The Validity of Perceptual Recovery Status on Monitoring Recovery During a High-Intensity Back-Squat Session.

Adaptations to resistance training and subsequent performance can be undermined by inadequate interset recovery. Methods typically used to monitor recovery were developed for longitudinal use, making them time-inefficient within singular exercise bouts. If valid, perceptual recovery status (PRS) may be used as an efficient and inexpensive assessment tool to monitor individual recovery. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the validity of PRS on monitoring recovery during a high-intensity back-squat session. METHODS: Ten healthy men participated in the 2-session study (separated by at least 48 h). Session 1 included anthropometrics, PRS familiarization, and a 1-repetition-maximum back squat. Session 2 included a high-intensity protocol (5 sets of 5 repetitions; 5-min interset recovery; 85% of 1-repetition maximum). PRS was obtained before the first set and during the last 30 seconds of each 5-minute recovery; rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was also collected. A linear position transducer collected mean barbell velocity (MBV). Repeated-measures correlations assessed the common intraindividual relationships of PRS scores to intraset MBV and RPE, respectively. RESULTS: A very large, positive correlation appeared between PRS and MBV (r [95% CI] = .778 [.613 to .878]; P < .0001). A large, negative correlation emerged between PRS and RPE (r [95% CI] = -.549 [-.737 to -.282]; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that PRS can be a means for practitioners to monitor individualized recovery. PRS tracked well with RPE, strengthening its utility in a practitioner-based setting. Findings provide insight into the practicality of PRS for recovery monitoring. It could be used alongside other measures (eg, MBV and countermovement jump) to individually program and maintain performance.

Impact of 10-Week Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Program on Outcomes Related to Falls Risk in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

This quasi-experimental study evaluated the impact of a 10-week evidence-based falls prevention program (Bingocize®) on self-reported fear of falling, general health, physical activity, social isolation, and avoidance behavior, in community-dwelling older adults in Virginia. Participants > 60 years of age (n= 481) attended BingocizeR group sessions twice per week for 10 weeks. The program combined conventional bingo with periodic strength, balance, flexibility exercises, and fall prevention education. Pre and post assessments gauged participants' self-perception of fear of falling, general health, physical activity, social isolation, and avoidance behavior. 481 participants attended at least 80% of the sessions. Following the intervention, paired sample t-tests revealed statistically significant improvements (p <.05) in fear of falling, physical activity, social isolation, avoidance behavior, and yet there was no notable change in self-reported general health. The 10-week BingocizeR program appears to improve physical activity, social isolation, avoidance behavior, and fear of falling. Self-reported general health did not significantly change.

A VO2max Protocol for Young, Apparently Healthy Adults.

The Bruce and Astrand treadmill protocols are commonly utilized when assessing maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). However, the steep grade implemented in the protocols often leads to localized muscular fatigue, potentially causing participants prematurely to terminate the test prior to reaching their true VO2max. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a Novel VO2max protocol that may be better suited for young, apparently healthy populations. The Novel protocol starts at a higher speed and lower initial grade to limit lower extremity fatigue. Fifteen participants performed the Bruce, Astrand, and Novel protocols with the following maximal values recorded from each: VO2max, maximal ventilation (VEmax), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and time to exhaustion (TTE). The Novel protocol displayed substantial agreement with both criterion protocols. Mean absolute percent error (MAPE) was less than 10% indicating that the Novel protocol is a valid measurement for VO2max values. Bland-Altman analysis revealed that the Novel protocol exhibited a low degree of bias, with tight limits of agreement when compared to the Bruce (bias ±95% LOA = 0.824 ± 3.163) and Astrand protocols (-0.153 ± 3.528) for VO2max. A paired samples t-test revealed no significant differences between Novel and criterion protocols for VO2max. Paired samples t-tests revealed that the Novel protocol had significantly lower TTE when compared to the Bruce and Astrand protocols and produced similar VO2max values to that of the Bruce and Astrand. The Novel protocol may be considered a valid and time-efficient protocol.

To Be Active or to Stop? A Cross-Sectional Retrospective Study Exploring Provider Advice and Patient Fears Surrounding Physical Activity in Pregnancies Complicated by Fetal Growth Restriction.

Exercise guidance for women with pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR) is vague, despite the fact that physical activity during pregnancy improves placental development, placental blood flow, and encourages healthy fetal growth. The goal of this study is to test the hypothesis that women with pregnancies complicated by FGR are fearful of physical activity and are being given unclear or limited advice from healthcare providers. Participants (N = 78) (women who delivered an infant diagnosed with FGR within the past 5 years) took an electronic survey including demographic information, pregnancy information, provider advice recall, and other health-related information relevant to growth-restricted pregnancies. Quantitative and qualitative (post-positivism paradigm) methods were employed to analyze the data. When asked specifically about how the FGR diagnosis impacted their activity levels, nearly 50% of participants said the diagnosis led them to decrease their activity levels. Participants reported that healthcare providers who do discuss activity with pregnant patients with FGR suggest low-intensity activities or ceasing activity, although the majority of providers did not discuss activity at all. More fears surrounding physical activity were reported post-FGR diagnosis, including worrying about fetal growth and development and causing fetal harm when engaging in physical activity.

Evaluation of Repetitive Jumping Intensity on the Digi-Jump Machine.

Cardiorespiratory endurance is an important element of aerobic fitness, particularly in weight management and reducing risk for cardiovascular disease. While there are numerous options for aerobic exercise, rope jumping is often overlooked. In addition to regular exercise and a healthy diet, the American Heart Association strongly recommends rope jumping. The first purpose of this study was to determine the steady state metabolic cost of repetitive jumping on the Digi-Jump machine to evaluate whether exercise on this device is more or less strenuous than similar exercise with a jump rope, as demonstrated in previous literature. A second purpose was to determine the relative intensity of exercise on the Digi-Jump by comparing to VO2max as measured on a treadmill. Twenty-seven participants completed two trials, one jumping trial at a rate of 120 jumps per minute with the jumping height set at 0.5 inch for 5-min on the Digi-Jump, and one graded exercise test using the Bruce protocol. Oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured each minute during each trial. Results of this study indicated that steady state VO2 during the 5-min jump test was reached at the 3rd min. Steady state variables during the jumping trial expressed as percentage of max were as follows: VO2 was 57.1% of VO2max; HR was 80.9% of HRmax; RER was 86%of RERmax; and RPE was 75.2% of RPEmax. These data indicate that repetitive jumping is a strenuous activity and similar in intensity to jumping rope, even if the trial is done on the Digi-Jump machine with free-swinging arms and without a jump rope.

Post Exercise Hypotension Following Concurrent Exercise: Does Order of Exercise Modality Matter?

Cardiovascular (CV) and resistance training (RT) can moderate negative effects of aging, disease, and inactivity. Post-exercise hypotension (PEH) has been used as a non-pharmacological means to control and reduce BP. Few have evaluated PEH response following a bout of exercise combining CV and RT, whether or not there is an order effect, or if PEH continues when activities of daily living (ADLs) are resumed. Participants (N = 10) completed a non-exercise control, a graded exercise test (GXT), and two concurrent sessions (CVRT and RTCV). Each session was followed by a 60-minute laboratory and 3-hour ADLs PEH assessment, respectively. Two-way and Welch-one-way repeated measures ANOVAs were used to determine differences between among conditions in PEH. There was a significant interaction between BP and condition following the 60-minute laboratory measure (p = .030, ηp 2 = .166) and the ADLs BP assessments (p = .008, ηp 2 = .993), respectively. PEH occurred following concurrent exercise conditions at minute 45 for RTCV (118 ± 8, p = .041; 95% CI [0.223, 17.443]) and minutes 50 (117 ± 9; p = .036 95% CI [0.441, 21.097]) and 55 (118 + 8; p < .001; 95% CI [5.884, 14.731]) following CVRT. BP was elevated during ADLs following the control session compared to the GXT, RTCV, and CVRT. Regardless of the order, concurrent exercise is effective in potentiating PEH. Elevation in BP associated with ADLs can be mitigated if exercise is performed previously.

Effects of a Game-Centered Health Promotion Program on Fall Risk, Health Knowledge, and Quality of Life in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Quality of life (QOL) is an important aspect of overall well-being in older adults and can be improved with increased physical activity. One in four older adults experiences a fall each year, making it necessary to focus public health interventions towards decreasing fall risk and improving QOL in older adults. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the health promotion program, Bingocize®, on QOL and fall risk in community-dwelling older adults (n = 36; mean age 73.63 ± 6.97). Participants were clustered and randomly assigned to (a) experimental (n = 19; participating in Bingocize® program, or (b) control (n = 17; only played normal bingo). Each group completed a 12-week intervention that consisted of two 45-60 minute sessions per week. There were no significant interactions for any of the variables, with the exception of positive affect (PA) (F (1,34) = 5.66, p = 0.02, η p 2 = 0.15 , power = 0.64) and handgrip strength (F (1,34) = 8.31, p = 0.007, η p 2 = 0.196 , power = 0.80). There was also a significant main effect for time for health knowledge. Participating in the Bingocize® health promotion program can produce a meaningful and detectable change in handgrip strength and PA in community-dwelling older adults.

Validity of Activity Trackers in Estimating Energy Expenditure During High-Intensity Functional Training.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the agreement of five commercially available accelerometers in estimating energy expenditure while performing an acute bout of high-intensity functional training (HIFT). Methods: Participants (n = 47; average age: 28.5 ± 11.6 years) consisted of recreationally active, healthy adults. Each participant completed a session of HIFT: a 15-minute workout consisting of 12 repetitions each of air-squats, sit-ups, push-ups, lunges, pull-ups, steps-ups, and high-knees; performed circuit-style by completing as many rounds as possible. During this session, each participant wore the Cosmed K4b2 portable metabolic analyzer (PMA) and five different accelerometers (ActiGraph GT3X, Nike Fuelband, Fitbit One, Fitbit Charge HR, and Jawbone UP Move). Results: Four of the five activity trackers reported lower (p < .05) total EE values compared to the PMA during the acute bout of HIFT. The waist-mounted device (ActiGraph, 182.55 ± 37.93 kcal) was not significantly different from, and most closely estimated caloric expenditure compared to the PMA (144.99 ± 37.13 kcal) (p = .056). A repeated-measures ANOVA showed that all activity trackers were significantly different from the reference measure (PMA) (p < .05). Systematic relative agreement between the activity trackers was calculated, exhibiting a significant ICC = 0.426 (F [46,230] = 5.446 [p < .05]). Conclusion: The wrist- and hip-mounted activity trackers did not accurately assess energy expenditure during HIFT exercise. With the exception of the ActiGraph GT3X, the remaining four activity trackers showed inaccurate estimates of the amount of kilocalories expended during the HIFT exercise bout compared to the PMA.

Factors Affecting PhD Student Success.

Attrition rates for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs in the United States across the fields of engineering, life sciences, social sciences, mathematics and physical sciences, and humanities range from 36 - 51%. A qualitative literature review indicates certain factors may impact the PhD student's success in completing the program and degree. The factors focused on in this review include the student-advisor relationship, mentorship, and the dissertation process. Although kinesiology doctoral programs are evaluated and ranked by the National Academy of Kinesiology, little information is available exploring kinesiology PhD student success. General information on PhD student success may, therefore, be valuable to kinesiology PhD students and programs.

From the Editors: A Guide for Peer Review in the Field of Exercise Science.

Since its inception, the mission of the International Journal of Exercise Science (IJES) has been to engage student researchers, to provide an outlet for peer-review and possible publication of their work, and to grant an opportunity for them to gain experience as peer-reviewers. The Editors of IJES take pride in providing these opportunities for student involvement, and we are constantly seeking new and innovative ways to enhance students' professional development. As our readership has expanded across the globe and our scope has broadened to cross many Kinesiology related disciplines, we believe it is timely to revisit the purpose of peer-review, give advice on best practices, and provide a template for reviews. Presenting these guiding principles should simplify and streamline both the review and the revision processes for students and professionals alike.

Caffeine affects CD8+ lymphocyte apoptosis and migration differently in naïve and familiar individuals following moderate intensity exercise.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the lymphocyte subset response to 30 min of moderate treadmill exercise during caffeine supplemented (6.0 mg.kg(-1)) and placebo conditions in caffeine-naïve and -familiar individuals. Seventeen individuals participated (caffeine-familiar = 8, caffeine-naïve = 9) completing two exercise bouts (caffeine supplemented and placebo control) 48 h apart in a counterbalanced and double-blinded fashion. Individuals were classified as follows: caffeine-naive <50 mg.d(-1) and caffeine-familiar >200 mg.d(-1) Whole blood samples were obtained at rest, 30 min after caffeine or placebo ingestion, immediately following exercise, and 1 h post exercise. Blood was used to analyze apoptosis (annexin V) and cellular migration (CX3CR1) responses in lymphocyte subsets (CD4+, CD8+, CD19+). Absolute changes from rest values were calculated and differences between conditions were determined through Chi-squared analysis with significance accepted at P <0.05. With regard to CD4+ and CD19+ lymphocytes, the interaction of caffeine and exercise did not affect naïve individuals to a greater extent immediately post exercise when compared to familiar, as similar apoptotic and migratory responses were observed (P >0.05). However, CD8+ lymphocyte cell death and migration responses were observed to be significantly greater at each sampling point in caffeine-familiar individuals (P <0.05). It is possible that chronic caffeine supplementation may prime CD8+ cell receptors for responsiveness to apoptosis and migration and the consequence of this form of immunosuppression in the post-exercise period should be determined.

Prediction of VO2 peak using OMNI Ratings of Perceived Exertion from a submaximal cycle exercise test.

The primary aim of this study was to develop statistical models to predict peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak) using OMNI Ratings of Perceived Exertion measured during submaximal cycle ergometry. Male (M = 20.9 yr., SE = 0.4) and female (M = 21.6 yr., SE = 0.5) participants (N = 81) completed a load-incremented maximal cycle ergometer exercise test. Simultaneous multiple linear regression was used to develop separate VO2 peak statistical models using submaximal ratings of perceived exertion for the overall body, legs, and chest/breathing as predictor variables. VO2 peak (L·min(-1)) predicted for men and women from ratings of perceived exertion for the overall body (3.02 ± 0.06; 2.03 ± 0.04), legs (3.02 ± 0.06; 2.04 ± 0.04), and chest/breathing (3.02 ± 0.05; 2.03 ± 0.03) were similar to measured VO2 peak (3.02 ± 0.10; 2.03 ± 0.06, ps > .05). Statistical models based on submaximal OMNI Ratings of Perceived Exertion provide an easily administered and accurate method to predict VO2 peak.

Validation of the OMNI RPE Seven Day Exertional Recall Questionnaire.

PURPOSE: The present study examined the validity of the Seven Day Recall Questionnaire among recreationally active men and women. METHOD: Initially, participants completed a level walk (2.5 mph [4.0 kph]), hill walk (3.5 mph [5.6 kph], 5% grade), and run (5.0 mph [8.0 kph], 2.5% grade). Seven days later, participants were given the Seven Day Recall Questionnaire and rated their perceived exertion associated with the exercise bouts. Participants then repeated the same exercise bouts as in Session 1, and the OMNI rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was estimated. RESULTS: Concurrent validity indicated that for both men and women, respectively, the RPE-Overall (r = .48, r = .70), RPE-Leg (r = .43, r = .66), and RPE-Chest (r = .47, r = .66) derived from the Seven Day Recall Questionnaire distributed as a function of oxygen consumption. RPE-Overall (r = .61, r = .76), RPE-Leg (r = .56, r = .72), and RPE-Chest (r = .61, r = .72) from the Seven Day Recall Questionnaire distributed as a function of heart rate. Convergent validity coefficients between the perceptual responses from the Seven Day Recall Questionnaire and the recall/criterion session were: level walk (r = .53-.87, r = .51-.80), hill walk (r = .65-.79, r = .56-.64), and run (r = .60-.68, r = .68-.78) for men and women, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent and convergent evidence partially supports the utilization of the Seven Day Recall Questionnaire to recall the relative intensity of walking and running exercise sessions conducted 7 days prior.

Intensity selection and regulation using the OMNI scale of perceived exertion during intermittent exercise.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if subjects can self-regulate exercise intensity during intermittent exercise by using ratings of perceived exertion. Thirty-one subjects completed an estimation trial maximal treadmill graded exercise test (GXT). Using the oxygen uptake and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) from the GXT, target RPEs that corresponded to 50% and 70% of oxygen uptake reserve were determined. During the subsequent 20 min production trial, subjects titrated treadmill speed and grade to elicit the target RPEs that were presented in 2 counterbalanced orders (counterbalance order I (70%-50% of oxygen uptake reserve) or counterbalance order II (50%-70% of oxygen uptake reserve)). Heart rate (HR) and oxygen uptake were higher in the production trial compared with the estimation trial for counterbalance order I (p < 0.001) at an RPE that corresponded to 50% of oxygen uptake reserve. There was no difference in HR and oxygen uptake between the estimation and production trial for counterbalance order II (p < 0.05). HR was higher in the production trial compared with estimation trial for counterbalance order I (p < 0.05) at an RPE that corresponded to 70% of oxygen uptake reserve. There was no difference in HR between the estimation and production trials for counterbalance order II (p < 0.05). At an RPE that corresponded to 70% of oxygen uptake reserve, there was no difference in the oxygen uptake between the estimation and production trials (p < 0.05). A difference in HR (p < 0.05) and oxygen uptake (p < 0.05) between the 2 prescribed production trial intensities was indicated. The subjects were able to utilize RPE to self-regulate intensity during 20 min of exercise at varying intensity when beginning with the target RPE that corresponded to 50% of oxygen uptake reserve.

Repeated high-intensity Wingate cycle bouts influence markers of lymphocyte migration but not apoptosis.

Studies have shown significant changes in lymphocytes during continuous exercise, but little has been shown on the effect of repeated high intensity bouts. This study was designed to examine the effect of repeated intermittent bouts on lymphocyte subset cell count, apoptosis, and migration. A series of 6 Wingate anaerobic cycle tests were performed by participants (N = 8) with blood samples attained before, immediately following, and after a designated recovery period (excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC)) to observe lymphocyte changes. Lymphocyte subsets (CD4+, CD4/CD45RA+, CD8+, CD8+/CD45RA+, CD19+) were assessed for apoptosis (annexin V+) and cellular migration (CX(3)CR1). Our results indicate that the CD8+ and CD8+/CD45RA+ subsets were significantly influenced by the repetitive Wingate cycling protocol such that cell counts increased with exercise, and then decreased at EPOC termination (p = 0.016). The observed postexercise decrease in CD8+ and CD8+/CD45RA+ cells was accompanied by a significant change in the CX(3)CR1 cell migration receptor (p = 0.019), but not apoptosis (p = 0.87). This indicates that with repetitive high-intensity cycling, the response in CD8+ cells following the bout is likely due to cell migration rather than cell death.

Development of a perceptual hyperthermia index to evaluate heat strain during treadmill exercise.

Fire suppression and rescue is a physiologically demanding occupation due to extreme external heat as well as the physical and thermal burden of the protective garments. These conditions challenge body temperature homeostasis and results in heat stress. Accurate field assessment of core temperature is complex and unreliable. The present investigation developed a perceptually based hyperthermia metric to measure physiologic exertional heat strain during treadmill exercise. Sixty-five (28.9 ± 6.8 years) female (n = 11) and male (n = 54) firefighters and non-firefighting volunteers participated in four related exertional heat stress investigations performing treadmill exercise in a heated room while wearing thermal protective clothing. Body core temperature, perceived exertion, and thermal sensation were assessed at baseline, 20-mins exercise, and at termination. Perceived exertion increased from baseline (0.24 ± 0.42) to termination (7.43 ± 1.86). Thermal sensation increased from baseline (1.78 ± 0.77) to termination (4.50 ± 0.68). Perceived exertion and thermal sensation were measured concurrently with body core temperature to develop a two-dimensional graphical representation of three exertional heat strain zones representative of a range of mean body core temperature responses such that low risk (green) incorporated 36.0-37.4°C, moderate risk (yellow) incorporated 37.5-37.9°C, and high risk (red) incorporated 38.0 to greater than 40.5°C. The perceptual hyperthermia index (PHI) may provide a quick and easy momentary assessment of the level of risk for exertional heat stress for firefighters engaged in fire suppression that may be beneficial in high-risk environments that threaten the lives of firefighters.

Validation of adult omni perceived exertion scales for elliptical ergometry.

This investigation examined the validity of newly developed Adult OMNI Elliptical Ergometer Ratings of Perceived Exertion Scales. 60 men and women performed a graded exercise test on an elliptical ergometer. Oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), and ratings of perceived exertion were recorded at each stage from the Borg 15 Category scale and two different OMNI scales. One scale employed an elliptical ergometer format of the OMNI Picture System of Perceived Exertion. The second scale modified verbal, numerical, and pictorial descriptors at the low end of the response range. Concurrent and construct validity were established by the positive relation between ratings of perceived exertion from each OMNI scale with VO2, HR, and Borg scale ratings of perceived exertion (men, r = .94-.97; women, r = .93-.98). Validity was established for both OMNI scales, indicating either metric can be used to estimate ratings of perceived exertion during partial weight-bearing exercise.

Concurrent muscle hurt and perceived exertion of children during resistance exercise.

PURPOSE: Rating of muscle hurt (RMH) and RPE were concurrently measured for 10- to 14-yr-old females (n = 50) and males (n = 50) performing unilateral biceps curl (BC) and knee extension (KE) isotonic exercise. METHODS: BC and KE exercises were counterbalanced within subjects. Three counterbalanced, 10 repetition sets (30%, 50%, and 70% one repetition maximum (1-RM)) were performed for both exercises. RMH and RPE were obtained for active muscles using the Children's OMNI-Hurt Scale and the Children's OMNI-Resistance Exercise Scale of Perceived Exertion, respectively. RESULTS: For both females and males, RMH ranged across sets from 1.5 to 6.0 during BC and 3.2 to 6.7 during KE. RPE ranged from 3.4 to 8.3 during BC and 5.0 to 8.9 during KE. Ratings expressed as percent scores were lower (P < 0.01) for RMH than for RPE at the 30%, 50%, and 70% 1-RM during BC and KE for females and males. Regression coefficients for weight lifted as a function of RMH ranged from r = 0.67 to r = 0.87 (P < 0.01) for BC and KE. Correlations between RMH and RPE ranged from r = 0.19 to r = 0.82 across sets for both genders. CONCLUSIONS: Female and male children can concurrently and differentially rate their perceived intensity of muscle hurt and exertion during upper and lower body resistance exercise using numerical category metrics (i.e., OMNI scales) having construct-specific pictorial and verbal descriptors.