Salivary Cortisol Analysis in Collegiate Female Lacrosse Athletes.

Cortisol is a hormone that corresponds to physiological and emotional stress. The purpose of this study was to 1) evaluate the changes in cortisol in female Division I collegiate lacrosse players (n = 15) throughout the competitive season, and 2) evaluate the correlation between cortisol and athlete wellness and workload. Salivary cortisol samples were collected weekly in the morning throughout the entirety of the 2021 competitive season (12 weeks). Subjective athlete total wellness scores and sub-scores (muscle soreness, sleep quality, fatigue, and stress) were taken on the same days. Objective total weekly Athlete Load (AL, an amalgam workload metric) were tabulated from the previous training week. A significant effect of time was found on wellness (p < 0.001) and AL (p < 0.001) over the twelve weeks with weekly differences, such as weeks with more than one game, weeks with no games, weeks with students in quarantine (not competing), or weeks with academic stressors such as final exams. There were no weekly differences in cortisol (p = 0.058). Cortisol had negligible correlations with wellness (r = -0.010, p = 0.889) and AL (r = 0.083, p = 0.272) during the competitive season. These findings suggest that cortisol changed little for athletes throughout the season although training volume and wellness did. Thus, assessing acute responses of cortisol may prove to be more beneficial to evaluating athletes' stress.

Comparing Two Methods of Acute: Chronic Workload Calculations in Girls' Youth Volleyball.

Monitoring training load using acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) enables coaches to maximize fitness potential while mitigating injury risks by maintaining an optimal ACWR range. There are two methods of determining ACWR: rolling average (RA) and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA). This study aimed to (1) compare weekly changes in kinetic energy (KE) output in female youth athletes (n = 24) during the high school (HSVB) and club volleyball (CVB) seasons and (2) evaluate the agreement in RA and EWMA ACWR calculations during the HSVB and CVB seasons. Weekly load was measured using a wearable device, and RA and EWMA ACWRs were calculated using KE. The HSVB data showed spikes in ACWR at the onset of the season and during one week mid-season (p = 0.001-0.015), but most weeks were in the optimal ACWR range. The CVB data had greater weekly variations throughout the season (p < 0.05), and many weeks were outside of the optimal ACWR range. There were moderate correlations between the two ACWR methods (HSVB: r = 0.756, p < 0.001; CVB: r = 0.646, p < 0.001). Both methods can be used as a monitoring tool for consistent training like that in HSVB, but more research is needed to investigate appropriate methods for an inconsistent season like that of CVB.

How Accurate Are Coaches in Predicting Perceived Exertion of Their Athletes?

ABSTRACT: Ryan, GA, Bunn, JA, and Eisenman, ML. How accurate are coaches in predicting perceived exertion of their athletes? J Strength Cond Res 37(3): 684-687, 2023-Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) are used extensively to subjectively evaluate workload in sport. The purpose of this study was to compare season long player to coach perceptions of RPE loads (RPEL) in Division I men's soccer and women's lacrosse programs. Coach and player self-reported RPE were collected during the competitive seasons for both teams within 30 minutes of training sessions. Scores of RPE were multiplied by recorded training time to determine RPEL and averaged to create a daily coach and player RPEL. Accuracy of RPEL prediction between coaches and players was determined via mean bias, mean absolute percent error (MAPE), correlation, and an equivalence test. Soccer coaches underestimated RPEL (1,345 ± 410 arbitrary unit [AU]) compared with players (1,372 ± 435 AU). The coach mean bias was -27.3 ± 151.9 AU, wieth an MAPE of 7.4%, a strong correlation (r = 0.937, p < 0.001), and coach to player equivalence (p = 0.045). Lacrosse coaches overestimated RPELs (876 ± 349 AU) compared with players (829 ± 214 AU). The coach mean bias was 47 ± 189 AU, with an MAPE of 14.7%, a strong correlation (r = 0.883, p < 0.001), and coach to player equivalence (p = 0.010). Analyses indicated that coaches accurately predicted player RPEL within both sports. Variance occurred on days with high RPELs, with overestimations occurring in lacrosse and underestimation in soccer. Coaches can use RPELs to assess subjective training load but should consider objective measures, including microtechnology, to provide a comprehensive assessment.

Wellness Following Wins and Losses Based on Psychological Hardiness in Division I Women's Lacrosse.

Psychological hardiness encompasses three components: commitment, control, and challenge, and illustrates how individuals respond to stressors. Analyzing athletes' responses to wins and losses, depending on their psychological hardiness level, may provide insight of the impact of game outcome on student-athlete wellness. The purpose of this study was to examine postgame subjective wellness scores based on level of psychological hardiness following wins and losses in collegiate female lacrosse athletes. Players (n = 17) took the Dispositional Resilience Scale Scale-15 (DRS-15) at the start of the academic year and were grouped based on hardiness level: above average (AH) and below average (BA). Participants took a daily wellness survey rating their overall wellness, energy level, muscle soreness, stress level, and sleep quality. RM-ANOVA indicated no difference in post-game wellness scores between hardiness groups (Lambda(5,11) = 1.073, p = .426, ES = .328), by game outcome (Lambda(5,11) = 2.361, p = .109, ES = .518), or an interaction between hardiness and outcome of game (Lambda(5,11) = 1.421, p = .291, ES = .392). No hardiness group differences were found for overall wellness or sub-scores. These results show subjective wellness scores decrease collectively after a loss versus a win but refute prior studies as hardy players did not experience significantly less stress than their less hardy counterparts. Future studies should be conducted to assess wellness after differing game outcomes over many seasons to assist coaching staff on the subjective, psychological impacts of game.

Transitioning to virtual ambulatory care during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study of faculty and resident physician perspectives.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a rapid shift from in-person to virtual care delivery for many medical specialties across Canada. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of resident physicians and faculty related to teaching, learning and assessment during ambulatory virtual care encounters within the competency-based medical education model. METHODS: In this qualitative phenomenological study, we recruited resident physicians (postgraduate year [PGY] 1-5 trainees) and faculty from the Departments of Surgery and Medicine at Queen's University, Ontario, via purposive sampling. Participants were not required to have exposure to virtual care. Interviews were conducted from September 2020 to March 2021 by 1 researcher, and 2 researchers conducted focus groups via Zoom to explore participants' experiences with the transition to virtual care. These were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim; qualitative data were analyzed thematically. RESULTS: There were 18 male and 19 female participants; 20 were resident physicians and 17 were faculty; 19 were from the Department of Surgery and 18 from the Department of Medicine. All faculty participants had participated in virtual care during ambulatory care; 2 PGY-1 residents in surgery had not actively participated in virtual care, although they had participated in clinics where faculty were using virtual care. The mean age of faculty participants was 38 (standard deviation [SD] 8.6) years, and the mean age of resident physicians was 29 (SD 5.4) years. Overall, 28 interviews and 4 focus groups (range 2-3 participants per group) were conducted, and 4 themes emerged: teaching and learning, assessment, logistical considerations, and suggestions. Barriers to teaching included the lack of direct observations and teaching time, and barriers to assessment included an absence of specific Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) and feedback focused on virtual care-related competencies. Logistical challenges included lack of technological infrastructure, insufficient private office space and administrative burdens. Both resident physicians and faculty did not foresee virtual care limiting resident physicians' ability to progress within competency-based medical education. Benefits of virtual care included increased accessibility to patients for follow-up visits, for disclosing patients' results and for out-of-town visits. Suggestions included faculty development, improved access to technology and space, educational guidelines for conducting virtual care encounters, and development of virtual care-specific competencies and EPAs. INTERPRETATION: In the postgraduate program we studied, virtual care imposed substantial barriers on teaching, learning and assessment during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Adapting to new circumstances such as virtual care with suggestions from resident physicians and faculty may help to ensure the continuity of postgraduate medical education throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Assessment of Relationships Between External Load Metrics and Game Performance in Women's Lacrosse.

The purpose of this study was to analyse the relationship between external load metrics with game performance for Division I collegiate female lacrosse. Data were collected using microtechnology during 26 games with 13 athletes (attackers n = 5, midfielders n = 8). External load variables included: total distance (TD), distance rate (DR), high-intensity (HI) distance, speed, HI sprints, accelerations, decelerations, metabolic equivalent distance (MED), and sprints. For attackers, goals, points, shots, and shots on goal (SOG) had low, positive associations with TD (r = 0.32 to 0.42) and MED (r = 0.39 to 0.45). For midfielders, goals, shots, and draw controls had low, positive relationships with TD (r = 0.34 to 0.41), DR (r = 0.33 to 0.45), and decelerations (r = 0.30 to 0.35). Points and SOG had low associations with TD (r = 0.35), DR (r = 0.33), accelerations (r = 0.31), and decelerations (r = 0.32 to 0.35). Turnovers demonstrated low, positive relationships with HI distance (r = 0.31) and HI sprints (r = 0.41). Though the correlations were low, they still revealed insights into workload metrics and offensive game statistics in the sport of lacrosse. Training for attackers should focus on agility and a training base for TD. Training for midfielders should focus on HI endurance and sprinting.

An Evaluation of Training Load Measures for Drills in Women's Collegiate Lacrosse.

PURPOSE: To statistically evaluate the internal and external load metrics in different types of lacrosse drills. METHODS: A total of 25 Division I collegiate female lacrosse players wore a heart rate monitor and a global positioning system during preseason training sessions. Seven measures determined training load, 2 internal measures and 5 external measures, across 5 different types of drills: stickwork, small-sided games, individual skills, conditioning, and team drills. Principal component analysis was used to determine which internal and external load variables were most associated with each drill type. RESULTS: Stickwork extracted 2 principal components, explaining 45% and 17% of the variance. Small-sided games extracted 1 principal component, explaining 51% of the variance. Individual skills extracted 2 components, explaining 39% and 22% of the variance. Conditioning extracted 2 components, explaining 44% and 24% of the variance. Team drills extracted 2 components, explaining 52% and 18% of the variance. CONCLUSIONS: In 4 out of 5 training modes, the inclusion of both internal and external training-load measures was necessary to accurately decipher training load. For most drills, the first component is related to measures of external load, and the second component described the balance between internal and external load measures. Small-sided games extracted only external measures including the following: accelerations, total distance, and average speed. These results show that a combination of internal and external load measures is required to determine training load during certain training modes. This information can help coaches make decisions about desired training load for practice sessions.

Relationship between pre-training wellness scores and internal and external training loads in a Division I women's lacrosse team.

This study examined the relationship between pre-training wellness scores and internal and external training load outputs during the preparation phase of a Division I women's collegiate lacrosse team. Athletes (n = 27) logged daily wellness (sleep, energy, stress, and how their muscles felt), session ratings of perceived exertion, and training metrics for 13 weeks. Load metrics were collected with microtechnology units. Repeated measures mixed linear models were constructed to evaluate the relationships between wellness and training load. The largest effects observed indicated: improved sleep was predictive of increased total distance (by as much as 310.5 m, 95%CI 36.7-584.3), high-intensity distance (by as much as 72.7 m, 95%CI 17.2-128.3), and Athlete Load (by as much as 6.8AU, 95%CI 1.8-11.8); more energy was predictive of increased total distance (by as much as 323.6 m, 95%CI 52.2-594.9) and Athlete Load (by as much as 5.6AU. 95%CI 0.6-10.5). For each one-unit increase in overall wellness score, total distance (3.5 m, 95%CI 1.2-15.1) and Athlete Load (0.2AU, 95%CI 0.0-0.3) increased. Pre-training wellness scores and sub-scores are predictive of external load training output. Monitoring athlete wellness systematically can help coaches with decision-making relevant to training and game performance.

New Author Guidelines in Statistical Reporting: Embracing an Era Beyond p < .05.

Statistical reporting of quantitative research data has been plagued by potential bias and reporting suppression due to a single numerical output: the p-value. While there is great importance in its merit, creating a pass-fail system (set at point of .05) has created a culture of researchers submitting their project's data to a filing cabinet if it does not yield "statistical significance" based on this value. The editors of the International Journal of Exercise Science are following the American Statistical Association's call for statistical reform by adjusting our reporting guidelines to the following requirements: [1.] make an intentional effort to move away from statements "statistically significant" or "not significant;" [2] all p-values are to be reported in their raw, continuous form; [3.] measures of the magnitude of effect must be presented with all p-values; [4.] either an a-priori power analysis with relevant citations should be included or post-hoc power calculations should accompany p-values and measures of effect. The ultimate goal of this editorial is to join with other scholars to push the field toward transparency in reporting and critical, thoughtful evaluation of research.

Differential Impact of Calcium and Vitamin D on Body Composition Changes in Post-Menopausal Women Following a Restricted Energy Diet and Exercise Program.

Vitamin D and calcium supplementation have been posited to improve body composition and different formulations of calcium may impact bioavailability. However, data are lacking regarding the combinatorial effects of exercise, diet, and calcium and/or vitamin D supplementation on body composition changes in post-menopausal women. Herein, 128 post-menopausal women (51.3 ± 4.5 years, 36.4 ± 5.7 kg/m2, 46.2 ± 4.5% fat) were assigned to diet and supplement groups while participating in a supervised circuit-style resistance-training program (3 d/week) over a 14-week period. Diet groups included: (1) normal diet (CTL), (2) a low-calorie, higher protein diet (LCHP; 1600 kcal/day, 15% carbohydrates, 55% protein, 30% fat), and (3) a low-calorie, higher carbohydrate diet (LCHC; 1600 kcal/day, 55% carbohydrates, 15% protein, 30% fat). Supplement groups consisted of: (1) maltodextrin (PLA), (2) 800 mg/day of calcium carbonate (Ca), and (3) 800 mg/day of calcium citrate and malate and 400 IU/day of vitamin D (Ca+D). Fasting blood samples, body composition, resting energy expenditure, aerobic capacity, muscular strength and endurance measures were assessed. Data were analyzed by mixed factorial ANOVA with repeated measures and presented as mean change from baseline [95% CI]. Exercise training promoted significant improvements in strength, peak aerobic capacity, and blood lipids. Dieting resulted in greater losses of body mass (CTL -0.4 ± 2.4; LCHC -5.1 ± 4.2; LCHP -3.8 ± 4.2 kg) and fat mass (CTL -1.4 ± 1.8; LCHC -3.7 ± 3.7; LCHP -3.4 ± 3.4 kg). When compared to LCHC-PLA, the LCHC + Ca combination led to greater losses in body mass (PLA -4.1 [-6.1, -2.1], Ca -6.4 [-8.1, -4.7], Ca+D -4.4 [-6.4, -2.5] kg). In comparison to LCHC-Ca, the LCHC-Ca+D led to an improved maintenance of fat-free mass (PLA -0.3 [-1.4, 0.7], Ca -1.4 [-2.3, -0.5], Ca+D 0.4 [-0.6, 1.5] kg) and a greater loss of body fat (PLA -2.3 [-3.4, -1.1], Ca -1.3 [-2.3, -0.3], Ca+D -3.6 [-4.8, -2.5]%). Alternatively, no significant differences in weight loss or body composition resulted when adding Ca or Ca+D to the LCHP regimen in comparison to when PLA was added to the LCHP diet. When combined with an energy-restricted, higher carbohydrate diet, adding 800 mg of Ca carbonate stimulated greater body mass loss compared to when a PLA was added. Alternatively, adding Ca+D to the LCHC diet promoted greater% fat changes and attenuation of fat-free mass loss. Our results expand upon current literature regarding the impact of calcium supplementation with dieting and regular exercise. This data highlights that different forms of calcium in combination with an energy restricted, higher carbohydrate diet may trigger changes in body mass or body composition while no impact of calcium supplementation was observed when participants followed an energy restricted, higher protein diet.

Accuracy Assessment of a GPS Device for Maximum Sprint Speed.

Global positioning system (GPS) technology can capture maximum sprint speed (MSS) using fewer resources than electronic timing gates (ETG). Yet, errors with GPS technology are typically 1.01 km·hr-1 for instantaneous velocity, potentially limiting GPS accuracy. The purpose of this study was to compare MSS values obtained from GPS technology to those obtained from ETG. The MSS of 24 female athletes was determined using two tests that both began with a 20-m fly-in followed by: 1) 80-m maximal sprint with ETG placed at the start line, 30 m, 60 m, and 80 m, and 2) 30-m maximal sprint with ETG placed every 10 m. Sprint speed was calculated from each timing segment, and the fastest segment for each test was used for the calculated MSS. MSS was also obtained using a GPS unit measuring at 10 Hz. Mean bias and mean absolute percent error (MAPE) of the GPS was lower for the 80-m test (0.09 ± 1.24 km·hr-1, 3.5 ± 3.1%) than the 30-m test (1.58 ± 0.80 km·hr-1, 5.5 ± 2.6%). Lin's concordance agreement was found to be poor for both tests. The equivalence test indicated that the GPS was equivalent for both short and long distances, p < .05, meaning the two results were within a 5% equivalence interval. The GPS devices were within the acceptable range of accuracy at short (10-m) and long (30-m) distances. These results can guide coaching staff regarding how to test their athlete's metrics and the reliability of those results.

Validity and Reliability of Jump Height Measurements Obtained From Nonathletic Populations With the VERT Device.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Vertical jump (VJ) is commonly used to assess lower extremity power in athletic populations. A portable device called the VERT has been validated for this population, but not in nonathletic populations. We sought in this study to assess the clinimetric properties of VJ height measurements obtained with the VERT from older and younger nonathletes. METHODS: Twenty-eight participants (14 older, 14 younger, evenly split between male and female) completed 2 submaximal and 3 maximal VJ trials wearing the VERT during 2 sessions separated by 5 to 9 days. During the first session, their VJ heights were also monitored using motion capture video. RESULTS: Analysis revealed concurrent validity of the VERT against motion capture (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC3,1] = 0.826-0.950) and known-groups validity of the VERT based on age and gender (P < .001). Strong parallel reliability against a second VERT device (ICC = 0.992) was demonstrated as was strong test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.968). CONCLUSIONS: The VERT device provides valid and reliable measures of VJ height in nonathletic populations, including older adults. However, the VERT may not be suitable for recording the low jump heights of some older adults.

Evaluation of Strength and Conditioning Measures With Game Success in Division I Collegiate Volleyball: A Retrospective Study.

Bunn, JA, Ryan, GA, Button, GR, and, and Zhang, S. Evaluation of strength and conditioning measures with game success in Division I collegiate volleyball: A retrospective study. J Strength Cond Res 34(1): 183-191, 2020-The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess relationships between strength and conditioning (SC) measures and game performance in Division I volleyball. Five years of SC and game data were collected from 1 women's Division I collegiate team, n = 76. Strength and conditioning measures included T-drill, 18.3 m sprint, back squat, hang clean, vertical jump, and broad jump. All game and SC stats were normalized to Z-scores. Analyses included assessing SC differences by position and multiple stepwise regression to assess relationships between game and SC stats. There was a significant difference by position for broad jump (p = 0.002), 18.3 m sprint (p = 0.036), vertical (p ≤ 0.001), and total strength (p = 0.019). Overall, game performance and SC measures were significantly correlated (r = 0.439, p ≤ 0.001). Multiple regression analyses indicated significant relationships (p ≤ 0.05) between SC measures and game success by position as follows: defensive specialist stats with squat and total strength; setters game stats with hang cleans, T-drill, and broad jump; pin hitter game stats with vertical, squat, and total strength; middle blockers game stats with broad jump. These data indicate that SC measures correlate well with game performance and are specific by position. These data could help SC coaches create a more precise training approach to focus on improving specific measures by position, which could then translate to improved game performance. These data could also help coaches with talent identification to determine playing time and rotations to maximize player ability and achieve success.

Evaluation of Earbud and Wristwatch Heart Rate Monitors during Aerobic and Resistance Training.

Assessment of biometrics during exercise is evolving to create devices that are "all-inclusive", in an effort to decrease the number of devices required during exercise while providing comprehensive and accurate biometric measures. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of two optical heart rate monitors, the Jabra earbud and the Mio Alpha wristwatch, during aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Twenty-two recreationally active participants (25.4 ± 6.9 years, 171 ± 11 cm, 73.9 ± 3.1 kg, and 25.2 ± 9.2% body fat) completed this study. Participants completed 30 minutes of treadmill activity, 25 minutes of high-intensity interval exercise (HIT), and 40 minutes of continuous outdoor activity of their choice, walking or running. Three heart rate (HR) monitors, (Polar chest strap, Mio Alpha, Jabra earbud) were worn during all exercises, with the Polar chest strap serving as the benchmark. HR was assessed in one-second intervals. Analyses included mean bias, mean absolute percent error (MAPE), and Lin's concordance coefficient. Overall, the Mio Alpha had a MAPE of 5.73 ± 10.19% and a moderate correlation with the benchmark, r(c) = 0.771, performing better in the treadmill and outdoor conditions. The Jabra earbud had a MAPE of 3.14 ± 6.13%, and a high correlation with the benchmark, r(c) = 0.939, performing well in all three conditions. Placing a HR monitor in an earbud is a viable option for obtaining an accurate HR assessment during different types of exercise. The accuracy of the Mio Alpha was likely affected by wrist movements during the HIT training.

How Much Does Experience Matter in NCAA Division I Volleyball? A Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE:  To evaluate the relationship between years of collegiate playing experience and success of NCAA Division I volleyball programs. METHODS:  Data were gathered from the 2010-2015 seasons for each volleyball program in the "power five" conferences. Players that were involved in at least 66% of the sets were selected for analysis. Each player's years of college experience were tabulated and a team average experience score was created. This score was correlated with the end of season Ratings Percentage Index (RPI). Years with a significant correlation between success and experience were further analyzed for differences in on-court statistics by years of experience. RESULTS:   The range for team average experience score was 2.52-2.66. Only the 2012 season showed a moderate correlation between the team average score and RPI (ρ = -0.421, p = .001), indicating that more experienced teams finished with a higher national ranking. Within this year, teams with more experience had a statistically significant (p < .05) higher season win percentage, higher conference win percentage, higher hitting percentage, more kills/set, and more assists/set than teams with low or only moderate experience. CONCLUSIONS:  These data suggest that more collegiate playing experience does not always result in a significantly more successful season, but trends indicate that a relationship does exist between experience and success. In the one year that showed significance, more experienced teams had more favorable statistics related to skills that terminate play (e.g., kills) rather than ball control skills (e.g., digs and passing).

Assessment of step accuracy using the Consumer Technology Association standard.

The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of commercially-available physical activity devices when walking and running at various treadmill speeds using CTA 2056: Physical Activity Monitoring for Fitness Wearables: Step Counting, standard by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). Twenty participants (10 males and 10 females) completed self-paced walking and running protocols on the treadmill for five minutes each. Eight devices (Apple iWatch series 1, Fitbit Surge, Garmin 235, Moto 360, Polar A360, Suunto Spartan Sport, Suunto Spartan Trainer, and TomTom Spark 3) were tested two at a time, one per wrist. Manual step counts were obtained from video to serve as the benchmark. The mean absolute percent error (MAPE) was calculated during walking and running. During walking, three devices: Fitbit Surge (11.20%), Suunto Sport (22.93%), and TomTom (10.11%) and during running, one device, Polar (10.66%), exceeded the CTA suggestion of a MAPE < 10%. The Moto 360 had the lowest MAPE of all devices for both walking and running. The devices tested had higher step accuracy with running than walking, except for the Polar. Overall, the Apple iWatch series 1, Moto 360, Garmin, and Suunto Spartan Trainer met the CTA standard for both walking and running.

Eccentric and blood flow restriction exercises in women induce hypertrophy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to assess the mechanical and metabolic effects of eccentric (ECC) resistance training and blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise on the elbow flexors in recreationally trained females. METHODS: Seventeen females (ECC: 30.0±7.6 years, 165.6±5.4 cm, 67.1±8.5 kg; ECC+BFR: 24.4±2.2 years, 163.7±9.3 cm, 67.6±12.2 kg) were randomized to two groups and trained twice weekly for four weeks. The ECC+BFR group trained at 30% 1-rep max (1-RM), 3x20 repetitions, and the ECC group trained at 60% 1-RM, 3×10 repetitions. The BFR cuff was pressurized to 60% of maximal occlusion. Both groups performed the ECC portion of a bicep curl with assistance to return the arm back to starting position. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and blood lactate were measured each week. Testing was conducted at baseline and post-training and included: body composition, thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the elbow flexors, arm circumference, bicep curl 1-RM, and inverted rows to exhaustion. RESULTS: There was no significant group difference for any of the variables (P>0.05). A training effect was shown with both groups increasing right arm circumference (P=0.004), muscle thickness (P<0.001), CSA (P=0.001), 1-RM for the right (P=0.001) and left arms (P=0.014), and inverted rows (P=0.001). Both groups showed significant decreases in lactate (P=0.047) and RPE (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Females can produce muscular gains with ECC and BFR training similar to previous results seen in males.

Effects of Adherence to a Higher Protein Diet on Weight Loss, Markers of Health, and Functional Capacity in Older Women Participating in a Resistance-Based Exercise Program.

Resistance training and maintenance of a higher protein diet have been recommended to help older individuals maintain muscle mass. This study examined whether adherence to a higher protein diet while participating in a resistance-based exercise program promoted more favorable changes in body composition, markers of health, and/or functional capacity in older females in comparison to following a traditional higher carbohydrate diet or exercise training alone with no diet intervention. In total, 54 overweight and obese females (65.9 ± 4.7 years; 78.7 ± 11 kg, 30.5 ± 4.1 kg/m², 43.5 ± 3.6% fat) were randomly assigned to an exercise-only group (E), an exercise plus hypo-energetic higher carbohydrate (HC) diet, or a higher protein diet (HP) diet. Participants followed their respective diet plans and performed a supervised 30-min circuit-style resistance exercise program 3 d/wk. Participants were tested at 0, 10, and 14 weeks. Data were analyzed using univariate, multivariate, and repeated measures general linear model (GLM) statistics as well as one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) of changes from baseline with [95% confidence intervals]. Results revealed that after 14 weeks, participants in the HP group experienced significantly greater reductions in weight (E -1.3 ± 2.3, [-2.4, -0.2]; HC -3.0 ± 3.1 [-4.5, -1.5]; HP -4.8 ± 3.2, [-6.4, -3.1]%, p = 0.003), fat mass (E -2.7 ± 3.8, [-4.6, -0.9]; HC -5.9 ± 4.2 [-8.0, -3.9]; HP -10.2 ± 5.8 [-13.2, ⁻7.2%], p < 0.001), and body fat percentage (E -2.0 ± 3.5 [-3.7, -0.3]; HC -4.3 ± 3.2 [-5.9, -2.8]; HP -6.3 ± 3.5 [-8.1, -4.5] %, p = 0.002) with no significant reductions in fat-free mass or resting energy expenditure over time or among groups. Significant differences were observed in leptin (E -1.8 ± 34 [-18, 14]; HC 43.8 ± 55 [CI 16, 71]; HP -26.5 ± 70 [-63, -9.6] ng/mL, p = 0.001) and adiponectin (E 43.1 ± 76.2 [6.3, 79.8]; HC -27.9 ± 33.4 [-44.5, -11.3]; HP 52.3 ± 79 [11.9, 92.8] µg/mL, p = 0.001). All groups experienced significant improvements in muscular strength, muscular endurance, aerobic capacity, markers of balance and functional capacity, and several markers of health. These findings indicate that a higher protein diet while participating in a resistance-based exercise program promoted more favorable changes in body composition compared to a higher carbohydrate diet in older females.

The prone bridge test: Performance, validity, and reliability among older and younger adults.

INTRODUCTION: The prone bridge maneuver, or plank, has been viewed as a potential alternative to curl-ups for assessing trunk muscle performance. The purpose of this study was to assess prone bridge test performance, validity, and reliability among younger and older adults. METHOD: Sixty younger (20-35 years old) and 60 older (60-79 years old) participants completed this study. Groups were evenly divided by sex. Participants completed surveys regarding physical activity and abdominal exercise participation. Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference were measured. On two occasions, 5-9 days apart, participants held a prone bridge until volitional exhaustion or until repeated technique failure. Validity was examined using data from the first session: convergent validity by calculating correlations between survey responses, anthropometrics, and prone bridge time, known groups validity by using an ANOVA comparing bridge times of younger and older adults and of men and women. Test-retest reliability was examined by using a paired t-test to compare prone bridge times for Session1 and Session 2. Furthermore, an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to characterize relative reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC95%) was used to describe absolute reliability. RESULTS: The mean prone bridge time was 145.3 ± 71.5 s, and was positively correlated with physical activity participation (p ≤ 0.001) and negatively correlated with BMI and waist circumference (p ≤ 0.003). Younger participants had significantly longer plank times than older participants (p = 0.003). The ICC between testing sessions was 0.915. CONCLUSION: The prone bridge test is a valid and reliable measure for evaluating abdominal performance in both younger and older adults.