barriers and facilitators to physical activity, and how androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) may influence these perceptions. Two focus groups were conducted, involving six ADT and eight non-ADT patients respectively. Data were transcribed verbatim and themes developed using a general inductive thematic approach. Facilitators to physical activity common to both groups of cancer survivors included clinician and spousal involvement, with pre-existing co-morbidities and increased age cited as barriers by both groups. The ADT subgroup cited personal involvement as a facilitator to physical activity, with fatigue, reduced motivation and a relative lack of specific advice from their clinician as additional barriers. The non-ADT subgroup had no additional facilitators to physical activity but cited time constraints as a barrier. These results highlight the important role that cancer clinicians and spouses play in promoting physical activity for men with prostate cancer and how ADT may influence their other facilitators and barriers. As physical activity is beneficial for prostate cancer survivors, especially those on ADT, cancer clinicians should regularly discuss physical activity with their patients.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-2016
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000001292
Abstract: Pritchard, HJ, Tod, DA, Barnes, MJ, Keogh, JW, and McGuigan, MR. Tapering practices of New Zealand's elite raw powerlifters. J Strength Cond Res 30(7): 1796–1804, 2016—The major aim of this study was to determine tapering strategies of elite powerlifters. Eleven New Zealand powerlifters (28.4 ± 7.0 years, best Wilks score of 431.9 ± 43.9 points) classified as elite were interviewed, using semistructured interviews, about their tapering strategies. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and content analyzed. Total training volume peaked 5.2 ± 1.7 weeks from competition while average training intensity (of 1 repetition maximum) peaked 1.9 ± 0.8 weeks from competition. During tapering, volume was reduced by 58.9 ± 8.4% while intensity was maintained (or slightly reduced) and the final weight training session was performed 3.7 ± 1.6 days out from competition. Participants generally stated that tapering was performed to achieve full recovery that accessory work was removed around 2 weeks out from competition and deadlifting takes longer to recover from than other lifts. Typically participants stated that trial and error, and changes based on “feel” were the sources of tapering strategies equipment used and movements performed during tapering are the same as in competition nutrition was manipulated during the taper (for weight cutting or performance aims) and poor tapering occurred when too long (1 week or more) was taken off training. These results suggest that athletes may benefit from continuing to strength train before important events with reduced volume and maintained intensity. Only exercises that directly assist sports performance should remain in the strength program during tapering, to assist with reductions in fatigue while maintaining/improving strength expression and performance.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-03-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1600-0838.2009.00901.X
Abstract: The extreme environment of cold, altitude and movement complexity makes alpine ski racing a difficult sport to study. This review comprises >30 years of research and includes 29 on-snow investigations of specific physiology relating to the various ski racing disciplines, nine off-snow investigations of the physiological capacities of ski racers of varying ability and four review articles. Alpine ski racing appears to involve a complex integration of many different physiological systems, none of which may be more important than the other to overall performance. While technical ability appears to be the greatest influencing factor on performance, the ability to continually exhibit technical competence through a long competitive season requires high capabilities within all physiological systems. Identifying the optimal approach and time to concurrently develop these systems is a challenge for sport scientists. Further research is required using modern portable investigative tools for determining aerobic and anaerobic demands and abilities, especially in the areas of muscle function and relative energy system contribution during both single and multiple runs on varying terrain.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 17-07-2013
DOI: 10.3109/13685538.2013.818113
Abstract: This study sought to explore the lived experiences of physically active prostate cancer survivors on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), who exercise in idually. Three older men (74-88 years old) with prostate cancer, using ADT continuously for at least 12 months and regularly exercising for at least 6 months, participated in this qualitative pilot study, informed by interpretive phenomenology. Data were gathered using in idual semi-structured interviews, audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Coherent stories were drawn from each transcript and analyzed using iterative and interpretive methods. van Manen's lifeworld existentials provided a framework for interpreting across the research text. Three notions emerged: Getting started, Having a routine and Being with music. Together they reveal what drew the participants to exercising regularly despite the challenges associated with their cancer and treatments. This study provides insights into the benefits of, and what it means for, older men with prostate cancer to regularly exercise in idually. These findings may assist cancer clinicians and other allied health professionals to be more attuned to prostate cancer survivors' lived experiences when undergoing ADT, allowing clinicians to better promote regular exercise to their patients as a foundational component of living well.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 11-2011
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2008
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 27-08-2022
DOI: 10.1177/15598276221123003
Abstract: Physical activity (PA) is beneficial for both the physical and psychological health of prostate cancer (PCa) survivors. This study identified and examined motives for PA in a cross-section of PCa survivors, including both men in remission and those receiving treatment in the form of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Sixteen PCa survivors from Auckland, New Zealand were in idually interviewed. Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Both groups of men were motivated to engage in PA post-diagnosis to obtain and experience the physical, mental, and cognitive health-related benefits associated with regular PA engagement. Past history of PA was also identified as a motive for current PA for men in remission. These findings provide important insight into how PCa survivors perceive the benefits of PA as a part of their cancer survivorship. Healthcare practitioners, exercise physiologists, and cancer support organizations can use this information to further improve PCa survivors’ quality of life and overall cancer survivorship by better promoting PA to these in iduals.
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 02-09-2021
DOI: 10.1101/2021.08.27.21262528
Abstract: Hardstyle kettlebell training is characterised by the ballistic two-handed kettlebell swing with outcomes believed to be strongly influenced by swing proficiency. This study examines the effect of four months hardstyle kettlebell training on the force profile of the two-handed kettlebell swing, and peak ground reaction force during a kettlebell deadlift in older adults. These data will help inform healthcare providers and coaches about the use and prescription of kettlebell exercises with older adults. Five males and five females years of age who participated in the BELL trial were recruited. Two-handed hardstyle swings were performed with 8-16 kg, and deadlifts with 8-32 kg. Ground reaction force (GRF) was obtained from a floor-mounted force platform. Force-time curves (FTCs), peak force, forward force relative to vertical force, rate of force development (RFD), and swing cadence were investigated. Results were compared with the same data variables collected from the participants in an exploratory pre-intervention study, conducted approximately seven months before the present study. Participants completed approximately 90 kettlebell training sessions during a four-month training intervention. Participants used kettlebells to perform 3779 ± 802 swings, 923 ± 251 cleans, 825 ± 309 snatches and 744 ± 178 deadlifts during group-training sessions. Peak ground reaction force during kettlebell swings did not significantly change with any kettlebell weight. There was a significant 3% increase in the magnitude of forward force during 8 kg swings, and a significant 3% decrease in forward force during 16 kg swings. There were large significant improvements in swing cadence with a mean increase of three swings per minute and a small non-significant increase in RFD. Change in kettlebell swing force-time curve profiles were small. Change in peak ground reaction force during deadlifts were moderate to large. All participants increased in grip strength following training, with the magnitude of change greater than the minimum clinically important difference for seven participants. All participants had significant increases in multiple secondary outcomes. Group-based and online kettlebell training is likely to be ineffective for improving the force profile of the hardstyle kettlebell swing in older adults. Insufficiently active older adults engaged in high-volume kettlebell training performed 3-5 times weekly, can however expect to see clinically meaningful improvements in health-related physical fitness irrespective of swing proficiency, and have increased confidence with heavy lifting tasks. Results of this study suggest that beyond safe and competent performance, striving to optimise hardstyle swing technique may provide no additional benefit to clinical outcomes in older adults.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2009
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 15-08-2020
DOI: 10.3390/S20164586
Abstract: This study proposes a minimal modeling magnetic, angular rate and gravity (MARG) methodology for assessing spatiotemporal and kinematic measures of functional fitness exercises. Thirteen healthy persons performed repetitions of the squat, box squat, sandbag pickup, shuffle-walk, and bear crawl. Sagittal plane hip, knee, and ankle range of motion (ROM) and stride length, stride time, and stance time measures were compared for the MARG method and an optical motion capture (OMC) system. The root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and Bland–Altman plots and limits of agreement were used to assess agreement between methods. Hip and knee ROM showed good to excellent agreement with the OMC system during the squat, box squat, and sandbag pickup (RMSE: 4.4–9.8°), while ankle ROM agreement ranged from good to unacceptable (RMSE: 2.7–7.2°). Unacceptable hip and knee ROM agreement was observed for the shuffle-walk and bear crawl (RMSE: 3.3–8.6°). The stride length, stride time, and stance time showed good to excellent agreement between methods (MAPE: (3.2 ± 2.8)%–(8.2 ± 7.9)%). Although the proposed MARG-based method is a valid means of assessing spatiotemporal and kinematic measures during various exercises, further development is required to assess the joint kinematics of small ROM, high velocity movements.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1071/HC19007
Abstract: ABSTRACT INTRODUCTIONThe Green Prescription is a primary care programme designed to increase physical activity in in iduals with low activity levels. Older adults tend to engage in insufficient physical activity to obtain health-related gain. AIMTo examine participants’ ratings of the Healthy Steps intervention and to assess how participants rated the use of a pedometer-based Green Prescription in aiding their physical activity. METHODSIn total, 330 community-dwelling older adults who have low levels of activity were randomised to receive either a standard time-based Green Prescription or a modified pedometer-based Green Prescription. Post-intervention, 259 participants completed the participant evaluation questionnaire via postal survey. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-squared analyses. RESULTSThe standard components of the Green Prescription (general practitioner consultations and telephone counselling) received similar and higher ratings across both allocation groups than the use of print materials. A pedometer-based Green Prescription was rated as being helpful in aiding physical activity. DISCUSSIONThis study supports the importance of general practitioners’ initial role in prescribing physical activity for older adults and of ongoing telephone support for longer-term adherence. Incorporating a pedometer can be effective in helping low-active older adults initiate and maintain regular physical activity.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 06-2020
Abstract: In this article, the authors assessed the cost-effectiveness of center-based exercise training for older Australians. The participants were recipients of in-home care services, and they completed 24 weeks of progressive resistance plus balance training. Transport was offered to all participants. A stepped-wedge randomized control trial produced pre-, post-, and follow-up outcomes and cost data, which were used to calculate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios per quality-adjusted life year gained. Analyses were conducted from a health provider perspective and from a government perspective. From a health-service provider perspective, the direct cost of program provision was $303 per person, with transport adding an additional $1,920 per person. The incremental cost–utility ratio of the program relative to usual care was $70,540 per quality-adjusted life year over 6 months, decreasing to $37,816 per quality-adjusted life year over 12 months. The findings suggest that Muscling Up Against Disability offers good value for the money within commonly accepted threshold values.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1071/HC14114
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Most exercise studies for older adults have been university- or hospital-based. Little is known about the benefits and factors influencing long-term participation in community-based exercise programmes, especially in New Zealand. AIM: To quantify the objective benefits, participant perceptions and retention rates of a New Zealand community-based exercise programme for adults (60 years or older). METHODS: Study 1 involved assessing the benefits of 12 weeks training on a convenience s le of 62 older adults commencing the never2old Active Ageing programme. Study 2 assessed the perceptions of 150 current participants on a variety of programme components that could act as barriers or facilitators to continued engagement. Study 3 assessed the retention rates of 264 participants in the programme over a two-year period. RESULTS: Significant improvements in many physical functional scores were observed in Study 1 (530 percentile points p .05). Questionnaire responses from participants in Study 2 indicated many perceived benefits (positive responses from 6795% on various questions) and that core components of the programme were rated very highly (6499% on various components). Retention rates were high, with Study 3 finding 57% of participants still engaging in the programme at the end of the two-year period. DISCUSSION: A community-based exercise programme for older adults can improve many objective and subjective measures of physical fitness and functional performance and have good retention rates. General practitioners and other allied health professionals in New Zealand should consider promoting programmes, such as the never2old Active Ageing programme, to their older patients. KEYWORDS: Exercise muscle stretching exercises older adults primary health care resistance training
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 06-11-2016
DOI: 10.7287/PEERJ.PREPRINTS.2582V1
Abstract: Background. Kettlebell lifting has gained increased popularity as both a form of resistance training and as a sport, despite the paucity of literature validating its use as a training tool. Kettlebell sport requires participants to complete the kettlebell snatch continuously over prolonged periods of time. Kettlebell sport and weightlifting involve similar exercises, however their traditional uses suggest they are better suited to training different fitness qualities. This study examined the three dimensional ground reaction force (GRF) and force applied to the kettlebell over a six minute kettlebell snatch set in 12 kettlebell trained males. Methods. During this set, VICON was used to record the kettlebell trajectory with nine infrared cameras while the GRF of each leg was recorded with a separate AMTI force plate. Over the course of the set, an average of 13.9 ± 3.3 repetitions per minute were performed with a 24 kg kettlebell. Significance was evaluated with a two-way ANOVA and paired t-tests, whilst Cohen’s F (ESF) and Cohen’s D (ESD) were used to determine the magnitude. Results. The applied force at the point of maximum acceleration was 814 ± 75 N and 885 ± 86 N for the downwards and upwards phases, respectively. The absolute peak resultant bilateral GRF was 1746 ± 217 N and 1768 ± 242 N for the downwards and upwards phases, respectively. Bilateral GRF of the first and last 14 repetitions was found to be similar, however there was a significant difference in the peak applied force (F (1.11) = 7.42, p = 0.02, ESF = 0.45). Unilateral GRF was found have a significant difference for the absolute anterior-posterior (F (1.11) = 885.15 p 0.0001, ESF = 7.00) and medio-lateral force vectors (F (1.11) = 5.31, p = 0.042, ESF = 0.67). Discussion. Over the course of a single repetition there were significant differences in the GRF and applied force at multiple points of the kettlebells trajectory. The kettlebell snatch loads each leg differently throughout a repetition and performing the kettlebell snatch for six minutes will result in a reduction in peak applied force.
Publisher: Faculty of Medicine Prince of Songkla University
Date: 05-10-2021
Abstract: Objective: Cancer cachexia is defined as: a ‘multifactorial syndrome’, and it has been suggested that a multitargeted approach is required in its management. High prevalence is seen within non-small cell lung cancer, and patients may continue to experience cachexia post end of anti-cancer treatment, and in the late/end stage.Material and Methods: Participants who had completed week 20/End of Trial visit in the main Auckland’s Cancer Cachexia evaluating Resistance Training (ACCeRT) study were invited to continue with treatment under compassionate use. Participants could continue with 2.09 g of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 300 mg COX-2 inhibitor (celecoxib), once daily plus two sessions per week of progressive resistance training (PRT), and 20 g oral essential amino acids (EAA) high in leucine, in a split dose over three days post each session. Data was collected on the acceptability, compliance and adherence to medication/PRT sessions. Secondary endpoints included: change in body weight and fat free mass, handgrip and leg strength, the Functional Assessment of Anorexia/Cachexia Therapy, Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form, World Health Organization Quality of Life — BREF, Glasgow prognostic score, and pro-inflammatory cytokines.Results: All six participants, who completed the main ACCeRT study, opted to continue with compassionate use. Acceptability remained high, with overall compliance to last study/PRT visit of 81.0% for EPA, 98.8% for celecoxib, 78.9% for PRT and 77.2% for EAA. Participants continued to lose body weight and Fat-Free Mass, along with reduced albumin and increased C-Reactive protein levels. Mean time on compassionate study treatment was 78 days, and with a mean overall survival of 257 days (140 + 117).Conclusion: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cachectic patients are willing to be enrolled onto a multi-targeted treatment regimen, and may benefit from cachexia symptom management even during their late/refractory stage.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPHYS.2019.08.007
Abstract: Does motor imagery training improve measures of balance, mobility and falls in older adults without a neurological condition? Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Adults aged at least 60 years and without a neurological condition. Three or more sessions of motor imagery training. The primary outcomes were balance measures (such as single leg stance and Berg Balance scale) and mobility measures (such as gait speed and the Timed Up and Go test). Falls were a secondary outcome measure. Risk of bias was evaluated using the PEDro Scale, and overall quality of evidence was assessed using the Grades of Research, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Twelve trials including 356 participants were included in the systematic review and 10 trials (316 participants) were included in the meta-analyses. All trials included either apparently healthy participants or older adults after orthopaedic surgery. There was evidence that motor imagery training can significantly improve balance (SMD 1.03, 95% CI 0.25 to 1.82), gait speed (MD 0.13 m/s, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.22) and Timed Up and Go (MD 1.64 seconds, 95% CI 0.79 to 2.49) in older adults however, the quality of evidence was very low to low. No data regarding falls were identified. Motor imagery training improves balance and mobility in older adults who do not have a neurological condition. These results suggest that motor imagery training could be an adjunct to standard physiotherapy care in older adults, although it is unclear whether or not the effects are clinically worthwhile. PROSPERO CRD42017069954.
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 12-04-2018
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.4620
Abstract: There is convincing evidence for the benefits of resistance training on vertical jump improvements, but little evidence to guide optimal training prescription. The inability to detect small between modality effects may partially reflect the use of ANOVA statistics. This study represents the results of a sub-study from a larger project investigating the effects of two resistance training methods on load carriage running energetics. Bayesian statistics were used to compare the effectiveness of isoinertial resistance against speed-power training to change countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) height, and joint energetics. Active adults were randomly allocated to either a six-week isoinertial ( n = 16 calf raises, leg press, and lunge), or a speed-power training program ( n = 14 countermovement jumps, hopping, with hip flexor training to target pre-swing running energetics). Primary outcome variables included jump height and joint power. Bayesian mixed modelling and Functional Data Analysis were used, where significance was determined by a non-zero crossing of the 95% Bayesian Credible Interval (CrI). The gain in CMJ height after isoinertial training was 1.95 cm (95% CrI [0.85–3.04] cm) greater than the gain after speed-power training, but the gain in SJ height was similar between groups. In the CMJ, isoinertial training produced a larger increase in power absorption at the hip by a mean 0.018% (equivalent to 35 W) (95% CrI [0.007–0.03]), knee by 0.014% (equivalent to 27 W) (95% CrI [0.006–0.02]) and foot by 0.011% (equivalent to 21 W) (95% CrI [0.005–0.02]) compared to speed-power training. Short-term isoinertial training improved CMJ height more than speed-power training. The principle adaptive difference between training modalities was at the level of hip, knee and foot power absorption.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2009
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 18-02-2016
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.1594
Abstract: Background. There has been a continual increase in injury rates in cricket, with hamstring strain injuries (HSIs) being the most prominent. Eccentric knee flexor weakness and bilateral asymmetries are major modifiable risk factors for future HSIs. However, there is a lack of data relating to eccentric hamstring strength in cricket at any skill level. The objective of this study was to compare eccentric knee flexor strength and bilateral asymmetries in elite, sub-elite and school level cricket players and to determine if playing position and limb role influenced these eccentric knee flexor strength indices. Methods. Seventy four male cricket players of three distinct skill levels performed three repetitions of the Nordic hamstring exercise on the experimental device. Strength was assessed as the absolute and relative mean peak force output for both limbs, with bilateral asymmetries. Differences in mean peak force outputs between skill level and playing positions were measured. Results. There were no significant differences between elite, sub-elite and school level athletes for mean peak force and bilateral asymmetries of the knee flexors. There were no significant differences observed between bowler’s and batter’s mean peak force and bilateral asymmetries. There were no significant differences between front and back limb mean peak force outputs. Discussion. Skill level, playing position and limb role appeared to have no significant effect on eccentric knee flexor strength and bilateral asymmetries. Future research should seek to determine whether eccentric knee flexor strength thresholds are predictive of HSIs in cricket and if specific eccentric knee flexor strengthening can reduce these injuries.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-08-2015
DOI: 10.1007/S13187-015-0893-1
Abstract: Our aim was to synthesise the existing empirical literature and theoretical perspectives on the physical activity (PA) promotion practices and determinants of cancer clinicians and health professionals. We conducted a narrative review of theory and evidence to develop practice recommendations for improving the promotion of PA to cancer patients. Surveyed health professionals were aware of many benefits of PA for their cancer patients, although only ~40 % promoted PA to selected cancer patients. Walking was the most commonly promoted form of PA, with this promoted to assist patients control their weight and cardiovascular health risk. Barriers to promotion of PA included lack of time and knowledge of PA and behaviour change skills. Health professionals appear interested in promoting PA to their cancer patients, yet encounter several barriers. Further research is warranted to assist health professionals improve their PA promotion. An adapted reflective-impulsive model of social behaviour shows promise for assisting health professionals overcome barriers and provides an evidence-based theoretical framework for improving communication with patients. Universities, hospitals and/or health-care accreditation organisations also have important roles to play in assisting health professionals improve their promotion of PA to patients.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 03-2012
DOI: 10.1123/IJSPP.7.1.68
Abstract: There is little literature comparing contrast training programs typically performed by team-sport athletes within a competitive phase. We compared the effects of two contrast training programs on a range of measures in high-level rugby union players during the competition season. The programs consisted of a higher volume-load (strength-power) or lower volume-load (speed-power) resistance training each included a tapering of loading (higher force early in the week, higher velocity later in the week) and was performed twice a week for 4 wk. Eighteen players were assessed for peak power during a bodyweight countermovement jump (BWCMJ), bodyweight squat jump (BWSJ), 50 kg countermovement jump (50CMJ), 50 kg squat jump (50SJ), broad jump (BJ), and reactive strength index (RSI jump height ided by contact time during a depth jump). Players were then randomized to either training group and were reassessed following the intervention. Inferences were based on uncertainty in outcomes relative to thresholds for standardized changes. There were small between-group differences in favor of strength-power training for mean changes in the 50CMJ (8% 90% confidence limits, ±8%), 50SJ (8% ±10%), and BJ (2% ±3%). Differences between groups for BWCMJ, BWSJ, and reactive strength index were unclear. For most measures there were smaller in idual differences in changes with strength-power training. Our findings suggest that high-level rugby union athletes should be exposed to higher volume-load contrast training which includes one heavy lifting session each week for larger and more uniform adaptation to occur in explosive power throughout a competitive phase of the season.
Publisher: Unpublished
Date: 2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-06-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12877-022-03174-5
Abstract: This study examined older adults’ experiences of participating in the Ballistic Exercise of the Lower Limb (BELL) trial, involving 12-weeks of group-based hardstyle kettlebell training. In the BELL trial, 28 insufficiently active older adults (15 women, 13 men, 59–79 years) completed six weeks of face-to-face group training, and six weeks of home-based training. In-depth semi-structured interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and inductively coded, with themes constructed from patterns of shared meaning. Four higher-order themes were developed that reflect older adults’ experiences participating in a group-exercise program of hardstyle kettlebell training. These included: (1) “It’s one of the best things we’ve done”—enjoying the physical and psychosocial benefits, (2) “It’s improved it tremendously!”—change in a long-term health condition, (3) “It put me on a better course”—overcoming challenges, and (4) “I wasn’t just a number”—feeling part of a group/community. Findings highlight the perceived physical and psychological benefits of older adults participating in hardstyle group kettlebell training, and the value attributed to being part of an age-matched community of like-minded people engaged in group exercise. Implications for program design and delivery, and future research, are discussed.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.ARCHGER.2016.10.001
Abstract: Progressive resistance plus balance training (PRBT) has been demonstrated as effective in reducing later life physical disability, falls risk and poor health, even among those with complex health care needs. However, few studies have examined the influence of PRBT on health service utilisation, cognitive wellbeing and training modality acceptance or undertaken a cost benefit analysis. This project will investigate the broad scope benefits of PRBT participation among community-dwelling older Australians receiving Government supported aged care packages for their complex health care needs. Using a modified stepped-wedge design, 248 community-dwelling adults 65 years and older with some level of government support aged care have been randomised into the study. Those randomised to exercise undertake six months of twice weekly machine-based, moderate to high intensity, supervised PRBT, followed by a six month unsupervised, unsupported follow-up. Controls spend six months undertaking usual activities, before entering the PRBT and follow-up phases. Data are collected at baseline and after each of the six month phases. Measures include level of and change in health and care needs, body composition, muscle capacity, falls, sleep, quality of life, nutritional and mental health status. In addition, acceptance and engagement is determined through telephone and focus group interviews complementing a multi-model health cost benefit evaluation. It is hypothesised this study will demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of PRBT in improving primary and secondary health outcomes for older adults with aged care needs, and will support the value of this modality of exercise as an integral evidence-based service model of care.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 11-2009
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 13-11-2018
DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2017.1353129
Abstract: The aim of this study was to quantify the validity and intra-tester reliability of a novel method of kinematic measurement. The measurement target was the joint angles of an athlete performing a BMX Supercross (SX) gate start action through the first 1.2 s of movement in situ on a BMX SX r using a standard gate start procedure. The method employed GoPro® Hero 4 Silver (GoPro Inc., USA) cameras capturing data at 120 fps 720 p on a 'normal' lens setting. Kinovea 0.8.15 (Kinovea.org, France) was used for analysis. Tracking data was exported and angles computed in Matlab (Mathworks®, USA). The gold standard 3D method for joint angle measurement could not safely be employed in this environment, so a rigid angle was used. Validity was measured to be within 2°. Intra-tester reliability was measured by the same tester performing the analysis twice with an average of 55 days between analyses. Intra-tester reliability was high, with an absolute error <6° and <9 frames (0.075 s) across all angles and time points for key positions, respectively. The methodology is valid within 2° and reliable within 6° for the calculation of joint angles in the first ~1.25 s.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-2014
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-09-2019
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 10-2018
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002764
Abstract: Renals, L, Lake, J, Keogh, J, and Austin, K. Strongman log push press: The effect log diameter has on force-time characteristics. J Strength Cond Res 32(10): 2693–2700, 2018—Strongman training is becoming more common in strength and conditioning practices, particularly the log press. The existing literature analyzes force characteristics of the log clean and jerk or press compared with the weightlifting clean and jerk exercise. This investigation aims to explore the braking and propulsive phase performance characteristics of the push press with a barbell and strongman logs of different sizes. Ten experienced athletes volunteered to perform the push press exercise using 65% of their 1 repetition maximum using a small-diameter log, a large-diameter log, and a barbell. Analysis of variance showed a significant difference in all mean braking and propulsive characteristics (force, velocity, power, impulse, and displacement) between the barbell and both logs but there was no difference in lift duration. Comparison between both logs showed that the small log had significantly greater power (6%, p = 0.01), velocity (2%, p = 0.01), impulse (5%, p = 0.03), and force (3%, p = 0.01) but no difference in center of mass displacement or lift duration. In addition, propulsive phase when using the barbell was 4.4 times greater in force, 2.2 times in impulse, 1.8 times in velocity, and 2.3 times in power, and this was greater when compared with the larger diameter log. The athletes achieved larger propulsive outputs with a barbell over a log in the push press exercise in addition to showing a higher mechanical demand with a log that increases the larger log diameter, which may mean that the athlete needs to adapt loads when looking to optimize training parameters.
Publisher: Index Copernicus
Date: 06-03-2016
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 09-05-2018
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.4738
Abstract: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients often suffer joint pain and stiffness, which contributes to negative changes in body composition, strength, physical performance (function), physical activity and health-related quality of life. To reduce these symptoms and side effects of knee OA, moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) cycling is often recommended. While resistance training is considered the optimal form of training to improve sarcopenic outcomes, it imposes higher joint loads and requires supervision, either initially or continuously by trained exercise professionals. Therefore, this pilot study sought to gain some insight into the feasibility and potential benefits of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) cycling as an alternative exercise option to MICT cycling for in iduals with knee OA. Twenty-seven middle-aged and older adults with knee OA were randomly allocated to either MICT or HIIT, with both programs involving four unsupervised home-based cycling sessions (∼25 min per session) each week for eight weeks. Feasibility was assessed by enrolment rate, withdrawal rate, exercise adherence and number of adverse effects. Efficacy was assessed by health-related quality of life (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Lequesne index), physical function (Timed Up and Go (TUG), Sit to Stand (STS) and preferred gait speed) and body composition (body mass, BMI, body fat percentage and muscle mass). Twenty-seven of the interested 50 potential participants (54%) enrolled in the study, with 17 of the 27 participants completing the trial (withdrawal rate of 37%) with the primary withdrawal reasons being unrelated injuries or illness or family related issues. Of the 17 participants who completed the trial, exercise adherence was very high (HIIT 94% MICT 88%). While only three in iduals (one in the MICT and two in the HIIT group) reported adverse events, a total of 28 adverse events were reported, with 24 of these attributed to one HIIT participant. Pre–post-test analyses indicated both groups significantly improved their WOMAC scores, with the HIIT group also significantly improving in the TUG and STS. The only significant between-group difference was observed in the TUG, whereby the HIIT group improved significantly more than the MICT group. No significant changes were observed in the Lequesne index, gait speed or body composition for either group. An unsupervised home-based HIIT cycle program appears somewhat feasible for middle-aged and older adults with knee OA and may produce similar improvements in health-related quality of life but greater improvements in physical function than MICT. These results need to be confirmed in larger randomised controlled trials to better elucidate the potential for HIIT to improve outcomes for those with knee OA. Additional research needs to identify and modify the potential barriers affecting the initiation and adherence to home-based HIIT cycling exercise programs by in iduals with knee OA.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-2021
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003057
Abstract: Ramirez-C illo, R, Moran, J, Drury, B, Williams, M, Keogh, JW, Chaabene, H, and Granacher, U. Effects of equal volume but different plyometric jump training intensities on components of physical fitness in physically active young males. J Strength Cond Res 35(7): 1916–1923, 2021—An 8-week single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the effects of separate programs of equal volume, but different intensity, plyometric jump training (PJT), on physical fitness in healthy adults. Thirty-eight physically active males (mean age: 21.8 ± 2.5 years) participated. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of 3 PJT groups or a control (CON, n = 9) according to their jump performance. Plyometric jump training was conducted at maximal (PJT-100, n = 10), high (PJT-80, n = 9), or moderate (PJT-65, n = 10) intensity within each group. Baseline and follow-up tests were performed for the assessment of countermovement jump (CMJ) height, CMJ height with arm swing (CMJA), and drop jump height from a 20-cm drop box (DJ20), linear speed (30 m), and change-of-direction speed (CODS) (the Illinois CODS test). Results revealed significant group × time interactions for CMJ, CMJA, DJ20, 30-m sprint, and CODS (all p 0.001 d = 0.39–0.76). Post hoc analyses showed significant improvements in all 5 fitness measures for PJT-100 (all p 0.01, Δ3.7–13.5%, d = 0.26–1.4). For PJT-80, 3 of 5 fitness tests demonstrated significant change (CMJ: p 0.001, Δ5.9%, d = 0.33 CMJA: p 0.001, Δ7.0%, d = 0.43 CODS: p 0.001, Δ3.9%, d = 0.9), and for PJT-65, only 1 test was significant (CMJ: p 0.05, Δ2.8%, d = 0.15). No significant changes were observed in CON. Except for similar gains in DJ20 and 30-m sprint in PJT-100 and PJT-80, gains in physical fitness were, in general, greater ( p 0.05) after PJT-100 vs. PJT-80 vs. PJT-65 vs. CON. Therefore, maximal PJT intensity may induce larger physical fitness gains, although high and moderate intensities may also be useful, but to a lesser extent.
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2019
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 08-2010
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 07-06-2018
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.4972
Abstract: Hamstring strain injuries (HSI) are one of the most prevalent and serious injuries affecting athletes, particularly those in team ball sports or track and field. Recent evidence demonstrates that eccentric knee flexor weakness and between limb asymmetries are possible risk factors for HSIs. While eccentric hamstring resistance training, e.g. the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) significantly increases eccentric hamstring strength and reduces HSI risk, little research has examined whether between limb asymmetries can be reduced with training. As augmented feedback (AF) can produce significant acute and chronic increases in muscular strength and reduce injury risk, one way to address the limitation in the eccentric hamstring training literature may be to provide athletes real-time visual AF of their NHE force outputs with the goal to minimise the between limb asymmetry. Using a cross over study design, 44 injury free, male cricket players from two skill levels performed two NHE sessions on a testing device. The two NHE sessions were identical with the exception of AF, with the two groups randomised to perform the sessions with and without visual feedback of each limb’s force production in real-time. When performing the NHE with visual AF, the participants were provided with the following instructions to ‘reduce limb asymmetries as much as possible using the real-time visual force outputs displayed in front them’. Between limb asymmetries and mean peak force outputs were compared between the two feedback conditions (FB1 and FB2) using independent t -tests to ensure there was no carryover effect, and to determine any period and treatment effects. The magnitude of the differences in the force outputs were also examined using Cohen d effect size. There was a significant increase in mean peak force production when feedback was provided (mean difference, 21.7 N 95% CI [0.2–42.3 N] P = 0.048 d = 0.61) and no significant difference in between limb asymmetry for feedback or no feedback (mean difference, 5.7% 95% CI [−2.8% to 14.3%] P = 0.184 d = 0.41). Increases in force production under feedback were a result of increased weak limb (mean difference, 15.0 N 95% CI [1.6–28.5 N] P = 0.029 d = 0.22) force contribution compared to the strong limb. The results of this study further support the potential utility of AF in improving force production and reducing risk in athletic populations. While there are currently some financial limitations to the application of this training approach, even in high-performance sport, such an approach may improve outcomes for HSI prevention programs. Further research with more homogenous populations over greater periods of time that assess the chronic effect of such training practices on injury risk factors and injury rates are also recommended.
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 13-07-2018
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.5188
Abstract: Anecdotally, a wide variety of benefits of barefoot running have been advocated by numerous in iduals. The influence of the alterations in the properties of the shoe on the running movement has been demonstrated in adults at submaximal jogging speeds. However, the biomechanical differences between shod and barefoot running in children at sprinting speeds and the potential developmental implications of these differences are still less examined. The purpose was to determine the potential differences in habitually shod children’s sprint kinematics between shod and barefoot conditions. Ninety-four children (51 boys and 43 girls 6–12 years-old height, 135.0 ± 0.12 m body mass, 29.0 ± 6.9 kg) performed 30 m maximal sprints from standing position for each of two conditions (shod and barefoot). To analyze sprint kinematics within sagittal plane sprint kinematics, a high-speed camera (300 fps) was set perpendicular to the runway. In addition, sagittal foot landing and take-off images were recorded for multiple angles by using five high-speed cameras (300 fps). Spatio-temporal variables, the kinematics of the right leg (support leg) and the left leg (recovery leg), and foot strike patterns: rear-foot strike (RFS), mid-foot strike (MFS), and fore-foot strike (FFS) were investigated. The paired t -test was used to test difference between shod and barefoot condition. Barefoot sprinting in habitually shod children was mainly characterized by significantly lower sprint speed, higher step frequency, shorter step length and stance time. In shod running, 82% of children showed RFS, whereas it decreased to 29% in barefoot condition. The touch down state and the subsequent joint movements of both support and recovery legs during stance phase were significantly altered when running in condition with barefoot. The acute effects of barefoot sprinting was demonstrated by significantly slower sprinting speeds that appear to reflect changes in a variety of spatiotemporal parameters as well as lower limb kinematics. It is currently unknown whether such differences would be observed in children who typically run in bare feet and what developmental benefits and risks may emerge from increasing the proportion of barefoot running and sprinting in children. Future research should therefore investigate potential benefits that barefoot sprinting may have on the development of key physical fitness such as nerve conduction velocity, muscular speed, power, and sprinting technique and on ways to minimize the risk of any acute or chronic injuries associated with this activity.
Publisher: Noble Research Publishers
Date: 04-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2004
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2006
DOI: 10.2165/00007256-200636030-00004
Abstract: The endocrine system plays an important role in strength and power development by mediating the remodelling of muscle protein. Resistance training scheme design regulates muscle protein turnover by modifying the anabolic (testosterone, growth hormone) and catabolic (cortisol) responses to a workout. Although resistance exercise increases the concentrations of insulin-like growth factor 1 in blood following exercise, the effect of scheme design is less clear, most likely due to the different release mechanisms of this growth factor (liver vs muscle). Insulin is non-responsive to the exercise stimulus, but in the presence of appropriate nutritional intake, elevated blood insulin levels combined with resistance exercise promotes protein anabolism. Factors such as sex, age, training status and nutrition also impact upon the acute hormonal environment and, hence, the adaptive response to resistance training. However, gaps within research, as well as inconsistent findings, limit our understanding of the endocrine contribution to adaptation. Research interpretation is also difficult due to problems with experimental design (e.g. s ling errors) and various other issues (e.g. hormone rhythms, biological fluid examined). In addition to the hormonal responses to resistance exercise, the contribution of other acute training factors, particularly those relating to the mechanical stimulus (e.g. forces, work, time under tension) must also be appreciated. Enhancing our understanding in these areas would also improve the prescription of resistance training for stimulating strength and power adaptation.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-04-2020
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 25-03-2021
DOI: 10.3389/FSPOR.2021.604605
Abstract: Acceleration and deceleration are important given football is an intermittent sport with constant changes in velocity and direction. It is unclear, however, if the accelerations and decelerations performed by players differ between competition levels. The aim of the present study was to compare the acceleration, deceleration, and high-speed running profiles of players during international and domestic matches and to determine if differences were apparent across playing positions (defenders, midfielders, and attackers). GPS data from 21 Australian women's domestic football league matches over 2 seasons (2016–2018) and 15 Australian women's international matches (2017–2018) were collected and analyzed. Movement pattern data was collected using VX Sport and GPSports 10 Hz GPS receivers. Variables analyzed included: total distance, distance covered high-speed running (16–20 km·h −1 ) distance covered sprinting (& 20 km·h −1 ) and time spent accelerating and decelerating in four predetermined bands (1–2 m·s −2 , 2–3 m·s −2 , 3–4 m·s −2 , and & 4 m·s −2 ). Results revealed that players competing in international matches covered significantly greater total distances, greater high-speed running distances and greater sprinting distances as well as spending a greater duration accelerating in band 4 compared to players in domestic competitions ( p & 0.05). Players competing in international matches spent significantly less duration decelerating in bands 2 and 3, compared to players in domestic competitions. International defenders and midfielders recorded significantly higher total distances and high-speed running distance compared to players in domestic matches. Our findings suggest that preparing players for international-level competition should include progressive exposure to high-speed running and sprinting distances, as well as high magnitude accelerations. Furthermore, the higher running speeds experienced by players during international matches appears to be a result of less time spent decelerating. The optimal deceleration necessary for specific situations appears important and emphasizes the need for specific deceleration training. The increased effort of high-intensity activity that is required for players competing in international matches affects defenders and midfielders to the greatest degree. Gradual exposure to the increased running demands for midfielders and defenders competing in international matches is needed to improve performance and reduce the potential risk of injury.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 23-05-2017
DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2017.1305439
Abstract: This study sought to gain insight into blended learning-naive sports science students' understanding and perceptions of the potential benefits and limitations of blended (hybrid) learning, which has been defined as the thoughtful integration of face-to-face and online instructional approaches. Five focus groups, each comprising 3-4 students from either the undergraduate or postgraduate sports science programmes were conducted. The focus groups were facilitated by a researcher who was not involved in sports science. Audio recordings of the focus groups were transcribed verbatim. NVivo software was used to code the transcripts to identify the themes and subthemes. Students generally had little initial understanding of blended learning. When provided with a definition, they believed that blended learning could improve educational outcomes and assist those who were legitimately unable to attend a session. Their reservations about blended learning mainly related to some students not being sufficiently autonomous to undertake independent study, timetabling considerations and access to reliable Internet services. For blended learning to be effective, students felt the online material had to be interactive, engaging and complement the face-to-face sessions. Better understanding the perceptions of the students in the current study may assist educators who are considering implementing blended learning in their teaching.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-2008
DOI: 10.1080/02640410701644034
Abstract: We examined sexual dimorphism in the anthropometry of 68 Australasian and Pacific powerlifters (14 females, 54 males) who were competing in one of two national or international powerlifting competitions held in New Zealand. All powerlifters were assessed for 37 anthropometric dimensions by ISAK (International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry) Level II and III accredited anthropometrists. While the powerlifters were highly mesomorphic and possessed large girths and bone breadths, both in absolute terms and when expressed as Z(p)-scores compared through the Phantom (Ross & Wilson, 1974), these characteristics were often more pronounced in male than female lifters. No significant inter-gender differences in any of the measures of adiposity were observed. When normalized through the Phantom, the female and male powerlifters had relatively similar segment lengths and bone breadths, indicating that regardless of gender, competitive powerlifters possess comparable skeletal proportions. These results indicate that although competitive powerlifters exhibit sexual dimorphism for many absolute anthropometric measures, little dimorphism is found for measures of adiposity and for proportional segment lengths and bone breadths. These results further support the importance of anthropometric profiling for powerlifting, and suggest that successful male and female powerlifters will possess similar proportional characteristics.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2019
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003267
Abstract: Winwood, PW, Pritchard, HJ, Wilson, D, Dudson, M, and Keogh, JWL. The competition-day preparation strategies of strongman athletes. J Strength Cond Res 33(9): 2308–2320, 2019—This study provides the first empirical evidence of the competition-day preparation strategies used by strongman athletes. Strongman athletes ( n = 132) (mean ± SD : 33.7 ± 8.1 years, 178.2 ± 11.1 cm, 107.0 ± 28.6 kg, 12.8 ± 8.0 years general resistance training, 5.9 ± 4.8 years strongman implement training) completed a self-reported 4-page internet survey on their usual competition-day preparation strategies. Analysis of the overall group and by sex, age, body mass, and competitive standard was conducted. Ninety-four percent of strongman athletes used warm-ups in competition, which were generally self-directed. The typical warm-up length was 16.0 ± 8.9 minutes, and 8.5 ± 4.3 minutes was the perceived optimal rest time before the start of an event. The main reasons for warming up were injury prevention, to increase activation, and increase blood flow/circulation, temperature, and heart rate. Athletes generally stated that competition warm-ups were practiced in training. Dynamic stretching, foam rolling, and myofascial release work were performed during warm-ups. Warm-up intensity was monitored using the rate of perceived exertion, perceived speed of movement, and training load (as a percentage of 1 repetition maximum). Cognitive strategies were used to improve competition performance, and psychological arousal levels needed to increase or be maintained in competition. Electrolyte drinks, caffeine, and preworkout supplements were the commonly used supplements. These data will provide strongman athletes and coaches some insight into common competition-day preparation strategies, which may enhance competition performances. Future research could compare different competition-day preparation strategies in an attempt to further improve strongman competition performance and injury prevention.
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 17-05-2021
DOI: 10.1101/2021.05.17.444430
Abstract: Understanding the force profile of an exercise increases clinical confidence when assessing the benefits and potential risks of a prescribed exercise. This exploratory study presents the force profile of the hardstyle kettlebell swing in novice older adults and compares peak force with kettlebell deadlifts. These data will help inform healthcare providers and coaches who are considering prescribing kettlebell exercises for older adults. Thirty-five community-dwelling males and females (59-79 years) were recruited, from applicants to participate in the BELL trial. Two-handed hardstyle swings were performed with 8-16 kg. Deadlifts were performed with 8-24 kg and 8-32 kg for females and males, respectively. Ground reaction force was obtained from a floor-mounted force platform. Pairwise comparisons of peak force, forward force, rate of force development, swing cadence, sex, and kettlebell mass, were investigated for the kettlebell swing, with representative force-time curves described. Pairwise comparisons of peak force, sex and kettlebell mass were investigated for the deadlift, with comparisons of peak force, kettlebell mass, and sex, between swings and deadlifts. For kettlebells up to 16 kg, paired s les T-tests show a large exercise effect (δ 1.4) with peak force higher for swings than deadlifts. Data shows: (i) higher peak force during swings than deadlifts (δ = 1.77), reaching 4.5 (1.0) N.kg -1 , (ii) peak force during an 8 kg swing was greater than a 32kg deadlift, (iii) negligible difference in normalised peak force between males and females performing kettlebell swings, but a moderately large effect size during deadlifts (males females, δ = 0.69), (iv) mean rate of force development of 19.9 (4.7) N.s -1 .kg -1 with a very weak, positive correlation with kettlebell mass ( y = 14.4 + 0.32 x ), and trivial effect of sex, (v) mean forward force equal to 5.5% of vertical force during swings, increasing from 3.8 (1.6) % with 8 kg to 7.1 (2.6) % with 16 kg. During kettlebell swings, there is negligible difference in normalised net peak force between novice males and females using the same absolute loads. Where ground reaction force is a therapeutic target, kettlebell swings with an 8 kg kettlebell could have similar effects to much heavier deadlifts ( kg). Kettlebell swings performed with lighter loads, could provider similar therapeutic value to much heavier deadlifts, and may be a more appealing, affordable, and convenient option for older adults.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 10-2020
Abstract: Little is known about the effect of preceding endurance-exercise bouts on subsequent resistance-training (RT) performance in team-sport players. Purpose : To examine the effect of prior skills/endurance training and different recovery time periods on subsequent same-day RT performance in professional Australian football players. Methods : Sport-specific endurance-running loads (duration [in minutes], total distance [in meters], mean speed [in meters per minute], high-speed running km·h −1 , and relative high-speed running [ % and % of maximal velocity]) were obtained for 46 professional Australian football players for each training session across an entire competitive season. RT was prescribed in 3 weekly mesocycles with tonnage (in kilograms) lifted recorded as RT performance. Endurance and RT sessions were interspersed by different recovery durations: ∼20 min and 1, 2, and 3 h. Fixed- and mixed-effect linear models assessed the influence of skills/endurance-running loads on RT performance. Models also accounted for season period (preseason vs in-season) and recovery duration between concurrent training bouts. Results : An increase in high-speed running and distance covered % and % of maximal velocity had the greatest reductions on RT performance. In-season total distance covered displayed greater negative effects on subsequent RT performance compared with preseason, while ∼20-min recovery between skills/endurance and RT was associated with greater reductions in RT performance, compared with 1-, 2-, and 3-h recovery. Conclusions : Sport-specific endurance-running loads negatively affect subsequent same-day RT performance, and this effect is greater in-season and with shorter recovery durations between bouts.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2008
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2015
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 31-01-2019
DOI: 10.1002/HPJA.30
Abstract: The aim of this study was to characterise lifestyle and training habits of a large cohort of Australian recreational runners. Understanding the health benefits of recreational running and differentiating between the habits of males and females may allow for the development of gender-specific messaging for promoting recreational running as a form of physical activity. An online questionnaire was used to collect data from 4720 Australian recreational runners. Data on physical, lifestyle and training characteristics of male and female subgroups were compared using chi-square tests. Multiple logistic regression method was used to assess the effect of running experience on the reported clinically significant weight loss. The study cohort was 54.1% female and 45.9% male. Smoking was uncommon among surveyed runners. The most typical weekly running distance in the cohort was 20-40 km, usually distributed by 2-5 running sessions. Significantly more males than females reported running over 40 km per week (29.9% vs 18.9%, P < .001) and running at least six sessions per week (11.5% vs 6.7%, P < .001). The majority (72.9%) of runners had normal BMI, and the cohort reported a lower overweight/obesity rate than the Australian population. The logistic regression model indicated that commencing running may lead to a clinically significant weight loss irrespectively of sex, participation in other sports and injury history. Recreational running was associated with beneficial health outcomes. Commencement of running is associated with weight loss, and regular running supports healthy weight maintenance. Male and female runners had different running preferences which should be taken into account for physical activity promotion. SO WHAT?: Captured health outcomes associated with running and described sex differences in training patterns may assist in development of physical activity promotion programmes involving recreational running, particularly targeting weight loss and healthy weight maintenance.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2013
DOI: 10.1002/PON.3363
Abstract: The primary aim of this study was to examine the perceptions of older men with prostate cancer regarding their quality of life and physical activity post-diagnosis, and the potential benefits and risks associated with being physically active. A secondary aim was to gain some preliminary insight into how these perceptions may differ as a function of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Two focus groups were conducted, consisting of six ADT and eight non-ADT men, respectively. The probe questions used assessed the link between quality of life and physical activity as well as the benefits and risks associated with physical activity. Data were transcribed verbatim and themes identified using a general inductive thematic approach. The primary themes identified were sexual health, 'plumbing' and non-urogenital side-effects, return to and increased levels of physical activity post-diagnosis, physical health/function and psychological benefits of physical activity as well as over-doing it and age-related risks of excessive physical activity. However, not all themes were present in both the ADT and the non-ADT sub-groups. These results further highlight the link between physical activity and quality of life in prostate cancer survivors and how they use physical activity as a part of their survivorship process. Of particular interest was how several men on ADT used resistance training to counteract ADT-related side-effects affecting their masculinity. As the evidence for physical activity for prostate cancer survivorship is increasing, cancer clinicians and service providers should consider ways to better assist these men, especially those on ADT become more active.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Date: 25-06-2013
Publisher: Springer Singapore
Date: 10-10-2017
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 13-04-2017
DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2017.1313996
Abstract: This study investigated the associations between fundamental athletic movement and physical fitness in junior Australian football (AF). Forty-four under 18 players performed a fundamental athletic movement assessment consisting of an overhead squat, double lunge, single leg Romanian deadlift and a push up. Movements were scored on three assessment criterions using a three-point scale. Additionally, participants performed five physical fitness tests commonly used for talent identification in AF. A Spearman's nonparametric correlation matrix was built, with correlation coefficients being visualised using a circularly rendered correlogram. Score on the overhead squat was moderately positively associated with dynamic vertical jump height on left (r
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 24-11-2021
DOI: 10.3390/JFMK6040096
Abstract: The goals of this narrative review are to provide a brief overview of the muscle and tendon adaptations to eccentric resistance exercise and address the applications of this form of training to aid rehabilitative interventions and enhance sports performance. This work is centered on the author contributions to the Special Issue entitled “Eccentric Exercise: Adaptations and Applications for Health and Performance”. The major themes from the contributing authors include the need to place greater attention on eccentric exercise mode selection based on training goals and in idual fitness level, optimal approaches to implementing eccentric resistance exercise for therapeutic purposes, factors that affect the use of eccentric exercise across the lifespan, and general recommendations to integrate eccentric exercise in athletic training regimens. The authors propose that movement velocity and the absorption or recovery of kinetic energy are critical components of eccentric exercise programming. Regarding the therapeutic use of eccentric resistance training, patient-level factors regarding condition severity, fitness level, and stage of rehabilitation should govern the plan of care. In athletic populations, use of eccentric exercise may improve movement competency and promote improved safety and performance of sport-specific tasks. Eccentric resistance training is a viable option for youth, young adults, and older adults when the exercise prescription appropriately addresses program goals, exercise tolerability, and compliance. Despite the benefits of eccentric exercise, several key questions remain unanswered regarding its application underscoring the need for further investigation.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.APMR.2011.08.044
Abstract: To develop a new Multiple-Lunge Test to distinguish between fallers and nonfallers in community-dwelling older adults. A cross-sectional design was used to establish the sensitivity and specificity of the test to predict faller status based on retrospective self-reported fall history. Local retirement villages. Community-dwelling older adults (N=130 mean age ± SD, 77±7y) with (n=40) and without (n=90) a history of falls. The Multiple-Lunge Test required in iduals to lunge forward to a step length determined as 60% of their leg length, and return to start, for 5 consecutive repetitions. Interday and intraday test-retest reliability of the Multiple-Lunge Test was established across 2 testing occasions. Number of steps performed correctly, total time to complete 5 steps. The Multiple-Lunge Test was found to be reliable across trials (Intraday: intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]=.79-.81 for steps, ICC=.86-.88 for time Interday: ICC=.77 for steps ICC=.84 for time). Sensitivity and specificity values were calculated as 73% and 63%, respectively, for predicting multiple fallers using the measure of all 5 steps done correctly. The test is easily administered and because of its challenging nature, it may be well suited to detect subtle differences in abilities of higher functioning, community-dwelling older adults. A practitioner can be confident in 7 of 10 cases that an older adult who cannot complete all 5 steps of the Multiple-Lunge Test is at high risk of falls. The results suggest that there is potential for the Multiple-Lunge Test to be used in clinical practice however, additional research on how to further increase its validity appears warranted.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 02-2010
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 04-2021
Abstract: The coronavirus disease outbreak in China has become the world’s leading health headline and is causing major panic and public concerns. Public health guidelines in many countries are suggesting that people stay at home to avoid human-to-human transmission of the virus, which may lead to reduced physical activity and greater feelings of isolation. Such effects may be particularly problematic in older adults due to their reduced physical capacities and their potential for increased mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. A potential way to minimize many of these side effects of stay-at-home guidelines may be progressive home-based resistance training. A simple way to provide progressive overload in home-based resistance training may involve elastic resistance, which has been demonstrated to provide similar benefits to traditional resistance training equipment typically found in gymnasiums. Recommendations on how older adults can safely and effectively perform elastic resistance training at home are provided.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-12-2021
DOI: 10.1007/S40279-020-01388-4
Abstract: Reductions in muscle size and strength occur with aging. These changes can be mitigated by participation in resistance training. At present, it is unknown if sex contributes to differences in adaptation to resistance training in older adults. The aim of this systematic review was to determine if sex differences are apparent in adaptations to resistance training in older adults. Systematic review with meta-analysis. Web of Science Science Direct SPORTDiscus CINAHL and MEDLINE were searched from inception to June 2020. Studies where males and females older than 50 years of age performed identical resistance training interventions and had outcome measures of muscle strength or size. We initially screened 5337 studies. 30 studies (with 41 comparison groups) were included in our review (1410 participants 651 males, 759 females). Mean study quality was 14.7/29 on a modified Downs and Black checklist, considered moderate quality. Females gained more relative lower-body strength than males (g = - 0.21 [95% CI - 0.33, - 0.10], p = 0.0003) but there were no differences in relative change for upper-body strength (g = - 0.29 [95% CI - 0.62, 0.04], p = 0.08) or relative muscle size (g = 0.10 [95% CI - 0.04, 0.23], p = 0.16). Males gained more absolute upper-body strength (g = 0.48 [95% CI 0.09, 0.88], p = 0.016), absolute lower-body strength (g = 0.33 [95% CI 0.19, 0.47], p < 0.0001), and absolute muscle size (g = 0.45 [95% CI 0.23, 0.66], p < 0.0001). Our results indicate that sex differences in adaptations to resistance training are apparent in older adults. However, it is evident that the interpretation of sex-dependent adaptations to resistance training is heavily influenced by the presentation of the results in either an absolute or relative context. Open Science Framework (osf.io/afn3y/).
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-02-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S40798-020-0239-3
Abstract: The original article [1] contained an error whereby the symbol ‘☼’ originally included in and below Tables 2–5 did not display properly.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2021
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 13-10-2020
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.10031
Abstract: Little is known about contrast training and post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) in a same day concurrent training model. The aim of the current study was to examine the use of two short duration (1-min and 4-min) recovery periods on drop jump performance in same day concurrently trained athletes. Ten professional Australian Rules footballers (age, 20.6 ± 1.9 yr height, 184.8 ± 6.9 cm body mass, 85.8 ± 8.4 kg) completed two resistance training sessions with different PAPE recovery durations 1-min and 4-min, 1 h following a field-based endurance session. Baseline (pre) drop jumps were compared to post-test maximal drop jumps, performed after each set of three squats (where each participant was encouraged to lift as heavy as they could), to determine changes between 1-min and 4-min recovery periods. Data were analysed by fitting a mixed model (significance was set at P ≤ 0.05). Corrected Hedges’ g standardised effect sizes ±95% confidence limits were calculated using group means ± SDs. There were no significant differences between baseline and experimental sets 1, 2 and 3 for reactive strength index (RSI), flight time, and total and relative impulse for either recovery duration. However, for contact time, 1-min baseline was significantly different from set 2 (mean difference 95% CI [0.029 0.000–0.057 s], P = 0.047, ES 95% CI [−0.27 −1.20 to 0.66]). For RSI and flight time, 1-min was significantly higher than 4-min (RSI: 0.367 0.091 to 0.642, P = 0.010, ES 95% CI [0.52 −0.37 to 1.42] flight time: 0.033 0.003 to 0.063 s, P = 0.027, ES 95% CI [0.86 −0.06 to 1.78]). Short recovery periods of 1-min may be a time-efficient form of prescribing strength-power exercise in contrast loading schemes. Longer recovery periods do not appear to benefit immediate, subsequent performance.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 31-10-2017
DOI: 10.2196/RESPROT.8522
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 10-2014
DOI: 10.1260/1747-9541.9.5.1127
Abstract: This study compared the biomechanical characteristics of the farmers walk, deadlift and unloaded walk. Six experienced male strongman athletes performed farmers' walks and deadlifts at 70% of their 1RM deadlift. Significant differences (p 0.05) were apparent at knees passing with the farmers lift demonstrating greater trunk extension, thigh angle, knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion. Significantly greater mean vertical and anterior forces were observed in the farmers lift than deadlift. The farmers walk demonstrated significantly greater peak forces and stride rates and significantly shorter stride lengths, ground contact times, and swing times than unloaded walk. Significantly greater dorsiflexion, knee flexion, thigh angle, and significantly lesser trunk angle at foot strike were also observed in the farmers walk. The farmers lift may be an effective lifting alternative to the deadlift, to generating more anterior-propulsive and vertical force with less stress to the lumbar spine due to the more vertical trunk position.
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 30-10-2018
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.5845
Abstract: A review of the literature has indicated that lower body stiffness, defined as the extent to which the lower extremity joints resists deformation upon contact with the ground, may be a useful measure for assessing Achilles injury risk in triathletes. The nature of overuse injuries suggests that a variety of different movement patterns could conceivably contribute to the final injury outcome, any number and combination of which might be observed in a single in idual. Measurements which incorporate both kinetics and kinematics (such as stiffness) of a movement may be better able to shed light on in iduals at risk of injury, with further analysis then providing the exact mechanism of injury for the in idual. Stiffness can be measured as vertical, leg or joint stiffness to model how the in idual interacts with the environment upon landing. However, several issues with stiffness assessments limit the effectiveness of these measures to monitor athletes’ performance and/or injury risk. This may reflect the variety of common biomechanical stiffness calculations (dynamic, time, true leg and joint) that have been used to examine these three stiffness levels (vertical, leg and joint) across a variety of human movements (i.e. running or hopping) as well as potential issues with the reliability of these measures, especially joint stiffness. Therefore, the aims of this study were to provide a comparison of the various methods for measuring stiffness during two forms of human bouncing locomotion (running and hopping) along with the measurement reliability to determine the best methods to assess links with injury risk in triathletes. Vertical, leg and joint stiffness were estimated in 12 healthy male competitive triathletes on two occasions, 7 days apart, using both running at 5.0 ms −1 and hopping (2.2 Hz) tasks. Inter-day reliability was good for vertical (ICC = 0.85) and leg (ICC = 0.98) stiffness using the time method. Joint stiffness reliability was poor when assessed in idually. Reliability was improved when taken as the sum of the hip, knee and ankle (ICC = 0.86). The knee and ankle combination provided the best correlation with leg stiffness during running (Pearson’s Correlation = 0.82). The dynamic and time methods of calculating leg stiffness had better reliability than the “true” method. The time and dynamic methods had the best correlation with the different combinations of joint stiffness, which suggests that they should be considered for biomechanical screening of triathletes. The knee and ankle combination had the best correlation with leg stiffness and is therefore proposed to provide the most information regarding lower limb mechanics during gait in triathletes.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-04-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S40798-020-00245-Y
Abstract: Understanding the relationships between physical fitness attributes and sport-specific technical skills may assist with the establishment of beneficial training interventions. The aim of this systematic review was to determine if physical fitness qualities were associated with performance of sport-specific technical skills in female, team-based ball players. Five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, ProQuest, and Scopus) were searched for relevant studies up to April 15, 2019. Full-text articles investigating relationships between physical fitness and sport-specific technical skills in female, team-based ball players were included. Methodological quality of included studies was appraised using a modified Downs and Black checklist. Data synthesis was conducted to determine the summary of evidence based on the number of significantly associated relationships ided by the total relationships assessed. An in idual relationship was defined as a reported result examining the association between a single physical fitness variable and a single sport-specific technical skill. Data synthesis of grouped female ball players from 41 included studies revealed three clear associations: (i) body composition and defensive technical skills (19/29 66%), (ii) agility and movement with a ball (4/6 67%), and (iii) coordination and movement with a ball (3/5 60%). An uncertain association exists between cardiorespiratory fitness and defensive technical skills (2/5 40%). No association or an unknown conclusion ( 5 relationships reported) exists between all remaining physical fitness attributes and sport-specific technical skills. Sub-analyses revealed clear associations between body composition and throwing/shooting (using hands) in junior ball players (15/15 100%) and with movement with a ball in elite (6/9 67%) and senior (6/6 100%) ball players. Three uncertain associations were found between offensive technical skills and agility in elite ball players (3/8 38%), and with speed in elite (6/14 43%) and junior (7/18 39%) female ball players. There is limited evidence available to demonstrate relationships between physical fitness qualities and sport-specific technical skills in female, team-based ball players. This lack of association is possibly due to reductionist methods in available literature and a lack of research in female ball players globally. CRD42017065339 (PROSPERO on 12 May 2017).
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 06-03-2019
Abstract: nline cancer support group discussions enable patients to share their illness experience with others. The sharing of technical and emotional support information and the ability to ask for advice are some of the primary discussions shared online. People with bowel cancer can also use these forums to support each other by sharing information based on personal experiences. This type of support provides newly diagnosed patients with advice about several topics, including exercise from those who have been there. Information gathered from online discussion boards may complement the advice received by health professionals. his study aimed to explore the nature of information related to exercise and physical activity exchanged online for cancer survivors. public open access bowel cancer discussion board was searched for threads containing information related to physical activity or exercise. Keywords such as italic exercise /italic , italic hysical activity /italic , italic moving /italic , italic walking /italic , italic lifting /italic , italic weights training /italic , and italic resistance /italic were used to search for threads (online conversations) related to exercise or physical activity. Only threads initiated by bowel cancer patients or survivors were included. From more than 6000 posts, the inclusion criteria yielded 75 threads for analysis. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted across all included threads. nalysis yielded 3 main themes: italic level of exercise competence /italic , italic beneficial dimensions of exercise /italic , and italic faith in the knowledge /italic . italic Level of exercise competence /italic illustrated the varying definitions of exercise that members of the forum discussed in the forum. italic Beneficial dimensions of exercise /italic revealed that forum members shared both the spiritual benefits associated with exercise as well as the physical benefits or goodness that they feel exercise or physical activity provides them. italic Faith in the knowledge /italic of exercise demonstrated that forum members were aware of the general benefits of exercise but felt disappointed that it did not keep the cancer at bay. However, members also had faith that exercise would keep them healthy after diagnosis and treatment. he analysis revealed that people with bowel cancer discuss exercise and physical activity online and that they view exercise as having a mostly positive influence on their cancer journey. However, personal definitions of exercise became a source of conflict within the group. People with bowel cancer seeking information about exercise may benefit from participating in online support groups as it appears that there are many similar others willing to share their personal experiences with exercise. In addition, health care professionals responsible for caring for people with bowel cancer may use these findings to discuss exercise with their patients while being mindful of how they may view exercise.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 28-06-2021
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004061
Abstract: Griffin, J, Horan, S, Keogh, J, Andreatta, M, and Minahan, C. Time to be negative about acceleration: A spotlight on female football players. J Strength Cond Res 36(11): 3264–3271, 2022—Women's football requires players to perform frequent changes in velocity (i.e., speed and direction) for successful performance. Although increases in velocity (“acceleration”) are important, decreases in velocity (“deceleration”) should also be considered equally important to performance and load monitoring. Currently, there is a disproportionate focus on acceleration and creating faster players. The aim of this review is to provide an understanding of deceleration for female football players. Given the limited research in this area, data from studies involving male football players and from other team-sport athletes were used to supplement the review where necessary. Most research focused on eccentric strength and its relationship with deceleration ability, highlighting the importance of slow eccentric strength of the quadriceps and hamstrings to deceleration. Technical and kinematic characteristics of deceleration were also investigated. Importantly, with deceleration being a unilateral motor skill, development requires similar amounts of training for both legs. Imbalances between legs in skill and strength characteristics may compromise performance or increase the risk of injury. Given the dependent nature of deceleration, several contextual factors were identified as important when considering deceleration as a part of training programs and performance. Deceleration is affected by the following factors: an athlete's momentum, the approach speed, change of direction angle, time or distance, anticipated or unanticipated task, fatigue, and the positional requirements of female football players. Further research is needed into deceleration and the physical characteristics associated with deceleration performance, particularly for female football players.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.1123/JAPA.18.1.43
Abstract: The current study investigated the effect of 2 different types of unilateral resistance training on the postural tremor output of 19 neurologically healthy men age 70–80 yr. The strength- ( n = 7) and coordination-training ( n = 7) groups trained twice a week for 6 wk, performing dumbbell biceps curls, wrist flexions, and wrist extensions, while the control group ( n = 5) maintained their normal activities. Changes in index-finger tremor (RMS litude, peak, and proportional power) and upper limb muscle coactivation were assessed during 4 postural conditions that were performed separately with the trained and untrained limbs. The 2 training groups experienced significantly greater reductions in mean RMS tremor litude, peak, and proportional tremor power 8–12 Hz and upper limb muscle coactivation, as well as greater increases in strength, than the control group. These results further demonstrate the benefits of resistance training for improving function in older adults.
Publisher: SERDI
Date: 2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-06-2019
DOI: 10.1007/S40279-019-01141-6
Abstract: The ageing process and several health conditions may increase tremor and reduce force steadiness and dexterity, which can severely impact on function and quality of life. Resistance training can evoke a range of neuromuscular adaptions that may significantly reduce tremor and/or increase force steadiness and/or dexterity in older adults, irrespective of their health condition. The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature to determine if a minimum of 4 weeks' resistance training can reduce postural tremor and improve force steadiness and/or dexterity in older adults, defined as aged 65 years and over. An electronic search using Ovid, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus and EMBASE was performed. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Fourteen studies met the eligibility criteria, including six randomised controlled trials and two quasi-randomised controlled trials. All eight studies that recruited healthy older adults reported significant reductions in postural tremor and/or improvements in force steadiness and dexterity. Five out of seven studies that examined older adults with a particular health condition reported some improvements in force steadiness and/or dexterity. Specifically, significant benefits were observed for older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and essential tremor however, small or no changes were observed for in iduals with osteoarthritis or stroke. Resistance training is a non-pharmacological treatment that can reduce tremor and improve force steadiness and dexterity in a variety of older adult populations. Future research should employ randomised controlled trials with larger s le sizes, better describe training programme methods, and align exercise prescription to current recommendations for older adults.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-10-2016
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2015
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1071/HC14152
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Regular pedometer use can help initiate and maintain regular walking activity that can lead to a number of health-related benefits. The primary health care setting has been found to be an ideal venue in which to counsel low-active in iduals for physical activity. AIM: To examine general practitioners (GPs) views on the role of pedometers in health promotion. METHODS: Fifteen GPs working in urban, primary care practices in Auckland, New Zealand were in idually interviewed. The interview schedule focused on physical activity counselling and the Green Prescription programme. For this sub-study, the focus was on questions relating to pedometer use. An inductive thematic approach was used to analyse the data. FINDINGS: Four main themes were identified. Pedometers were viewed as motivational devices that could be used to encourage low-active patients to become more active, as they provided feedback on step counts. A pedometer was also viewed as a self-management tool, whereby the in idual could set daily step count goals, which in turn could help increase their physical activity engagement. GPs who currently wore a pedometer discussed the practicalities of being able to show a patient how to use a pedometer. Also discussed was how cost could restrict pedometer access for some patients. CONCLUSIONS: Pedometers were viewed by GPs as being helpful devices that could help motivate and support low-active patients in becoming more active. Information regarding step counts was seen as important because it could make people aware how little physical activity they were engaging in. KEYWORDS: General practitioners health promotion sedentary lifestyle walking
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-10-2019
DOI: 10.1007/S40279-019-01198-3
Abstract: No sources of funding were used in the preparation of this article.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 26-04-2021
DOI: 10.3389/FSPOR.2021.670297
Abstract: The yoke walk is a popular strongman exercise where athletes carry a heavily loaded frame balanced across the back of their shoulders over a set distance as quickly as possible. The aim of this study was to use ecologically realistic training loads and carry distances to (1) establish the preliminary biomechanical characteristics of the yoke walk (2) identify any biomechanical differences between male and female athletes performing the yoke walk and (3) determine spatiotemporal and kinematic differences between stages (intervals) of the yoke walk. Kinematic and spatiotemporal measures of hip and knee joint angle, and mean velocity, stride length, stride rate and stance duration of each 5 m interval were taken whilst 19 strongman athletes performed three sets of a 20 m yoke walk at 85% of their pre-determined 20 m yoke walk one repetition maximum. The yoke walk was characterised by flexion of the hip and slight to neutral flexion of the knee at heel strike, slight to neutral extension of the hip and flexion of the knee at toe-off and moderate hip and knee range of motion (ROM), with high stride rate and stance duration, and short stride length. Between-interval comparisons revealed increased stride length, stride rate and lower limb ROM, and decreased stance duration at greater velocity. Although no main between-sex differences were observed, two-way interactions revealed female athletes exhibited greater knee extension at toe-off and reduced hip ROM during the initial (0–5 m) when compared with the final three intervals (5–20 m), and covered a greater distance before reaching maximal normalised stride length than males. The findings from this study may better inform strongman coaches, athletes and strength and conditioning coaches with the biomechanical knowledge to: provide athletes with recommendation on how to perform the yoke walk based on the technique used by experienced strongman athletes better prescribe exercises to target training adaptations required for improved yoke walk performance and better coach the yoke walk as a training tool for non-strongman athletes.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-10-2015
DOI: 10.1007/S12311-015-0732-2
Abstract: Essential tremor (ET) is commonly associated with kinetic tremor. However, other forms of tremor, such as force and postural tremor, may occur in ET with less severity. This study objectively assessed force and postural tremor characteristics in ET with the purpose of identifying the relationships between these tremors. Ten in iduals with ET (age 71 ± 5 years) and ten healthy controls (age 70 ± 5 years) participated in the study. Force tremor was quantified as fluctuations in index finger abduction force during isometric contractions at 10 % maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and 60 % MVC. Postural tremor was quantified as index finger acceleration when the subjects held their entire arm unsupported, and when their arm was supported so that only the index finger could move. Time- and frequency-domain parameters were extracted from tremor data, and then correlations within, and between, tremor subtypes were examined. ET force tremor was dependent on contraction intensity whereas postural tremor was unaffected by the level of limb support. Significant correlations existed between frequency components of postural tremor and force tremor litude. Force tremor litude normalised to the level of contraction intensity correlated to the proportion of power for postural tremor. These correlations were observed for both contraction intensities and both levels of postural support. The proportion of power represents the output of central oscillators in ET patients and therefore correlated well to force tremor. Given that significant relationships existed between spectral features of postural tremor and the overall force tremor litude, it is clear that these tremor modalities are not completely independent in older adults with ET.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 12-2011
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.APMR.2007.05.014
Abstract: To investigate the effect of unilateral upper-limb strength training on the finger-pinch force control of older men. Pretest and post-test 6-week intervention study. Exercise science research laboratory. Eleven neurologically fit older men (age range, 70-80y). The strength training group (n=7) trained twice a week for 6 weeks, performing dumbbell bicep curls, wrist flexions, and wrists extensions, while the control group subjects (n=4) maintained their normal activities. Changes in force variability, targeting error, peak power frequency, proportional power, s le entropy, digit force sharing, and coupling relations were assessed during a series of finger-pinch tasks. These tasks involved maintaining a constant or sinusoidal force output at 20% and 40% of each subject's maximum voluntary contraction. All participants performed the finger-pinch tasks with both the preferred and nonpreferred limbs. Analysis of covariance for between-group change scores indicated that the strength training group (trained limb) experienced significantly greater reductions in finger-pinch force variability and targeting error, as well as significantly greater increases in finger-pinch force, s le entropy, bicep curl, and wrist flexion strength than did the control group. A nonspecific upper-limb strength-training program may improve the finger-pinch force control of older men.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 11-2010
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 08-2021
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 24-02-2021
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.10937
Abstract: The block phase in the swimming start requires a quick reaction to the starting signal and a large take-off velocity that is primarily horizontal in direction. Due to the principle of specificity of training, there is a potential benefit of performing a greater proportion of horizontal force production exercises in a swimmers’ dry-land resistance training sessions. Therefore, the purpose of this pilot study was to provide an insight into the effects of a horizontal- (HF) vs vertical-force (VF) training intervention on swim start performance. Eleven competitive swimmers (six males (age 20.9 ± 1.8 years, body mass 77.3 ± 9.7 kg, height 1.78 ± 0.05 m) and five females (age 21.4 ± 2.0 years, body mass 67.5 ± 7.4 kg, height 1.69 ± 0.05 m)) completed 2 weekly sessions of either a horizontal- or vertical-force focused resistance training programme for 8 weeks. Squat jump force-time characteristics and swim start kinetic and kinematic parameters were collected pre- and post-intervention. Across the study duration, the swimmers completed an average of nine swimming sessions per week with an average weekly swim volume of 45.5 ± 17.7 km (HF group) and 53 ± 20.0 km (VF group), but little practice of the swim start per week ( n = 9). Within-group analyses indicated a significant increase in predicted one repetition maximum (1RM) hip thrust strength in the HF group, as well as significant increases in grab resultant peak force but reductions in resultant peak force of the block phase for the VF group. No significant between-group differences in predicted 1RM hip thrust and back squat strength, squat jump force-time and swim start performance measures were observed after 8 weeks of training. Significant correlations in the change scores of five block kinetic variables to time to 5 m were observed, whereby increased block kinetic outputs were associated with a reduced time to 5 m. This may be indicative of in idual responses to the different training programmes. The results of this current study have been unable to determine whether a horizontal- or vertical-force training programme enhances swim start performance after an 8-week training intervention. Some reasons for the lack of within and between group effects may reflect the large volume of concurrent training and the relative lack of any deliberate practice of the swim start. Larger s les and longer training duration may be required to determine whether significant differences occur between these training approaches. Such research should also look to investigate how a reduction in the concurrent training loads and/or an increase in the deliberate practice of the swim start may influence the potential changes in swim start performance.
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2013
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 08-2016
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 03-06-2020
Abstract: This study aimed to assess the effects of jump training on the jumping performance of handball players compared with a control condition. The data sources utilised were PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection and SCOPUS. Only peer-review randomised controlled trials were included. The inclusion criteria comprised: a jump training programme of at least 2 weeks a control group the assessment of the countermovement jump. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale was used to assess the risk of bias and methodological quality of eligible studies included in the meta-analysis. Risk of publication bias across studies was assessed using the extended Egger’s test. Cohen’s d effect sizes (ESs) were calculated from the countermovement jump and presented together with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). From 6108 records initially identified through database searching, 5 were eligible for meta-analysis. A significant improvement in countermovement jump height was observed, corresponding to 6.4 cm (95% CI = 4.9–7.9 Z = 8.4, p 0.001), showing moderate heterogeneity ( I 2 = 51.4%). The magnitude of the main effect was very large (ES = 2.2 (95% CI = 0.95–3.4), Z = 3.5, p 0.001). Jump training is effective in increasing vertical jump performance in handball players. However, the insufficient number of studies conducted precluded analyses of moderator variables. In future, researchers are advised to conduct jump training studies of high methodological quality (e.g. randomised controlled trials) and assess different jump exercise prescriptions across handball players of different sexes, ages and competitive levels to analyse if exercise prescription and player characteristics may influence training responses.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2010
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 30-08-2021
DOI: 10.3389/FSPOR.2021.713655
Abstract: The aim of this multi-experiment paper was to explore the concept of the minimum effective training dose (METD) required to increase 1-repetition-maximum (1RM) strength in powerlifting (PL) athletes. The METD refers to the least amount of training required to elicit meaningful increases in 1RM strength. A series of five studies utilising mixed methods, were conducted using PL athletes & coaches of all levels in an attempt to better understand the METD for 1RM strength. The studies of this multi-experiment paper are: an interview study with elite PL athletes and highly experienced PL coaches ( n = 28), an interview and survey study with PL coaches and PL athletes of all levels ( n = 137), two training intervention studies with intermediate-advanced PL athletes ( n = 25) and a survey study with competitive PL athletes of different levels ( n = 57). PL athletes looking to train with a METD approach can do so by performing ~3–6 working sets of 1–5 repetitions each week, with these sets spread across 1–3 sessions per week per powerlift, using loads above 80% 1RM at a Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) of 7.5–9.5 for 6–12 weeks and expect to gain strength. PL athletes who wish to further minimize their time spent training can perform autoregulated single repetition sets at an RPE of 9–9.5 though they should expect that strength gains will be less likely to be meaningful. However, the addition of 2–3 back-off sets at ~80% of the single repetitions load, may produce greater gains over 6 weeks while following a 2-3-1 squat-bench press-deadlift weekly training frequency. When utilizing accessory exercises in the context of METD, PL athletes typically utilize 1–3 accessory exercises per powerlift, at an RPE in the range of 7–9 and utilize a repetition range of ~6–10 repetitions.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 10-2016
Abstract: Men with prostate cancer experience many side effects and symptoms that may be improved by a physically active lifestyle. It was hypothesized that older men with prostate cancer who were physically active would report significantly higher levels of quality of life (QOL) as assessed by the WHOQOL-BREF and the WHOQOL-OLD. Of the 348 prostate cancer survivors who were invited to participate in the present postal survey, 137 men returned the questionnaires. Those who were physically active had significantly lower prostate specific antigen (PSA) scores and higher social participation than those insufficiently active. These findings offer some support for the benefits of physical activity (PA) within the prostate cancer population in managing the adverse side effects of their treatments on aspects of their QOL. Future research should more closely examine what types of PA best promote improvements in varying aspects of QOL and psychological well-being for prostate cancer survivors.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 10-2014
DOI: 10.1260/1747-9541.9.5.1107
Abstract: This article describes how strongman implements, which we defined as “any non-traditional implement integrated into strength and conditioning practice” are currently utilised by coaches to enhance athletic performance. Coaches (mean ±SD 34.0 ±8.2 y old, 9.8 ±6.7 y general strength and conditioning coaching experience) completed a self-reported 4-page survey. The subject group included coaches of amateur (n = 74), semi-professional (n = 38) and professional (n = 108) athletes. Eighty-eight percent (n = 193) of coaches reported using strongman implements in the training of their athletes. Coaches ranked sleds, ropes, kettlebells, tyres, sandbags and farmers walk bars as the top six implements used, and anaerobic/metabolic conditioning, explosive strength ower and muscle endurance as the three main physiological reasons for its use. The strongman implements were typically used in combination with traditional exercises in a gymnasium-based setting. Future research needs to evaluate the performance benefits of such training practices in controlled studies.
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 26-02-2020
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.8617
Abstract: Muscle wasting conditions such as sarcopenia may be highly prevalent in advanced head and neck cancer (HNC) patients (16–71%), with these prevalence rates substantially greater in those who have received chemo-radiotherapy (CRT). According to the updated European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People consensus statement, sarcopenia is defined as the age-related loss of muscle strength, muscle mass and physical performance. The high prevalence of sarcopenia in HNC patients is concerning as it has been associated with substantially increased risk of CRT toxicity, respiratory complications and early mortality. With the high prevalence of HNC and sarcopenia in India and the strong link between sarcopenia and poor HNC patient outcomes, it is important to screen for the presence of sarcopenia in Indian patients receiving CRT for HNC. This longitudinal pilot study aimed to routinely monitor 19 men receiving CRT for their HNC for a variety of sarcopenic-related outcomes over three time points during their 7 weeks of CRT. Participants were required to be male, with a minimum age of 30 years, with a Stage III, IVa or IVb diagnosis of HNC and be currently undergoing a 7 weeks course of CRT in an oncology department. Outcomes included probable sarcopenic diagnosis were estimated by the SARC-F, handgrip strength, skeletal muscle mass was estimated by bioelectrical impedance and physical performance was assessed by the Timed Up and Go. Repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used to identify significant differences at the three time points with a p 0.05. The 19 participants in this trial at a mean age of 56.5 ± 10.2 years (range = 39–75 years), with most ( n = 13, 68.4%) employed in laboring occupations. At baseline, 31.5% ( n = 6) of the participants already had probable sarcopenia based on their total SARC-F score, with this increasing to 89.4% ( n = 17) at the end of 7 weeks CRT. In addition, significant decreases in strength, skeletal muscle mass and Timed Up and Go performance were observed, with these declines significantly greater at 7 weeks than 3 weeks after commencing CRT. Patients with HNC undergoing 7 weeks of CRT showed clinically significant increases in the incidence of probable sarcopenia based on their total SARC-F score as well as clinically significant declines in handgrip strength, skeletal muscle mass and Timed Up and Go performance. Due to the relationship between sarcopenia and a host of adverse events related to CRT in HNC patients, these results suggest that oncologists and their allied health teams should routinely monitor these patients during CRT and provide the relevant exercise therapy and nutritional support to those patients in need.
Publisher: Common Ground Research Networks
Date: 2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-08-2021
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-04-2022
DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2021.1877335
Abstract: To examine physical fitness profiles of female Australian football players and investigate differences according to competition level. A testing battery of 28 physical fitness assessments was undertaken with 240 players across five competition levels: elite senior (≥18 years), non-elite senior (≥18 years), high-level junior (<18 years), non-elite junior (14-17 years), and non-elite junior (10-13 years). Physical fitness profiles were examined and competition level differences were investigated using multivariate analyses of variance. Significant differences ( This is the first study to comprehensively profile physical characteristics of female Australian footballers across a broader development pathway. These preliminary findings may assist sport practitioners to better understand athlete development, provide insight on talent identification and development programs, and injury management in this population.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 10-2009
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 08-2016
Abstract: As most golf exercise studies have shown improved golf performance as a result of two or three sessions per week, the present study investigated the effects of a supervised exercise session performed once a week for seven weeks on golf swing variables and musculoskeletal screening measures. Professional Golfers Association of Australia International Golf Institute student golfers ( n = 43) with a mean ± standard deviation handicap of 8.6 ± 8.3 participated in the study. Each golfer performed 10 musculoskeletal tests and a standardised 60-shot golf performance test (TrackMan, Vedbaek, Denmark) on separate days before and after the seven-week program. Significant improvements in a number of musculoskeletal tests (i.e. left leg bridging (6.6%), thoracic extension (62.5%), right thoracic rotation (23.3%), and right (20.8%) and left single leg squat (29.1%)) were observed (all p ≤ 0.024) however, no significant differences were observed for any golf swing variables. Future research investigating different training protocols may help to determine whether the type or frequency of training has the greatest influence on golf swing performance.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 08-2009
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2011
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-2010
DOI: 10.1080/02640411003645695
Abstract: Pre-season rugby training develops the physical requisites for competition and consists of a high volume of resistance training and anaerobic and aerobic conditioning. However, the effects of a rugby union pre-season in professional athletes are currently unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of a 4-week pre-season on 33 professional rugby union players. Bench press and box squat increased moderately (13.6 kg, 90% confidence limits +/-2.9 kg and 17.6 +/- 8.0 kg, respectively) over the training phase. Small decreases in bench throw (70.6 +/- 53.5 W), jump squat (280.1 +/- 232.4 W), and fat mass (1.4 +/- 0.4 kg) were observed. In addition, small increases were seen in fat-free mass (2.0 +/- 0.6 kg) and flexed upper-arm girth (0.6 +/- 0.2 cm), while moderate increases were observed in mid-thigh girth (1.9 +/- 0.5 cm) and perception of fatigue (0.6 +/- 0.4 units). Increases in strength and body composition were observed in elite rugby union players after 4 weeks of intensive pre-season training, but this may have been the result of a return to fitness levels prior to the off-season. Decreases in power may reflect high training volumes and increases in perceived of fatigue.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 12-2014
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 10-2015
DOI: 10.1260/1747-9541.10.5.869
Abstract: This study compared the biomechanical characteristics of the log lift and clean and jerk. Six experienced male strongman athletes performed log lifts and clean and jerks at 70% of their 1RM clean and jerk. Significant (p .05) between-exercise kinematic differences were observed throughout all the lifting phases, except at lift completion. The log lift demonstrated significantly greater trunk (↑24%) and hip (↑9%) range of motion than the clean and jerk. Significantly greater peak bar velocities were achieved in the clean and jerk in the second pull (16%) and the jerk (↑14%). While similarities existed in ground reaction force data between the lifts, mean and peak powers were significantly greater (↑40% to ↑64%) in propulsive phases of the clean and jerk. The log lift may be an effective conditioning stimulus to teach rapid triple extension while generating similar vertical and anterior-propulsive forces as the clean and jerk with the same given load.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2009
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2007
DOI: 10.1080/02640410601059630
Abstract: In this study, we examined the anthropometric dimensions of powerlifters across various body mass (competitive bodyweight) categories. Fifty-four male Oceania competitive powerlifters (9 lightweight, 30 middleweight, and 15 heavyweight) were recruited from one international and two national powerlifting competitions held in New Zealand. Powerlifters were assessed for 37 anthropometric dimensions by ISAK (International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry) level II and III accredited anthropometrists. The powerlifters were highly mesomorphic and had large girths and bony breadths, both in absolute units and when expressed as Z(p)-scores compared through the Phantom (Ross & Wilson, 1974). These anthropometric characteristics were more pronounced in heavyweights, who were significantly heavier, had greater muscle and fat mass, were more endo-mesomorphic, and had larger girths and bony breadths than the lighter lifters. Although middleweight and heavyweight lifters typically had longer segment lengths than the lightweights, all three groups had similar Zp-scores for the segment lengths, indicating similar segment length proportions. While population comparisons would be required to identify any connection between specific anthropometric dimensions that confer a competitive advantage to the expression of maximal strength, anthropometric profiling may prove useful for talent identification and for the assessment of training progression in powerlifting.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 07-2018
Abstract: This study investigated the association of sitting time with sarcopenia and physical performance in residential aged care residents at baseline and 18-month follow-up. Measures included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (sitting time), European Working Group definition of sarcopenia, and the short physical performance battery (physical performance). Logistic regression and linear regression analyses were used to investigate associations. For each hour of sitting, the unadjusted odds ratio of sarcopenia was 1.16 (95% confidence interval [0.98, 1.37]). Linear regression showed that each hour of sitting was significantly associated with a 0.2-unit lower score for performance. Associations of baseline sitting with follow-up sarcopenia status and performance were nonsignificant. Cross-sectionally, increased sitting time in residential aged care may be detrimentally associated with sarcopenia and physical performance. Based on current reablement models of care, future studies should investigate if reducing sedentary time improves performance among adults in end of life care.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 04-2019
Abstract: Purpose : To investigate the effects of strength-training tapers of different intensities but equal volume reductions on neuromuscular performance. Methods : Eleven strength-trained men (21.3 [3.3] y, 92.3 [17.6] kg, relative 1-repetition-maximum deadlift 1.9 [0.2] times bodyweight) completed a crossover study. Specifically, two 4-wk strength-training blocks were followed by a taper week with reduced volume (∼70%) involving either increased (5.9%) or decreased (−8.5%) intensity. Testing occurred pretraining (T1), posttraining (T2), and posttaper (T3). Salivary testosterone and cortisol, plasma creatine kinase, a Daily Analysis of Life Demands in Athletes questionnaire, countermovement jump (CMJ), isometric midthigh pull, and isometric bench press were measured. Results : CMJ height improved significantly over time ( P .001), with significant increases from T1 (38.0 [5.5] cm) to both T2 (39.3 [5.3] cm P = .010) and T3 (40.0 [5.3] cm P = .001) and from T2 to T3 ( P = .002). CMJ flight time:contraction time increased significantly over time ( P = .004), with significant increases from T1 (0.747 [0.162]) to T2 (0.791 [0.163] P = .012). Isometric midthigh-pull relative peak force improved significantly over time ( P = .033), with significant increases from T1 (34.7 [5.0] N/kg) to T2 (35.9 [4.8] N/kg P = .013). No significant changes were found between tapers. However, the higher-intensity taper produced small effect-size increases at T3 vs T1 for isometric midthigh-pull relative peak force, CMJ height, and flight time:contraction time, while the lower-intensity taper only produced small effect-size improvements at T3 vs T1 for CMJ height. Conclusions : A strength-training taper with volume reductions had a positive effect on power, with a tendency for the higher-intensity taper to produce more favorable changes in strength and power.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 04-2012
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 10-2008
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 26-03-2021
DOI: 10.1155/2021/6628320
Abstract: Inertial-based motion capture (IMC) has been suggested to overcome many of the limitations of traditional motion capture systems. The validity of IMC is, however, suggested to be dependent on the methodologies used to process the raw data collected by the inertial device. The aim of this technical summary is to provide researchers and developers with a starting point from which to further develop the current IMC data processing methodologies used to estimate human spatiotemporal and kinematic measures. The main workflow pertaining to the estimation of spatiotemporal and kinematic measures was presented, and a general overview of previous methodologies used for each stage of data processing was provided. For the estimation of spatiotemporal measures, which includes stride length, stride rate, and stance/swing duration, measurement thresholding and zero-velocity update approaches were discussed as the most common methodologies used to estimate such measures. The methodologies used for the estimation of joint kinematics were found to be broad, with the combination of Kalman filtering or complimentary filtering and various sensor to segment alignment techniques including anatomical alignment, static calibration, and functional calibration methods identified as being most common. The effect of soft tissue artefacts, device placement, biomechanical modelling methods, and ferromagnetic interference within the environment, on the accuracy and validity of IMC, was also discussed. Where a range of methods have previously been used to estimate human spatiotemporal and kinematic measures, further development is required to reduce estimation errors, improve the validity of spatiotemporal and kinematic estimations, and standardize data processing practices. It is anticipated that this technical summary will reduce the time researchers and developers require to establish the fundamental methodological components of IMC prior to commencing further development of IMC methodologies, thus increasing the rate of development and utilisation of IMC.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 10-2015
DOI: 10.1260/1747-9541.10.5.851
Abstract: This study compared the biomechanical characteristics of the heavy sprint-style sled pull and squat. Six experienced male strongman athletes performed sled pulls and squats at 70% of their 1RM squat. Significant kinematic and kinetic differences were observed between the sled pull start and squat at the start of the concentric phase and at maximum knee extension. The first stride of the heavy sled pull demonstrated significantly (p .05) lower stride lengths and average velocities and a higher mean ratio of force than the stride at 2 – 3 m. The force orientation and magnitude associated with the heavy sprint-style sled pull demonstrates that the heavy sled pull may be an effective conditioning stimulus to generate superior anterior-propulsive forces compared to vertically orientated exercises such as the squat with the same given load. Such adaptations may be beneficial in sports where higher levels of sprint momentum are needed to make and break tackles.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-2019
DOI: 10.1519/JPT.0000000000000160
Abstract: Low and slowing gait speeds among nursing home residents are linked to a higher risk of disability, cognitive impairment, falls, and mortality. A better understanding of the spatiotemporal parameters of gait that influence declining mobility could lead to effective rehabilitation and preventative intervention. The aims of this study were to objectively quantify the spatiotemporal characteristics of gait in the nursing home setting and define the relationship between these parameters and gait speed. One hundred nursing home residents were enrolled into the study and completed 3 habitual gait speed trials over a distance of 3.66 m. Trials were performed using an instrumented gait analysis. The manner in which the spatiotemporal parameters predicted gait speed was examined by univariate and multivariable regression modeling. The nursing home residents had a habitual mean (SD) gait speed of 0.63 (0.19) m/s, a stride length of 0.83 (0.15) m, a support base of 0.15 (0.06) m, and step time of 0.66 (0.12) seconds. Multivariable linear regression revealed stride length, support base, and step time predicted gait speed ( R 2 = 0.89, P .05). Step time had the greatest influence on gait speed, with each 0.1-second decrease in step time resulting in a 0.09 m/s (95% confidence interval, 0.08-0.10) increase in habitual gait speed. This study revealed step time, stride length, and support base are the strongest predictors of gait speed among nursing home residents. Future research should concentrate on developing and evaluating intervention programs that were specifically designed to focus on the strong predictors of gait speed in nursing home residents. We would also suggest that routine assessments of gait speed, and if possible their spatiotemporal characteristics, be done on all nursing home residents in an attempt to identify residents with low or slowing gait speed.
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 16-05-2021
DOI: 10.1101/2021.05.13.444085
Abstract: The effects of hardstyle kettlebell training are increasingly cited in strength and conditioning research, yet reference data from a proficient swing is scarce. The aim of this exploratory study was to investigate the force profile of a two-handed hardstyle swing performed by a Russian Kettlebell Challenge (RKC) instructor. The subject is a 44-year-old male, body mass 75.6 kg, height 173.5 cm, with six years of regular hardstyle training experience. Two-handed hardstyle swings were performed with a series of incremental mass kettlebells (8-68 kg). Ground reaction force (GRFs) was obtained from a floor-mounted force platform. Force-time curves (FTCs), peak force, forward force, rate of force development (RFD) and swing cadence were investigated. Data revealed the FTC of a proficient swing is highly consistent and dominated by a single force peak (mean SD = 47 N), with a profile that remained largely unchanged to 24 kg. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a very strong positive correlation in peak force with kettlebell mass ( r = 0.95), which increased disproportionately from the lightest to heaviest kettlebells net peak force increased from 8.36 ± 0.75 N.kg -1 (0.85 × BW) to 12.82 ± 0.39 N.kg -1 (1.3× BW). There was a strong negative correlation between RFD and kettlebell mass ( r = 0.82) that decreased from 39.2 N.s -1 .kg -1 to 21.5 N.s -1 .kg -1 . There was a very strong positive correlation in forward ground reaction force with kettlebell mass ( r = 0.99), expressed as a ratio of vertical ground reaction, that increased from 0.092 (9.2%) to 0.205 (20.5%). Swing cadence exceeded 40 swings per minute (SPM) with all kettlebells. Our findings challenge some of the popular beliefs of the hardstyle kettlebell swing. Consistent with hardstyle practice, and previous kinematic analysis of expert and novice, force-time curves show a characteristic single large force peak, differentiating passive from active shoulder flexion. Ground reaction force did not increase proportionate to kettlebell mass, with a magnitude of forward force smaller than described in practice. These results could be useful for coaches and trainers wanting to improve athletic performance, and healthcare providers using the kettlebell swing for therapeutic purposes. Findings from this study were used to inform the BELL Trial, a pragmatic controlled trial of kettlebell training with older adults. www.anzctr.org.au ACTRN12619001177145.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2014
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 11-03-2020
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.8760
Abstract: This study aimed to determine the reliability of the velocity achieved during the last repetition of sets to failure ( V last ) and the association of V last with the velocity of the 1-repetition maximum ( V 1RM ) during the paused and touch-and-go bench press (BP) exercises performed in a Smith machine. A total of 96 healthy men participated in this study that consisted of two testing sessions. A single BP variant (paused BP or touch-and-go BP) was evaluated on each session in a randomized order. Each session consisted of an incremental loading test until reaching the 1RM, followed by two sets of repetitions to failure against a load ranging from 75% to 90% of 1RM. The reliability of V last was unacceptable for both BP variants (CV 18.3%, ICC 0.60). The correlations between V 1RM and V last were small for the paused BP ( r = 0.18) and moderate for the touch-and-go BP ( r = 0.37). Although these results suggest that V last could be a better indicator of the minimal velocity threshold than V 1RM , the low reliability of V last and the similar values of V last for both BP variants suggest that a standard V 1RM should be used to estimate the 1RM from the in idualized load-velocity relationship.
Publisher: Bowling Green State University Libraries
Date: 02-2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2015
DOI: 10.1111/AJAG.12259
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 13-05-2020
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003638
Abstract: Griffin, J, Larsen, B, Horan, S, Keogh, J, Dodd, K, Andretta, M, and Minahan, C. Title: Women’s football: An examination of factors that influence movement patterns. J Strength Cond Res 34(8): 2384–2393, 2020—The popularity and professionalism of women's football has increased in conjunction with participation rates over the last 10 years, with projected female participation rates to double worldwide by 2026. Scientific interest has also increased, in part due to Fédération Internationale de Football Association now allowing global positioning system (GPS) units to be worn during all competitive matches, resulting in investigations into the match demands of women's football. Therefore, the purpose of the present review is to provide a summary of the literature specific to the movement patterns of women's football matches. Contemporary scientific investigation using GPS match data has led to a greater understanding of the movement patterns of football. Greater emphasis has been placed on high-speed running and sprinting during matches because of the strong link to scoring opportunities and being a distinguishing factor between international and national along with elite and subelite competition levels. Further research, however, is warranted in regard to accelerations and decelerations, given the high metabolic and mechanical loads and contribution to high-speed running and sprinting. With an influx of research into the movement patterns of match-play, investigators have begun to examine factors affecting match performance such as positional demands, age, level of competition, opponent, scoreline, and phase of the game. An understanding of the factors that influence match demands is vital to ultimately be able to understand the effects on performance and how manipulating these factors may improve football performance and reduce the risk of injury.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2016
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1071/HC12320
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Limited research exists that has examined the barriers that older adults (those aged 65 years and older) can encounter when given a Green Prescription (GRx). This study aimed to identify what general practitioners (GPs) perceived their older-aged patients barriers were with regard to carrying out a GRx. This study also identified the strategies that GPs used to assist their older-aged patients in overcoming barriers to physical activity engagement. METHODS: Fifteen GPs from the Auckland region of New Zealand were interviewed in idually. An inductive thematic approach was used to analyse data. FINDINGS: GPs identified chronic health conditions, fear of injury, transportation constraints, set routines and lack of confidence as being barriers that some of their older-aged patients have encountered when considering whether to become more physically active and, also, when engaging in actual physical activity. CONCLUSION: Physical activity interventions, such as the GRx programme, can have an important role in helping confer health-related gain for low-active older adults. To ensure that such interventions are successful on a long-term basis, practitioners need to be aware of the barriers that their older-aged patients can encounter when given a prescription for physical activity. KEYWORDS: Green Prescription older adults physical activity, primary health care
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2005
DOI: 10.2165/00007256-200535110-00004
Abstract: A great deal of literature has investigated the effects of various resistance training programmes on strength and power changes. Surprisingly, however, our understanding of the stimuli that affect adaptation still remains relatively unexplained. It is thought that strength and power adaptation is mediated by mechanical stimuli, that is the kinematics and kinetics associated with resistance exercise (e.g. forces, contraction duration, power and work), and their interaction with other hormonal and metabolic factors. However, the effect of different combinations of kinematic and kinetic variables and their contribution to adaptation is unclear. The mechanical response to single repetitions has been investigated by a number of researchers however, it seems problematic to extrapolate the findings of this type of research to the responses associated with a typical resistance training session. That is, resistance training is typified by multiple repetitions, sets and exercises, rest periods of varying durations and different movement techniques (e.g. controlled and explosive). Understanding the mechanical stimuli afforded by such loading schemes would intuitively lead to a better appreciation of how various mechanical stimuli affect adaptation. It will be evident throughout this article that very little research has adopted such an approach hence our understanding in this area remains rudimentary at best. One should therefore remain cognizant of the limitations that exist in the interpretation of research in this field. We contend that strength and power research needs to adopt a set kinematic and kinetic analysis to improve our understanding of how to optimise strength and power.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2012
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2018
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-2018
DOI: 10.2147/CIA.S164401
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-11-2023
DOI: 10.1002/JCSM.13115
Abstract: Sarcopenia is an age‐associated skeletal muscle condition characterized by low muscle mass, strength, and physical performance. There is no international consensus on a sarcopenia definition and no contemporaneous clinical and research guidelines specific to Australia and New Zealand. The Australian and New Zealand Society for Sarcopenia and Frailty Research (ANZSSFR) Sarcopenia Diagnosis and Management Task Force aimed to develop consensus guidelines for sarcopenia prevention, assessment, management and research, informed by evidence, consumer opinion, and expert consensus, for use by health professionals and researchers in Australia and New Zealand. A four‐phase modified Delphi process involving topic experts and informed by consumers, was undertaken between July 2020 and August 2021. Phase 1 involved a structured meeting of 29 Task Force members and a systematic literature search from which the Phase 2 online survey was developed (Qualtrics). Topic experts responded to 18 statements, using 11‐point Likert scales with agreement threshold set a priori at %, and five multiple‐choice questions. Statements with moderate agreement (70%–80%) were revised and re‐introduced in Phase 3, and statements with low agreement ( %) were rejected. In Phase 3, topic experts responded to six revised statements and three additional questions, incorporating results from a parallel Consumer Expert Delphi study. Phase 4 involved finalization of consensus statements. Topic experts from Australia ( n = 62, 92.5%) and New Zealand ( n = 5, 7.5%) with a mean ± SD age of 45.7 ± 11.8 years participated in Phase 2 38 (56.7%) were women, 38 (56.7%) were health professionals and 27 (40.3%) were researchers/academics. In Phase 2, 15 of 18 (83.3%) statements on sarcopenia prevention, screening, assessment, management and future research were accepted with strong agreement. The strongest agreement related to encouraging a healthy lifestyle (100%) and offering tailored resistance training to people with sarcopenia (92.5%). Forty‐seven experts participated in Phase 3 5/6 (83.3%) revised statements on prevention, assessment and management were accepted with strong agreement. A majority of experts (87.9%) preferred the revised European Working Group for Sarcopenia in Older Persons (EWGSOP2) definition. Seventeen statements with strong agreement ( %) were confirmed by the Task Force in Phase 4. The ANZSSFR Task Force present 17 sarcopenia management and research recommendations for use by health professionals and researchers which includes the recommendation to adopt the EWGSOP2 sarcopenia definition in Australia and New Zealand. This rigorous Delphi process that combined evidence, consumer expert opinion and topic expert consensus can inform similar initiatives in countries/regions lacking consensus on sarcopenia.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 10-2012
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 19-07-2021
DOI: 10.1101/2021.07.15.21260399
Abstract: This study examined older adults’ experiences of participating in the BELL trial, involving 12-weeks of group-based hardstyle kettlebell training. In the BELL trial, 28 insufficiently active older adults (15 women, 13 men, 59-79 years) completed 6 weeks of face-to-face group training, and 6 weeks of home-based training. In-depth semi-structured interviews were audio recorded and transcribed, inductively coded, with themes constructed thematically from patterns of shared meaning. Four higher-order themes were developed that reflect older adults’ experiences participating in a group-exercise program of hardstyle kettlebell training. These included: (1) “It’s one of the best things we’ve done” - enjoying the physical and psychosocial benefits, (2) “It’s improved it tremendously!” - change in a long-term health condition, (3) “It put me on a better course” - overcoming challenges, (4) “I wasn’t just a number” - feeling part of a group/community. Findings highlight the perceived physical and psychological benefits of participating in hardstyle group kettlebell training, the value attributed to being part of an age-matched community of like-minded people engaged in group-exercise, as well as the challenges participants faced, and the sense of achievement in overcoming them. Implications for program design and delivery, and future research are discussed.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 04-2015
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-11-2015
DOI: 10.1111/AJAG.12167
Abstract: This study aimed to investigate reasons for ceasing participation in aqua-based exercise among older adults with osteoarthritis (OA). Eleven adults over 60 years of age with OA participated in one of two focus groups, during which they discussed barriers to aqua-based exercise and the potential benefits of this exercise mode. Each focus group was audiotaped, transcribed and then analysed using the general inductive thematic approach. The investigators reached a consensus on all coding categories and then identified themes. Key barriers identified were: a lack of suitable classes insufficient instructor knowledge, which often led to increased pain cold water and the changing facilities. Key perceived benefits included increased physical ability in water and social interaction. A greater understanding of reasons for ceasing participation in aqua-based exercise among older adults with OA may help facilitate development of suitable exercise programs that minimise barriers for this group.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1123/JAPA.21.1.85
Abstract: This study examined whether perceived barriers, benefits, and motives for physical activity differed based on allocation to 2 different types of primary-care activity-prescription programs (pedometer-based vs. time-based Green Prescription). Eighty participants from the Healthy Steps study completed a questionnaire that assessed their perceived barriers, benefits, and motives for physical activity. Factor analysis was carried out to identify common themes of barriers, benefits, and motives for physical activity. Factor scores were then used to explore between-groups differences for perceived barriers, benefits, and motives based on group allocation and demographic variables. No significant differences were found in factor scores based on allocation. Demographic variables relating to the existence of chronic health conditions, weight status, and older age were found to significantly influence perceived barriers, benefits, and motives for physical activity. Findings suggest that the addition of a pedometer to the standard Green Prescription does not appear to increase perceived motives or benefits or decrease perceived barriers for physical activity in low-active older adults.
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 27-05-2022
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.13390
Abstract: The decline in motor function associated with chronic ankle instability (CAI) can be assessed using Functional Performance tests. Ankle muscular strength, endurance and range of motion (ROM) has been assessed in previous studies but functional activities such as sprinting and change of direction are less well studied in athletes with CAI. Hence the aim of this study was to determine how sprint, change of direction, ankle isometric strength, endurance and ROM measures may be associated with discriminate athletes with and without CAI. One hundred and six participants (CAI: n = 53 or no CAI: n = 53) provided informed consent to participate in this study. Participants performed three functional performance tests, (30-m sprint test, Modified Illinois change of direction test (MICODT)) and change of direction test. Range of motion for dorsiflexion was measured using weight bearing lunge test and inversion, eversion and plantarflexion using Saunders® digital inclinometer. Strength was assessed using Baseline® hand-held dynamometer for plantarflexors, dorsiflexors, invertors and evertors. Muscular endurance was assessed by single heel raise test and Modified single heel raise test. Between-group comparisons utilised Student’s t-test and Mann-Whitney U-tests, with a number of unique variable and multivariable binomial logistic regression performed to determine which performance measures may discriminate participants with CAI. The CAI participants performed significantly worse in the three functional performance tests as well as multiple measures of ankle ROM, isometric strength and muscular endurance ( p 0.008). While several measures of ROM (plantarflexion and dorsiflexion), strength (inversion and eversion) and both muscular endurance tests were significantly associated with CAI in the univariable analysis, the strongest association was the functional performance tests, especially MICDOT time (odds ratio (95% CI): 0.06 [0.02–0.17], sensitivity 94.3%, specificity 88.7%). Multivariable regression analyses indicated that performance across the functional performance tests were more strongly associated with CAI than any ankle ROM, muscular strength or endurance test. Further, the inclusion of the best ankle range of motion, strength or muscular endurance tests did not significantly improve upon the association of the MICDOT with CAI. Chronic ankle instability in athletic populations appears to be highly associated with declines in functional performance and to a somewhat lesser extent, ankle range of motion, strength and muscle endurance measures. This may suggest that optimal rehabilitation for athletes with CAI may require a greater focus on improving sprinting speed and change of direction ability in the mid to latter stages of rehabilitation, with regular assessments of these functional performance tests necessary to guide the progression and overload of this training.
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 09-2021
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.12066
Abstract: The atlas stone lift is a popular strongman exercise where athletes are required to pick up a large, spherical, concrete stone and pass it over a bar or place it on to a ledge. The aim of this study was to use ecologically realistic training loads and set formats to (1) establish the preliminary biomechanical characteristics of athletes performing the atlas stone lift (2) identify any biomechanical differences between male and female athletes performing the atlas stone lift and (3) determine temporal and kinematic differences between repetitions of a set of atlas stones of incremental mass. Kinematic measures of hip, knee and ankle joint angle, and temporal measures of phase and repetition duration were collected whilst 20 experienced strongman athletes (female: n = 8, male: n = 12) performed three sets of four stone lifts of incremental mass (up to 85% one repetition maximum) over a fixed-height bar. The atlas stone lift was categorised in to five phases: the recovery, initial grip, first pull, lap and second pull phase. The atlas stone lift could be biomechanically characterised by maximal hip and moderate knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion at the beginning of the first pull moderate hip and knee flexion and moderate ankle plantarflexion at the beginning of the lap phase moderate hip and maximal knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion at the beginning of the second pull phase and maximal hip, knee extension and ankle plantarflexion at lift completion. When compared with male athletes, female athletes most notably exhibited: greater hip flexion at the beginning of the first pull, lap and second pull phase and at lift completion and a shorter second pull phase duration. Independent of sex, first pull and lap phase hip and ankle range of motion (ROM) were generally smaller in repetition one than the final three repetitions, while phase and total repetition duration increased throughout the set. Two-way interactions between sex and repetition were identified. Male athletes displayed smaller hip ROM during the second pull phase of the first three repetitions when compared with the final repetition and smaller hip extension at lift completion during the first two repetitions when compared with the final two repetitions. Female athletes did not display these between-repetition differences. Some of the between-sex biomechanical differences observed were suggested to be the result of between-sex anthropometric differences. Between-repetition differences observed may be attributed to the increase in stone mass and acute fatigue. The biomechanical characteristics of the atlas stone lift shared similarities with the previously researched Romanian deadlift and front squat. Strongman athletes, coaches and strength and conditioning coaches are recommended to take advantage of these similarities to achieve greater training adaptations and thus performance in the atlas stone lift and its similar movements.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-03-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S40798-021-00306-W
Abstract: While chronic exercise training has been demonstrated to be an effective non-pharmacological treatment for chronic low back pain (CLBP), there has been a relative lack of evidence or clinical guidelines for whether a posterior chain resistance training programme provides any benefits over general exercise (GE). To determine if chronic posterior chain resistance training (PCRT), defined as exercise programmes of ≥6 weeks duration focused on the thoracic, lumbar and hip extensor musculature, is more effective than GE in improving pain, level of disability, muscular strength and the number of adverse events in recreationally active and sedentary in iduals with CLBP. Four electronic databases were systematically searched from 25 September 2019 until 30 August 2020. Using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools checklist for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), articles were critically appraised and compared against the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Standardized mean difference (SMD), risk difference (RD) and confidence interval (CI) were calculated using Review Manager 5.3. Eight articles were included, with a total of 408 participants (203 PCRT, 205 GE). Both PCRT and GE were effective in improving a number of CLBP-related outcomes, but these effects were often significantly greater in PCRT than GE, especially with greater training durations (i.e. 12–16 weeks compared to 6–8 weeks). Specifically, when compared to GE, PCRT demonstrated a greater reduction in pain (SMD = − 0.61 (95% CI − 1.21 to 0.00), p = 0.05 I 2 = 74%) and level of disability (SMD = − 0.53 (95% CI − 0.97 to − 0.09), p = 0.02 I 2 = 52%), as well as a greater increase in muscle strength (SMD = 0.67 (95% CI 0.21 to 1.13), p = 0.004 I 2 = 0%). No differences in the number of adverse events were reported between PCRT and GE (RD = − 0.02 (95% CI − 0.10 to 0.05), p = 0.57 I 2 = 72%). Results of the meta-analysis indicated that 12–16 weeks of PCRT had a statistically significantly greater effect than GE on pain, level of disability and muscular strength, with no significant difference in the number of adverse events for recreationally active and sedentary patients with CLBP. Clinicians should strongly consider utilizing PCRT interventions for 12–16 weeks with patients with CLBP to maximize their improvements in pain, disability and muscle strength. Future research should focus on comparing the efficacy and adverse events associated with specific PCRT exercise training and movement patterns (i.e. deadlift, hip lift) in treating this population. PROSPERO CRD42020155700 .
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2012
DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2012.671354
Abstract: The aim of this review was to determine how the findings of biomechanics and motor control/learning research may be used to improve golf performance. To be eligible, the biomechanics and motor learning studies had to use direct (ball displacement and shot accuracy) or indirect (clubhead velocity and clubface angle) golf performance outcome measures. Biomechanical studies suggested that reducing the radius path of the hands during the downswing, increasing wrist torque and/or range of motion, delaying wrist motion to late in the downswing, increasing downswing litude, improving sequential acceleration of body parts, improving weight transfer, and utilising X-factor stretch and physical conditioning programmes can improve clubhead velocity. Motor learning studies suggested that golf performance improved more when golfers focused on swing outcome or clubhead movement rather than specific body movements. A distributed practice approach involving multiple sessions per week of blocked, errorless practice may be best for improving putting accuracy of novice golfers, although variable practice may be better for skilled golfers. Video, verbal, or a combination of video and verbal feedback can increase mid-short iron distance in novice to mid-handicap (hcp) golfers. Coaches should not only continue to critique swing technique but also consider how the focus, structure, and types of feedback for practice may alter learning for different groups of golfers.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 21-10-2021
DOI: 10.1155/2021/9914278
Abstract: Stiffness, the resistance to deformation due to force, has been used to model the way in which the lower body responds to landing during cyclic motions such as running and jumping. Vertical, leg, and joint stiffness provide a useful model for investigating the store and release of potential elastic energy via the musculotendinous unit in the stretch-shortening cycle and may provide insight into sport performance. This review is aimed at assessing the effect of vertical, leg, and joint stiffness on running performance as such an investigation may provide greater insight into performance during this common form of locomotion. PubMed and SPORTDiscus databases were searched resulting in 92 publications on vertical, leg, and joint stiffness and running performance. Vertical stiffness increases with running velocity and stride frequency. Higher vertical stiffness differentiated elite runners from lower-performing athletes and was also associated with a lower oxygen cost. In contrast, leg stiffness remains relatively constant with increasing velocity and is not strongly related to the aerobic demand and fatigue. Hip and knee joint stiffness are reported to increase with velocity, and a lower ankle and higher knee joint stiffness are linked to a lower oxygen cost of running however, no relationship with performance has yet been investigated. Theoretically, there is a desired “leg-spring” stiffness value at which potential elastic energy return is maximised and this is specific to the in idual. It appears that higher “leg-spring” stiffness is desirable for running performance however, more research is needed to investigate the relationship of all three lower limb joint springs as the hip joint is often neglected. There is still no clear answer how training could affect mechanical stiffness during running. Studies including muscle activation and separate analyses of local tissues (tendons) are needed to investigate mechanical stiffness as a global variable associated with sports performance.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-1999
DOI: 10.1016/S1440-2440(99)80192-3
Abstract: This study was conducted to determine if anthropometric and fitness testing scores can be used to discriminate between players that were selected or not selected in an elite Under 18 Australian Rules Football side. A training squad of 40 Australian Rules Football players was assessed on a battery of standard anthropometric and fitness tests just prior to the selection of the 30 man player roster for the upcoming season. Results showed that the selected players were significantly (P<0.05) taller and had greater upper body strength than non-selected players. A discriminant analysis was performed which predicted with an accuracy of 80% whether each player was successful or unsuccessful in gaining selection. This suggested that physical conditioning and anthropometric measurements do play an important part in determining selection in elite junior Australian Rules Football teams. However the discriminant function predicted non-selected players (90.9%) better than it predicted selected players (75.9%). Selected Under 18 players were found to be similar to the values reported for elite to sub-elite senior players on height, sit and reach, CMJ and perhaps aerobic fitness, but considerably less than the senior players on 3RM bench press and body mass.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-08-2016
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 02-07-2021
DOI: 10.1101/2021.06.27.21259191
Abstract: The Ballistic Exercise of the Lower Limb (BELL) trial examined efficacy and safety of a pragmatic hardstyle kettlebell training program in older adults. Insufficiently active men and women aged 59-79 years, were recruited to a 6-month repeated measures study, involving 3-months usual activity and 3-months progressive hardstyle kettlebell training. Health-related physical fitness outcomes included: grip strength [GS], 6-min walk distance [6MWD], resting heart rate [HR], stair-climb [SC], leg extensor strength [LES], hip extensor strength [HES], Sit-To-Stand [STS], vertical jump [CMVJ], five-times floor transfer [5xFT], 1RM deadlift, body composition (DXA), attendance, and adverse events. Sixteen males (68.8 ± 4.6 yrs, 176.2 ± 7.8 cm, 90.7 ± 11.0 kg, 29.2 ± 2.6 kg/m 2 ) and sixteen females (68.6 ± 4.7 yrs, 163.9 ± 5.4 cm, 70.4 ± 12.7 kg, 26.3 ± 4.9 kg/m 2 ) were recruited. Compliance to the supervised exercise program was very high (91.5%). Kettlebell training increased GS (R: MD = 7.1 kg 95% CI [4.9, 9.3], p 0.001, L: MD = 6.3 kg 95% CI [4.1, 8.4], p 0.001), 6MWD (41.7 m, 95% CI [17.9, 65.5], p .001), 1RM (16.2 kg, 95% CI [2.4, 30.0], p = 0.013), 30s STS (3.3 reps, 95% CI [0.9, 5.7], p = 0.003), LES (R: MD = 61.6 N, 95% CI [4.4, 118.8], p = 0.028), HES (L: MD = 21.0 N, 95% CI [4.2, 37.8], p = 0.007), appendicular skeletal lean mass (MD = 0.65 kg, 95% CI [0.08, 1.22], p = 0.016), self-reported health change (17.1%, 95% CI [4.4, 29.8], p = 0.002) and decreased SC time (2.7 sec, 95% CI [0.2, 5.2], p = 0.025), 5xFT time (6.0 sec, 95% CI [2.2, 9.8], p 0.001) and resting HR (7.4 bpm, 95% CI [0.7, 14.1], p = 0.032). There were four non-serious adverse events. Mean in idual training load for group training sessions during the trial was 100,977 ± 9,050 kg. High-intensity hardstyle kettlebell training was well tolerated and improved grip strength and measures of health-related physical fitness in insufficiently active older adults.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2012
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-06-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S40279-016-0575-0
Abstract: Weight-training sports, including weightlifting, powerlifting, bodybuilding, strongman, Highland Games, and CrossFit, are weight-training sports that have separate isions for males and females of a variety of ages, competitive standards, and bodyweight classes. These sports may be considered dangerous because of the heavy loads commonly used in training and competition. Our objective was to systematically review the injury epidemiology of these weight-training sports, and, where possible, gain some insight into whether this may be affected by age, sex, competitive standard, and bodyweight class. We performed an electronic search using PubMed, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, and Embase for injury epidemiology studies involving competitive athletes in these weight-training sports. Eligible studies included peer-reviewed journal articles only, with no limit placed on date or language of publication. We assessed the risk of bias in all studies using an adaption of the musculoskeletal injury review method. Only five of the 20 eligible studies had a risk of bias score ≥75 %, meaning the risk of bias in these five studies was considered low. While 14 of the studies had s le sizes >100 participants, only four studies utilized a prospective design. Bodybuilding had the lowest injury rates (0.12-0.7 injuries per lifter per year 0.24-1 injury per 1000 h), with strongman (4.5-6.1 injuries per 1000 h) and Highland Games (7.5 injuries per 1000 h) reporting the highest rates. The shoulder, lower back, knee, elbow, and wrist/hand were generally the most commonly injured anatomical locations strains, tendinitis, and sprains were the most common injury type. Very few significant differences in any of the injury outcomes were observed as a function of age, sex, competitive standard, or bodyweight class. While the majority of the research we reviewed utilized retrospective designs, the weight-training sports appear to have relatively low rates of injury compared with common team sports. Future weight-training sport injury epidemiology research needs to be improved, particularly in terms of the use of prospective designs, diagnosis of injury, and changes in risk exposure.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 07-10-2015
DOI: 10.2196/RESPROT.4585
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-06-2015
Publisher: Sciedu Press
Date: 28-04-2015
DOI: 10.5430/JNEP.V5N7P75
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 02-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPAINSYMMAN.2011.03.006
Abstract: Prostate cancer patients, especially those on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), experience many symptoms that make it difficult to maintain their independence and quality of life. Because ADT acts by means of reducing testosterone production, exercise may offset many of the ADT side effects and those of the cancer itself. This systematic review of the literature evaluates whether exercise could reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for prostate cancer patients. Using relevant databases and key words, 12 training studies were found meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Grade A level evidence was observed for the benefits of exercise in improving muscular endurance, aerobic endurance, and overall quality of life, as well as reducing fatigue in prostate cancer patients. Grade B evidence also suggested that exercise may improve prostate cancer patients' muscle mass, muscular strength, functional performance (walking and sit to stand speed), as well as health-related, social and physical quality of life. These effects appeared greater for group-rather than home-based-exercise, especially if these programs included resistance training. It is recommended that most prostate cancer patients be encouraged to exercise regularly by their clinicians and significant others. Where possible, this exercise should be group-based and include some resistance training. Future research in this area should directly compare group- and home-based, as well as resistance, aerobic, and combined resistance and aerobic training to better elucidate the most effective forms of exercise for this population and what factors affect initiation and adherence to such programs.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 06-2015
DOI: 10.1260/1747-9541.10.2-3.439
Abstract: Girevoy sport (GS) has developed only recently in the West, resulting in a paucity of English scientific literature available. The aim was to document kettlebell trajectory of GS athletes performing the kettlebell snatch. Four elite GS athletes (age = 29–47 years, body mass = 68.3–108.1 kg, height 1.72–1.89 m) completed one set of 16 repetitions with a 32.1 kg kettlebell Trajectory was captured with the VICON motion analysis system (250 Hz) and analysed with VICON Nexus (1.7.1). The kettlebell followed a ‘C’ shape trajectory in the sagittal plane. Mean peak velocity in the upwards phase was 4.03 ± 0.20 m s −1 , compared to 3.70 ± 0.30 m s −1 during the downwards phase, and mean radial error across the sagittal and frontal planes was 0.022 ± 0.006 m. Low error in the movement suggests consistent trajectory is important to reduce extraneous movement and improve efficiency. While the kettlebell snatch and swing both require large anterior-posterior motion, the snatch requires the kettlebell to be held stationary overhead. Therefore, a different coaching application is required to that of a barbell snatch.
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 27-11-2019
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.8140
Abstract: This study sought to better understand the psychometric properties of the SARC-F, by examining the baseline and training-related relationships between the five SARC-F items and objective measures of muscle function. Each of the five items of the SARC-F are scored from 0 to 2, with total score of four or more indicative of likely sarcopenia. This manuscript describes a sub-study of a larger step-wedge, randomised controlled 24-week progressive resistance and balance training (PRBT) program trial for Australian community dwelling older adults accessing government supported aged care. Muscle function was assessed using handgrip strength, isometric knee extension, 5-time repeated chair stand and walking speed over 4 m. Associations within and between SARC-F categories and muscle function were assessed using multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and multinomial regression, respectively. Significant associations were identified at baseline between SARC-F total score and measures of lower-body muscle function ( r = − 0.62 to 0.57 p ≤ 0.002) in 245 older adults. MCA analysis indicated the first three dimensions of the SARC-F data explained 48.5% of the cumulative variance. The initial dimension represented overall sarcopenia diagnosis, Dimension 2 the ability to displace the body vertically, and Dimension 3 walking ability and falls status. The majority of the 168 older adults who completed the PRBT program reported no change in their SARC-F diagnosis or in idual item scores (56.5–79.2%). However, significant associations were obtained between training-related changes in SARC-F total and item scores and changes in walking speed and chair stand test performance ( r = − 0.30 to 0.33 p 0.001 and relative risk ratio = 0.40–2.24 p 0.05, respectively). MCA analysis of the change score data indicated that the first two dimensions explained 32.2% of the cumulative variance, with these dimensions representing whether a change occurred and the direction of change, respectively. The results advance our comprehension of the psychometric properties on the SARC-F, particularly its potential use in assessing changes in muscle function. Older adults’ perception of their baseline and training-related changes in their function, as self-reported by the SARC-F, closely matched objectively measured muscle function tests. This is important as there may be a lack of concordance between self-reported and clinician-measured assessments of older adults’ muscle function. However, the SARC-F has a relative lack of sensitivity to detecting training-related changes, even over a period of 24 weeks. Results of this study may provide clinicians and researchers a greater understanding of how they may use the SARC-F and its potential limitations. Future studies may wish to further examine the SARC-F’s sensitivity of change, perhaps by adding a few additional items or an additional category of performance to each item.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-04-2013
DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2013.781118
Abstract: To examine the effect that physical activity delivered via two different versions of the Green Prescription (a primary care physical activity scripting program) had on depressive symptomatology and general mental health functioning over a 12-month period in non-depressed, low-active, community-dwelling older adults. Two hundred and twenty-five participants from the Healthy Steps study took part in the present study. Healthy Steps participants were randomized to receive either the standard time-based or a modified pedometer-based Green Prescription. Depression, mental health functioning and physical activity were measured at baseline, post-intervention (3 months post-baseline) and at the 9-month follow-up period. At post-intervention, a positive association was found between increases in leisure-time physical activity and total walking physical activity and a decrease in depressive symptomatology (within the non-depressed range of the GDS-15) and an increase in perceived mental health functioning, regardless of intervention allocation. These improvements were also evident at the follow-up period for participants in both intervention allocation groups. Our findings suggest that the standard time-based Green Prescription and a modified pedometer-based Green Prescription are both effective in maintaining and improving mental health in non-depressed, previously low-active older adults.
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 23-08-2021
DOI: 10.1101/2021.08.15.21261771
Abstract: The purpose of this explanatory retrospective case study was to report clinically significant increases in bone mineral density in a female and a male over 70 years of age with osteoporosis, following 16 weeks of hardstyle kettlebell training. Both case subjects were insufficiently active prior to participating in the BELL trial. Subjects trained five days a week accruing a large training load volume (calculated as kettlebell mass multiplied by repetitions performed) during structured group-based classes (74,872 kg and 110,132 kg, respectively). Regional dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to assess BMD at the hip and lumbar spine. Increases in BMD of 12.7% and 5.9% at the femoral neck and lumbar spine (L2-L4) respectively were observed for the female, and 2.5% and 6.0% respectively for the male. Magnitude of change in BMD (g/cm 2 ) at the lumbar spine was 2.0 and 1.9 times larger than the least significant change for the female and male respectively, and sufficient to advance the female subjects’ status from osteoporosis to osteopenia. Although these results do not show a definitive causal relationship between kettlebell training and increased BMD, further investigation of the effects of kettlebell training on BMD in older adults with osteoporosis and osteopenia is warranted.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 26-02-2022
DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2021.1882687
Abstract: To profile the kicking and handballing accuracy of female Australian football (AF) players and investigate potential differences across five competition levels. Female AF players were classified into five competition levels: elite senior (≥18 years) ( A large, significant difference between the competition levels was noted ( This study is the first to report technical skill characteristics in female AF across a broader participation pathway. These exploratory findings could be used as reference data for player development and inform training designs, namely by incorporating non-dominant handballing competitive play situations to develop this skill in female AF players.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 05-10-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2006
DOI: 10.2165/00007256-200636010-00005
Abstract: The metabolic response to resistance exercise, in particular lactic acid or lactate, has a marked influence upon the muscular environment, which may enhance the training stimulus (e.g. motor unit activation, hormones or muscle damage) and thereby contribute to strength and power adaptation. Hypertrophy schemes have resulted in greater lactate responses (%) than neuronal and dynamic power schemes, suggesting possible metabolic-mediated changes in muscle growth. Factors such as age, sex, training experience and nutrition may also influence the lactate responses to resistance exercise and thereafter, muscular adaptation. Although the importance of the mechanical and hormonal stimulus to strength and power adaptation is well recognised, the contribution of the metabolic stimulus is largely unknown. Relatively few studies for ex le, have examined metabolic change across neuronal and dynamic power schemes, and not withstanding the fact that those mechanisms underpinning muscular adaptation, in relation to the metabolic stimulus, remain highly speculative. Inconsistent findings and methodological limitations within research (e.g. programme design, s ling period, number of s les) make interpretation further difficult. We contend that strength and power research needs to investigate those metabolic mechanisms likely to contribute to weight-training adaptation. Further research is also needed to examine the metabolic responses to different loading schemes, as well as interactions across age, sex and training status, so our understanding of how to optimise strength and power development is improved.
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 21-11-2022
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.14370
Abstract: Research into the kettlebell swing has increased in the last decade. There has been a paucity of literature assessing an in idual’s ability to perform the kettlebell swing exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of the one and five repetition maximum (1RM and 5RM) kettlebell swing. Twenty four recreational resistance-trained participants performed an isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) and two familiarization sessions followed by three test sessions for each RM load approximately one week apart, using a custom-built plate-loaded kettlebell. On each test occasion, subjects completed a series of warm-up sets followed by 3–4 progressively heavier kettlebell swings to a standardized height until 1RM or 5RM was reached. Test-retest reliability was calculated using the intra-class correlation (ICC) and typical error was represented as the coefficient of variation (CV%) with 90% confidence limits (90% CL). The smallest worthwhile change (SWC%) representing the smallest change of practical importance, was calculated as 0.2 × between-subject standard deviation. The relationship of kettlebell swing performance and maximum strength was determined by Pearson correlation with ±90% CL between the absolute peak force recorded during IMTP and 1RM or 5RM. Results demonstrated a high test-retest reliability for both the 1RM (ICC = 0.97, 90% CL [0.95–0.99] CV = 2.7%, 90% CL [2.2–3.7%]) and 5RM (ICC = 0.98, 90% CL [0.96–0.99] CV = 2.4%, 90% CL [1.9–3.3%]), respectively. The CV% was lower than the SWC for both the 1RM (SWC = 2.8%, 90% CL [1.9–3.5]) and 5RM (SWC = 2.9%, 90% CL [1.9–3.6]) kettlebell swing. The correlation between IMTP absolute peak force and the 1RM (r = 0.69, 90% CL 0.43–0.83) was large and very large for the 5RM (r = 0.75, 90% CL [0.55–0.87]). These results demonstrate the stability of 1RM and 5RM kettlebell swing performance after two familiarization sessions. Practitioners can be confident that changes in kettlebell swing 1RM and 5RM performance of .6 kg represent a practically important difference, which is the upper limit of the 90% CL.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2021.08.016
Abstract: To describe injury profiles of Australian football players and explore trends across five, women's and girls' competition levels. Prospective cohort study. Injuries were prospectively recorded by team personnel across one or two seasons of Australian football (2017-18 and/or 2018-19) including five, women's and girls' competition levels (elite senior, non-elite senior, high-level junior, non-elite junior (14-17 years), and non-elite junior (10-13 years)). Injury incidence rates were calculated per 1000 h and injury prevalence calculated for pre-season, early-season, mid-season, and late-season. Descriptive statistics present injury profiles according to activity, body region, pathology, mechanism, and severity. From the 392 included players, 760 injuries were recorded. Overall injury incidence was 20.9 injuries per 1000 h. Injury prevalence was highest during pre-season (64.1%). Most injuries were to the lower extremity (n = 440 58.0%). Ligament/joint sprain injuries were common (n = 147, 19.3%). Several injuries resulted from contact mechanisms (n = 314, 61.4%), with many due to contact with another player (n = 131, 52.8%). Injuries resulting in time lost from participation were common (n = 444, 58.9%). Competition level injury trends were observed, with elite senior (125.1 injuries per 1000 h) and high-level junior (116.9 injuries per 1000 h) players having greater match injury incidence compared to their non-elite counterparts (15.5-41.4 injuries per 1000 h). This study provides preliminary insight into injury profiles of Australian football players in women's and girls' competitions. These findings can drive future injury risk reduction research specific to this population across the developmental pathway.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 17-06-2021
DOI: 10.3390/BIOMECHANICS1010013
Abstract: Biomechanics may be considered a branch of biophysics that involves the application of mechanical principles to better our understanding of the structure, function, and motion of living organisms [...]
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-11-2011
Abstract: Regular physical activity is beneficial in both the prevention and management of chronic health conditions. A large proportion of adult New Zealanders, however, are insufficiently active. To help increase population levels of physical activity in New Zealand the Green Prescription, a primary care physical activity scripting program, was developed. The primary aim of this study was to identify why general practitioners (GPs) counsel for physical activity and administer Green Prescriptions. A secondary aim was to examine GPs' views and experiences of Green Prescription counselling for the management of depression. In idual face-to-face interviews were conducted with 15 GPs. All interviews were audio-taped and transcribed. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach. Several themes and sub-themes emerged from the data. Notably, GPs counselled for physical activity and prescribed Green Prescriptions for both primary preventive (e.g., weight control) and secondary management (e.g., diabetes management) purposes. GPs reported the benefits of the Green Prescription centred around two main themes: (i) a non-medication approach to a healthier lifestyle and (ii) the support benefits of physical activity. Time constraints within the consultation was the only main theme that emerged regarding the barriers GPs perceived to Green Prescription use. Physical activity in general, and physical activity prescribed through the Green Prescription, were also viewed by GPs as beneficial for the management of depression. The results of this study suggest that New Zealand GPs view the Green Prescription program as beneficial for their patients with pre-existing conditions and/or weight problems. While this is encouraging, the Green Prescription may also be used to promote physical activity in currently healthy but low-active and sedentary in iduals. Such in iduals are currently disease free, but are at risk for future health-related problems because of their inactive lifestyle. It is recommended that time constraints of the consultation in regard to administering Green Prescriptions could be dealt with by delegating the more time consuming tasks to the patient support counsellors that support the Green Prescription program, and having practice nurses assist in the administration of Green Prescriptions. Green Prescription counselling in conjunction with antidepressant medication may be beneficial for the management of depression and warrants further research.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 04-2014
Abstract: This mixed-methods, quasi-experimental pilot study examined whether the Nintendo Wii Sports (NWS) active video game (exergame) system could significantly improve the functional ability, physical activity levels, and quality of life of 34 older adults (4 men and 30 women, 83 ± 8 yr) living in 2 residential aged-care (RAC) centers. Change score analyses indicated the intervention group had significantly greater increases in bicep curl muscular endurance, physical activity levels, and psychological quality of life than the control group ( p .05). Analysis of the quotes underlying the 3 themes (feeling silly, feeling good having fun and something to look forward to) suggested that intervention group participants developed a sense of empowerment and achievement after some initial reluctance and anxiousness. They felt that the games were fun and provided an avenue for greater socialization. These results add some further support to the utilization of NWS exergames in the RAC context.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-04-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12877-022-02958-Z
Abstract: The Ballistic Exercise of the Lower Limb (BELL) trial examined the efficacy and safety of a pragmatic hardstyle kettlebell training program in older adults. Insufficiently active men and women aged 59–79 years, were recruited to a 6-month repeated measures study, involving 3-months usual activity and 3-months progressive hardstyle kettlebell training. Health-related physical fitness outcomes included: grip strength [GS], 6-min walk distance [6MWD], resting heart rate [HR], stair-climb [SC], leg extensor strength [LES], hip extensor strength [HES], Sit-To-Stand [STS], vertical jump [CMVJ], five-times floor transfer [5xFT], 1RM deadlift, body composition (DXA), attendance, and adverse events. Sixteen males (68.8 ± 4.6 yrs, 176.2 ± 7.8 cm, 90.7 ± 11.0 kg, 29.2 ± 2.6 kg/m 2 ) and sixteen females (68.6 ± 4.7 yrs, 163.9 ± 5.4 cm, 70.4 ± 12.7 kg, 26.3 ± 4.9 kg/m 2 ) were recruited. Compliance with the supervised exercise program was very high (91.5%). Kettlebell training increased GS (R: MD = 7.1 kg 95% CI [4.9, 9.3], L: MD = 6.3 kg 95% CI [4.1, 8.4]), 6MWD (41.7 m, 95% CI [17.9, 65.5]), 1RM (16.2 kg, 95% CI [2.4, 30.0]), 30 s STS (3.3 reps, 95% CI [0.9, 5.7]), LES (R: MD = 61.6 N, 95% CI [4.4, 118.8]), HES (L: MD = 21.0 N,95% CI [4.2,37.8]), appendicular skeletal lean mass (MD = 0.65 kg, 95% CI [0.08, 1.22]), self-reported health change (17.1%, 95% CI [4.4, 29.8]) and decreased SC time (2.7 s, 95% CI [0.2, 5.2]), 5xFT time (6.0 s, 95% CI [2.2, 9.8]) and resting HR (7.4 bpm, 95% CI [0.7, 14.1]). There were four non-serious adverse events. Mean in idual training load for group training sessions during the trial was 100,977 ± 9,050 kg. High-intensity hardstyle kettlebell training was well tolerated and improved grip strength and measures of health-related physical fitness in insufficiently active older adults. Trial registration: Prospectively registered: 20/08/2019, Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619001177145).
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2005
DOI: 10.2165/00007256-200535050-00005
Abstract: Golf biomechanics applies the principles and technique of mechanics to the structure and function of the golfer in an effort to improve golf technique and performance. A common recommendation for technical correction is maintaining a single fixed centre hub of rotation with a two-lever one-hinge moment arm to impart force on the ball. The primary and secondary spinal angles are important for conservation of angular momentum using the kinetic link principle to generate high club-head velocity. When the golfer wants to maximise the distance of their drives, relatively large ground reaction forces (GRF) need to be produced. However, during the backswing, a greater proportion of the GRF will be observed on the back foot, with transfer of the GRF on to the front foot during the downswing/acceleration phase. Rapidly stretching hip, trunk and upper limb muscles during the backswing, maximising the X-factor early in the downswing, and uncocking the wrists when the lead arm is about 30 degrees below the horizontal will take advantage of the summation of force principle. This will help generate large angular velocity of the club head, and ultimately ball displacement. Physical conditioning will help to recruit the muscles in the correct sequence and to optimum effect. To maximise the accuracy of chipping and putting shots, the golfer should produce a lower grip on the club and a slower/shorter backswing. Consistent patterns of shoulder and wrist movements and temporal patterning result in successful chip shots. Qualitative and quantitative methods are used to biomechanically assess golf techniques. Two- and three-dimensional videography, force plate analysis and electromyography techniques have been employed. The common golf biomechanics principles necessary to understand golf technique are stability, Newton's laws of motion (inertia, acceleration, action reaction), lever arms, conservation of angular momentum, projectiles, the kinetic link principle and the stretch-shorten cycle. Biomechanics has a role in maximising the distance and accuracy of all golf shots (swing and putting) by providing both qualitative and quantitative evidence of body angles, joint forces and muscle activity patterns. The quantitative biomechanical data needs to be interpreted by the biomechanist and translated into coaching points for golf professionals and coaches. An understanding of correct technique will help the sports medicine practitioner provide sound technical advice and should help reduce the risk of golfing injury.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 19-06-2020
Abstract: This is the first study to document the training and tapering practices of elite CrossFit athletes. Seventy-two CrossFit athletes (39 females, 33 males) (mean ±SD 26.5 ± 3.6 y, 167.1 ± 9.5 cm, 74.5 ± 12.7 kg, 12.8 ± 6.5 y general training, 5.4 ± 1.7 y CrossFit training) who competed at the “Regionals” level or higher in the 2018 CrossFit Games season completed a self-reported 5-page online survey. Almost all athletes (98.6%) tapered before important competitions. Taper length was 5.4 ± 2.7 days, with the step and linear tapering styles being most commonly utilised. Strength training volume peaked 5.1 ± 4.6 weeks before competition, whereas conditioning training volume peaked 4.0 ± 4.4 weeks before competition. Strength training intensity peaked 3.1 ± 2.4 weeks before competition, whereas conditioning training intensity peaked 2.8 ± 2.2 weeks before competition. Almost all athletes (90.0%) reduced training duration during tapering, but changes to frequency and intensity were mixed. Training volume decreased by 41.2 ± 15.5% during the taper, all training ceased 2.0 ± 1.1 days before competition. Tapering was performed to achieve peak performance, recover (physically and psychologically), and reduce feelings of fatigue. Poor results from tapering were experienced when athletes tapered for too long or insufficiently. This observational data may be valuable for coaches and athletes engaged in CrossFit as well as other sports with concurrent training and competition demands.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-02-2022
DOI: 10.1111/AJAG.13039
Abstract: To quantify the variation in body composition, physical function and cognitive health changes resulting from the Muscling Up Against Disability (MUAD) resistance and balance training program and the potential for baseline characteristics to predict the magnitude of training‐related response. The study represented a secondary analysis of a stepped‐wedge randomised controlled trial involving 245 community‐dwelling adults receiving Australian Government–funded aged care services who performed 26 weeks of supervised progressive resistance and balance training (PRBT). The primary outcome was the proportion of response that described the number of in iduals expected to make any positive change due to the intervention and not external factors. For all outcomes, the observed average change in the PRBT group was more favourable than the control. Analyses identified that most participants completing the PRBT program would be expected to respond positively to the intervention (86%–99%) with respect to their physical performance (SPPB summary, grip strength, chair stand and isometric knee strength). A smaller proportion completing the PRBT program group would be expected to respond positively in aspects of body composition (45%–60%) or cognitive function (44%–84%). The strongest predictors of positive change were baseline physical function, whereby those with the poorest baseline function experienced the greatest benefits. This study strongly supports the promotion of PRBT as a standard component of any care plan for community‐dwelling older adults, especially those with low levels of physical function.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 02-2018
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000001803
Abstract: Pritchard, HJ, Barnes, MJ, Stewart, RJC, Keogh, JWL, and McGuigan, MR. Short-term training cessation as a method of tapering to improve maximal strength. J Strength Cond Res 32(2): 458–465, 2018—The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 2 different durations of training cessation on upper- and lower-body maximal strength performance and to investigate the mechanisms underlying performance changes following short-term training cessation. Eight resistance trained males (23.8 ± 5.4 years, 79.6 ± 10.2 kg, 1.80 ± 0.06 m, relative deadlift 1 repetition maximum of 1.90 ± 0.30 times bodyweight [BW]) each completed two 4-week strength training periods followed by either 3.5 days (3.68 ± 0.12 days) or 5.5 days (5.71 ± 0.13 days) of training cessation. Testing occurred pretraining (T1), on the final day of training (T2), and after each respective period of training cessation (T3). Participants were tested for salivary testosterone and cortisol, plasma creatine kinase, psychological profiles, and performance tests (countermovement jump [CMJ], isometric midthigh pull, and isometric bench press [IBP]) on a force plate. Participants' BW increased significantly over time ( p = 0.022). The CMJ height and IBP peak force showed significant increases over time ( p = 0.013, 0.048, and 0.004, respectively). Post hoc testing showed a significant increase between T1 and T3 for both CMJ height and IBP peak force ( p = 0.022 and 0.008 with effect sizes of 0.30 and 0.21, respectively). No other significant differences were seen for any other measures. These results suggest that a short period of strength training cessation can have positive effects on maximal strength expression, perhaps because of decreases in neuromuscular fatigue.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 29-04-2015
DOI: 10.1080/00222895.2015.1028583
Abstract: Although symptoms of Essential Tremor (ET) are typically controlled with medication, it is of interest to explore additional therapies to assist with functionality. The purpose of this study was to determine if a generalized upper limb resistance training (RT) program improves manual dexterity and reduces force tremor in older in iduals with ET. Ten Essential Tremor and 9 controls were recruited into a dual group, pretest-posttest intervention study. Participants performed 6 weeks of upper-limb RT, and battery of manual dexterity and isometric force tremor assessments were performed before and after the RT to determine the benefits of the program. The six-week, high-load, RT program produced strength increases in each limb for the ET and healthy older group. These changes in strength aligned with improvements in manual dexterity and tremor-most notably for the ET group. The least affected limb and the most affected limb exhibited similar improvements in functional assessments of manual dexterity, whereas reductions in force tremor litude following the RT program were restricted to the most affected limb of the ET group. These findings suggest that generalized upper limb RT program has the potential to improve aspects of manual dexterity and reduce force tremor in older ET patients.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 08-2011
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 20-06-2023
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.15553
Abstract: Repeat power ability (RPA) assessments are a valuable evaluation of an athlete’s ability to repeatedly perform high intensity movements. Establishing the most reliable and valid loaded jump RPA assessment and method to quantify RPA has yet to be determined. This study aimed to compare the reliability and validity of an RPA assessment performed with loaded squat jumps (SJ) or countermovement jumps (CMJ) using force-time derived mean and peak power output. RPA was quantified using calculations of average power output, a fatigue index and a percent decrement score for all repetitions and with the first and last repetitions removed. Validity was established by comparing to a 30 second Bosco repeated jump test (30BJT). Eleven well-trained male field hockey players performed one set of 20 repetitions of both SJs (20SJ) and CMJs (20CMJ) on separate occasions using a 30% one repetition maximum half squat load. These assessments were repeated 7 days apart to establish inter-test reliability. On a separate occasion, each participant performed the 30BJT. The reliability of average peak power for 20SJ and 20CMJ was acceptable (CV 5% ICC 0.9), while average mean power reliability for 20CMJ (CV 5% ICC 0.9) was better than 20SJ (CV 5% ICC 0.8). Percent decrement of 20CMJ peak power, with the first and final jump removed from the percent decrement calculation (PD%CMJ peak18 ), was the most reliable measurement of power output decline (CV 5 % ICC 0.8). Average mean and peak power for both RPA protocols had moderate to strong correlations with 30BJT average mean and peak power (r = 0.5–0.8 p 0.05–0.01). No RPA measurements of power decline were significantly related to BJT measurements of power decline. These findings indicate that PD%CMJ peak18 is the most reliable measure of RPA power decline. The lack of relationship between power decline in the loaded RPA and the 30BJT assessment suggest that each assessment may be measuring a different physical quality. These results provide sport science practitioners with additional methods to assess RPA and provide useful information on the reliability and validity of these outcome measures. Additional research needs to be performed to examine the reliability and validity of the novel RPA assessments in other athletic populations and to determine the sensitivity of these measurements to training and injury.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2018
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002453
Abstract: Winwood, PW, Dudson, MK, Wilson, D, Mclaren-Harrison, JKH, Redjkins, V, Pritchard, HJ, and Keogh, JWL. Tapering practices of strongman athletes. J Strength Cond Res 32(5): 1181–1196, 2018—This study provides the first empirical evidence of how strongman athletes taper for strongman competitions. Strongman athletes ( n = 454) (mean ± SD : 33.2 ± 8.0 years, 178.1 ± 10.6 cm, 108.6 ± 27.9 kg, 12.6 ± 8.9 years general resistance training, 5.3 ± 5.0 years strongman implement training) completed a self-reported 4-page internet survey on tapering practices. Analysis by sex (male and female), age (≤30 and years), body mass (≤105 and kg), and competitive standard (local/regional amateur, national amateur and professional) was conducted. Eighty-seven percent ( n = 396) of strongman athletes reported that they used a taper. Athletes stated that their typical taper length was 8.6 ± 5.0 days, with the step taper the most commonly performed taper (52%). Training volume decreased during the taper by 45.5 ± 12.9%, and all training ceased 3.9 ± 1.8 days out from competition. Typically, athletes reported that training frequency and training duration stayed the same or decreased and training intensity decreased to around 50% in the last week. Athletes generally stated that tapering was performed to achieve recovery, rest, and peak performance the deadlift, yoke walk, and stone lifts/work took longer to recover from than other lifts assistance exercises were reduced or removed in the taper massage, foam rolling, nutritional changes, and static stretching were strategies used in the taper and, poor tapering occurred when athletes trained too heavy/hard or had too short a taper. These data will assist strongman athletes and coaches in the optimization of tapering variables leading to more peak performances. Future research could investigate the priming and preactivation strategies strongman athletes use on competition day.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.APMR.2018.03.004
Abstract: To investigate the associations of balance confidence with physical and cognitive markers of well-being in older adults receiving government-funded aged care services and whether progressive resistance plus balance training could positively influence change. Intervention study. Community-based older adult-specific exercise clinic. Older adults (N=245) with complex care needs who were receiving government-funded aged care support. Twenty-four weeks of twice weekly progressive resistance plus balance training carried out under the supervision of accredited exercise physiologists. The primary measure was the Activity-specific Balance Confidence Scale. Secondary measures included the Short Physical Performance Battery fall history gathered as part of the health history questionnaire hierarchical timed balance tests Geriatric Anxiety Index Geriatric Depression Scale Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illness, Loss of Weight scale and EuroQoL-5 dimension 3 level. At baseline, better physical performance (r=.54 P<.01) and quality of life (r=.52 P<.01) predicted better balance confidence. In contrast, at baseline, higher levels of frailty predicted worse balance confidence (r=-.55 P<.01). Change in balance confidence after the exercise intervention was accompanied by improved physical performance (+12%) and reduced frailty (-11%). Baseline balance confidence was identified as the most consistent negative predictor of change scores across the intervention. This study shows that reduced physical performance and quality of life and increased frailty are predictive of worse balance confidence in older adults with aged care needs. However, when a targeted intervention of resistance and balance exercise is implemented that reduces frailty and improves physical performance, balance confidence will also improve. Given the influence of balance confidence on a raft of well-being determinants, including the capacity for positive physical and cognitive change, this study offers important insight to those looking to reduce falls in older adults.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 20-04-2021
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 15-01-2007
DOI: 10.1080/02640410600630910
Abstract: Best practice for improving strength and power through resistance strength training has been the subject of much research and subsequent conjecture. Much of the conjecture can be attributed to methodological discrepancies. The type of dynamometry used in testing, the training experience of research participants, the specific technique employed in a lift, and the methods of collection and calculation all impact on the final variables of interest. This review examines contraction force specificity by first addressing the methodological issues surrounding our interpretation of the results. Then we address the kinematics and kinetics associated with single and multiple repetitions in relation to the development of strength, power, and functional performance. This discussion provides the delimitations for analysis of subsequent training studies. Finally, recommendations are formulated with the aim of assisting assessment and training practice as well as providing directions for future research. The results of this review suggest that the enhancements in performance resulting from resistance training are context specific in experienced resistance-trained participants. Thus, specific conditioning could be required to achieve improvements in functional performance in this group.
Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)
Date: 2019
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 06-2016
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 04-2010
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2014
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 29-06-2023
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 02-11-2017
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of defensive pressure on the execution of attacking skills in international women's rugby sevens. Performance analyses were conducted across 42 training c drills during the 2012–2013 season. Training c sessions were recorded using a video camera positioned from an aerial perspective, with the attacking team's performance analysed during game-based drills. Technical skills assessed included pass type, pass accuracy, catching, evasive moves and line breaks. Results indicated that defensive pressure had a significant effect on a player's pass type, evasive moves and line breaks (p 0.05), but no significant effect on passing accuracy and catching skill (p 0.05). A cut-out pass (standard residual = 3.3) was more likely to happen than expected by chance during no defence. An offload was more likely to occur than expected by chance during contested defence (standard residual = 9.6). A line break (standard residual = 4.7) and a swerve (standard residual = 2.5) were more likely to happen than expected by chance during contested defence. Coaches should progressively overload the degree of defensive pressure during training. This may encourage the performance of non-conventional passes under contested defensive pressure, more closely reflecting the requisites of competition game-play.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 1999
Publisher: American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
Date: 03-2016
DOI: 10.1158/1538-7755.DISP15-C74
Abstract: Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is an effective palliation treatment for men with advanced prostate cancer (PC). This is a common treatment received by the majority of PC survivors among New Zealand (NZ) Maori men due to their late presentation of the disease. However, ADT have well documented side effects that could alter the patient's quality of life (QoL). ADT involves suppression of androgens produced either by the testes or the adrenal gland or both. Adrenal androgen production involves conversion of androstenedione to testosterone by the aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) enzyme. We have previously reported that the AKR1C3 rs12529 G allele is associated with a lower prostate specific antigen (PSA) level, which is a downstream product of androgens binding to the androgen receptor. The AKR1C3 rs12529 G allele frequency is 14.2% higher among Maori, Pacific and East Asian men compared to Caucasians in our study cohort. Therefore, the current assessment is to evaluate whether genetic stratification with the AKR1C3 rs12529 polymorphism could support decision making on ADT to minimize QoL effects. Methods: A patient cohort with confirmed clinical diagnoses of PC was recruited with written consent from 2006-2014 to Urology studies carried out at the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, NZ. Recruitment was carried out at hospitals managed under three District Health Boards of Auckland, and private Urology clinics from Waikato District, in NZ. From May 2013, patients were invited to complete a questionnaire that contained options for selecting PC treatment type/s received and a QoL survey. The primary outcomes were the percentage scores under each QoL subscale assessed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30 and PR25). Genotyping of these men for the AKR1C3 rs12529 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was carried out using the Sequenom MassArray and iPlex system or the Applied Biosystem's Taqman SNP genotyping procedure. Age at diagnosis, Gleason score and alcohol consumption were confounding variables between ADT and no ADT groups, and were corrected for subsequent analysis. Analysis of QoL scores were carried out against ADT duration or in association with the AKR1C3 rs12529 SNP using the Generalised Linear Model. P-values & .05 were considered significant. Findings: A total of 206 patients provided valid completed questionnaires and 191 patients were linked to the AKR1C3 rs12529 SNP genotype data. 36.4% of this cohort has received ADT either as a monotherapy or as a combined androgen blockage. 85.3% of ADT composed of anti-androgens (AA) either as a monotherapy or in combination with the luteinizing hormone- releasing hormone agonists. Increase in QoL subscales (95% CI) for insomnia [39.7 (1.9-77.4), p& .05] and hormone treatment-related effects [36.1 (18.6-53.7), p& .005] were recorded with long-term ADT as compared to no ADT. Hormone treatment-related effects showed an increase with ADT when associated with the AKR1C3 rs12529 G allele [4.9 (95% CI (1.1-8.6) p& .02]. This increase among the rs12529 GG genotype (9.7) is therefore, equivalent to 59% of the mean hormone treatment-related symptom score of 16.5 (SD16.6) recorded in this study. Interpretation: As 85.3% ADT recipients have used AA the current study is best interpreted as QoL effects of AA. This study suggests a possibility for those stratified with the AKR1C3 rs12529 G allele to receive intermittent AA treatment to minimize QoL effects. If larger prospective studies can confirm these findings, PC survivors particularly those of Maori and Pacific ethnic groups may greatly benefit through optimal ADT options not only for their survival benefits, but also to better maintain their QoL. Citation Format: Nishi Karunasinghe, Yifei Zhu, DugYeo Han, Katja Lange, Alice Wang, Shoutun Zhu, Jonathan Masters, Megan Goudie, Justin Keogh, Benji Benjamin, Michael Holmes, Lynnette Ferguson. Can we minimize androgen deprivation therapy-related quality of life effects in Māori and Pacific prostate cancer survivors using a genetic stratification? [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved Nov 13-16, 2015 Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016 (3 Suppl):Abstract nr C74.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-03-2013
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 11-2008
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 17-09-2021
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.11643
Abstract: As participants who engage in CrossFit training and competition perform a large volume of high intensity overhead activities, injuries to the shoulder are one of the most common in this sport. Previous research in other sports has indicated that the isokinetic force power profile of the shoulder joint (IPSJ) rotator muscles may assist in the prediction of shoulder injury. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the IPSJ in males engaged in CrossFit training at different competitive levels. In a cross-sectional study design, participants (age, 24.1 ± 2.7 years) classified as ‘beginner’ ( n = 6), ‘intermediate’ ( n = 7) or ‘advanced’ ( n = 9) provided informed consent to participate in this study. The IPSJ assessment involved rotational and diagonal movements, including internal and external shoulder rotator muscles, at both 180°.s −1 and 300°.s −1 . The variables analysed were peak torque/body mass (%), mean power (W) and the external/internal peak torque/body mass ratio (%). A Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare the IPSJ of the three groups, with Dunn’s test used for post-hoc analysis. The alpha level was set at p 0.05. The IPSJ showed greater torque and power values in those who competed at the advanced level as compared to those at a lower competitive level ( i.e . intermediate, beginner). This was observed mainly for the internal rotation and internal diagonal movements at both 180°.s −1 and 300°.s −1 . However, such differences between competitive levels were, in general, absent for the external rotation and external diagonal movements. Moreover, the participants from the advanced competitive level exhibited an imbalance of peak torque between the muscles responsible for the external–internal rotational and external-internal diagonal movements of the shoulder ( i.e . peak torque external/internal ratio %), particularly in the dominant shoulder. These findings suggest greater development of the shoulder internal rotators and a higher probability of shoulder injury in CrossFit athletes at the advanced competitive level. Based on these results, participants engaged in CrossFit training and competition may wish to increase the volume of training for the shoulder external rotator muscles to complement the large increases in shoulder internal rotator strength that occur as a part of their regular training regimes.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 25-08-2017
Abstract: Training c s in the present study consisted of four sessions over two to four days, to prepare players for international competitions. Training c s focused on improving the technical and decision making skills in context with team tactics, however it is unknown if the physical demands were being developed or maintained concurrently. Due to the unknown physical demands of training c s, the present study sought to quantify the movement patterns and compare sessions of preparation training c s for international women’s rugby sevens players. Twenty-four international female sevens players (age 24 ± 5 years, height 168 ± 5 cm, body mass 68 ± 6 kg mean ± SD) were monitored over seven training c s using Global Positioning System units with integrated triaxial accelerometers. Women’s sevens players covered a median total distance of 3823 m (relative distance of 44 m/min) during training c sessions that lasted for an average duration of 91 minutes. Sprints occurred 41 times and repeated sprints occurred 14 times during training sessions at a rate of 0.47 sprints per minute and 0.17 repeated sprints per minute. The present study indicated that as a result of the technical and tactical focus of training c s the physical demands maybe insufficient to enhance physiological adaptations. Instead it appears that players are being prepared for upcoming competition by reducing residual fatigue and optimising freshness.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 12-2011
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 06-2011
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 28-05-2015
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.980
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-07-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S40798-022-00485-0
Abstract: Undulatory underwater swimming (UUS) has become an integral component of the start and turn phases in competitive swimming allowing higher velocities than can be achieved swimming at the surface. An understanding of the most important determinants for UUS performance and how these can be optimised to different swimmers is poorly understood. The aim of this systematic review was to systematically assess the current peer-reviewed literature on the relationship between UUS performance determinants and underwater velocity in competitive swimmers. An electronic search using AusSportMed, Embase, PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming was performed. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using a biomechanics-specific checklist developed by Hindle and colleagues (Sports Med Open. 5(1):49, 2019. 10.1186/s40798-019-0222-z ). Twenty-five studies met the eligibility criteria. While UUS velocity was nearly perfectly related ( r 0.90) to foot resultant acceleration and kick frequency, several other biomechanical factors were also significant correlates. UUS velocity and frequency were typically higher in high-performance swimmers and during prone versus dorsal positions. UUS velocity, kick frequency and kick litude were also significantly correlated with high angular velocities of the hip, knee and ankle joints and knee range of motion. While there appears to be evidence supporting some performance variables to be related to UUS, future research should examine how to optimise the kinematic and kinetic characteristics with respect to the imposed task constraints and organism constraints between swimmers. Additional research should also investigate the effect of biomechanically informed interventions to improve UUS performance. Open Science Framework.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 27-05-2020
DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2019.1598480
Abstract: As the sport of strongman is becoming increasingly popular, and such exercises are being commonly used by strength and conditioning coaches for a wide range of athletic groups, a greater understanding of the biomechanics of strongman exercises is warranted. To improve the quality of research, this systematic review summarised the research methodology used in biomechanical studies of strongman exercises and identified potential improvements to current approaches. A search of 5 databases found 10 articles adherent to the pre-defined inclusion criteria. The studies assessed 8 strongman exercises and included male participants of relatively similar body mass but varying training backgrounds. Due to the complexity of strongman exercises and the challenges in collecting advanced biomechanical data in the field, most studies used simplified measurement/analysis methods (e.g., 2D motion capture). Future strongman biomechanical studies should: assess under/un-researched strongman exercises include a greater number of experienced and female strongman athletes utilise more advanced (e.g., 3D motion capture and/or inertial sensor) technology so to provide a broader range and greater quality of data. Such approaches will provide strength and conditioning coaches, strongman coaches and athletes with a greater understanding of strongman exercises, thereby further improving exercise prescription, athlete performance and minimising risk of injury.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 02-2012
No related grants have been discovered for Justin Keogh.