Dietary intake, energy availability, and power in men collegiate gymnasts.

Introduction: The purpose was to examine the prevalence of low energy availability (LEA), explore dietary behaviors in men collegiate gymnasts (n = 14), and investigate the relationships between energy availability (EA), body composition, and plyometric performance. Methods: Body composition was measured using air displacement plethysmography. Lower- and upper-body peak power (PWRpeak) and modified reactive strength index (RSImod) were calculated from countermovement jump (CMJ) and plyometric push-up (PP) assessments. Energy expenditure was tracked over 3 days, while daily energy and macronutrient intake were recorded. EA was calculated and used to categorize athletes into LEA and non-LEA groups. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to examine relationships between EA, body composition, and performance metrics. Results: 85.7% of athletes (n = 12) exhibited LEA (20.98 ± 5.2 kcals/kg FFM), with non-LEA athletes (n = 2) marginally surpassing the <30 kcal/kg of fat-free mass (FFM) threshold (30.58 ± 0.2 kcals/kg FFM). The cohort (n = 14) consumed insufficient energy (30.5 ± 4.5 kcal/kg/day) and carbohydrates (3.7 ± 1.1 g/kg/day), resulting in LEA (22.36 ± 5.9 kcal/kg/FFM). EA was not correlated with body composition or performance metrics. Discussion: A high prevalence of LEA may exist in men gymnasts, largely due to a low relative energy and carbohydrate intake.

Fat-Free Mass Index in Sport: Normative Profiles and Applications for Collegiate Athletes.

ABSTRACT: Jagim, AR, Harty, PS, Jones, MT, Fields, JB, Magee, M, Smith-Ryan, AE, Luedke, J, and Kerksick, CM. Fat-free mass index in sport: normative profiles and applications for collegiate athletes. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): 1687-1693, 2024-Recent concerns have been raised regarding the ethical considerations of conducting body composition assessments in sports. Specific apprehensions pertain to the inappropriate use of percent body fat and the limited application of the results to performance and recovery. Fat-free mass index (FFMI), a height-adjusted assessment of FFM, can serve as an alternative body composition metric to focus on in sports. Fat-free mass index provides valuable context regarding an optimal amount of FFM, accounting for skeletal frame and height while helping to qualify an athlete's FFM as low, moderate, or high. This review posits that shifting the focus of body composition measures to FFM can support more ideal targets across athletic seasons, careers, and the return to play after injury. In addition, a FFM focus may help change the perception of body composition assessment and how athletes perceive their current body because of the increased focus on the FFM compartment and the goal of maximizing tissue accrual, rather than focusing on fat loss. Fat-free mass index is calculated by dividing FFM (kg) by height (m 2 ) and can serve to normalize FFM, relative to height, and enable comparisons across athletes, sport types, and sex. Previous research has identified differences in FFMI across sex and among sport categories. Still, there is a need for more published data to develop optimal ranges for FFMI across sex, sports, and positions. As more data become available, FFMI has the potential to provide normative guidelines for optimal FFM development, performance, and injury risk reduction. The purpose of the current review was to summarize FFMI values across collegiate sport categories and competitive status to provide normative profiles, according to sex and sport type.

Seasonal Changes in Match Demands and Workload Distribution in Collegiate Soccer Across Two Seasons.

ABSTRACT: Floersch, S, Vidden, C, Askow, AT, Jones, MT, Fields, JB, and Jagim, AR. Seasonal changes in match demands and workload distribution in collegiate soccer across two seasons. J Strength Cond Res 38(8): 1440-1446, 2024-The purpose of this study was to examine seasonal changes in match demands in a collegiate women's soccer team. Forty-eight NCAA Division III women soccer athletes (age: 19.5 ± 1.2 years; height: 1.67 ± 0.05 m; body mass: 64.8 ± 7.4 kg; fat-free mass: 50.0 ± 4.5 kg; body fat %: 22.6 ± 6.0) were equipped with wearable global positioning systems with inertial sensors and heart rate (HR) monitors during matches throughout the 2019 (n = 22) and 2021 seasons (n = 26). Players were classified by position: flank player (FP; n = 28), center midfielder (CM; n = 11), and center back fielder (CB; n = 9) and as starters (S, n = 17) or reserves (R, n = 31). Variables included HR, training load, total distance, high-speed distance, distance per minute, and weighted distance. Differences in match and practice session demands were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models with season (2 levels; 2019 and 2021) as a fixed factor, with alpha set to p = 0.05. Data across all matches and training sessions were collapsed and presented as mean ± SD for descriptive purposes and then grouped by session type (i.e., match or training) and position. Athletes traveled more distance at high speeds during match play in the 2021 season compared with 2019 (mean difference, 95% confidence intervals [CI]) (200, 95% CI: 104, 304 km; p < 0.05) but had a lower training load in 2021 compared with 2019 (-50, 95% CI: -63, -36; p < 0.05) during match play. For training sessions, mean HR (4, 95% CI: 2, 5 bpm), total distance (0.5, 95% CI: 0.4, 0.7), distance per minute (5.6, 95% CI: 4.5, 6.7 m·min-1), high-speed distance (43, 95% CI: 43, 18, 67 m), high accelerations (8.6, 95% CI: 5.4, 11.8 n), and high accelerations per minute (0.1, 95% CI: 0.1, 0.1 n·min-1) were all higher in 2021 compared with 2019 (p < 0.05). As a team, several differences in measures of external workload were found between seasons in both session types (training and matches). Variations in positional demands of match play appear to fluctuate by year.

Validation of Bioelectrical Impedance Devices for the Determination of Body Fat Percentage in Firefighters.

ABSTRACT: Jagim, AR, Luedke, J, Erickson, JL, Fields, JB, and Jones, MT. Validation of bioelectrical impedance devices for the determination of body fat percentage in firefighters. J Strength Cond Res 38(8): e448-e453, 2024-To cross-validate bioelectrical impedance devices for the determination of body fat percentage (BF%) in firefighters. Twenty-eight structural firefighters were evaluated (female, n = 2; male, n = 26 [mean ± SD] age: 38.2 ± 8.3 years; height: 180.2 ± 7.5 cm; body mass: 86.7 ± 20.8 kg; body mass index: 25.8 ± 7.8 kg·m-2) using multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MFBIA) hand-to-foot device, and single-frequency BIA foot scale (F2FBIA), and a single-frequency handheld BIA device (HHBIA). Dual X-ray absorptiometry served as the criterion. Validity metrics were examined to establish each method's performance. Body fat % values produced by MFBIA (r = 0.913), F2FBIA (r = 0.695), and HHBIA (r = 0.876) were strongly associated (p < 0.001) with criterion BF% measures. However, MFBIA, F2FBIA, and HHBIA all significantly (p < 0.001) underestimated BF% when compared with the criterion measure. Constant error ranged between 4.0 and 5.5% across all BIA devices. Despite strong associations between the BIA devices included in the current study and the criterion measure, all BIA devices underestimated BF%, which resulted in an overestimation of fat-free mass. In addition, proportional bias was observed in which BF% was overestimated at lower values and underestimated at higher values.

Examining Changes in Shoulder Strength, Lower Body Power, and Body Composition among Collegiate Baseball Players after Completion of a Summer Baseball League Season.

The strength of the shoulder musculature involved with internal rotation and arm extension plays an important role in the overhead throwing motion for baseball athletes, both for throwing-related performance and injury risk. The maintenance of shoulder strength is a high priority for baseball athletes throughout a season; however, little is known in regards to the expected changes in strength throughout a season. To examine pre-post changes in shoulder strength, lower body power, and body composition among collegiate baseball players after the completion of a summer baseball league season. Amateur baseball players (n = 12; age: 20.9 ± 1.0 years.; height: 181.6 ± 5.6 cm; body mass: 86.4 ± 11.1 kg; BMI: 26.0 ± 2.6 kg/m2) participated in the current study. Pre- and post-competitive season, the participants completed shoulder strength assessments and body composition and countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) tests. An upper-body isometric test (athletic shoulder [ASH] test) was used to evaluate shoulder strength for each arm. Each subject completed maximal isometric contractions for both the throwing and non-throwing arms at four separate angles of abduction (180°, 'I'; 135°, 'Y'; 90°, 'T'; and -180°, 'A') while lying in a prone position. For shoulder strength, the primary dependent variable of interest was a composite measure that represented the average of the forces produced across all four positions of the ASH test (I, Y, T, A). For the ASH test composite measure, there was a trend toward a significant arm-by-time interaction effect (p = 0.08), as shoulder strength decreased by 9.03% for the throwing arm (ES = 0.72; 95% CI = [-0.27, -0.01]), compared to only 2.03% for the non-throwing arm (ES = 0.15; 95% CI = [-0.16, 0.09]), over the course of the season. The main effects of time (p = 0.16) and arm (p = 0.58) were not significant for the ASH test composite measure. There was no relationship between lower body power and throwing arm strength at baseline (r = 0.20, p = 0.56), and only a non-significant weak relationship at post-test (r = 0.28, p = 0.41). Throughout a season, baseball players may experience reductions in shoulder strength of the throwing arm with minimal changes in shoulder strength in the non-throwing arm.

Fat-Free Mass Index in a Large Sample of Collegiate American Football Athletes.

High levels of fat-free mass (FFM) are favorable for athletes and are related to sport performance. However, fat-free mass index (FFMI), which includes adjustments for height, may offer a better way to characterize FFM beyond raw values. As FFMI is understudied relative to sport, the purpose of the current study was to assess position and age group differences in FFMI among collegiate American football players. National Collegiate Athletic Association DIII (n=111) football players underwent body composition assessment via bioelectrical impedance analysis. FFMI was calculated by dividing FFM by height squared. One-way analyses of variance with Bonferroni post-hoc tests were conducted to evaluate differences in FFMI by position and age groups (α<0.05). The overall mean FFMI was 23.50 ± 2.04 kg · m-2, with values ranging from 18.1-27.7 kg · m-2. FFMI was highest in linemen (24.8 ± 1.5 kg · m-2) and lowest in specialty players (20.6 ± 1.4 kg · m-2) (p<0.05). No differences in FFMI were apparent across age groups (p>0.05). Current findings demonstrate that an athlete's upper limit for FFMI may exceed 25 kg · m-2, and differences exist across positions, likely due to position-specific demands. These measurements serve as a foundation for tailoring nutritional and exercise plans, forecasting athletic performance, and supplying coaches with standardized data about the potential for additional FFM accretion in collegiate American football players.

Collegiate women's wrestling body fat percentage and minimum wrestling weight values: time for revisiting minimal body fat percent?

BACKGROUND: The estimation of body fat percentage (BF%) in wrestling is used to determine the minimum wrestling weight (MWW) and lowest allowable weight class (MWC) in which wrestlers are eligible to compete. A 12% minimum threshold is currently used for women wrestlers, yet a potential increase for safety has been discussed. Because of the novelty of collegiate women's wrestling, there is a paucity of literature available on the body composition norms of this population. The purpose of this study was to provide a descriptive summary of BF% and MWW values of female wrestlers and how MWW values would change with the use of different BF% thresholds. METHODS: Data from the 2022-2023 collegiate season were retrospectively analyzed resulting in a sample of 1,683 collegiate women wrestlers from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA, n = 868) and the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA, n = 815). All wrestlers completed skinfold assessments for weight certification at the start of the competition season. The skinfold values were used to estimate BF% using the Slaughter skinfold prediction equation. Frequency statistics and descriptive analysis were performed to compute normative MWW and BF% profiles. BF% thresholds of 12% (12MWW) and the BF% value defined as the lowest 5th percentile, which would be considered unusually lean, were used to determine the resulting MWW and MWC for each method. The lowest recorded weight and weight class division throughout the season was also recorded for each wrestler. RESULTS: There was a positively skewed (0.94) and platykurtic (1.86) distribution of MWW values. The median ± interquartile range BF% for all wrestlers was 27.4 ± 10.22%, with 17% BF representing the 5th percentile. Only 354 out of 1,579 (22.4%) wrestlers competed in their lowest allowable weight class, based on the 12MWW. Of these 354 wrestlers, the mean BF% was 21.3 ± 5.2% at weight certification with only n = 17 being at or below 12% body fat and an average weight loss of 11.1 ± 8.8 lbs. from the time of weight certification. Throughout the season, wrestlers competed at weights that were, on average (mean ± SD), 19.4 ± 16.9 lbs. higher than their 12MWW (95% CI: 18.6, 20.2 lbs. p < 0.001; effect size [ES] = 1.1), 13.4 ± 19.0 lbs. higher than the 17MWW (p < 0.001; ES = 0.70), and 8.7 ± 8.3 lbs. lower than their weight at the certification (95% CI: 8.3, 9.1 lbs. p < 0.001; ES = 1.1). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly all BF% values were well above the 12% threshold used to determine MWW. Increasing the minimum BF% threshold from 12% to 17% would affect a small percentage of wrestlers, likely reduce the need for excessive weight cutting, and minimize the deleterious health effects of an athlete at such a low BF%.

Fat-Free Mass Index in a Large Sample of National Collegiate Athletic Association Men and Women Athletes From a Variety of Sports.

ABSTRACT: Magee, MK, Fields, JB, Jagim, AR, and Jones, MT. Fat-free mass index in a large sample of National Collegiate Athletic Association men and women athletes from a variety of sports. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): 311-317, 2024-Fat-free mass index (FFMI) can be used to categorize fat-free mass (FFM) relative to height. Normative values have been established in a variety of sports, as has suggested lower and upper thresholds of FFMI. However, FFMI has not been reported in a large sample of athletes, representing both sexes and multiple sport types. The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in FFMI and establish normative values across a large sample of collegiate sports. A total of 1,961 athletes (men: n = 596, 10 sports; women: n = 1,365, 8 sports) participated. Height and mass were measured using a stadiometer and calibrated digital scale, respectively. Fat-free mass was assessed with air displacement plethysmography and used to calculate FFMI. Kruskal-Wallis test and one-way analysis of variance evaluated differences in FFMI in women's and men's sports, respectively. When collapsed across sport type and stratified by sex, men had a higher FFMI (21.5 ± 1.9 kg·m -2 vs. 17.9 ± 1.8 kg·m -2 ; p < 0.001). Differences occurred in FFMI across sport. In women, basketball athletes had the highest FFMI (18.9 kg·m -2 ) and highest 99th percentile for FFMI, whereas rowers had the lowest (16.9 kg·m -2 ). In men, throwers had the highest FFMI (25.7 kg·m -2 ) and highest 99th percentile, whereas volleyball athletes had the lowest (19.9 kg·m -2 ). Differences in FFMI may be attributable to dietary habits and physiological demands of respective sports. These results can provide information relative to differences in FFMI values across sports. In addition, sport-specific normative values can be used as benchmarks and targets for training, nutrition, and goal setting.

Analysis of In-Season External Load and Sport Performance in Women's Collegiate Basketball.

ABSTRACT: Brown, FSA, Fields, JB, Jagim, AR, Baker, RE, and Jones, MT. Analysis of in-season external load and sport performance in women's collegiate basketball. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): 318-324, 2024-Quantifying and monitoring athlete workload throughout a competitive season is a means to manage player readiness. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to quantify practice and game external loads and to assess the relationship between such loads and basketball-specific performance metrics across a women's collegiate basketball season. Thirteen National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I women basketball athletes (age 20.08 ± 1.55 years) wore Global Positioning Systems sensors equipped with triaxial accelerometers for 29 games and 66 practices during the 2019-20 season. A multivariate analysis of variance was used to assess differences in external load between high- and low-minute players and across quarters within games ( p < 0.05). Bivariate Pearson correlation coefficients were run to determine relationships between external loads and metrics of basketball performance. Findings indicated that high- and low-minute athletes experienced different loads during games and practices ( p < 0.001). External loads differed by quarter, such that player load (PL) was highest in Q4 ( p = 0.007), PL·min -1 was highest in Q1 and lowest in Q4 ( p < 0.001), and explosive ratio (i.e., ratio of PL and explosive efforts) was lowest in Q3 ( p = 0.45). Relationships existed between PL·min -1 and field goals ( r = 0.41; p = 0.02) and between the explosive ratio and free throws ( r = 0.377 p = 0.04). These results can be used to inform design of training sessions with the intent to prepare athletes for the demands of the competitive season. It is recommended that future research continue to explore the relationship of sport-specific performance metrics and athlete external load.

Relationships between external loads, sRPE-load, and self-reported soreness across a men's collegiate soccer season.

The purpose was to examine relationships between external loads (ELs), perceived exertion, and soreness. Collegiate men soccer players (n = 19) were monitored for 72 sessions (training: n = 53; matches: n = 19). Likert scale assessments (0-6) of lower body soreness were collected prior to each session, and ELs were collected using positional monitoring technology. Session rate of perceived exertion (sRPE-load) was calculated by multiplying perceived exertion values (Borg CR-10 Scale) by respective session duration to determine internal load. Multiple analyses of variance were used to determine differences in ELs across seasons (pre-season, in-season, post-season) and sessions (training, match). Bivariate Pearson correlation coefficients and linear regression analyses were used to evaluate relationships among soreness, ELs, and sRPE-load. Greatest ELs were observed during pre-season and post-season phases (p < 0.001). Sessions with high perceived exertion and low soreness were associated with higher ELs (p < 0.05). Duration (t = 16.13), total distance (t = 9.17), sprint distance (t = 7.54), player load (t = 4.22), top speed (t = 4.69), and acceleration (t = 2.02) positively predicted sRPE-load (F = 412.9, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.75). Soreness was weakly and trivially correlated with ELs (p < 0.05). The very strong relationship between ELs and sRPE-load highlights the utility of sRPE-load as a practical means to estimate workload; however, more research into the relationship between soreness and workload is warranted.

Analysis of Accumulated Workloads and Performance Testing Across a Collegiate Women's Lacrosse Season.

ABSTRACT: Fields, JB, Kuhlman, NM, Jagim, AR, Dulak-Sigler, C, and Jones, MT. Analysis of accumulated workloads and performance testing across a collegiate women's lacrosse season. J Strength Cond Res 37(11): 2213-2221, 2023-Monitoring accumulated workloads, acute:chronic workload ratios (ACWR), and training monotony (TM) are practical methods for monitoring athlete physical stress. Performance testing provides useful information about the changing nature of physical abilities. Therefore, the purpose was to examine differences in accumulated workloads based on session type, explore seasonal trends in ACWR and TM, and assess changes in performance assessments in collegiate women's lacrosse athletes. Athletes, who were identified as starters ( n = 12), wore positional monitoring technology during training sessions ( n = 61) and games ( n = 17) and completed preseason and postseason assessments of speed, agility, power (jump tests), strength, aerobic capacity, and body composition. Separate 1-way analyses of variance were used to determine differences in accumulated workloads for session type and differences in performance assessments from preseason to postseason ( p < 0.05). When compared with games, practice sessions elicited greater ( p < 0.001) accumulated total distance, player load, repeated high-intensity efforts, accelerations, change of direction, explosive efforts, high-speed efforts ( p = 0.002), and high-speed distance ( p = 0.002). Throughout the season, ACWR and TM ranged from 0.16 to 1.40 AU and 0.68-1.69 AU, respectively. The 40-yd sprint ( p < 0.001) and pro-agility ( p < 0.001) improved from preseason to postseason, whereas no changes in aerobic capacity, lower-body power, or strength were observed ( p > 0.05). The monitoring of accumulated loads, ACWR and TM, and performance tests revealed novel information about the seasonal demands of collegiate women's lacrosse. Women lacrosse players are able to improve speed and agility throughout the season, while maintaining strength, power, and endurance, with minimal reductions in fat-free mass.

Athlete External Load Measures Across a Competitive Season in High School Basketball.

ABSTRACT: Askow, AT, Jennings, W, Jagim, AR, Fields, JB, Beaudoin, RG, Sanchez, GM, Weeks, JE, Oliver, JM, and Jones, MT. Athlete external load measures across a competitive season in high school basketball. J Strength Cond Res 37(11): 2206-2212, 2023-The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to quantify in-season external load and to determine if relationships existed between load metrics and basketball performance. Eleven male high school varsity basketball athletes (n = 11; mass 80.5 ± 9.6 kg, height 190.2 ± 9.4 cm, age 17.6 ± 0.7 years) were monitored across a season. PlayerLoad (PL), PL per minute (PL·min -1 ), total jumps, and explosive movements (EMs) were quantified using a commercially available local positioning unit. Basketball-specific performance metrics, including points scored, points allowed, point differentials, and shooting percentages for each quarter and game, were compiled. Data were analyzed using repeated-measure analysis of variance to evaluate differences in load by starting status, session type, game outcome, and game type. Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to assess relationships between load metrics and basketball performance. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The mean values across 23 games for PL, PL·min -1 , total jumps, and EMs were 457 ± 104 AU, 10.9 ± 1.6 AU, 42.6 ± 9.6, and 46.7 ± 7.2, respectively. Relationships were observed ( p < 0.05) between PL and points scored ( r = 0.38) and free throw percentage ( r = 0.21). Further relationships were observed between PL·min -1 and free throw shooting percentage ( r = -0.27), and between points scored and total jumps ( r = 0.28), and EMs ( r = 0.26). Notable differences in game demands were observed for playing status. Meaningful differences in measures of external load were observed between each quarter of play, with the highest measures evident in quarters 1 and 3. Guards and forwards experienced minimal differences in external load during gameplay, and game outcome did not result in differences. Higher point totals corresponded with higher PL, total jumps, and EM.

Validation of skinfold equations and alternative methods for the determination of fat-free mass in young athletes.

Intoduction: To cross-validate skinfold (SKF) equations, impedance devices, and air-displacement plethysmography (ADP) for the determination of fat-free mass (FFM). Methods: Male and female youth athletes were evaluated (n = 91[mean ± SD] age: 18.19 ± 2.37 year; height: 172.1 ± 9.8 cm; body mass: 68.9 ± 14.5 kg; BMI: 23.15 ± 3.2 kg m-2; body fat: 19.59 ± 6.9%) using underwater weighing (UWW), ADP, and SKF assessments. A 3-compartment (3C) model (i.e., UWW and total body water) served as the criterion, and alternate body density (Db) estimates from ADP and multiple SKF equations were obtained. Validity metrics were examined to establish each method's performance. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS), and the SKF equations of Devrim-Lanpir, Durnin and Womersley, Jackson and Pollock (7-site), Katch, Loftin, Lohman, Slaughter, and Thorland differed from criterion. Results: For females, Pearson's correlations between the 3C model and alternate methods ranged from 0.51 to 0.92, the Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) ranged from 0.41 to 0.89, with standard error of the estimate (SEE) ranges of 1.9-4.6 kg. For SKF, the Evans 7-site and J&P 3 Site equations performed best with CCC and SEE values of 0.82, 2.01 kg and 0.78, 2.21 kg, respectively. For males, Pearson's correlations between the 3C model and alternate methods ranged from 0.50 to 0.95, CCC ranges of 0.46-0.94, and SEE ranges of 3.3-7.6 kg. For SKF, the Evans 3-site equation performed best with a mean difference of 1.8 (3.56) kg and a CCC of 0.93. Discussion: The Evans 7-site and 3-site SKF equations performed best for female and male athletes, respectively. The field 3C model can provide an alternative measure of FFM when necessary.

Sex Differences in Resting Metabolic Rate among Athletes and Association with Body Composition Parameters: A Follow-Up Investigation.

The purpose of this study was to examine sex differences in resting metabolic rate (RMR) and associations between measured RMR and body composition parameters in athletes. One-hundred and ninety collegiate men (n = 98; age: 20.1 ± 1.6 yr.; body mass: 92.7 ± 17.5 kg; height: 181.6 ± 6.2 cm, body mass index: 28.0 ± 4.7 kg/m2) and women (n = 92; age: 19.4 ± 1.1 yr.; body mass: 65.2 ± 11.0 kg; height: 168.0 ± 6.6 cm, body mass index: 23.0 ± 3.6 kg/m2) athletes volunteered to participate in this study. Athletes completed a body composition assessment using air displacement plethysmography and RMR using indirect calorimetry. Assessments were completed in a fasted state and after refraining from intense physical activity > 24 h prior to testing. Data were collected during the 2016-2019 seasons. Men had a higher RMR compared to women (2595 ± 433 vs. 1709 ± 308 kcals; p < 0.001); however, when adjusted for body mass (p = 0.064) and fat-free mass (p = 0.084), the observed differences were not significant. Height, body mass, body mass index, fat-free mass, and fat mass were positively associated with RMR in both men and women athletes (r = 0.4-0.8; p < 0.001). Body mass (men: ß = 0.784; women: ß = 0.832)) was the strongest predictor of RMR. Men athletes have a higher absolute RMR compared to their women counterparts, which is influenced by greater body mass and fat-free mass. Body mass is the strongest predictor of RMR in both men and women athletes.

Comparison of Match External Loads across a Men's and Women's Lacrosse Season.

The purpose of this study was to compare external workloads between collegiate men's (MLAX) and women's lacrosse (WLAX) matches and examine positional differences across the season. Athletes (MLAX: n = 10; WLAX: n = 13) wore a global positional system device during all matches. External load metrics included in the analysis were total distance (TD), sprint distance (SD), accelerations (>3 m/s2), sprint efforts, player load per minute (PL/min), top speed, and distances spent in various speed zones. WLAX had higher TD (p = 0.001), SD (p < 0.001), distances in SZs 2-5 (p < 0.001), PL (p < 0.001), and sprint efforts (p < 0.001) compared to MLAX. However, MLAX performed more acceleration (p < 0.001) and deceleration (p < 0.001) efforts. WLAX midfielders (M) and defenders (D) reached higher top speeds and performed more accelerations than attackers (p < 0.001). Midfielders covered the greatest distance at high speeds (p = 0.011) and the smallest distance at low speeds (<0.001) for WLAX. For MLAX, midfielders performed the highest SDs, top speeds, accelerations, decelerations, and distances in higher speed zones (p < 0.001) compared to attackers and defenders. Results indicate that there are significant gender and positional differences in external workload demands during match play, specifically for volume- and intensity-derived workload parameters, between men's and women's lacrosse. Therefore, sports performance coaches should create gender- and position-specific conditioning programs to prepare athletes for match demands.

Body Composition, Energy Availability, Risk of Eating Disorder, and Sport Nutrition Knowledge in Young Athletes.

Young athletes may be at risk for low energy availability (LEA) or dietary habits that are indicative of eating disorders. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of LEA among high school athletes and examine those at risk for eating disorders. A secondary aim was to examine relationships between sport nutrition knowledge, body composition, and LEA. METHODS: 94 male (n = 42) and female (n = 52) mean ± SD age: 18.09 ± 2.44 y; height: 172.6 ± 9.8 cm; body mass: 68.7 ± 14.5 kg; BMI: 22.91 ± 3.3 kg·m-2) athletes completed a body composition assessment and electronic versions of the abridged sports nutrition knowledge questionnaire (ASNK-Q), brief eating disorder in athletes questionnaire (BEDA-Q), and the low energy availability for females questionnaire (LEAF-Q; females only). RESULTS: 52.1% of female athletes were classified as being at risk for LEA. Moderate inverse relationships existed for computed LEAF-Q scores and BMI (r = -0.394; p < 0.01). A total of 42.9% of males (n = 18) and 68.6% of females (n = 35) were at risk for eating disorders, with females being at greater risk (p < 0.01). Body fat percentage was a predictor (ß = -0.095; p = -0.01) for eating disorder risk status. For every 1 unit increase in body fat percentage, athletes were 0.909 (95% CI: 0.845-0.977) times less likely to be classified as at risk for an eating disorder. Male (46.5 ± 13.9) and female (46.9 ± 11.4) athletes scored poorly on the ASNK-Q, with no differences between sex (p = 0.895). CONCLUSIONS: Female athletes were at a greater risk for eating disorders. No relationships existed between sport nutrition knowledge and %BF. Female athletes with a higher %BF had a lower risk for an eating disorder and risk for LEA.

Athlete External Loads Across a Collegiate Men's Lacrosse Season.

ABSTRACT: Fields, JB, Jones, MT, Feit, MK, and Jagim, AR. Athlete external loads across a collegiate men's lacrosse season. J Strength Cond Res 37(8): e455-e461, 2023-Tracking and quantifying athlete workload may provide insight into best practice periodization strategies and workload management. Limited information exists detailing the external demands associated with collegiate men's lacrosse. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate and compare practice, game, and positional differences across a lacrosse season. Male collegiate lacrosse athletes ( n = 17; body mass: 79.9 kg ± 9.7 kg; body fat %: 14.7 ± 3.8%) wore a global positional system device during practices ( n = 66) and games ( n = 19). External load metrics were total distance (TD), sprint distance (SD), accelerations (>3 m·s -2 ), sprint efforts, player load (PL), PL/min, and top speed. Multiple analysis of variances assessed differences in external loads across session (practice versus game) and sport position (attackers, midfielders, and defenders). A 3 × 4 analysis of variance was used to determine a position-by-time (first quarter [Q1], second quarter [Q2], third quarter [Q3], and fourth quarter [Q4]) interaction ( p < 0.05). Total distance ( p < 0.001, η2 : 0.047), SD ( p < 0.001, η2 : 0.093), sprint efforts ( p < 0.001, η2 : 0.077), PL ( p < 0.001, η2 : 0.022), and top speeds ( p < 0.001, η2 : 0.086) were all higher in games compared with practices. Attackers and defenders covered more TD ( p < 0.001, η2 = 0.0257), accelerations ( p < 0.001, η2 = 0.126), PL ( p < 0.001, η2 = 0.233), and PL/min ( p < 0.001, η2 = 0.193) than midfielders. Attackers and midfielders covered more SD ( p = 0.002 η2 = 0.043), sprint efforts ( p < 0.001, η2 = 0.053), and achieved higher top speed ( p < 0.001, η2 = 0.0063) than defenders. Volume and intensity metrics declined by Q4 in attackers and defenders ( p < 0.05), whereas external load measures did not differ across quarters for midfielders. Monitoring in-game external loads can assist coaches with individualizing training programs and preparing athletes for game demands.

Physiological Demands of a Self-Paced Firefighter Air-Management Course and Determination of Work Efficiency.

Firefighters often complete air management courses (AMC) to assess the ability to tolerate personal protective equipment, appropriately manage the breathing system and assess occupational performance. Little information is known relative to the physiological demands of AMCs, nor how to assess work efficiency in order to characterize occupational performance and evaluate progress. PURPOSE: To assess the physiological demands of an AMC and examine differences across BMI categories. A secondary aim was to develop an equation to assess work efficiency in firefighters. METHODS: Fifty-seven firefighters (Women, n = 4; age: 37.2 ± 8.4 yr.; height: 182.0 ± 6.9 cm; body mass: 90.8 ± 13.1 kg; BMI: 27.8 ± 3.6 kg·m-2) completed an AMC per routine evaluation while wearing a department issued self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear. Course completion time, starting pounds per square inch (PSI) on the air cylinder, changes in PSI, and distance traveled were recorded. All firefighters were equipped with a wearable sensor integrated with a triaxial accelerometer and telemetry to assess movement kinematics, heart rate, energy expenditure, and training impulse. The AMC consisted of an initial section involving a hose line advance, rescue (body drag), stair climb, ladder raise, and forcible entry. This section was followed by a repeating loop, which consisted of a stair climb, search, hoist, and recovery walk. Firefighters repeated the course loop until the self-contained breathing apparatus air supply pressure reached 200 PSI, at which time they were instructed to lay down until the PSI reached zero. RESULTS: Average completion time was 22.8 ± 1.4 min, with a mean distance of 1.4 ± 0.3 km and an average velocity of 2.4 ± 1.2 m·s-1. Throughout the AMC, the mean heart rate was 158.7 ± 11.5 bpm equating to 86.8 ± 6.3% of the age-predicted max heart rate and a training impulse of 55 ± 3 AU. Mean energy expenditure was 464 ± 86 kcals and work efficiency was 49.8 ± 14.9 km·PSI-1·s. Regression analysis determined that fat-free mass index (R2 = 0.315; ß = -5.069), body fat percentage (R2 = 0.139; ß = -0.853), fat-free mass (R2 = 0.176; ß = -0.744), weight (R2 = 0.329; ß = -0.681), and age (R2 = 0.096; ß = -0.571) were significant predictors of work efficiency. CONCLUSIONS: The AMC is a highly aerobic task with near-maximal heart rates reached throughout the course. Smaller and leaner individuals achieved a higher degree of work efficiency during the AMC.

The accuracy of ten common resting metabolic rate prediction equations in men and women collegiate athletes.

Predictive resting metabolic rate (RMR) equations are widely used to determine total daily energy expenditure (TDEE). However, it remains unclear whether these predictive RMR equations accurately predict TDEE in the athletic populations. The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of 10 commonly used RMR prediction equations (Cunningham, De Lorenzo, Freire, Harris-Benedict, Mifflin St. Jeor, Nelson, Owen, Tinsley, Watson, Schofield) in collegiate men and women athletes. One-hundred eighty-seven National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III men (n = 97) and women (n = 90) athletes were recruited to participate in one day of metabolic testing. RMR was measured using indirect calorimetry and body composition was analyzed using air displacement plethysmography. A repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc analyses was selected to determine mean differences between measured and predicted RMR. Linear regression analysis was used to assess the accuracy of each RMR prediction method (p<0.05). All prediction equations significantly underestimated RMR (p<0.001), although there was no difference between the De Lorenzo and Watson equations and measured RMR (p = 1.00) for women, only. In men, the Tinsley and Freire equations were the most agreeable formulas with the lowest root-mean-square prediction error value of 404 and 412 kcals, respectively. In women, the De Lorenzo and Watson equations were the most agreeable equations with the lowest root-mean-squared error value of 171 and 211 kcals, respectively. The results demonstrate that such RMR equations may underestimate actual energy requirements of athletes and thus, practitioners should interpret such values with caution.Highlights All prediction equations significantly underestimated RMR in men athletes.All prediction equations, except for the De Lorenzo and Watson equations, significantly underestimated RMR in women athletes.Although a significant underestimation of RMR in men athletes, the Freire and Tinsley equations were the most agreeable prediction equations.In women athletes, the De Lorenzo and Watson equations were the most agreeable prediction equations.

Physical Performance Assessments of Strength and Power in Women Collegiate Athletes.

Limited research exists on physical performance assessments for women collegiate athletes. The current cross-sectional study compared field-based tests of muscular strength and power and investigated their relationship. Sports included field hockey, volleyball, soccer, and softball. Tests of one repetition maximum (1-RM) back squat, 1-RM bench press, vertical jump, and standing long jump were administered. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) assessed differences across sports. Bivariate Pearson correlation coefficients examined relationships among tests. It was hypothesized sports with a higher anaerobic nature (volleyball, softball) would outperform those with higher aerobic nature (field hockey, soccer). Softball had the highest 1-RM bench press and 1-RM back squat (p < 0.001) compared to field hockey, volleyball, and soccer. Further, softball had the highest vertical jump (p < 0.001) compared to field hockey and soccer, but did not differ from volleyball. There were no differences across sports for standing long jump. Correlations (p < 0.001) existed between 1-RM back squat and 1-RM bench press (n = 663, r = 0.56), and vertical jump and standing long jump (n = 160, r = 0.64). Results demonstrate strength and power differences among collegiate women's sports. Softball consistently outperformed others in bench press, back squat, and vertical jump, which may be due to the demand of power embedded in the nature of the sport. These data provide descriptive measures of physical performance assessments and may assist practitioners with goal setting and program design.