The Impact of an 8-Week Resisted Sprint Training Program on Ice Skating Performance in Male Youth Ice Hockey Players.

ABSTRACT: Dietze-Hermosa, MS, Montalvo, S, Gonzalez, MP, and Dorgo, S. The impact of an 8-week, resisted, sprint training program on ice skating performance in male youth ice hockey players. J Strength Cond Res 38(5): 957-965, 2024-The purposes of this randomized control study were to (a) compare the effects of an on-ice versus an overground resisted sprint training intervention and a control condition and (b) identify changes in ice skating kinematics and kinetics after training intervention participation. Twenty-four youth ice hockey players were randomly allocated into 3 groups: (a) on-ice resisted sprint training (on-ice RST); (b) overground resisted sprint training (overground RST); and (c) body weight resistance training (control). During the 8-week intervention, the 2 RST groups engaged in sled towing methods, whereas the control group engaged in a body weight resistance training program twice a week. A series of individual, repeated-measures analysis of variances with post hoc pairwise comparisons were conducted for variables of interest. An interaction effect was noted for ice skating s-cornering agility drill completion time ( p = 0.01; ηp2 = 0.36), ice skating 30-m top speed completion time ( p = 0.04; ηp2 = 0.27), step length ( p = 0.04; ηp2 = 0.26), and knee angle at touchdown ( p = 0.03; ηp2 = 0.30). The on-ice RST group displayed superior improvements across ice skating tests compared with the control group. Data show that on-ice RST has the greatest transfer effect to ice skating metrics; however, improvements in certain ice skating metrics can be observed with overground training also.

Effects of manual resistance versus weight resistance training on body composition and strength in young adults after a 14-week intervention.

Manual Resistance Training (MRT) is an alternative training modality where the external resistance is provided by a spotter. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to observe changes in body composition and muscular fitness after a 14-week MRT intervention compared to changes elicited by a Weight Resistance Training (WRT) intervention. METHODS: Eighty-four young adults were randomly assigned to either the MRT (n = 53, height 170.1 ± 8.1 cm, body mass 73.9 ± 16.0 kg, and body fat 24.6 ± 8.7%) or WRT (n = 31, mean ± SD: height 169.6 ± 10.1 cm, body mass 75.0 ± 17.4 kg, and body fat 24.7 ± 8.5%) group. Body composition was assessed by Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA), muscular strength and muscular endurance were tested before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Findings indicated that trunk, arm, leg, and total lean mass increased in both groups after the intervention (p < 0.05). Moreover, total fat mass significantly decreased compared to baseline in both groups (p < 0.05). However, no statistically significant changes were observed in Bone Mineral Density and Bone Mineral Content in response to the intervention. Both MRT and WRT programs were successful at significantly increasing muscular strength and endurance (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The changes in body composition after a 14-week MRT program were similar to those of the WRT intervention. Hence, an MRT program may be effectively used to increase lean mass and decrease fat mass.

Commercial Smart Watches and Heart Rate Monitors: A Concurrent Validity Analysis.

ABSTRACT: Montalvo, S, Martinez, A, Arias, S, Lozano, A, Gonzalez, MP, Dietze-Hermosa, MS, Boyea, BL, and Dorgo, S. Smartwatches and commercial heart rate monitors: a concurrent validity analysis. J Strength Cond Res 37(9): 1802-1808, 2023-The purpose of this study was to explore the concurrent validity of 2 commercial smartwatches (Apple Watch Series 6 and 7) against a clinical criterion device (12-lead electrocardiogram [ECG]) and a field criterion device (Polar H-10) during exercise. Twenty-four male collegiate football players and 20 recreationally active young adults (10 men and 10 women) were recruited and participated in a treadmill-based exercise session. The testing protocol included 3 minutes of standing still (resting), then walking at low intensity, jogging at a moderate intensity, running at a high intensity, and postexercise recovery. The intraclass correlation (ICC 2,k ), and Bland-Altman plot analyses showed a good validity of the Apple Watch Series 6 and Series 7 with increased error (bias) as jogging and running speed increased in the football and recreational athletes. The Apple Watch Series 6 and 7 are highly valid smartwatches at rest and different exercise intensities, with validity decreasing with increased running speed. Strength and conditioning professionals and athletes can confidently use the Apple Watch Series 6 and 7 when tracking heart rate; however, caution must be taken when running at moderate or higher speeds. The Polar H-10 can surrogate a clinical ECG for practical applications.

A Comparison of Morphological, Jump, and Sprint Kinematic Asymmetries in Division I Track and Field Athletes.

Inter-limb asymmetries are the difference in performance in one limb with respect to the other. Running events in track and field are considered symmetrical while jumping and throwing events are considered asymmetrical. It is unknown if competing in these different events result in differences in inter-limb asymmetries, thus, this study compared the magnitude of jump, sprint, and morphological asymmetries in track and field athletes who compete in symmetrical and asymmetrical events. Forty-six Division I track and field athletes performed a series of vertical jumps (VJ) and broad jumps (BJ) with force platforms measuring peak force of each limb, and 30-meter fly sprints with kinematics (step length (SL), flight time (FT), and contact time (CT)) recorded during the sprints. Additionally, thirty-eight of these subjects underwent body composition analysis via dual x-ray absorptiometry to determine morphological asymmetries. Asymmetries were calculated using the symmetry index and the asymmetry measures were compared between sprinters, distance runners, throwers, and jumpers utilizing a one-way analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis tests with post-hoc comparisons as necessary. There were no differences in VJ, BJ, and sprint kinematic asymmetries found between groups but there were differences in leg fat mass asymmetries (H(3)=8.259, p=0.041, eta2= 0.101) as well as arm lean mass (H(3)=9.404, p=0.024, eta2=0.152), fat mass (H(3)=17.822, p<0.001, eta2=0.353), and tissue mass (H(3)=11.632, p=0.009, eta2=0.206) asymmetry measures. While morphological asymmetry differences may be present in athletes competing in different events, there does not appear to be differences in asymmetries during the VJ, BJ, and 30-m fly sprint.

Association and Predictive Ability of Jump Performance with Sprint Profile of Collegiate Track and Field Athletes.

This study examined the relationship between broad jump (BJ), countermovement jump (CMJ) and light load countermovement jump (LL-CMJ) performance and sprint performance and Sprint Profile measures in athletes. Additionally, this study aimed to determine the predictive ability of jump measures on Sprint Profile components. Twenty-five athletes performed BJ, CMJ, LL-CMJ, 30-metre acceleration and 30-metre maximal speed fly-by sprints. Results revealed moderate to very large correlations between BJ, CMJ and LL-CMJ performance with acceleration sprint completion times (r = -0.423 to -0.807; p < 0.05), fly-by sprint completion times (r = -0.452 to -0.838; p < 0.05) and maximal sprint speed (r = 0.424 to 0.794; p < 0.05). Additionally, associations were observed with multiple jumping measures and components of the Sprint Profile (r = 0.431 to 0.777; p < 0.05) during acceleration sprints. Furthermore, the BJ distance was the best predictor of Sprint Profile components during acceleration sprints (R2 = 0.57-0.76; p < 0.01) and maximal speed fly-by sprints (R2 = 0.775; p < 0.001). The forces and the manner of force application during the BJ to propel the athlete forwards and upwards are similar to those necessary to exhibit superior sprint performance. This may be due to the rapid generation of forces and orientation of force application during both movements.

Effects of Augmented Eccentric Load Bench Press Training on One Repetition Maximum Performance and Electromyographic Activity in Trained Powerlifters.

ABSTRACT: Montalvo, S, Gruber, LD, Gonzalez, MP, Dietze-Hermosa, MS, and Dorgo, S. Effects of augmented eccentric load bench press training on one repetition maximum performance and electromyographic activity in trained powerlifters. J Strength Cond Res 35(6): 1512-1519, 2021-Augmented eccentric load (AEL) training has been shown to elicit greater lower-body muscular strength increases and faster performance improvements compared with traditional strength training. However, it is unknown whether AEL training could provide similar improvements in upper-body muscular strength. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of a 4-week AEL training program on bench press one repetition maximum (1RM) strength, bar kinetics and kinematics, and surface electromyography (EMG) activity. Eight competitive powerlifters completed 5 training sessions consisting of 7 sets of a single repetition with up to 5 minutes rest between sets. Each session was completed at a predetermined AEL percentage consisting of 90% 1RM for concentric and supramaximal loads ranging from 105 to 125% 1RM during the eccentric phase with the use of eccentric hooks. After 4 weeks of AEL training, 1RM performance significantly increased from pretest to posttest (116.62 ± 27.48-124.28 ± 26.96 kg, p = 0.001). In addition, EMG amplitude of the pectoralis major decreased during the 125% AEL session to 59.86 ± 15.36% of pretest 1RM EMG values (p = 0.049, effect sizes [ESs] = 0.69). Furthermore, peak power of 1RM increased by 36.67% from pretest to posttest (p = 0.036, ES = 0.58). These study findings suggest that incorporating AEL bench press training into a 4-week training cycle may be a novel strategy to improve 1RM performance in competitive powerlifters in a short period.

Associations of sarcopenia components with physical activity and nutrition in Australian older adults performing exercise training.

BACKGROUND: The risk of progressive declines in skeletal muscle mass and strength, termed sarcopenia, increases with age, physical inactivity and poor diet. The purpose of this study was to explore and compare associations of sarcopenia components with self-reported physical activity and nutrition in older adults participating in resistance training at Helsinki University Research [HUR] and conventional gyms for over a year, once a week, on average. METHODS: The study looked at differences between HUR (n = 3) and conventional (n = 1) gyms. Muscle strength (via handgrip strength and chair stands), appendicular lean mass (ALM; via dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) and physical performance (via gait speed over a 4-m distance, short physical performance battery, timed up and go and 400-m walk tests) were evaluated in 80 community-dwelling older adults (mean ± SD 76.5 ± 6.5 years). Pearson correlations explored associations for sarcopenia components with self-reported physical activity (via Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly [PASE]) and nutrition (via Australian Eating Survey). RESULTS: No differences in PASE and the Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS) were observed between HUR and conventional gyms, however HUR gym participants had a significantly higher self-reported protein intake (108 ± 39 g vs 88 ± 27 g; p = 0.029) and a trend to have higher energy intake (9698 ± 3006 kJ vs 8266 ± 2904 kJ; p = 0.055). In both gym groups, gait speed was positively associated with self-reported physical activity (r = 0.275; p = 0.039 and r = 0.423; p = 0.044 for HUR and conventional gyms, respectively). ALM was positively associated with protein (p = 0.047, r = 0.418) and energy (p = 0.038, r = 0.435) intake in the conventional gym group. Similar associations were observed for ALM/h2 in the HUR group. None of the sarcopenia components were associated with ARFS in either gym group. CONCLUSION: Older adults attending HUR and conventional gyms had similar self-reported function and nutrition (but not protein intake). Inadequate physical activity was associated with low gait speed and inadequate nutrition and low protein ingestion associated with low lean mas, even in older adults participating in exercise programs. Optimal physical activity and nutrition are important for maintaining muscle mass and function in older adults.

Physical fitness in older adults: Is there a relationship with the modified Functional Movement Screen™?

INTRODUCTION: The modified Functional Movement Screen™ (mFMS) has been used to screen for mobility, stability, motor control, and balance in older adults, yet, its relationship to measures of physical fitness is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between mFMS scores and measures of physical fitness in older adults. A secondary aim was to determine physical fitness differences depending on mFMS Lower Body Motor Control Screen scores. METHODS: One hundred and eight older adults completed this cross-sectional study. Measurements of physical fitness included: Handgrip Strength (HG), Back-Leg Strength Dynamometer (BLS), 8 foot Up and Go (8UG), Vertical Jump (VJ), Medicine Ball Throw (MBT), Chair Stand (CST), Arm Curl (AC), and 6-Minute Walk test (6 MW). The mFMS consisted of four screens: Shoulder Mobility Screen (SMS), Deep Squat (DS), Active Straight Leg Raise (ASLR), and a Lower Body Motor Control Screen (LB-MCS). Spearman's R correlations determined associations between physical fitness tests and mFMS scores (DS, SMS, ASLR). Independent t-tests or Mann Whitney U tests determined whether individuals who passed the LB-MCS displayed higher physical fitness scores. RESULTS: The DS was significantly correlated with all fitness measures (p < 0.05). Higher DS scores were associated with better HG (r = 0.31), BLS (r = 0.49), VJ height (r = 0.54), MBT (r = 0.41), CST (r = 0.57), AC (r = 0.30), 6 MW (r = 0.50), and 8UG (r = -0.61) performance. Individuals who passed the LB-MCS displayed superior BLS, 8UG test, and 6 MW test performance (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION: Higher DS scores are associated with higher physical fitness scores. Individuals who passed the LB-MCS displayed better physical fitness scores. Practitioners may desire to use the mFMS to measure physical fitness in older adults.

Common Vertical Jump and Reactive Strength Index Measuring Devices: A Validity and Reliability Analysis.

ABSTRACT: Montalvo, S, Gonzalez, MP, Dietze-Hermosa, M, Eggleston, JD, and Dorgo, S. Common vertical jump and reactive strength index measuring devices: A validity and reliability analysis. J Strength Cond Res 35(5): 1234-1243, 2021-Several field-test devices exist to assess vertical jump, but they either lack proper validation or have been validated for the countermovement jump (CMJ) only. This study aimed to quantify the validity and reliability of metrics, including jump height and the calculated reactive strength index (RSI), obtained using the flight-time method from 4 different assessment devices with 3 different vertical jump modalities in comparison to a force platform (criterion assessment). The Optojump, Push-Band 2.0, MyJump2 mobile application, and What'sMyVert mobile application were used synchronously and together with the force platforms. Thirty subjects (17 males and 13 females; age ± SD: 23.37 ± 1.87 years) performed 5 repetitions of CMJ, squat jump (SQJ), and drop jump (DJ) with a standardized 90° knee flexion for all jumps. Relative reliability was determined by intraclass correlation (ICC) and absolute reliability by coefficient of variation (CV) analyses. Excellent reliability was considered as ICC > 0.9 and CV < 10%. Validity was obtained through an ordinary least products regression, ICC, and CV. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Reliability was excellent on jump height for the CMJ (ICC ≥ 0.98; CV ≤ 8.14%) for all instruments. With the exception of the Optojump, all instruments also had excellent reliability for the SQJ (ICC ≥ 0.98; CV ≤ 6.62) and DJ (ICC ≥ 0.94; CV ≤ 8.19). For the RSI metric, all instruments had excellent relative reliability (ICC ≥ 0.92), but none had excellent absolute reliability (CV ≥ 12.5%). The MyJump2 and What'sMyVert apps showed excellent validity on all jump modalities and RSI. The Optojump and Push-Band 2.0 devices both showed system and proportional bias for several jump modalities and RSI. Overall, both mobile applications may provide coaches with a cost-effective and reliable measurement of various vertical jumps.

The Efficacy of Simultaneously Training 2 Motion Targets During a Squat Using Auditory Feedback.

Auditory feedback is a simple, low-cost training solution that can be used in rehabilitation, motor learning, and performance development. The use has been limited to the instruction of a single kinematic or kinetic target. The goal of this study was to determine if auditory feedback could be used to simultaneously train 2 lower-extremity parameters to perform a bodyweight back squat. A total of 42 healthy, young, recreationally active males participated in a 4-week training program to improve squat biomechanics. The Trained group (n = 22) received 4 weeks of auditory feedback. Feedback focused on knee flexion angle and center of pressure under the foot at maximum squat depth. The Control group (n = 20) performed squats without feedback. Subjects were tested pre, post, and 1 week after training. The Trained group achieved average target knee flexion angle within 1.73 (1.31) deg (P < .001) after training and 5.36 (3.29) deg (P < .01) at retention. While achieving target knee flexion angle, the Trained group maintained target center of pressure (P < .001). The Control group improved knee range of motion, but were not able to achieve both parameter targets at maximum squat depth (P < .90). Results from this study demonstrate that auditory feedback is an effective way to train 2 independent biomechanical targets simultaneously.

Sprint Training on a Treadmill vs. Overground Results in Modality-Specific Impact on Sprint Performance but Similar Positive Improvement in Body Composition in Young Adults.

Dorgo, S, Perales, JJ, Boyle, JB, Hausselle, J, and Montalvo, S. Sprint training on a treadmill vs. overground results in modality-specific impact on sprint performance but similar positive improvement in body composition in young adults. J Strength Cond Res 34(2): 463-472, 2020-The effects of different sprint training modalities on body composition are not yet known, and the effectiveness of using motorized treadmills for sprint training is yet to be assessed accurately. The following study investigated the effects of motorized treadmill and overground training on sprint performance and body composition. Sixty-four young adults (33 men and 31 women) completed 12 sprint training sessions over a 6-week period either on a treadmill (TM) or overground (TR), or followed their normal exercise routine (CONTROL). Fifty-yard sprint time, 20-yard maximal sprint speed split time, and maximal treadmill speed were used as sprint performance indicators. Body composition and sprint performance assessments were completed before and after the 6-week intervention. On completion of the 6-week training program, maximal treadmill speed significantly increased for all 3 groups, while split sprint time significantly decreased for the TR group. The CONTROL group's 50-yd sprint time and split sprint time significantly worsened after 6 weeks. Improvements in sprint time and speed were significantly greater for the TR and TM groups compared with the CONTROL group for 50-yd sprint time, 20-yard maximal sprint speed split time, and maximal treadmill sprint speed. The change in maximal treadmill sprint speed for the TM group was significantly greater than that of the TR group. TR and TM subjects also showed significant decrease in total body fat and increase in leg lean muscle mass. These findings indicate that although overground sprint training resulted in the greatest performance improvements within overground sprint tests, sprint training on a motorized treadmill may be a beneficial alternative modality to overground sprint training and may also positively impact subjects' body composition.

Resistance Training for Older Adults: Position Statement From the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Fragala, MS, Cadore, EL, Dorgo, S, Izquierdo, M, Kraemer, WJ, Peterson, MD, and Ryan, ED. Resistance training for older adults: position statement from the national strength and conditioning association. J Strength Cond Res 33(8): 2019-2052, 2019-Aging, even in the absence of chronic disease, is associated with a variety of biological changes that can contribute to decreases in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function. Such losses decrease physiologic resilience and increase vulnerability to catastrophic events. As such, strategies for both prevention and treatment are necessary for the health and well-being of older adults. The purpose of this Position Statement is to provide an overview of the current and relevant literature and provide evidence-based recommendations for resistance training for older adults. As presented in this Position Statement, current research has demonstrated that countering muscle disuse through resistance training is a powerful intervention to combat the loss of muscle strength and muscle mass, physiological vulnerability, and their debilitating consequences on physical functioning, mobility, independence, chronic disease management, psychological well-being, quality of life, and healthy life expectancy. This Position Statement provides evidence to support recommendations for successful resistance training in older adults related to 4 parts: (a) program design variables, (b) physiological adaptations, (c) functional benefits, and (d) considerations for frailty, sarcopenia, and other chronic conditions. The goal of this Position Statement is to a) help foster a more unified and holistic approach to resistance training for older adults, b) promote the health and functional benefits of resistance training for older adults, and c) prevent or minimize fears and other barriers to implementation of resistance training programs for older adults.

The effect of different stretching protocols on vertical jump measures in college age gymnasts.

BACKGROUND: Gymnastics is a sport that requires rapid display of explosive power expressed through the vertical jump. Recent studies have shown that a static-stretching based warm-up is ineffective for explosive power development. The aim of this study was to compare different stretching protocols and their effect on vertical jump measures. METHODS: Eleven gymnasts (9 males, 2 females; 23.18±2.52 yrs) participated in this randomized crossover study. Participants were measured on the countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SQJ), and depth jump (DJ) at baseline (no warm-up). Participants were then randomly placed into one of four stretching protocols: Static (ST), dynamic (DY), static + dynamic (ST+DY), and dynamic + static (DY+ST) and tested on the CMJ, SQJ, and DJ. A photoelectric cell device was used to measure vertical jump height (VJH), flight time (FT), power output (PO), and Reactive Strength Index (RSI). The non-parametric Friedman test was used to test differences between stretching protocols. RESULTS: The DY protocol showed significant improvements in VJH, FT, and PO in the CMJ. The ST, ST+DY, and DY+ST protocols did not show any significant improvements. CONCLUSIONS: A warm-up consisting of dynamic movements that resemble those used in the sport of gymnastics can improve vertical jump measures, as reflected through the CMJ.

Manual Resistance versus Conventional Resistance Training: Impact on Strength and Muscular Endurance in Recreationally Trained Men.

Manual resistance training (MRT) has been widely used in the field of physical therapy. It has also been used as a strength training method due to the accommodating resistance nature of this modality. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of an 8-week MRT program on maximum strength and muscular endurance in comparison to conventional resistance training in recreationally trained men. Twenty healthy recreationally trained male subjects were recruited and divided into a MRT training group and a conventional training (CT) group. CT group performed bench press and lat pull-down exercises, and the MRT group performed similar movements with resistance provided by a personal trainer. Both groups completed similar training protocol and training load: 2 training sessions weekly for 3 sets of 8 repetitions at an intensity of 8 to 10 on the perceived exertion scale of 0-10. Initial maximum strength differences were not significant between the groups. Neither group showed significant changes in muscular strength or endurance. Despite the statistically non-significant pre- to post differences, a trend for improvement was observed and effect size (ES) calculations indicated greater magnitude of effects for strength and endurance changes in the MRT group in lat pulldown (g=0.84) compared to CT group. Effectiveness of MRT is similar to CT for improving muscular strength and endurance. MRT can be used as a supplemental or alternative strength training modality for recreationally trained subjects, or be considered by personal trainers especially in low equipped facility conditions.

Risk Factors for Hispanic Male Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration.

The literature review analyzed 24 studies that explored male intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration risk factors among men, in particular Hispanics, using the socioecological model framework composed of four socioecological levels for violence prevention. Six databases were reviewed within the EBSCO search engine for articles published from 2000 to 2014. Articles reviewed were specific to risk factors for IPV perpetration among Hispanic men, focusing particularly on Mexican American men. Many key factors have previously been associated with risk for IPV perpetration; however, certain determinants are unique to Hispanics such as acculturation, acculturation stress, and delineated gender roles that include Machismo and Marianismo. These risk factors should be incorporated in future targeted prevention strategies and efforts and capitalize on the positive aspects of each to serve as protective factors.

Effects of manual resistance training and free weight resistance training on postexercise blood pressure in hypertensive men: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Manual resistance training (MRT) is a low cost and practically applicable alternative form of resistance training that is ideal for weight rooms with limited equipment. The aim of this study was to compare the acute and subacute hemodynamic responses between MRT and free weight resistance training (FWRT) in normotensive (NT) and hypertensive (HT) men. METHODS: Twenty-six untrained men performed a single bout of MRT and FWRT with a minimum 72-hour rest in between. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean blood pressure (MBP) were measured, and double product (DP) was calculated. Variables were assessed at different time points: SBP, DBP and MBP (pre- and 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes postexercise); DP (half-time and postintervention). RESULTS: The blood pressure values (BP) were greater in HT men in all analyses and interventions. BP responses were similar between MRT and FWRT in both groups of men. In HT men, there was postexercise hypotension (PEH) after 15, 30 and 60 minutes in MBP measured for both interventions. The DP was greater for the MRT intervention, but within the cardiovascular safety limits. CONCLUSIONS: MRT induces PEH in similar levels to FWRT in HT men. Therefore, MRT is a viable and safe alternative for application of FWRT in NT and HT men, reducing the need for expensive equipment.

Randomized controlled resistance training based physical activity trial for central European nursing home residing older adults.

BACKGROUND: Nursing home residing older adults often experience fear of sickness or death, functional impairment and pain. It is difficult for these older adults to maintain a physically active lifestyle and to keep a positive outlook on life. This study evaluated the changes in quality of life, attitude to aging, assertiveness, physical fitness and body composition of nursing home residing elderly through a 15-week organized resistance training based physical activity program. METHODS: Inactive older adults living in a state financed nursing home (N.=45) were randomly divided into two intervention groups and a control group. Both intervention groups were assigned to two physical activity sessions a week, but one of these groups also had weekly discussions on health and quality of life (Mental group). Data on anthropometric measures, fitness performance, as well as quality of life and attitudes to aging survey data were collected. Due to low attendance rate 12 subjects were excluded from the analyses. Statistical analysis included Paired Samples t-tests and Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance. RESULTS: Both intervention groups significantly improved their social participation, and their upper- and lower-body strength scores. Also, subjects in the Mental group showed improvement in agility fitness test and certain survey scales. No positive changes were detected in attitude towards aging and body composition measures in any groups. The post-hoc results suggest that Mental group improved significantly more than the Control group. CONCLUSIONS: Regular physical activity with discussions on health and quality of life made a more meaningful difference for the older adults living in nursing home than physical activity alone. Due to the fact that all participants were influenced by the program, it is suggested to further explore this area for better understanding of enhanced quality of life.

Outcomes of a peer mentor implemented fitness program in older adults: a quasi-randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effectiveness of different applications of mentoring in an older adult exercise program, this study compared the physical fitness scores, the retention and participation rates of older adults trained by student mentors, peer mentors, peer mentors working independently of the researchers, and a non-exercising control group. METHODS: 106 older adults were recruited and assigned to one of the groups using quasi-randomization. All three experimental groups completed a 14-week intervention. Pre- and post-training assessments of fitness were completed, and retention and participation rates were compared. RESULTS: High retention and participation rates, as well as significant improvements in fitness scores from baseline to post-test were observed in all three mentored groups. While the control group showed improvement only in one fitness test, subjects in the mentored groups improved similarly in all measures, regardless of the type of mentoring received. DISCUSSION: These findings indicated effectiveness of the peer mentor model and suggested that with adequate preparation peer mentors may be capable of guiding older adult participants effectively without assistance from professional staff.

Comparison of lower body specific resistance training on the hamstring to quadriceps strength ratios in men and women.

In this study, we compared hamstring (H) and quadriceps (Q) strength changes in men and women, as well as changes in conventional and functional H:Q ratios following an identical 12-week resistance training program. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to assess 14 male and 14 female participants before and after the intervention, and conventional and functional H:Q ratios were calculated. Hamstring strength improved similarly in men and women, but improvement in quadriceps strength was significantly greater in men, while women showed only modest improvements. For the conventional and functional H:Q ratios, women showed significantly greater improvements than men. Both men and women were able to exceed the commonly recommended 0.6 conventional and 1.0 functional H:Q ratios after the 12-week lower-body resistance training program.