Development of an Abbreviated Model for Predicting Functional Movement Screen Score Within Tactical Populations.

ABSTRACT: Thompson, MB, Johnson, QR, Lindsay, KG, and Dawes, JJ. Development of an abbreviated model for predicting functional movement screen score within tactical populations. J Strength Cond Res 38(3): 607-611, 2024-The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a tool commonly used to identify compensations when performing 7 specific movement patterns. Timely administration of the full FMS is largely dependent on the practitioner's familiarity and experience with the screening battery. When working in populations that are time-poor (i.e., tactical professionals), administration of the full movement pattern battery is not always feasible. The purpose of this study was to determine which, if any, combination of movement patterns that comprise the FMS could be used to predict total score on this screen among first responders. Functional Movement Screen scores for 99 male subjects (mean ± SD; age: 37.55 ± 9.83 years; height: 180.38 ± 6.59 cm; and body mass: 97.87 ± 15.32 kg) and 9 female subjects (age: 33.22 ± 3.99 years; height: 172.11 ± 8.19 cm; and body mass: 83.99 ± 14.09 kg) from a single law enforcement and fire agency were used for this analysis. Subjects performed the full FMS, which consisted of the following movement patterns: deep squat (DS), hurdle step (HS), in-line lunge (ILL), shoulder mobility (SM), active straight leg raise (ASLR), trunk stability push-up (PU), and rotary stability (RS). A stepwise regression was used to determine the best predictors of the FMS 7-pattern model based on the model's R2. Cronbach's alpha and Guttman's lambda-2 were used to determine the reliability of the proposed models. The regression indicated that a 4-pattern model consisting of DS, ILL, SM, and PU was sufficient to predict approximately 84% of the full model (adjusted R2 = 0.84, p ≤ 0.001). This 4-pattern model was shown to be reliable with the 7-pattern model (α = 0.93, λ = 0.93). Using this modified version of the FMS may allow practitioners working in tactical populations a time-efficient method of identifying dysfunctional movement and determine whether the full 7-pattern model of the FMS should be considered.

National study of sleep health for student servicemembers/veterans.

Objective: Investigate sleep health for student servicemember/veterans (SSM/Vs). Method: Data from the National College Health Assessment was used, including 88,178 participants in 2018 and 67,972 in 2019. Propensity score matching was used to compare SSM/Vs (n = 2984) to their most similar non-SSM/V counterparts (n = 1,355). Responses were analyzed using a multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Results: SSM/Vs reported significantly higher levels of some sleep health issues than the matched peer group, including more instances of trouble falling asleep, waking too early, and higher rates of insomnia and sleep disorders. However, SSM/Vs reported fewer days per week feeling sleepy and similar impacts of sleep issues on academics when compared to the peer group. Conclusion: Institutions of higher education should consider training faculty and staff to recognize impacts of poor sleep health for SSM/Vs to establish effective practices to support this unique population.

The Perceived Impact of Ashwagandha on Stress, Sleep Quality, Energy, and Mental Clarity for College Students: Qualitative Analysis of a Double-Blind Randomized Control Trial.

Stress, anxiety, and depression, along with feeling overwhelmed and exhausted have been widely reported by college students as factors that negatively impact their academic performance, and overall well-being. Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb that has been used historically to support healthy responses to stressors, but has recently gained popularity in the United States for its ability to support well-being for populations who experience chronic stress. To our knowledge, there have not been any human trials evaluating the efficacy of ashwagandha on stress in the United States. No studies to date have used qualitative research methods to consider the experiential impact of ashwagandha supplementation. Our purpose was to explore the lived experiences of college students participating in a double-blind randomized control trial evaluating the impact of ashwagandha as an intervention to support college students' well-being. Participants were college students (N = 60) age 18-50 years, who were randomized to either intervention or placebo group to take one capsule twice a day for 30 days. Intervention group participants took 700 mg of full spectrum extract of ashwagandha root per day, whereas those in the placebo group took glycerol capsules. Qualitative data included daily affect check-ins and focus groups. Data were analyzed using Dedoose qualitative coding software and thematic analysis. Four themes resulted regarding energy levels, mental clarity, sleep dynamics, and stress. Our findings demonstrated that ashwagandha increased college students' perceived well-being through supporting sustained energy, heightened mental clarity, and enhanced sleep quality, through a moderate dose of ashwagandha for the course of 30 days. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT05430685.

Dietary practices and supplement use among CrossFit® participants.

Background: CrossFit® is a popular high-intensity functional training program. CrossFit® participants may practice popular diets or consume dietary and sports supplements to support their health or physical pursuits, but the specific dietary and supplement practices of CrossFit® participants remain unknown. Methods: An electronic questionnaire was developed to collect data on practice of popular diets (i.e. Paleo and The Zone Diet®), dietary and sports supplement use, reasons for practicing a diet or using supplements, sources of information on diets and supplements, and various beliefs associated with nutrition among CrossFit® participants. Results: Of the 2,576 complete responses (female 51.9%, male 48.1%, age 39.4 ± 11.1 years, body mass index 26.1 ± 3.9 kg/m2), 695 (27%) reported being a CrossFit® trainer or coach and 1,392 (54%) reported competing, or planning to compete, in CrossFit® or other fitness competitions. The average years of CrossFit® experience were 5.3 ± 3.1 years, and the average frequency of CrossFit® participation was 4.5 ± 1.1 days/week. Most participants (60.1%) reported practicing a particular diet. Macro Counting (18.6%), Intermittent Fasting (7.7%), and Paleo (6.1%) were the most frequently reported diets. The top reasons for practicing a diet were to improve overall health (45.6%), decrease body fat (29.2%), and improve CrossFit® performance (25.2%). The top sources of dietary information were the Internet (47.5%), coach/trainer (28.7%), and nutritionist/dietitian (26.2%). Most participants (67.3%) reported "Urine Color" as the best method to assess hydration. Additionally, most participants (82.2%) consumed at least one supplement, with protein (51.2%), creatine (22.9%), and pre-workout/energy (20.7%) being most popular. The top reasons for consuming supplements were to improve recovery (52.6%), improve overall health (51.4%), and increase muscle mass/strength (41.7%). The top sources of information on supplements were the Internet (53.1%), coach/trainer (27.0%), and peer-reviewed research (23.0%). Conclusions: A large proportion of CrossFit® participants may practice popular diets or consume supplements with the intention of improving health or performance. These findings may support future research on the effects of various dietary patterns and supplements on CrossFit® performance.

You've Got a Friend in Me: Fostering Social Connection Among College Students Through Peer-Led Physical Activity.

Social connection and physical activity (PA) are essential health behaviors necessary for young adults to thrive. The majority of college students in the United States are not meeting PA recommendations and simultaneously report concerning rates of loneliness, depression, anxiety, and fatigue; all factors that contribute to poor psychological well-being and reduce students' abilities to sustain academic success. These mental and physical health indicators have only worsened due to the stress, isolation, and uncertainty experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fitness Buddies (FB) is a free peer-led PA program designed to combat loneliness, stress, anxiety, depression, and low PA, by providing students the opportunity to connect with one another through PA. FB participants are matched with a peer leader for weekly PA sessions based on activity interests and schedules. The FB program model shifts the focus of traditional PA programs, from prescribing and monitoring PA duration, intensity and modalities, to supporting psychological well-being through satisfaction of the three basic psychological needs of competence, autonomy, and relatedness within peer PA-based relationships. In the first pilot phase of implementation, students reported improved situational affect, to include reduced stress and anxiety, following participation in the FB program for one academic semester. Participants also reported the development of quality peer relationships and a sense of belonging to the campus community, both of which had previously been lacking. The FB program model is an innovative and cost-efficient strategy to supporting college students' psychological well-being and long-term success.

Exploring associations between physical fitness tests and a law enforcement specific Physical Ability Test using principal components analysis.

The purpose of this study was to determine relationships between components of physical fitness on performance in an occupation-specific physical ability test (PAT) for state patrol officers (women, n = 19; men, n = 256) using archived data. Physical fitness was assessed by 2.4 km run time (2.4 R), body fat % (BF), 1 min sit-up (SU), 1-min push-up (PU), the vertical jump (VJ), and the sit-and-reach test (SR). Principal components analysis (PCA) of the entire sample revealed that dynamic fitness (DF), related 2.4 R, SU, PU, VJ, & BF, explained 49% of variance in performance in the PAT. Lower back and hamstring flexibility explained a further 18% of variance. Law-enforcement agencies using a standard job-specific test to screen the occupational fitness of its members may use fitness tests to make fitness recommendations. Officers should prioritize developing aerobic fitness, muscular endurance, lower-body power, and flexibility to help meet the demands of occupational performance.

A Comparison of Lower Body Power Characteristics Between Collegiate Athletes from Different Competition Levels.

The counter-movement jump (CMJ) is frequently utilized by strength and conditioning professionals working with athletes, given its relationship to a multitude of performance variables associated with success in sports. PURPOSE: To examine characteristics of CMJ performance between NAIA and NCAA Division I male and female athletes. METHODS: Archival data for 275 student athletes from two NCAA Division 1 universities (NCAA DI; males = 84, females = 74) and one NAIA university (NAIA; males = 66, females = 51) were utilized for this analysis. The CMJ was performed utilizing a dual single axis (Pasco PS 2141 plates, sampling rate 1000hz unfiltered) force platform system. A 2 × 2 multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to determine whether significant differences in the three dependent variables of VJ height (cm), concentric RPD-100ms, and peak power existed between athletes at different playing levels. RESULTS: A MANOVA revealed significant differences based on sex and competition level in the dependent variables measured (Wilk's Lambda = 0.908, F(3,259) = 8.732, p < .001, partial η2 = .092). DISCUSSION: The findings of this study revealed that females at the Division I level achieved significantly greater jump heights, peak power and concentric RPD-100ms compared to females at the NAIA level. Division I males displayed significantly higher peak power than their NAIA counterparts.

Improving biologic predictors of cycling endurance performance with near-infrared spectroscopy derived measures of skeletal muscle respiration: E pluribus unum.

The study aim was to compare the predictive validity of the often referenced traditional model of human endurance performance (i.e. oxygen consumption, VO2 , or power at maximal effort, fatigue threshold values, and indices of exercise efficiency) versus measures of skeletal muscle oxidative potential in relation to endurance cycling performance. We hypothesized that skeletal muscle oxidative potential would more completely explain endurance performance than the traditional model, which has never been collectively verified with cycling. Accordingly, we obtained nine measures of VO2 or power at maximal efforts, 20 measures reflective of various fatigue threshold values, 14 indices of cycling efficiency, and near-infrared spectroscopy-derived measures reflecting in vivo skeletal muscle oxidative potential. Forward regression modeling identified variable combinations that best explained 25-km time trial time-to-completion (TTC) across a group of trained male participants (n = 24). The time constant for skeletal muscle oxygen consumption recovery, a validated measure of maximal skeletal muscle respiration, explained 92.7% of TTC variance by itself (Adj R2  = .927, F = 294.2, SEE = 71.2, p < .001). Alternatively, the best complete traditional model of performance, including VO2max (L·min-1 ), %VO2max determined by the ventilatory equivalents method, and cycling economy at 50 W, only explained 76.2% of TTC variance (Adj R2  = .762, F = 25.6, SEE = 128.7, p < .001). These results confirm our hypothesis by demonstrating that maximal rates of skeletal muscle respiration more completely explain cycling endurance performance than even the best combination of traditional variables long postulated to predict human endurance performance.

Relationships of Lower-body Power Measures to Sprint and Change of Direction Speed among NCAA Division II Women's Lacrosse Players: An Exploratory Study.

This study sought to determine if significant relationships exist between lower-body power measures to sprint and change of direction speed (CODS) in Division II collegiate women's lacrosse athletes. Archived data for 17 NCAA Division II female lacrosse athletes was provided to the investigators for analysis. Jumping performance was assessed using a countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and standing broad jump (SBJ). Sprint speed was measured at 10m and 30m, of a 30m sprint. CODS was evaluated using a T-Test (TT), a modified T-Test (MTT), and the 5-0-5 Agility Test (5-0-5). No significant relationships were found between absolute power measures and any sprint or CODS tests. However, relative power (relative CMJ and SJ) had significant relationships with all CODS and sprints speeds above 10m. Only the CMJ and relative CMJ were related to 10m sprint speed. SBJ distance had significant relationships with all CODS tests and 30m speed, while relative SBJ distance significantly correlated with 5-0-5 speed. Relative lower-body power was significantly related to speed and CODS in Division II female lacrosse athletes. Strength and conditioning professionals should focus on lower-body power development as a key component in preparing female lacrosse athletes for their sport.

Associations between Absolute and Relative Lower Body Strength to Measures of Power and Change of Direction Speed in Division II Female Volleyball Players.

Volleyball is a sport comprised of multiple explosive efforts and multidirectional change of direction speed (CODS) actions. Since strength underpins both of these abilities, it is important to explore the relationship between these variables in order to develop strength and conditioning programs to optimize performance. The purpose of this study is to determine if a relationship exists between absolute and relative strength and measures of power and CODS in collegiate volleyball players. Archived testing data from ten (n = 10, age: 19.1 ± 1.2 yrs, Ht: 173.1 ± 6.64 cm, Wt: 67 ± 7.04 kg) female DII collegiate volleyball players were analyzed. These data included: block vertical jump (Block VJ), approach vertical jump (Approach VJ), a repeat jump test (i.e., four consecutive VJs), modified T-test, 5-0-5 agility test, a single leg triple hop test, and a 1-3RM deadlift. Significant large correlations were observed between relative strength and the repeat jump test, modified T-test, and 5-0-5 agility test. Significant correlations were also observed between absolute strength and the modified T-test. These results indicate that strength and conditioning professionals should emphasize the development of both absolute and relative lower-body strength to improve measures of power and agility in collegiate volleyball players.

Differences in Stress Shoot Performance Among Special Forces Operators Who Participate in a Human Performance Program Versus Those Who Do Not.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this investigation was to determine if Army Special Operation Forces (ARSOF) Operators who participate in the Tactical Human Optimization, Rapid Rehabilitation and Reconditioning program perform significantly better on a simulated stress shoot scenario than ARSOF Operators who do not participate in the program. METHODS: Deidentified archival data from 64 male ARSOF Operators (mean ± standard deviation: age, 31.1 ± 4.96 years; SOF experience, 3.44 ± 4.10 years) who participated in the Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat stress shoot were assessed to determine if differences in performance existed between program users (n = 25) and nonusers (n = 39). A series of bootstrapped analyses of variance in conjunction with effect-size calculations was conducted to determine if significant mean score differences existed between users and nonusers on raw and total course completion times, high-value target acquisition (positive identification time), and penalties accrued. RESULTS: Small to medium effect sizes were observed between users and nonusers in raw time, penalties, and total time. Although there were no significant differences between users and nonusers, there was less variation in raw time and total time in users compared with nonusers. CONCLUSION: Our findings becomes a question of practical versus statistical significance, because less performance variability while under physical and psychological duress could be life saving for ARSOF Operators.

The Effect of Whole-Body Vibration on Lower-Body Resistance Detraining in College-Age Women.

PURPOSE: This study explored the effect of whole-body vibration (WBV) using accelerations of 2.56 g to 7.68 g on lower-body detraining. METHODS: All participants (N = 20) were trained using a lower-body resistance-training program for 30 min twice per week from Week 0 to Week 6. At the end of the program, they were randomly assigned to a control group that performed no further training or a WBV group that performed a progressive static WBV program. Data for the 5-repetition-maximum (5RM) squat and extensors and flexors of the knee and ankle were collected at Weeks 0, 6, 8, 10, and 12 for all participants. RESULTS: Two-way (condition vs. time) analysis of variance revealed that although the WBV group maintained strength in the 5RM from Week 6 through Week 8 and the control group had a lower 5RM in Week 8 from Week 6, no differences in the 5RM squat existed between the groups at Week 8. Two-way factorial multivariate analysis of variance revealed no differences between the groups at any of the time for torque of knee flexion, dorsiflexion, or plantar flexion. CONCLUSION: Static WBV of 2.56 g to 7.68 g did not attenuate detraining of the flexors and extensors of the knee and ankle.