Analysis of the Activation of Upper-Extremity Muscles During Various Chest Press Modalities.

ABSTRACT: Christian, JR, Gothart, SE, Graham, HK, Barganier, KD, and Whitehead, PN. Analysis of the activation of upper-extremity muscles during various chest press modalities. J Strength Cond Res 37(2): 265-269, 2023-The most effective way to increase muscular strength is through the implementation of resistance training programs. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of muscle activation of the anterior deltoid (AD), medial deltoid (MD), and pectoralis major (PM) during various bench press scenarios. Twenty subjects (10 male and 10 female subjects; age, 24.0 ± 3.0 years) with a minimum of 1 year of resistance training were recruited to participate. Six surface electromyographical sensors were placed bilaterally on the targeted muscles. Subjects performed a 1 repetition maximum (1RM) of dumbbell (DB) and barbell (BB) flat bench press across 2 sessions followed by 6 repetitions at an incline, flat, and decline position at a submaximal 70% 1RM BB and DB. Mean peak values for muscle activation were analyzed for each variation. A repeated-measures 1-way analysis of variance was used to compare muscle activation patterns across conditions. Significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Activation of AD was significantly higher during incline BB compared with decline BB and decline DB ( p ≤ 0.019). Activation of MD was significantly lower than that of AD across all modalities ( p ≤ 0.040). Activation of PM was significantly lower during incline DB compared with decline DB ( p = 0.011). Differences among AD and PM may have been the result of the stability stipulation variations between DB or BB and the large biacromial breadth requirement. Lack of differentiation of muscle fibers within the PM during sensor placement could have led to lesser muscle activation recordings during decline. As significance was evident for PM when comparing genders ( p ≤ 0.021), and no significance was found among AD or MD, it can be inferred that the larger amounts of adipose tissue in the female subjects caused irregularities in the PM data.

Acute Effects of Facial Coverings on Anaerobic Exercise Performance in College-Aged Adults.

The use of facial coverings has been amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic as a means to minimize the spread of disease. However, facial coverings may impede ventilation during high-intensity activity, leading to a reduction in cardiopulmonary exercise capacity. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the acute impact of different facial coverings on exercise performance in college-aged individuals during a 300-yard shuttle. It was hypothesized that the lowest heart rate (HR), completion time (CT), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) would occur with no mask. Furthermore, it was hypothesized the SHEMA97 mask would have lower HR, CT, and RPE compared to surgical and fabric masks. Results showed the use of the fabric mask resulted in significantly higher HR compared to no mask (p = 0.006). The SHEMA97 mask resulted in faster CT and lower RPE compared to both the fabric and surgical masks (p < 0.001). All mask conditions yielded significantly higher levels of perceived discomfort than wearing no mask (p < 0.05). While the use of facial coverings can help prevent the spread of disease, their use during exercise may pose limitations to performance; however, the ability of the SHEMA97 to provide minimal changes to CT and RPE provides a promising option.

Validation of the Polar Team Pro System for Sprint Speed With Ice Hockey Players.

ABSTRACT: Conners, RT, Whitehead, PN, Dodds, FT, Schott, KD, and Quick, MC. Validation of the polar team pro system for sprint speed with ice hockey players. J Strength Cond Res 36(12): 3468-3472, 2022-Commercially available player tracking sensors such as the Polar Team Pro system (PTPS) have been used to monitor athlete performance. Use during ice hockey practices and games has resulted in seemingly plausible and valid values for internal metrics (heart rate); however, external metrics (distance, speed, and acceleration) seem sporadic and counterintuitive. To determine the validity of the PTPS for measuring sprint speed with collegiate hockey players, 15 NCAA Division I male athletes (21.86 ± 1.04 years, 175.86 ± 6.78 cm, 80.58 ± 4.44 kg) participated in the study. Subjects wore a PTPS strap, at the level of the xiphoid process, and performed 2 sprints of 15.24 m (blue line to blue line) and 35.05 m (red line to the far blue line) in 3 conditions: indoor ice skating, indoor running, and outdoor running. Timing gates (TG) were used to determine sprint times, which allowed for manual calculation of speed. Speed values from the PTPS and TG were compared using paired-samples t -tests, and an alpha level of 0.05, 2-sided, was set a priori as a significance level. For indoor ice skating, PTPS significantly underestimated speeds at both distances ( p < 0.001). However, PTPS significantly overestimated speeds for indoor and outdoor sprints at both distances ( p ≤ 0.001). The PTPS is not accurate for measuring short-distance linear sprint speed or linear sprint speed during indoor ice skating. The inconsistency in speed values needs to be taken into consideration when using the system for science-based training because inaccurate speed values may negatively affect other external performance metrics provided by PTPS.

Current and Future Implications of COVID-19 among Youth Wheelchair Users: 24-Hour Activity Behavior.

Preventative measures taken worldwide to decrease the transmission of COVID-19 have had a tremendous impact on youth. Following social restrictions, youth with and without physical disabilities are engaging in less physical activity, more increased sedentary behavior, and poor sleep habits. Specifically, youth wheelchair users (YWU) are likely disproportionately affected by COVID- 19 and have a higher risk of contraction due to underlying comorbidities. While we cannot control all of the negative long-term implications of COVID-19 for YWU, participation in positive 24-h activity behaviors can decrease chronic disease risk and the likelihood of long-term complications resulting from infection. This commentary is to extend the discourse on the importance of 24-h activity behaviors by focusing on YWU. Specifically, we discuss the importance of chronic disease prevention, provide a brief overview of 24-h activity behaviors, and outline some of the lessons that can be learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kinematic analysis of gait in an underwater treadmill using land-based Vicon T 40s motion capture cameras arranged externally.

Aquatic therapy for rehabilitation can be performed in a variety of environments, which can vary from a traditional swimming pool to a self-contained underwater treadmill. While kinematic analysis has been performed in large volume swimming pools using specific underwater motion capture systems, researchers may only have access to a land-based motion-capture system, which is not waterproof. Additionally, underwater motion capture systems may not fit within the confines of a smaller underwater treadmill. Thus, the purpose of this study was to design and analyze methodology to quantify lower limb kinematics during an aquatic treadmill session, using a land-based motion capture system. Kinematics of lower limb motion at different speeds was studied while walking on an underwater treadmill in comparison to walking on the same treadmill without water (empty tank). The effects of the presence of water on walking kinematics was analyzed and interpreted using parametric and non-parametric testing procedures. The results suggest significant influences of speed on knee and ankle angles (p < 0.05) in both dryland and aquatic scenarios. Knee and ankle angle measures revealed no significant differences between the dryland and water treadmill scenarios (p > 0.05). The increased time requirement in water for the full gait cycle found in this study indicates influence of resistive effects. This finding can be especially suited for muscle strengthening and stabilizing treatments for lower limbs. Also, a framework was developed to realize a potential methodology to use land-based motion capture cameras to successfully analyze the kinematics of gait in constrained aquatic volumes.

Comparison of the Three-Site and Seven-Site Measurements in Female Collegiate Athletes Using BodyMetrix™.

One method to measure body composition that is gaining popularity is the BodyMetrix™, which uses A-mode ultrasound. A-mode ultrasound, when used with the BodyMetrix™, has been found to be a reliable and a cost-effective tool for measuring overall body fat percentage. Furthermore, the portability and short duration testing features of the BodyMetrix™, allows for testing of a large group of athletes inside or outside of a clinical setting. Despite these advantages, research regarding the BodyMetrix™ is limited and has primarily focused on the seven-site testing technique. However, the three-site technique allows for faster testing and a reduction of time needed to test an entire team or multiple sports teams. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare the three-site and seven-site methods using the BodyMetrix™ to determine body fat percentage in female collegiate athletes. It was hypothesized that body fat percentage determined via the seven-site method would be different from those obtained by three-site measurement technique. Study participants included 40 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division-II female athletes from volleyball, soccer, and softball teams. The Jackson Pollock three-site (thigh, suprailiac, triceps) and seven-site (thigh, suprailiac, triceps, abdominal, subscapular, chest, and axilla) equations were used to determine body fat percentage values. The time required to perform the three-site and seven-site measurements were also recorded. A paired samples t-test was used to assess if there was a difference between the three-site and the seven-site body fat percentage measurements with the use of the BodyMetrix™ . The three-site method (23.21 ± 3.61) was significantly lower (p < 0.001) compared to the seven- site method (25.75 ± 4.39). On average, the three-site technique took 2 minutes and 13 seconds less than the seven-site technique.

The Effect of In-Season Demands on Lower-Body Power and Fatigue in Male Collegiate Hockey Players.

Whitehead, PN, Conners, RT, and Shimizu, TS. The effect of in-season demands on lower-body power and fatigue in male collegiate hockey players. J Strength Cond Res 33(4): 1035-1042, 2019-The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of in-season demands, such as games, travel, and the subsequent fatigue related to these demands, on lower-body power (LBP) in collegiate hockey players. Two jump protocols (countermovement and squat jumps) were used to calculate LBP. Twenty-seven NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Division I male hockey players (age, 21.9 ± 1.4 years; height, 176.7 ± 6.5 cm; body mass, 81.4 ± 7.9 kg) participated in the study that spanned 18 weekly sessions. At each session, participants completed an 8-item fatigue questionnaire, which provided a cumulative numerical value for fatigue (total score of fatigue [TSF]), before performing maximal jumps on a contact mat. General linear modeling was conducted to compare dependent variables (jump height, relative LBP, TSF) across weekly sessions. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients were calculated to examine the relationship between jump height and LBP across the jump protocols, as well as to examine the relationship of TSF with all measured variables. Jump height and LBP declined throughout the season with greater effect of travel observed following the longest travel sequence (p ≤ 0.05; η ≥ 0.60). Differences in TSF were observed from baseline (p ≤ 0.037), and a large effect was seen for away trips that included air travel (d ≥ 1.35). Total score of fatigue had a negative correlation with jump height and power during both jumps (r ≤ -0.742; p < 0.001). In conclusion, the in-season demands of ice hockey resulted in significant reductions in LBP throughout a hockey season, and the 8-item fatigue questionnaire is a sensitive tool reflective of athletic performance measures.

The Relationship of Core Strength and Activation and Performance on Three Functional Movement Screens.

Johnson, CD, Whitehead, PN, Pletcher, ER, Faherty, MS, Lovalekar, MT, Eagle, SR, and Keenan, KA. The relationship of core strength and activation and performance on three functional movement screens. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 1166-1173, 2018-Current measures of core stability used by clinicians and researchers suffer from several shortcomings. Three functional movement screens appear, at face-value, to be dependent on the ability to activate and control core musculature. These 3 screens may present a viable alternative to current measures of core stability. Thirty-nine subjects completed a deep squat, trunk stability push-up, and rotary stability screen. Scores on the 3 screens were summed to calculate a composite score (COMP). During the screens, muscle activity was collected to determine the length of time that the bilateral erector spinae, rectus abdominis, external oblique, and gluteus medius muscles were active. Strength was assessed for core muscles (trunk flexion and extension, trunk rotation, and hip abduction and adduction) and accessory muscles (knee flexion and extension and pectoralis major). Two ordinal logistic regression equations were calculated with COMP as the outcome variable, and: (a) core strength and accessory strength, (b) only core strength. The first model was significant in predicting COMP (p = 0.004) (Pearson's Chi-Square = 149.132, p = 0.435; Nagelkerke's R-Squared = 0.369). The second model was significant in predicting COMP (p = 0.001) (Pearson's Chi-Square = 148.837, p = 0.488; Nagelkerke's R-Squared = 0.362). The core muscles were found to be active for most screens, with percentages of "time active" for each muscle ranging from 54-86%. In conclusion, performance on the 3 screens is predicted by core strength, even when accounting for "accessory" strength variables. Furthermore, it seems the screens elicit wide-ranging activation of core muscles. Although more investigation is needed, these screens, collectively, seem to be a good assessment of core strength.

Snatch technique of United States national level weightlifters.

This study analyzed the top 3 successful snatch attempts by individual lifters in each weight class at a U.S. National Championship weightlifting meet. Two-dimensional (2-D) body position and characteristics of the lifts were compared via 2D video analysis in groups of lifters who displaced forward, showed no displacement, or displaced backward to receive the bar. No significant group differences (p > 0.05) were noted for body mass, bar mass, or hip angle. The rearward displacement group had a significantly greater horizontal distance between the shoulder and heel at the end of the pull (determined as the point where the bar ceases to accelerate vertically). Hip angles for the no displacement group had a small-to-moderate effect size (0.50) in comparison to the forward displacement group, but they only showed a small effect size (0.17) when compared with the rearward displacement group. The forward displacement group showed a small-to-moderate effect size compared with both the no displacement group (0.51) and the rearward displacement group (0.55) concerning the horizontal distance from the shoulder to the heel. These data seem to suggest that rearward displacement in the drop-under phase in the snatch is not detrimental to performance and actually seems to be a preferred technique in U.S. national level lifters. In addition to evidence that rearward displacement is exhibited in elite lifters and is coached globally, it seems this is the preferred technique in international competitions. This technique may be considered a viable variation of the snatch by coaches and athletes of all levels.

Possible new modalities for the Navy physical readiness test.

The current U.S. Navy Physical Readiness Test (PRT) measures aerobic fitness and muscular endurance via a 1 1/2 mile run and curl-up/push-up tests, respectively. Nine new modalities were recommended to either replace or supplement the current PRT. Personnel and civilians (N = 179) were recruited from a local Navy base and participated in all modalities (duplicate if possible) over 4 weeks following familiarization sessions. Subjects performed single-leg plank, single-leg wall squat, cadence push-ups, leg/hip dynamometer, standing long jump, and pro-agility test. Cardiovascular modalities were also performed via the 300-yard shuttle, 2-km row, and 5-km bike. Performance in the modalities was correlated to the subjects' existing PRT scores as well as within the new modalities. Although most modalities could not be concretely recommended, the plank and wall squat were eliminated from consideration because of poor reliability scores. The strongest correlation existed between the standing long jump and pro-agility test for the entire sample. Correlation scores were also analyzed by gender. The cardiovascular modalities did not have strong enough scores to elicit a recommendation to replace the 1 1/2 mile run, but future considerations for similar testing would be to collect scores for the existing modalities in addition to the proposed modalities.

Absence of blood oxidative stress in trained men after strenuous exercise.

UNLABELLED: Exercise has been noted in some, but not all, studies to elicit an oxidative stress. The discrepancy in findings may be related to differences in exercise intensity across protocols, as well as to differences in training status of participants. PURPOSE: We compared blood oxidative stress biomarkers in exercise-trained men after three different bouts of exercise of varying intensity and duration, as well as a nonexercise condition. METHODS: On different days, men (n = 12, 21-35 yr) performed aerobic cycle exercise (60 min at 70% HR reserve) and cycle sprints (five 60-s sprints at 100% maximum wattage obtained during graded exercise testing and ten 15-s sprints at 200% maximum wattage obtained during graded exercise testing). Blood was collected before and 0, 30, and 60 min after exercise and analyzed for malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), advanced oxidation protein products, and nitrate/nitrite (NO(x)). As indicators of antioxidant status, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were measured. RESULTS: No differences were noted in malondialdehyde, H(2)O(2), advanced oxidation protein product, or NO(x) between conditions or across time (P > 0.05). Antioxidant capacity was generally highest at 30 and 60 min after exercise and lowest at 0 min after exercise. CONCLUSIONS: In trained men, and considering the limitations of the current design (e.g., inclusion of selected oxidative stress and antioxidant biomarkers measured in blood only), strenuous bouts of exercise do not result in a significant increase in blood oxidative stress during the 1-h postexercise period. These findings may be related to attenuation in reactive oxygen species production as an adaptation to chronic exercise training and/or a protective effect of the antioxidant system in response to acute strenuous exercise.

Association of drop vertical jump displacement with select performance variables.

Drop vertical jumps (DVJs) stimulate enhanced countermovement loading as would occur with a run-up before jumping. A variety of performance variables have been associated with DVJ performance including ground contact time (GCT), reactive strength index (RSI), eccentric utilization ratio (EUR), and elasticity index (EI). This study examined the stability reliability and precision of these variables and their associations with DVJ displacement in trained men and women. The EUR and EI measures were redundant, so only EUR findings were reported. Except for EUR, data for all variables were both reliable and precise (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥ 0.70, coefficient of variation [CV%] ≤ 15.0) although EUR data were precise (CV% ≤ 15.0). Correlations with DVJ displacement were low for GCT, moderate for RSI, and negligible for EUR. Therefore, GCT and EUR likely represent unique performance characteristics not related to DVJ displacement. Furthermore, the variability in DVJ performance accounted for by RSI may primarily reflect the inclusion of displacement as the numerator in the quotient for calculating it.

Impact of a dietary supplement containing 1,3-dimethylamylamine on blood pressure and bloodborne markers of health: a 10-week intervention study.

BACKGROUND: 1,3-dimethylamylamine is a commonly used ingredient within dietary supplements. Our prior work with this agent indicates a transient increase in blood pressure (systolic in particular) following oral ingestion of a single dosage, but no significant increase in resting blood pressure following chronic ingestion. Moreover, intervention studies involving both two and eight weeks of treatment with finished products containing 1,3-dimethylamylamine indicate minimal or no change in bloodborne markers of health. The present study sought to extend these findings by using a 10-week intervention trial to determine the change in selected markers of health in a sample of men. METHODS: 25 healthy men were randomly assigned to either a placebo (n = 13) or to a supplement containing 1,3-dimethylamylamine (n = 12) for a period of 10 weeks. Before and after the intervention, resting blood pressure and heart rate were measured, and blood samples were collected for determination of complete blood count, metabolic panel, and lipid panel. RESULTS: No significant differences were noted between conditions for blood pressure (P > 0.05), although systolic blood pressure increased approximately 6 mmHg with the supplement (diastolic blood pressure decreased approximately 4 mmHg). A main effect for time was noted for heart rate (P = 0.016), with values decreasing from pre to post intervention. There were significant main effects for time for creatinine (increased from pre to post intervention; P = 0.043) and alkaline phosphatase (decreased from pre to post intervention; P = 0.009), with no condition differences noted (P > 0.05). There was a significant interaction noted for low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (P = 0.043), with values decreasing in the supplement group from pre to post intervention approximately 7 mg · dL(-1) (P = 0.034). No other effects of significance were noted for bloodborne variables. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that a dietary supplement containing 1,3-dimethylamylamine does not result in a statistically significant increase in resting heart rate or blood pressure (although systolic blood pressure is increased ∼6 mmHg with supplement use). The supplement does not negatively impact bloodborne markers of health. Further study is needed involving a longer intervention period, a larger sample size, and additional measures of health and safety.