New Approach in Assessing Core Muscle Endurance Using Ratings of Perceived Exertion.

George, JD, Tolley, JR, Vehrs, PR, Reece, JD, Akay, MF, and Cambridge, EDJ. New approach in assessing core muscle endurance using ratings of perceived exertion. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 1081-1088, 2018-This study sought to develop regression models to estimate maximal endurance time using data from 4 core muscle endurance tests. Eighty healthy university students (age: 22.7 ± 1.9 years) performed the plank, right side-bridge, left side-bridge, and back extension tests in a random order. Participants were instructed to hold each static position for a maximal endurance time, while maintaining proper form, and then rest for 5 minutes between tests. A test administrator recorded participants' ratings of perceived exertion (RPE; a modified 10-point scale) every 5 seconds. Based on regression analysis, the elapsed time to reach an RPE of 8 (RPE8) exhibited statistical significance (p < 0.0001) and the highest accuracy as compared with lower RPE values. The following univariate regression models were generated to estimate maximal endurance time across the 4 tests: plank (r = 0.94; standard error of estimate [SEE] = 17.6 seconds; n = 77) = 23.9 + (1.110 × RPE8); right side-bridge (r = 0.92; SEE = 11.4 seconds; n = 80) = 18.5 + (1.022 × RPE8); left side-bridge (r = 0.93; SEE = 10.8 seconds; n = 80) = 16.8 + (1.062 × RPE8); and back extension (r = 0.93; SEE = 14.2 seconds; n = 79) = 21.5 + (1.027 × RPE8). These results suggest that submaximal protocols based on elapsed time to reach RPE8 provide strength and conditioning professionals relatively accurate univariate regression equation estimates of maximal core muscle endurance time and offer a viable submaximal alternative to maximal capacity testing when time efficiency, participant safety, or certain educational objectives may be a priority.

How an IJES Working Group Grappled with the Complexities of Three Letters-DEI-With the Goal to Broaden Inclusion and Representation in Exercise Science Research.

A self-study of International Journal of Exercise Science (IJES) publications from 2008 through 2021 revealed a sex-data gap in participant and corresponding author representation. This finding prompted the creation of the IJES Working Group for Opportunity, Representation, and Diverse Perspectives. We are a collaborative team of authors, reviewers, and editors, spanning both rural and urban teaching- and research-focused institutions, who assembled regularly starting in September 2023. The goal was to contemplate potential challenges and opportunities around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), elicit discourse, and broaden inclusion and representation in exercise science research. Our group identified six main challenges/opportunities: 1) Mixed Definitions and Applications of DEI Principles; 2) Competing Lifeviews and Worldviews; 3) Oversight and Enforcement of DEI Principles in IJES; 4) Oversight and Enforcement of DEI Principles in the Broader Field; 5) IJES is a Home for Developing Scholars; and 6) Lag Time for Creating Change in IJES. As a growing international journal, we depend on a diverse group of authors, reviewers, editors, and readers to achieve our mission. Accordingly, the Working Group encourages impactful, inclusive research that broadens representation within exercise science.

The 2024 International Journal of Exercise Science Position Stand on Inclusion.

The International Journal of Exercise Science (IJES) Working Group for Opportunity, Representation, and Diverse Perspectives was tasked with developing a position stand to provide guidance in critical areas of inclusion. We present to authors, reviewers, and all readership IJES ideals to utilize in practice. Key points are presented, followed by a deeper look with greater explanation into the areas of inclusive language, diversity and inclusion in research, and accessibility. The same approach is presented for the areas of age, disability status, gender identity and sexual orientation, race, and ethnicity with attention to Indigenous Communities, religion, socioeconomic status, and neurodiversity. Person-first language is encouraged, with the acknowledgment that the preference of different community members may vary. IJES is committed to maintaining an environment that is welcoming to all identities so that they feel valued, respected, and included.

IJES Self-Study on Participants' Sex in Exercise Science: Sex-Data Gap and Corresponding Author Survey.

A sex-data gap exists between females and males within the sport and exercise science literature, and implications are far-reaching. The purpose of this work was to (a) heed recent calls and scrutinize data from within IJES to address the gap and (b) gain insight on self-identified sex of IJES corresponding authors. The present self-study included all published manuscripts from 2008 through 2021. A total of 851 publications were included, and 806 (94.7%) reported data on participant sex. There was a difference between publications that included only females (n = 132) versus only males (n = 215), and three publications reported data on sex according to non-binary identifications (0.4%). There was an overall difference between the number of female (n = 54,153; 35.9%) and male (n = 96,890; 64.1%) participants. To gain insight on self-identified sex of corresponding authors, we performed an IRB-approved research study. Among 761 unique corresponding authors, 168 individuals provided 157 usable responses-58 biological females (36.9%) and 99 biological males (63.1%). We fully support the prerogative of researchers to ethically conduct investigations and encourage open-mindedness and inclusion in future research. With data revealing an approximate one-third female (36%) and two-thirds male (64%) composition, and corresponding author feedback on self-identified sex being similar (36.9% and 63.1%, respectively), we propose a new concept that should be analyzed: is the sex-data gap representative of the composition of the field? We are not excusing the sex-data gap issue as if it cannot be addressed, and we urge others to join us in researching this line of inquiry.

Characterizing the Aerobic and Anaerobic Energy Costs of Polynesian Dances.

This study characterized both aerobic and anaerobic energy expenditure (EE) for several Polynesian dances in a group of experienced professional Polynesian dancers. Thirteen men and 17 women were tested using indirect calorimetry to assess aerobic EE (and converted to METs), and fingertip blood lactate to estimate anaerobic EE, during both resting and dancing activities. Total EE was then computed as the sum of both aerobic and anaerobic activity energy expenditure (AEE, or EE above resting). One sample t-tests compared mean MET values for each type of dance to the 3-MET and 6-MET thresholds for moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA), respectively. Mean MET values for all dances, except the Maori poi balls dance (Mean±SD: 3.7±1.1 METs; P=0.340), were significantly >3.0 METs (5.9±3.1 METS; P=0.005 for Maori haka; 6.5±2.4 METs for Hawaiian hula; 6.6±1.2 METs for Samoan sasa; 9.6±1.5 METs for Samoan slap; 8.3±1.8 METs for Tahitian; 6.0±2.3 METs for Tongan; 7.0±2.6 METs for Fijian; P<0.001). Mean METs for Samoan slap and Tahitian were also significantly >6.0 METs (P=0.002 and P<0.001, respectively). Aerobic and anaerobic AEE contributed an average of 83.4% and 16.6%, respectively, across all Polynesian dances, with Hawaiian hula being the most aerobic (88.7%) and Samoan slap being the least aerobic (74.2%). Thus, the Polynesian dances tested not only met the current MVPA intensity guidelines (i.e., ≥3.0 METs), each dance also had a large anaerobic EE. These data suggest that Polynesian dancing is an appropriate mode of aerobic exercise for health promotion and disease prevention.

Current State of Commercial Wearable Technology in Physical Activity Monitoring 2015-2017.

Wearable physical activity trackers are a popular and useful method to collect biometric information at rest and during exercise. The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize recent findings of wearable devices for biometric information related to steps, heart rate, and caloric expenditure for several devices that hold a large portion of the market share. Searches were conducted in both PubMed and SPORTdiscus. Filters included: humans, within the last 5 years, English, full-text, and adult 19+ years. Manuscripts were retained if they included an exercise component of 5-min or greater and had 20 or more participants. A total of 10 articles were retained for this review. Overall, wearable devices tend to underestimate energy expenditure compared to criterion laboratory measures, however at higher intensities of activity energy expenditure is underestimated. All wrist and forearm devices had a tendency to underestimate heart rate, and this error was generally greater at higher exercise intensities and those that included greater arm movement. Heart rate measurement was also typically better at rest and while exercising on a cycle ergometer compared to exercise on a treadmill or elliptical machine. Step count was underestimated at slower walking speeds and in free-living conditions, but improved accuracy at faster speeds. The majority of the studies reviewed in the present manuscript employed different methods to assess validity and reliability of wearable technology, making it difficult to compare devices. Standardized protocols would provide guidance for researchers to evaluate research-grade devices as well as commercial devices used by the lay public.

Validation of the SenseWear Armband as a Measure of Sedentary Behavior and Light Activity.

BACKGROUND: This study determined the validity and sensitivity of the SenseWear armband (SWA) during sedentary and light office duties compared with indirect calorimetry (IC). METHODS: Participants (N = 22), 30 to 64 years of age, randomly performed 6 conditions for 5 minutes each (ie, supine, sitting no movement, standing no movement, sitting office work, standing office work, walking at 1.0 mph). Steady state for each activity (ie, average for minutes 4 and 5) was analyzed. RESULTS: Energy expenditure (EE) for the SWA (1.58 kcal/min) and the IC (1.64 kcal/min) were significantly correlated, r(20) = 0.90, P < .001 and ICC = 0.90, 95% CI (0.699, 0.966). Correlation results for each condition varied in strength, r(20) = 0.53 to 0.83 and ICC = 0.49 to 0.81, but were all significant (P < .05). A significant interaction between measurement method and condition existed (P < .001). The SWA under predicted EE during standing with no movement, sitting office work, and standing office work. CONCLUSION: The SWA and IC EE rates were strongly correlated during sedentary and light activity office behaviors. However, the SWA may under predict EE during office work (standing or sitting) and when standing motionless, making it slightly less sensitive than IC.