Decreased retinal capillary density as a beneficial response to 24-week high-speed circuit resistant training in healthy older adults.

PURPOSE: To determine the changes in retinal microvascular density after a 24-week high-speed circuit resistance training program (HSCT) in healthy older adults. METHODS: Thirty healthy older adults were recruited and randomly assigned to either a training group (HSCT) or a non-training (CON) group. Fifteen subjects (age 73.3 ± 7.76 yrs) in the HSCT group exercised three times per week on non-consecutive days for 24 weeks. Fifteen subjects in the CON group (age 72.2 ± 6.04 yrs) did not have formal physical training. Both eyes of each subject were imaged using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) at baseline and at the 24-week follow-up. The vessel densities of the retinal vascular network (RVN), superficial vascular plexus (SVP), and deep vascular plexus (DVP) were measured. RESULTS: There were no demographic differences between the study groups. There were significant decreases in the retinal vessel densities of RVN, SVP and DVP in the HSCT group (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant changes in all three vascular measurements in the CON group (P > 0.05), although the changes showed a decreasing trend. The decreased vessel densities were doubled in the HSCT group in comparison to the CON group. However, the differences between groups did not reach a significant level (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to reveal the decreased retinal vessel densities as a possible imaging marker for the beneficial effects of the 24-week HSCT program in older adults.

Leg Press and Chest Press Power Normative Values by Half Decade in Older Women.

ABSTRACT: Parrino, RL, Martinez, KJ, Konlian, JA, Conti, JM, and Signorile, JF. Leg press and chest press power normative values by half decade in older women. J Strength Cond Res 38(5): 991-998, 2024-Neuromuscular power is essential for the performance of most activities of daily living and the maintenance of functional independence throughout the aging process. Power declines rapidly in later life; however, this decline may be reduced or delayed with early detection and intervention. Therefore, this study provides leg press and chest press power normative values for older women. Women's power data for this analysis included 229 participants, 60-90 years of age. Power testing was conducted on Keiser A420 pneumatic leg press and chest press machines following a standardized protocol. Data were stratified into half-decade age groups and analyzed using a 1-way ANOVA. Descriptive statistics and quartile rankings are reported, and significant differences between age groups are outlined. There were significant differences in absolute and relative leg press peak power between the age groups ( p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in absolute or relative chest press peak power between the age groups. This research established normative values and quartile rankings for leg press and chest press power in older women 60-90 years of age, allowing comparative evaluations with patients and subjects by clinicians and researchers, respectively. These values should improve exercise interventions designed to improve power production by providing assessments of subjects' current status and allowing comprehensive monitoring of progress.

The Impact of Velocity-Based Training on Load-Velocity Relationships in Leg Press and Chest Press for Older Persons.

ABSTRACT: Calaway, C, Mishra, S, Parrino, R, Martinez, KJ, Mann, JB, and Signorile, JF. Velocity-based training affects the load-velocity relationship in leg press and chest press for older persons. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): 1136-1143, 2024-This study examined the impact of 3 months of velocity-based training (VBT) on chest press (CP) and leg press (LP) maximal strength (1 repetition maximum [1RM]), peak power (PP), and percentage load where PP was achieved (%1RMPP) in older adults. Twenty-nine subjects were assigned to either a velocity-deficit (VD) group or a force-deficit (FD) group for each exercise depending on their load-velocity (LV) curves. Changes in load were determined by the ability to maintain either 90% (VD) or 70% (FD) of their PP during training. Subjects' powers were tested before and after the training intervention at loads between 40 and 80%1RM. Separate 2 (group) × 2 (time) ANOVA was used to examine changes in each variable by group for each exercise. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to determine whether significant changes in %1RMPP for each exercise and group. For chest press 1 repetition maximum, there were no significant main effects or interaction. Significant main effects for time were observed for leg press 1 repetition maximum ( p < 0 .001, η2 = 0.547) and chest press peak power ( p = 0.009, η2 = 0.243). For LPPP, there were no significant main effects or interactions. For %1RMPP, CP median scores revealed no significant changes for either group. Significant declines in %1RMPP were observed for leg press velocity-deficit and leg press force-deficit ( p < 0.03) groups. Velocity-based training was effective at improving 1RM, PP, and shifting %1RMPP in the LP groups. These results have implications for targeting power improvements at specific areas of the LV curve. Health care providers and trainers should consider these findings when constructing exercise programs to counter age-related declines in older adults.

Randomized Controlled Study of Self-Managed Music-Guided Exercise Intervention Following Intensive Care.

BACKGROUND: Patients who are discharged from the intensive care unit (ICU; termed ICU survivors) often experience persistent physical impairment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the effects of a self-managed, music-guided exercise intervention on physical outcomes and adherence rates among ICU survivors. METHODS: A randomized controlled design was used. Following ICU discharge, participants admitted to the ICU for at least 5 days were randomly assigned to a music group ( n = 13) or an active control group ( n = 13). Activity counts were measured using an Actiwatch, and the physical health score was measured using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System global health subscale. Adherence to exercise was documented daily. Independent t -tests were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Data were analyzed for 26 participants. The mean age was 62.8 ± 13.8 years, 53.8% were male, 65.4% were White, and mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation severity of illness score was 59 ± 23.4. Global health physical scores were significantly higher in the music group than in the active control group. Although not significantly different, music group participants tended to be more active and had higher physical activity and adherence rates compared to those in the active control group. CONCLUSION: A self-managed, music-guided exercise intervention demonstrated positive benefits on physical outcomes. Future clinical trials with a larger sample size should be conducted to examine the effects of this tailored, cost-effective, innovative, self-managed exercise intervention among ICU survivors.

Improvement of Retinal Capillary Function After High-Speed Circuit Resistance Training in Healthy Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: To determine the retinal capillary function (RCF, the efficiency of blood flow transferring in the capillary network) and its relation to cognitive function in healthy older people without known cognitive impairment following an 8-week high-speed circuit resistance training program (HSCT). METHODS: Eleven subjects in the HSCT group and 7 age-matched nontraining controls (CON) were recruited. The HSCT group trained 3 times per week for 8 weeks, whereas CON performed no formal training. One eye of each subject from both groups was imaged at baseline and 8-week follow-up. Retinal blood flow (RBF) was measured using a retinal function imager, and retinal capillary density (RCD, expressed as fractal dimension Dbox) was measured using optical coherence tomography angiography. RCF was defined as the ratio of RBF to RCD. Cognitive function was assessed during both visits using the NIH Toolbox Fluid Cognition Battery. RESULTS: RCF was 2.07 ± 0.64 nL⋅s -1 ·Dbox -1 (mean ± SD) at baseline, and significantly increased to 2.59 ± 0.54 nL⋅s -1 ·Dbox -1 after training ( P = 0.0003) in the HSCT group, reflecting an increase of 25%. The changes of RBF were not related to the changes of RCD in the HSCT group (r = -0.18, P = 0.59). There was no significant change of RCF in the CON group ( P = 0.58). In the HSCT group, the Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test and Fluid Cognition Composite Score were significantly increased after HSCT ( P = 0.01). Furthermore, the changes in Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test (FLNK) were positively correlated to increases in RCF (r = 0.77, P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first prospective study to demonstrate that the increased RCF after HSCT was related to improved cognition in cognitively normal older adults.

Validity and Reliability of the Seated Medicine Ball Throw as a Measure of Upper Body Power in Older Women.

ABSTRACT: Strand, KL, Ly, AS, Barry, SS, Liscano, JA, Trebotich, TL, Martin-Diala, C, Martin, E, and Signorile, JF. Validity and reliability of the seated medicine ball throw as a measure of upper body power in older women. J Strength Cond Res 37(4): 902-908, 2023-In women, aging is associated with diminishing upper body power, which may increase the risk of falls and fall-related injury; however, the validity and reliability of clinical tests to evaluate upper body power need to be confirmed. The seated medicine ball throw (SMBT) is an upper body performance test used to monitor muscle function among older individuals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and test-retest reliability of the SMBT in older women. Thirty-five women (age = 75.15 ± 6.39 years) participated in this study. Subjects performed SMBT trials using common ball masses (SMBT 4lb and SMBT 3kg ) over 3 sessions. Familiarization with the SMBT and chest press 1 repetition maximum (CP 1RM ) was provided on the first day. On day 2, subjects repeated the tests, but data were recorded. On day 3, SMBT was retested followed by an evaluation of chest press peak power (CP PP ) values at 30-80% of CP 1RM . Significant correlations ( p ≤ 0.05) were found between the CP PP and SMBT 4lb ( r = 0.775, p < 0.001) and SMBT 3kg ( r = 0.734, p < 0.001), and SMBT distance showed expected declines with age ( r = -0.724 to -0.626, p < 0.001), demonstrating its validity. High reliability between testing days was found, and Bland-Altman plots showed few points that fell outside the limits of agreement. In conclusion, the SMBT is a valid and highly reliable tool that can be used by health professionals to monitor deficits in upper body muscular power to improve treatment protocols in older women.

Reliability of Gallon-Jug Shelf-Transfer Power Equations in Older Women.

ABSTRACT: Ly, A, Strand, KL, Courtney, KJ, Barry, SS, Liscano, JA, Trebotich, TL, Martin-Diala, C, Martin, E, and Signorile, JF. Reliability of gallon-jug shelf-transfer test power equations in older women. J Strength Cond Res 37(5): 1124-1130, 2023-This study examined the test-retest reliability of the gallon-jug shelf-transfer (GJST) test as a measure of upper-body functional power in older women. Although the validity of the predictive equations for power during the GJST test has been established, for the test to be viable in either a laboratory or clinical environment, between-day and within-day reliability must be established. Thirty-four independently living older women (mean ± SD : 75.0 ± 6.4 years) performed 2 sets of 3 repetitions of the GJST test on 2 days separated by at least 48 hours. Using the established predictive equations, the values for peak power and average power were then computed. Statistical analyses to assess reliability included intraclass correlation coefficient, coefficient of variation (CV), SEM , minimal detectable change (MDC), and Cronbach's α values. Furthermore, Bland-Altman plots evaluated the agreement between the tests. Intraclass correlation coefficient (>0.91, p < 0 001), CV (<8.1%), SEM (<5.94 W), MDC (<14 W), and Cronbach's α (>0.95) indicated excellent reliability. The lines of equality for all Bland-Altman plots fell within the 95% confidence interval of the mean difference, implying that there were no significant differences between tests. Furthermore, bias values were small (<11.15 W), and the limits of agreement (LOA) were within an acceptable range. Based on our statistical analyses, the GJST test is a highly reliable assessment for determining object transfer power for healthy older women.

Momentum, Rather Than Velocity, Is a More Effective Measure of Improvements in Division IA Football Player Performance.

ABSTRACT: Mann, JB, Mayhew, JL, Dos Santos, ML, Dawes, JJ, and Signorile, JF. Momentum, rather than velocity, is a more effective measure of improvements in Division IA football player performance. J Strength Cond Res 36(2): 551-557, 2022-Speed, or the time to complete straight runs or agility drills, is commonly used to assess performance in collegiate American football players. However, it is common for players' speeds to plateau by the second year of eligibility, whereas their body masses continue to increase. The purpose of this study was to track change in speed, body mass, and momentum (body mass · velocity), across Division 1 football players' 4-year careers (n = 512). Complete data were derived for the 40-yd sprint (n = 82), the proagility shuttle (n = 73), and the L drill (n = 73) from the same NCAA Division 1 team over a 15-year period. Significant changes were seen for velocity between year 1 and the next 3 playing years (p < 0.05), with no differences between years 2 and 4, whereas body mass increased significantly across all playing years (p < 0.05). Further momentum increased across all years for all tests (p < 0.0001). These results indicate the importance of including changes in body mass when evaluating performances during sprints and change of direction drills. Our results also suggest that using sprint or agility drill times to evaluate playing potential across football players' collegiate careers may be ineffective and can provide players with a false and disheartening picture of their improvements across their careers. Momentum, which incorporates training-induced increases in both speed and body mass, would be a more relevant and supportive measure of players' improvements. In addition, the simple computation of this variable, using existing speed and body mass data, may be an important addition to the National Football League combine as a measure of playing potential in the professional game.

Retinal Microvascular Alterations as the Biomarkers for Alzheimer Disease: Are We There Yet?

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer disease (AD) is a heterogeneous and multifactorial disorder with an insidious onset and slowly progressive disease course. To date, there are no effective treatments, but biomarkers for early diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression offer a promising first step in developing and testing potential interventions. Cerebral vascular imaging biomarkers to assess the contributions of vascular dysfunction to AD are strongly recommended to be integrated into the current amyloid-ß (Aß) [A], tau [T], and neurodegeneration [(N)]-the "AT(N)" biomarker system for clinical research. However, the methodology is expensive and often requires invasive procedures to document cerebral vascular dysfunction. The retina has been used as a surrogate to study cerebral vascular changes. There is growing interest in the identification of retinal microvascular changes as a safe, easily accessible, low cost, and time-efficient approach to enhancing our understanding of the vascular pathogenesis associated with AD. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systemic review of the literature was performed regarding retinal vascular changes in AD and its prodromal stages, focusing on functional and structural changes of large retinal vessels (vessels visible on fundus photographs) and microvasculature (precapillary arterioles, capillary, and postcapillary venules) that are invisible on fundus photographs. RESULTS: Static and dynamic retinal microvascular alterations such as retinal arterial wall motion, blood flow rate, and microvascular network density were reported in AD, mild cognitive impairment, and even in the preclinical stages of the disease. The data are somewhat controversial and inconsistent among the articles reviewed and were obtained based on cross-sectional studies that used different patient cohorts, equipment, techniques, and analysis methods. CONCLUSIONS: Retinal microvascular alterations exist across the AD spectrum. Further large scale, within-subject longitudinal studies using standardized imaging and analytical methods may advance our knowledge concerning vascular contributions to the pathogenesis of AD.

One Repetition Maximum Test-Retest Reliability and Safety Using Keiser Pneumatic Resistance Training Machines With Older Women.

ABSTRACT: Infante, MA, Harrell, GM, Strand, KL, Parrino, RL, and Signorile, JF. One repetition maximum test-retest reliability and safety using Keiser pneumatic resistance training machines with older women. J Strength Cond Res 35(12): 3513-3517, 2021-Chest press (CP) and leg press (LP) are the most common exercises used to assess strength in older persons; therefore, the reliability of these tests is critical to clinicians and researchers. Because women comprise the highest proportion of the older population, this study examined the test-retest reliability of Keiser A420 pneumatic machines during CP and LP 1 repetition maximum (1RM) testing in 23 older women on 2 separate occasions, trial 1 (T1) and trial 2 (T2), at least 72 hours apart. Significance was set at <0.05. CP1RM and LP1RM showed excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.974, 0.972, respectively, p < 0.001) and low coefficients of variation (CP1RM = 5.28%; LP1RM = 6.32%). Standard error of measurement for CP1RM (0.97 kg) was lower than that of LP1RM (6.36 kg). The minimal detectable change (MDC) for the CP1RM and LP1RM was 2.69 and 17.63 kg, respectively. Bland-Altman plots revealed only 1 point outside of the 95% CI for comparison of T1 and T2 for either exercise, there was little systematic error across average values, both lines of equality fell within the limits of agreement (LOA), and the bias between T1 and T2 for both exercises was below 5% of the average 1RM. By contrast, the LOA for CP1RM and LP1RM are somewhat wide because they both exceeded their computed MDC values. Given the excellent test-retest reliability of the Keiser A420 pneumatic CP and LP machines with older women, clinicians and researchers can confidently and safely use these machines for 1RM testing after proper familiarization.

Prediction of Anaerobic Power From Standing Long Jump in NCAA Division IA Football Players.

ABSTRACT: Mann, JB, Bird, M, Signorile, JF, Brechue, WF, and Mayhew, JL. Prediction of anaerobic power from standing long jump in NCAA Division IA football players. J Strength Cond Res 35(6): 1542-1546, 2021-Despite the popularity of the standing long jump (SLJ), limited research has explored the estimation of power developed during this test. The purpose of this study was to determine SLJ power from jump distance and selected anthropometric measures in NCAA Division IA football players. Height (Ht), body mass (Wt), thigh length, and lower leg length (LL) were measured in 58 players, allowing calculation of leg ratios of thigh length·Ht-1, LL·Ht-1, and TL·SL-1. Players performed 2-3 maximal familiarization trials of SLJ followed by 2 maximal jumps from a 3-dimension force plate sampling at 1,000 Hz. Standing long jump distance (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.944) and power (ICC = 0.926) calculated from resultant force and velocity vectors were highly reliable. Standing Ht (r = 0.40), Wt (r = 0.36), lower leg length (r = 0.43), total leg length (thigh + LLs) (r = 0.38), and best SLJ (r = 0.52) were significantly related (p < 0.05) to peak power, but none accounted for more than 27% of the common variance. Step-wise multiple regression identified SLJ and body mass as the only significant variables necessary to predict peak power (Power [W] = 32.49·SLJ [cm] + 39.69·Wt [kg] - 7,608, R = 0.86, SEE = 488 W, CV% = 9.3%). Standing long jump contributed 56.8% to the known variance, whereas Wt contributed 43.2%. Thus, a combination of SLJ and Wt can be used to effectively estimate explosive power in Division IA college football players.

Periodized Resistance Training With and Without Functional Training Improves Functional Capacity, Balance, and Strength in Parkinson's Disease.

ABSTRACT: Strand, KL, Cherup, NP, Totillo, MC, Castillo, DC, Gabor, NJ, and Signorile, JF. Periodized resistance training with and without functional training improves functional capacity, balance, and strength in Parkinson's disease. J Strength Cond Res 35(6): 1611-1619, 2021-Periodized progressive resistance training (PRT) is a common method used to improve strength in persons with Parkinson's disease (PD). Many researchers advocate the addition of functional training to optimize translation to activities of daily living; however, machine-based PRT, using both force and velocity training components, may elicit similar benefits. Thirty-five persons with PD (Hoehn and Yahr I-III) were randomized into a strength, power, and hypertrophy (SPH; n = 17) or strength, power, and functional (SP + Func; n = 18) group, training 3 times weekly for 12 weeks. Both groups performed machine-based strength and power training on days 1 and 2 each week, respectively; whereas, on day 3, SPH group performed machine-based hypertrophy training and SP + Func group performed functional training. Functional performance was tested using the timed up and go, 30-second sit-to-stand (30-s STS), gallon-jug shelf-transfer, and seated medicine ball throw (SMBT) tests. Balance (Mini-BESTest), strength, motor symptoms (UPDRS-III), quality of life, and freezing of gait (FOG) were also assessed. Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed a main effect for time (p ≤ 0.05) with significant improvements for the sample in the 30-s STS (p = 0.002), SMBT (p = 0.003), Mini-BESTest (p < 0.001), upper-body strength (p = 0.002) and lower-body strength (p < 0.001). A significant group × time interaction was seen for FOG, with SP + Func alone showing improvement (p = 0.04). Furthermore, the SPH group produced a clinically important difference for the UPDRS-III (mean difference = 4.39, p = 0.18). We conclude that both exercise strategies can be equally effective at improving functional capacity, balance, and muscular strength in individuals with PD. In addition, FOG and motor symptoms may be targeted through SP + Func and SPH, respectively. The results provide options for individualized exercise prescriptions.

The Development of a Regression Model to Predict Object Transfer Power in Older Adults.

Castillo, DC, Strand, KL, Oh, J, Eltoukhy, M, Totillo, MC, and Signorile, JF. The development of a regression model to predict object transfer power in older adults. J Strength Cond Res 34(11): 3086-3093, 2020-Declines in mechanical power affect independence in older adults; however, no practical clinical method exists to assess peak power (PP) and average power (AP) during transfer tasks in this population. Therefore, predictive models were developed and validated during performance of an existing transfer assessment, the gallon-jug shelf-transfer (GJST) test. Twenty-one independent-living older women (age = 74.8 ± 5.6) and men (age = 73.8 ± 4.5) participated in the development phase. Peak power and AP were computed using data from three-dimensional movement analyses while subjects moved five 1-gallon jugs from a low (0.59 m) to high shelf (1.43 m) as quickly as possible. Stepwise linear regression models using test duration, subject height, and age produced equations with high R values for PP (0.655-0.701; p < 0.0001) and AP (0.703-0.759; p < 0.0001). However, regression and Bland-Altman analyses showed models with declining agreement as power values increased. Therefore, analyses were repeated using a quadratic model, showing stronger predictive capacity (PP: R = 0.786; AP: R = 0.878; p < 0.0001). Validity of this model was evaluated in a second sample of 30 older women (age = 69.9 ± 4.7) and men (age = 70.7 ± 4.3). Computed GJST AP and PP were compared with power produced during dominant arm chest press and distance during the seated medicine ball throw. Generalizability of these models was also confirmed through cross-validation analyses. Our results indicate mechanical power in older adults can be accurately measured using the quadratic model, with test duration as the independent variable. This model provides a simple, safe, and inexpensive assessment tool that can be administered by clinicians to improve diagnostic and therapeutic processes in older persons.

Yoga Breathing Techniques Have No Impact on Isokinetic and Isoinertial Power.

Wooten, SV, Cherup, N, Mazzei, N, Patel, S, Mooney, K, Rafiq, A, and Signorile, JF. Yoga breathing techniques have no impact on isokinetic and isoinertial power. J Strength Cond Res 34(2): 430-439, 2020-As an exercise discipline, yoga incorporates breathing (pranayama) and posture (asana) techniques to facilitate improvements in flexibility, strength, and meditation. Both techniques have been used to enhance muscular strength and power output. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of various yoga breathing techniques on lower-limb power output. Thirty-two individuals (15 men and 17 women) participated in the study. All subjects performed a baseline 1 repetition maximum (1RM) on a pneumatic leg press machine and isokinetic testing on a Biodex 4 dynamometer. Participants then performed 3RM power tests at 50% of 1RM on the pneumatic leg press machine using 3 different yoga breathing techniques (Ujjayi, Bhastrika, and Kapalabhati) and normal breathing (control) across all repetitions. After power testing, participants completed an isokinetic test on the Biodex 4 dynamometer using their dominant leg. Subjects had their knee placed at a predetermined starting position (90°) and executed knee extension at 3 randomized testing speeds (60, 180, and 300°·s). The implementation of specific breathing protocols before and during the leg press produced no significant differences in power output. For isokinetic power measured at 60, 180, and 300°·s, there was a significant difference among testing speeds (η = 0.639; p < 0.0001) and a significant sex × speed interaction (η = 0.064; p < 0.0001), where men consistently demonstrated greater isoinertial power, isokinetic power, isokinetic torque, and isokinetic work than women. No other significant differences or interactions were detected. The differences between our study and others, which have concluded that adopting specific breathing techniques can enhance core stability and force production during lifting, may be attributable to the acute nature of the design, the novice participants who had insufficient time to practice the breathing techniques or testing protocols, and the use of tests that isolated specific muscle groups. Nonetheless, the current findings do not support the use of yoga breathing techniques as a method to enhance power output, whether used before or during power performance.

Variations in Verbal Encouragement Modify Isokinetic Performance.

Rendos, NK, Harriell, K, Qazi, S, Regis, RC, Alipio, TC, and Signorile, JF. Variations in verbal encouragement modify isokinetic performance. J Strength Cond Res 33(3): 708-716, 2019-Verbal instruction and encouragement are common in exercise testing; however, the verbiage used during exercise testing is rarely controlled despite the likelihood it may affect the participant's performance. Although variations in verbal cuing based on rate and intensity have been examined during isometric contractions, they have not been examined during isokinetic testing, which is a standardized assessment of muscle performance in athletic, rehabilitation, and research settings. This study examined the effects of 4 variations in verbal encouragement during isokinetic knee flexion and extension exercises. Twenty-three healthy participants (aged 19-34 years) completed 4 isokinetic testing sessions on a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer. Each session consisted of 5, 10, and 15 repetitions at 1.05 rad·s (60°·s), 3.14 rad·s (180°·s), and 5.24 rad·s (300°·s), respectively, separated by 5-minute passive recoveries. The variations in verbal encouragement randomized during each testing session used the following statements: (a) "as fast as you can" (FAST); (b) "as hard as you can" (HARD); (c) "as hard and as fast as you can" (BOTH); and (d) no verbal encouragement (NO CUE). Repeated-measures analyses of variance with a Bonferroni post hoc analysis revealed that the FAST and BOTH verbal cues produced greater work, peak torque, and power at all 3 speeds of isokinetic testing. These findings indicate the verbal cues "as fast as you can" and "as hard and as fast as you can" should be used to maximize performance during isokinetic testing.

Concurrent Validity of Depth-Sensing Cameras for Noncontact ACL Injury Screening During Side-Cut Maneuvers in Adolescent Athletes: A Preliminary Study.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is one of the most common knee injuries among adolescent athletes. Majority of the ACL injuries occur due to pivoting, sudden deceleration, and direction change without contact with any player. Preventive interventions can reduce risks of the ACL injury, thus developing a clinician friendly biomechanical assessment tool to identify athletes with such risk factors is crucial. In this study, the authors investigated the concurrent validity of a commercially available depth sensor, Microsoft Kinect, as a cost-effective alternative to the gold-standard 3-dimensional motion analysis systems in noncontact ACL screening for adolescent athletes during side-cut maneuvers. Study participants performed 45° side-cut maneuvers while collecting data from both systems concurrently. The sagittal and frontal plane kinematics were analyzed during the full stance phase and the first 20% of the stance (early deceleration). Absolute agreement (range: ICC = .767-.989) and consistency (range: ICC = .799-.992) were excellent for all measures except early deceleration frontal plane hip angle, which displayed good absolute agreement (ICC = .643) and consistency (ICC = .625). Findings showed that the Kinect has the potential to be an effective clinical assessment tool for sagittal and frontal plane trunk, hip, and knee kinematics during the side-cut maneuvers.

¡HOLA, Amigos! Toward Preventing Anxiety and Depression in Older Latinos.

Given the prevalence and morbidity of depression and anxiety in later life, the inadequacies of current treatment approaches for averting years living with disability, the disparities in access to the mental healthcare delivery system, and the workforce shortages to meet the mental health needs of older Latinos, development and testing of innovative strategies to prevent depression and anxiety are of great public health significance and have the potential to change practice. Although impediments to good depression and anxiety outcomes exist for all older adults, they are even more pronounced for older Latinos, who tend to have fewer socioeconomic resources. These factors underscore the need for prevention-based interventions that are effective, scalable, relevant, respectful, and specific to this population. The Happy Older Latinos are Active (HOLA) program is a community health worker-led, multicomponent, health promotion intervention. The diverse needs and circumstances of older Latinos (highly sedentary, culture-specific health beliefs, service disparities) were incorporated into the design of HOLA to reduce risk factors and improve health-related outcomes associated with common mental disorders in this group. The authors describe HOLA (highlighted in this case example) and why health promotion interventions like HOLA may hold promise as effective, practical, and nonstigmatizing interventions for preventing common mental disorders in older Latinos who are at risk for developing these disorders.

A Novel Method to Determine Optimal Load in Elastic-Based Power Training.

Buskard, AN, Oh, J, Eltoukhy, M, Brounstein, SR, and Signorile, JF. A novel method to determine optimal load in elastic-based power training. J Strength Cond Res 32(9): 2401-2408, 2018-The benefits of muscular power on sport performance and older adults' abilities to live independently and resist falls is well documented. Consequently, a substantial volume of research has focused on establishing the optimal loading patterns for improving muscular power using resistance exercise; however, to date, this research has only targeted optimal loading during training with free weights or selectorized exercise machines. Conversely, no approach has been developed to establish optimal loads for elastic modalities, such as tubes and bands, commonly used for sports rehabilitation, injury prevention, and training older adults. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate a new method for determining the optimal tubes to use in power training performed with elastic resistance. Thirty-eight recreationally active college students (age, 23.7 ± 4.5 years) were recruited to perform 3 single-arm bicep curls at a maximum intended velocity using 6 elastic tubes of varying resistance. Testing was performed in a 3-dimensional (3D) motion analysis laboratory using a specially constructed platform with an integrated strain gauge to which each tube was anchored. Force data from the strain gauge and velocity data from the 3D motion capture system were then used to compute power for each tube. An analysis based on individual's cable arm curl 1-repetition maximum (1RM) was then used to generate general guidelines for the most appropriate tube to use for arm curl power training based on upper arm 1RM. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of using this methodology for other exercises, thereby establishing optimal tube use for power training based on each exercise's 1RM.

High-Speed Resistance Training Modifies Load-Velocity and Load-Power Relationships in Parkinson's Disease.

Muscle power is a major neuromuscular factor affecting motor function and independence in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), and it is commonly targeted using high-speed exercise. This study examined the changes in velocities (Vpp) and percent loads (%1RMpp) at peak power and load-velocity (L-V) and load-power (L-P) relationships, resulting from resistance training because of exercise choice and loading in older patients with PD. Fourteen older adults with mild to moderate PD participated in a 12-week randomized controlled power training trial. Changes in L-V and L-P relationships for the biceps curl, chest press, leg press, hip abduction, and seated calf were assessed using pneumatic resistance machines at loads ranging from 30 through 90% of subjects' 1 repetition maximum for each exercise. Significant increases in Vpp were seen for biceps curl, leg press, hip abduction, and seated calf and decreases in %1RMpp were noted for biceps curl and hip abduction. Additionally, unique patterns of change were seen in these relationships across exercises, with biceps curl, chest press, and leg press showing the greatest shifts at the lower load end of the loading spectrum, and hip abduction and seated calf showing greatest responses at the higher end. The patterns of change in L-V and L-P relationships provide evidence for the unique responses of the specific muscle groups and joints to the exercises evaluated and offer a framework for more exacting exercise prescriptions in patients with PD.