The effects of ageing on functional capacity and stretch-shortening cycle muscle power.

[Purpose] To examine the effects of age and gender in an ageing population with respect to functional decline and the relationship between muscle power and functional capacity. [Participants and Methods] The cohort (N=154) was subdivided into youngest-old (65-70 years.; n=62), middle-old (71-75 years.; n=46), and oldest-old (76-81 years.; n=46). Measures of mechanical muscle function included countermovement jump height, muscle power, leg strength and grip strength. Functional performance-based measures included heel-rise, postural balance, Timed Up and Go, and gait speed. [Results] The oldest-old performed significantly worse than the middle-old, whereas the youngest-old did not outperform the middle-old to the same extent. Increased contribution of muscle power was observed with increasing age. Males had consistently higher scores in measures of mechanical muscle function, whereas no gender differences were observed for functional capacity. [Conclusion] The age-related decline in functional capacity appears to accelerate when approaching 80 years of age and lower limb muscle power seems to contribute to a greater extent to the preservation of functional balance and gait capacity at that stage. Males outperform females in measures of mechanical muscle function independent of age, while the findings give no support for the existence of gender differences in functional capacity.

Perspectives of Older Adults on Aging Well: A Focus Group Study.

BACKGROUND: With increasing number of older adults worldwide, promoting health and well-being becomes a priority for aging well. Well-being and physical and mental health are closely related, and this relation may become more vital at older ages as it may contribute to aging well. The state of well-being is a multifaceted phenomenon that refers to an individual's subjective feelings, and exploring perspectives of older adults on aging well is developing to be an important area of research. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore perceptions on aging well among older adult Palestinians ≥60 years. METHODS: A qualitative research design in the context of focus group discussions was used; seven focus groups were conducted including fifty-six participants (aged 63-81 years). Data were analyzed using a qualitative interpretative thematic approach described by Braun and Clarke. RESULTS: Three major themes were identified, "sense of well-being," "having good physical health," and "preserving good mental health." The participants perceived that aging well is influenced by positive feelings such as being joyous, staying independent, having a life purpose, self-possessed contentment, and financially secured, in addition to be socially engaged and enjoying good physical and mental health. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to get a better insight concerning older adults' perspectives on aging well. Enhancing physically active lifestyle, participation in social and leisure activities, healthy eating habits, having a purpose in life, and being intellectually engaged are all contributing factors to aging well. Vital factors are to be considered in developing strategic health and rehabilitative plans for promoting aging well among older adults.

Physiotherapy students' perceived stress, stressors, and reactions to stressors: A comparative study between Sweden and The Netherlands.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Studies of healthcare students report increased levels of stress, with academic pressures being the greatest source. The objective of this study was to examine the differences in the overall stress level, stressors, and reactions to stressors between physiotherapy students at the University of Gothenburg (GU) and those at the Hanze University of Applied Sciences (HUAS). METHODS: The Student-life Stress Inventory was used. The participants (n = 116) included physiotherapy students at GU and HUAS. The distribution of the questionnaire occurred during a regular lecture or in a lecture that was scheduled particularly for its distribution. RESULTS: At GU, 13.7% of the students rated their level of stress as mild, whereas 72.5% of them rated it as moderate. The corresponding values for HUAS students were 43.9% and 43.9%, respectively. This difference between two universities was significant (p = 0.006). The total score of the subcategories indicated that the students at GU reported significantly higher levels of stressors (p = 0.027) and reactions to stressors (p = 0.003). However, there were no significant differences in the male participants between the universities. CONCLUSION: Female students in their three-year educational program in Sweden experienced significantly more stress than Dutch female students in their four-year educational program.

Differences in Pes Planus and Pes Cavus subtalar eversion/inversion before and after prolonged running, using a two-dimensional digital analysis.

In sports, there is a constant discussion about the hyper-pronation and supination of the foot during loading and its relation to injuries or discomfort. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possible differences in the subtalar joint in the midstance phase of running, between individuals with Pes Planus and Pes Cavus, after 5 min and 45 min of running. Thirty-four subjects, meeting the requirements for Pes Planus (30 feet) and Pes Cavus (35 feet), according to the criteria for Medial Longitudinal Arch-angle, were included in the study. The calcaneal vertical angle, representing the eversion/inversion of the subtalar joint, was measured using with two-dimensional digital analysis and Dartfish Software with the subjects running barefoot on a treadmill, before and after 45 min of outside running wearing shoes. Both individuals with Pes Cavus and Pes Planus showed a significant increase in the calcaneal eversion (P<0.05) after 45 min of running. Between the groups, there was a significantly greater eversion of the Pes Planus, on the right foot, after 45 min of running (P<0.05) compared to the Pes Cavus. The effect of fatigue evident in the present study suggests that further biomechanical research should be considered when exposing the foot to the repetitive nature of running, conditions most likely responsible for the overrepresented overuse injuries among runners.

Using Bilateral Functional and Anthropometric Tests to Define Symmetry in Cross-Country Skiers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the symmetry of anthropometry and muscle function in cross-country skiers and their association to vertical jumping power. Twenty cross-country skiers were recruited (21.7 ± 3.8 yrs, 180.6 ± 7.6 cm, 73.2 ± 7.6 kg). Anthropometric data was obtained using an iDXA scan. VO2max was determined using the diagonal stride technique on a ski treadmill. Bilateral functional tests for the upper and lower body were the handgrip and standing heel-rise tests. Vertical jump height and power were assessed with a counter movement jump. Percent asymmetry was calculated using a symmetry index and four absolute symmetry index levels. At a group level the upper body was more asymmetrical with regard to lean muscle mass (p = 0.022, d = 0.17) and functional strength (p = 0.019, d = 0.51) than the lower body. At an individual level the expected frequencies for absolute symmetry level indexes showed the largest deviation from zero for the heel-rise test (χ2 = 16.97, p = 0.001), while the leg lean mass deviated the least (χ2 = 0.42, p = 0.517). No relationships were observed between absolute symmetry level indexes of the lower body and counter movement jump performance (p > 0.05). As a group the skiers display a more asymmetrical upper body than lower body regarding muscle mass and strength. Interestingly at the individual level, despite symmetrical lean leg muscle mass the heel-rise test showed the largest asymmetry. This finding indicates a mismatch in muscle function for the lower body.

Spinal alignment, mobility of the hip and thoracic spine and prevalence of low back pain in young elite cross-country skiers.

This study investigated the association between spinal alignment, mobility of the hips and the thoracic spine and low back pain in adolescent cross-country skiers. Cohort of 51 elite cross-country skiers from a cross-country skiing high school in Sweden participated in the study. Sagittal spinal alignment, active range of motion in flexion, extension and rotation of the thoracic spine as well as passive and active extension of the hips were measured. The participants also completed a questionnaire regarding training, competition, skiing technique and occurrence of low back pain. A simple linear regression was calculated to predict pain score based on thoraco-lumbar relation, with a significant (P<0.05) regression equation of y=-0.069x+2.280 (standard error of estimate, 0.034). Participants with greater lordosis than kyphosis were more likely to suffer from low back pain than subjects without this offset. Thoracic mobility and passive or active hip extension showed no correlation with low back pain. Sagittal spinal alignment seems to be related with low back pain among young elite cross-country skiers. This study shows that range of motion of the thoracic spine and hips do not have an effect on the prevalence of low back pain in this population.

Experiences of Habitual Physical Activity in Maintaining Roles and Functioning among Older Adults: A Qualitative Study.

Physically active older adults have reduced risk of functional restrictions and role limitations. Several aspects may interrelate and influence habitual physical activity (PA). However, older adults' own perspectives towards their PA need to be addressed. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of habitual physical activity in maintaining roles and functioning among older adult Palestinians ≥60 years. Data were collected through in-depth interviews based on a narrative approach. Seventeen participants were recruited (aged 64-84 years). Data were analyzed using a narrative interpretative method. Findings. Three central narratives were identified, "keep moving, stay healthy," "social connectedness, a motive to stay active," and "adapting strategies to age-related changes." Conclusion. Habitual physical activity was perceived as an important factor to maintain functioning and to preserve active roles in older adults. Walking was the most prominent pattern of physical activity and it was viewed as a vital tool to maintain functioning among the older adults. Social connectedness was considered as a contributing factor to the status of staying active. To adapt the process of age-related changes in a context to stay active, the participants have used different adapting strategies, including protective strategy, awareness of own capabilities, and modifying or adopting new roles.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Validity and Reliability of the Arabic Version of the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of an Arabic language version (Ar) of the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) with respect to its use with Arabic-speaking elderly subjects. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: For cross-cultural adaptation, the translation of the original English version of the scale was conducted based on the protocol of the Prevention of Falls Network Europe (ProFaNE). The FES-I (Ar) was administered via face-to-face interviews to 108 community-dwelling elderly Palestinians (61 women and 47 men, aged 60-84 years). Statistical analyses were used to determine group differences with respect to age, gender and fall history. To assess validity, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to examine the correlation between the total scores of FES-I (Ar) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, gait speed and balance. Test-retest reliability between the two test occasions was assessed in accordance with Svensson's method. RESULTS: The FES-I (Ar) total scores were positively correlated with TUG (r(s) = 0.641, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with gait speed (r(s) = -0.670, p < 0.001) and balance (r(s) = -0.592, p < 0.001). All items of the FES-I (Ar) indicated a high percentage agreement (from 88 to 93%), and the relative position ranged from 0.01 to 0.06. CONCLUSION: In this study, the FES-I (Ar) was shown to be a comprehensible, valid and reliable measure of the concern about falling among community-dwelling elderly subjects. In clinical practice and future research, the FES-I (Ar) instrument could be used to effectively assess concern about falling in Arabic-speaking elderly persons.

Prevalence of shoulder pain in Swedish flatwater kayakers and its relation to range of motion and scapula stability of the shoulder joint.

Few studies have investigated the incidence of injuries in kayakers. The aim was to study the prevalence of shoulder pain in competitive flatwater kayakers and to evaluate any differences in range of motion or scapula stability of the shoulder joint among kayakers with or without the history of shoulder pain. Thirty-one kayakers were participated in the study, and a questionnaire including background data was used. Shoulder range of motion was measured with a goniometer, and the participants were observed for scapula dyskinesis in flexion and abduction. Of the participating kayakers, 54.8% (n = 17) had experienced shoulder pain. Kayakers who had experienced shoulder pain showed a significantly lower degree of internal rotational range of motion versus kayakers with no reported shoulder pain, with a mean degree of internal rotation in the right shoulder 49.3 vs. 60.0 (P = 0.017) and the left shoulder 51.9 vs. 66.0 (P = 0.000). Kayakers who had experienced shoulder pain were also observed with a scapular dyskinesis (n = 15 of 17 kayakers) to a significantly higher degree (P = 0.001) than kayakers with no reported shoulder pain. Findings suggest that screening for scapular dyskinesis and testing for rotational range of motion in the shoulder joint is essential in order to treat and maybe prevent shoulder pain in kayakers.

Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Community Dwelling Elderly.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are important factors for optimal health in the elderly. Studying the association between PA and HRQoL is becoming more essential as the number of elderly people increases worldwide. This study assesses the association between PA and HRQoL among community dwelling elderly above 60 years old. METHODS: The study included 115 women and 61 men (mean age: 68.15 ± 6.74 years) recruited from the community and from public centers for the elderly. Data were collected using a background characteristics questionnaire (BCQ), a physical activity socio-cultural adapted questionnaire (PA-SCAQ), and the EuroQuol-5Dimensions-5Levels (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire. Between groups, comparisons were based on the PA-SCAQ by dividing the participants into three PA groups: low (n = 74), moderate (n = 85), and high (n = 17). Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed on the ordinal variables of the three PA groups to determine differences between the groups according to categorical variables such as gender, body mass index (BMI), and the prevalence of comorbid conditions. Mann-Whitney U tests were performed on the ordinal variables of the EuroQuol-5Dimensions (EQ-5D), and the independent sample t-test was performed on the EQ visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to examine the correlation between the EQ-5D and level of PA. RESULTS: Values in all dimensions of HRQoL were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the moderate and high PA groups compared with the low PA group. Significant correlations were recorded between the five dimensions of HRQoL and the level of PA (P < 0.001). The low PA group showed higher prevalence of hypertension (64%, P < 0.001) and diabetes (50%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There were strong associations between higher levels of PA and all dimensions of HRQoL. Therefore, adopting a PA lifestyle may contribute to better HRQoL among community dwelling elderly above 60 years old.

Impact of Physical Activity on the Self-Perceived Quality of Life in Non-Frail Older Adults.

As the population of older adults increases, healthy aging has become a global public health issue. Physical activity can help older adults reclaim or maintain a healthy aging process. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between physical activity, physical performance, quality of life and cognition in non-frail adults aged 65 and older. English articles in peer-reviewed journals about healthy, non-frail adults aged 65 and older were included in the present review. Additionally, articles were obtained from reviewing the reference lists of the aforementioned articles. Research proves an overwhelmingly positive correlation between physical activity and the reduction of preventable chronic illnesses, lower healthcare costs, improved cognition, improved muscle function, decreased fear of falling, and thereby, inevitably, an increased self-perceived quality of life. There is research evidence on healthy aging and the effect of physical activity, which could be of importance in a public health perspective.

Influences on modern multifactorial falls prevention interventions and fear of falling in non-frail older adults: a literature review.

This review explores underlying features that may influence fear of falling and the effectiveness of multifactorial falls prevention programs in community dwelling non-frail adults aged 65 and older. It also examines the interrelationship between fear of falling and multifactorial falls prevention interventions. A literature search of medical databases was conducted to identify articles that address the fear of falling and multifactorial programs as either a primary or secondary component of their findings. Multifactorial interventions were assessed in terms of their program content, design, demographics, implementation techniques, and cost-effectiveness. Falls are a common, but preventable, cause of morbidity and injury in older adults 65 and over. In addition to physiological variables, fear of falling and self-efficacy are psychosocial factors that impact the incidence of falls in this population. Addressing fear of falling in addition to physiological parameters may influence the success of multifactorial falls prevention programs for adults 65 and over.

Physical activity level and its clinical correlates in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Decreased physical activity is associated with higher mortality in subjects with COPD. The aim of this study was to assess clinical characteristics and physical activity levels (PALs) in subjects with COPD. METHODS: Seventy-three subjects with COPD (67 ± 7 yrs, 44 female) with one-second forced expiratory volume percentage (FEV1%) predicted values of 43 ± 16 were included. The ratio of total energy expenditure (TEE) and resting metabolic rate (RMR) was used to define the physical activity level (PAL) (PAL = TEE/RMR). TEE was assessed with an activity monitor (ActiReg), and RMR was measured by indirect calorimetry. Walking speed (measured over 30-meters), maximal quadriceps muscle strength, fat-free mass and systemic inflammation were measured as clinical characteristics. Hierarchical linear regression was applied to investigate the explanatory values of the clinical correlates to PAL. RESULTS: The mean PAL was 1.47 ± 0.19, and 92% of subjects were classified as physically very inactive or sedentary. The walking speed was 1.02 ± 0.23 m/s, the quadriceps strength was 31.3 ± 11.2 kg, and the fat-free mass index (FFMI) was 15.7 ± 2.3 kg/m2, identifying 42% of subjects as slow walkers, 21% as muscle-weak and 49% as FFM-depleted. The regression model explained 45.5% (p < 0.001) of the variance in PAL. The FEV1% predicted explained the largest proportion (22.5%), with further improvements in the model from walking speed (10.1%), muscle strength (7.0%) and FFMI (3.0%). Neither age, gender nor systemic inflammation contributed to the model. CONCLUSIONS: Apart from lung function, walking speed and muscle strength are important correlates of physical activity. Further explorations of the longitudinal effects of the factors characterizing the most inactive subjects are warranted.

Western Ontario Osteoarthritis Shoulder (WOOS) index: a cross-cultural adaptation into Swedish, including evaluation of reliability, validity, and responsiveness in patients with subacromial pain.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to translate the Western Ontario Osteoarthritis Shoulder (WOOS) index into Swedish and to test its validity, reliability, and responsiveness in patients with subacromial pain. METHODS: The validity of the WOOS translation was tested in 54 patients who completed the WOOS and the Shoulder Rating Questionnaire, Swedish version (SRQs). Of these patients, 46 were retested to assess reliability. Responsiveness was evaluated in 29 subjects who completed the WOOS and SRQs before surgery and again at 3 months after surgery, when they also rated perceived change in shoulder function. The relationship between the questionnaires and patient-perceived improvement was assessed. RESULTS: A high correlation was found between the Swedish version of WOOS and the SRQs. The correlations were similar in a group of working patients (r = -0.832) and in all patients (r = -0.843; P < .001). A high degree of agreement between WOOS at test and retest was also observed. A Bland-Altman plot showed a small mean difference and no trend across the range of WOOS values. A strong significant agreement was also shown by a κ value of 0.649 (P < .001) and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.95 (95% confidence interval, 0.92-0.97, P < .001) as well as by a low difference between the test and retest means. Responsiveness, calculated by standardized response mean, was excellent (1.02). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study provide evidence that the Swedish version of WOOS is valid, reliable, and responsive in patients with subacromial pain and performs similarly to the original Canadian version.

Measuring walking speed in COPD: test-retest reliability of the 30-metre walk test and comparison with the 6-minute walk test.

AIMS: To examine test-retest reliability of the 30-metre walk test (30mWT) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to compare the 30mWT with the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). METHODS: Forty-nine subjects with stable COPD were included. The 30mWT consists of walking at different walking intensities over a distance of 30 metres - self-selected speed (ss-30mWT) and maximal speed (ms-30mWT). The test was conducted twice and the time to walk 30 metres was recorded. The 6MWT was performed in duplicate on the same day. RESULTS: Test-retest reliability was high: intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC(2.1)) = 0.93 (95% CI 0.87 to 0.97) for maximal walking speed and 0.87 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.93) for self-selected walking speed. Both maximal and self-selected speed had a standard error of measurement (SEM) of 0.07 m/s and SEM% was 4.4 for maximal speed and 5.9 for self-selected speed. The correlation, criterion validity, between ms-30mWT and the 6MWT was r=0.78 (p<0.001). Heart rate, dyspnoea, exertion and oxygen saturation were more affected after the 6MWT than after the 30mWT (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The 30mWT is a reliable submaximal test that is easy to perform and can be used to measure physical function (walking ability) in patients with COPD. It may be well suited for primary care settings.

Health-related quality of life, patient satisfaction, and physical activity 8-11 years after arthroscopic subacromial decompression.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to report health-related quality of life, patient satisfaction with present shoulder function, and physical activity 8-11 years after arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) in patients with primary impingement syndrome stage II and early stage III. Ninety-five patients (105 shoulders, 48 female), mean age 54 years (range, 26-69) were included. METHODS: Quality of life in relation to shoulder function was evaluated with the Western Ontario Osteoarthritis Shoulder Index (WOOS). For perceived health, the EQ-5D and EQ rating scale were used and patient satisfaction was evaluated with a 5-grade Likert scale. To describe the patient's level of physical activity, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used. Pain, during activity and at rest, was evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and Constant score to report the level of shoulder function. RESULTS: In all patients (n = 105), the WOOS showed 83% of optimal shoulder-related quality of life. The mean value for the EQ-5D(index), in all patients was 0.77, while the EQ rating scale mean value was 75% of best imaginable health. Forty-one patients were active at a high level of physical activity and 34 at moderate level. Eighty-eight patients stated very or quite satisfied with current shoulder function. Fifty-three patients indicated no pain during activity and 70 patients no pain at rest. The mean of the Constant Score (n = 99) was 77 points. CONCLUSION: Positive long-term results were shown, as patients reported a high level of health-related quality of life, patient satisfaction and physical activity 8-11 years after ASD.

Long-term patient satisfaction and functional outcome 8-11 years after subacromial decompression.

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the long-term outcome of arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) in patients with primary impingement syndrome stage II and early stage III. Ninety-five patients (105 shoulders, 48 female), mean age 54 years (range 26-69), who had undergone surgery between 1996 and 1999, were included. Pain intensity during activity and at rest, patient satisfaction, active range of motion (ROM), muscular strength and shoulder function using the Constant score were evaluated. Fifty-three (50%) shoulders were pain-free (Visual Analogue Scale < or = 10 mm) during activity and 72 (68%) shoulders were pain-free at rest. Sixty-one (58%) patients stated that they were very satisfied and 27 (25%) were quite satisfied with regard to their current shoulder function. Shoulders were divided into Group 1: Pain-free patients (n = 53), Group 2: Patients with shoulder pain and no arthropathy (n = 41) and Group 3: Patients with shoulder pain and arthropathy (n = 11). The groups had average active ROM of 157 degrees, 135 degrees and 117 degrees, respectively, in abduction and 97 degrees, 79 degrees, and 68 degrees in external rotation. The average strength in elevation in the scapular plane was 7.4, 5.8 and 3.9 kg, respectively, whereas the mean value in external rotation was 8.4, 7.9 and 5.3 kg, respectively. The Constant score had a mean value of 87, 69 and 59 points in the three groups, respectively. Eleven shoulders have undergone re-operation, one after a new trauma. We conclude that ASD is a valuable procedure. Patients expressed a high degree of satisfaction with shoulder function 8-11 years after ASD.

Early loading in physiotherapy treatment after full-thickness rotator cuff repair: a prospective randomized pilot-study with a two-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical changes following two different physiotherapy treatment protocols after rotator cuff repair. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized pilot study with a two-year follow-up. SUBJECTS: Five women and nine men, 55 (40-64) years old, were included. INTERVENTION: The progressive group (n = 7) started with dynamic, specific muscle activation of the rotator cuff the day after surgery as well as passive range of motion. After four weeks of immobilization the loading to the rotator cuff increased and in a progressive manner throughout the rehabilitation. In the traditional group (n = 7) the rotator cuff was protected from loading. Patients were immobilized for six weeks and started with passive range of motion the day after surgery. No specific exercises to the rotator cuff were introduced during this period. MAIN MEASURES: A clinical evaluation was made preoperatively, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. Pain rating during activity and at rest, patient satisfaction, active range of motion and muscle strength, Constant score, hand in neck, hand in back and pour out of a pot, as well as Functional Index of the Shoulder were used. RESULTS: At two years follow-up, the progressive group and traditional group scored pain during activity visual analogue scale (VAS) 2/0 mm and pain at rest 0/0 mm, respectively. The groups attained 170/175 degrees in active abduction in standing and 70/90 degrees in passive external rotation while lying in supine. Using Constant score, the groups attained 82/77 points respectively. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that the progressive protocol produced no adverse effects compared with the traditional protocol.

Test-retest reliability of three different countermovement jumping tests.

In studies of physical performance comprising muscle strength and power, a vertical jump is a test method that frequently is used. It is important to have access to accurate measuring tools providing data with high reproducibility. Studies have shown that body composition also may play an important part in physical performance. The purpose of this study was to determine test-retest reliability for 3 different kinds of vertical jumps and to correlate jump height with body composition. Thirty-four normally trained subjects (women n = 17) between 18 and 25 years participated. Test-retest, on 3 kinds of vertical jumps, was performed with a median of 7 days between jumps. Methods used were a countermovement jump (CMJ) on a contact mat, with and without arm swing, and an Abalakow jump (AJ) using measuring tape, with arm swing. Body composition was assessed with the use of bioelectric impedance analysis. The results showed that high intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were observed between testing occasions for all 3 vertical jumps (ICC between 0.48 and 0.88). The AJ in women presented the lowest ICC. Also the correlation between CMJ and AJ was high (rs = 0.88). Moderate-to-high correlations could be shown between body composition and CMJ in women (rs = -0.57-0.76). In conclusion, very high test-retest reliability for CMJ on a contact mat was found. For the AJ using a measuring tape, ICC were overall high, but a moderate nonsignificant ICC were found in women, indicating poor reproducibility. The data from the CMJ and AJ may be compared if approximately 25% of the AJ value is subtracted. In practice, this means that vertical jump tests have high reproducibility and can be used as measures of power development.

Body composition in male elite athletes, comparison of bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare body composition results from bioelectrical spectroscopy (BIS) with results from dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in a population of male elite athletes. Body composition was assessed using DXA (Lunar Prodigy, GE Lunar Corp., Madison, USA) and BIS (Hydra 4200, Xitron Technologies Inc, San Diego, California, USA) at the same occasion. Agreement between methods was assessed using paired t-tests and agreement-plots. RESULTS: Thirty-three male elite athletes (soccer and ice hockey) were included in the study. The results showed that BIS underestimates the proportion of fat mass by 4.6% points in the ice hockey players. In soccer players the BIS resulted in a lower mean fat mass by 1.1% points. Agreement between the methods at the individual level was highly variable. CONCLUSION: Body composition results assessed by BIS in elite athletes should be interpreted with caution, especially in individual subjects. BIS may present values of fat mass that is either higher or lower than fat mass assessed by DXA, independent of true fat content of the individual.