The Training and Tapering Practices of Highland Games Heavy Event Athletes.

ABSTRACT: Winwood, PW, Keogh, JW, Travis, SK, Grieve, I, and Pritchard, HJ. The training and tapering practices of Highland Games heavy event athletes. J Strength Cond Res 38(3): e116-e124, 2024-This study provides the first empirical evidence of how Highland Games heavy event athletes train and taper for Highland Games competitions. Athletes (n = 169) (mean ± SD: age 40.8 ± 10.7 years, height 181.2 ± 9.5 cm, weight 107.2 ± 23.0 kg, 18.8 ± 10.3 years of general resistance training, and 8.1 ± 6.9 years of competitive Highland Games experience) completed a self-reported 4-page online survey on training and tapering practices. Analysis by sex (male and female) and competitive standard (local or regional, national, and international) was conducted. Seventy-eight percent (n = 132) of athletes reported that they used a taper. Athletes stated that their taper length was 5.2 ± 3.5 days, with the step (36%) and linear tapers (33%) being the most performed. Athletes reported that their highest training volume and intensity were 5.5 and 3.8 weeks out (respectively) from competition, and all training ceased 2.4 ± 1.4 days before competition. Training volume decreased during the taper by 34%. Athletes typically stated that, tapering was performed to achieve recovery, peak performance, and injury prevention; training intensity, frequency, and duration stayed the same or decreased; game-specific training increased with reductions in traditional exercises; the caber toss, weight for height, and heavy weight throw were performed further out from competition than other events; muscular power and strength were the most common types of training performed; static stretching, foam rolling, and massage were strategies used in the taper; and poor tapering occurred because of life/work circumstances, lack of sleep/rest, or training too heavy/hard. These results may aid Highland Games athletes to optimize training and tapering variables leading to improved performances.

Effects of 56-Kilogram Kettlebell Swing Endpoint on Total Body Mechanics.

ABSTRACT: Ross, JA, Keogh, JWL, Lorenzen, C, and Lake, J. Effects of 56-kilogram kettlebell swing endpoint on total body mechanics. J Strength Cond Res 37(12): 2333-2338, 2023-In the past 2 decades, kettlebell training popularity has increased and the range of kettlebells has expanded to 2-92 kg. However, commercially available kettlebells above 56 kg have 12 kg increments, so alternatives to load are required to provide a suitable way of increasing training stimulus until the athlete is strong enough for a load increase. This study aimed to determine the differences in the force plate-derived biomechanical characteristics of heavy kettlebell swings to 3 different heights, as altering the height of the kettlebell swing may be one way to alter the mechanical demands with the same kettlebell mass. Fifteen resistance-trained men performed the kettlebell swing to acromion process height (AH), acromion process height + 20% (AH+20), and acromion process height-20% (AH-20). Swing height significantly affected vertical braking and propulsion phase net impulse and displacement, vertical braking velocity, and braking and propulsion work but not braking and propulsion duration. Altering kettlebell swing trajectory endpoint is a method to regress/progress the demands of kettlebell training. Coaches may be able to alter the acute demands and likely chronic adaptations of kettlebell training by prescribing different swing heights and kettlebell masses to their athletes.

The Tapering Practices of Competitive Weightlifters.

ABSTRACT: Winwood, PW, Keogh, JW, Travis, SK, and Pritchard, HJ. The tapering practices of competitive weightlifters. J Strength Cond Res 37(4): 829-839, 2023-This study explored the tapering strategies of weightlifting athletes. Weightlifting athletes ( n = 146) (mean ± SD ; age: 29.2 ± 8.7 years, height: 172.5 ± 10.1 cm, body mass: 84.0 ± 17.2 kg, 4.7 ± 3.4 years of weightlifting training experience, and 3.9 ± 3.3 years of competitive weightlifting experience) completed a self-reported 4-page, 39-item internet survey on tapering practices. Subgroup analysis by sex (male and female) and competitive standard (local or regional, national and international level) was conducted. Ninety-nine percent ( n = 144) of weightlifting athletes reported they used a taper. Athletes stated that their typical taper length was 8.0 ± 4.4 days, with the linear (36%) and step tapers (33%) being the most performed. Training volume decreased during the taper by 43.1 ± 14.6%, and athletes ceased all training 1.5 ± 0.6 days out from competition. Muscular strength, light technique work, and aerobic conditioning were the most common types of training performed in the taper. Athletes typically stated that tapering was performed to achieve rest and recovery, physical preparation for peak performance and mental preparation; training intensity and training duration decreased whereas training frequency remained the same or decreased; traditional exercises were performed further out from competition than weightlifting exercises; assistance exercises and some strength work were reduced; nutritional changes, foam rolling, static stretching, and massage were strategies used in the taper; and poor tapering occurred because of training too heavy, too hard, or too light and life-work circumstances. These results may aid athletes and coaches in strength sports to optimize tapering variables leading to improved performances.

"If somebody had told me I'd feel like I do now, I wouldn't have believed them " older adults' experiences of the BELL trial: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined older adults' experiences of participating in the Ballistic Exercise of the Lower Limb (BELL) trial, involving 12-weeks of group-based hardstyle kettlebell training. METHODS: In the BELL trial, 28 insufficiently active older adults (15 women, 13 men, 59-79 years) completed six weeks of face-to-face group training, and six weeks of home-based training. In-depth semi-structured interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and inductively coded, with themes constructed from patterns of shared meaning. RESULTS: Four higher-order themes were developed that reflect older adults' experiences participating in a group-exercise program of hardstyle kettlebell training. These included: (1) "It's one of the best things we've done"-enjoying the physical and psychosocial benefits, (2) "It's improved it tremendously!"-change in a long-term health condition, (3) "It put me on a better course"-overcoming challenges, and (4) "I wasn't just a number"-feeling part of a group/community. DISCUSSION: Findings highlight the perceived physical and psychological benefits of older adults participating in hardstyle group kettlebell training, and the value attributed to being part of an age-matched community of like-minded people engaged in group exercise. Implications for program design and delivery, and future research, are discussed.

Effects of supervised high-intensity hardstyle kettlebell training on grip strength and health-related physical fitness in insufficiently active older adults: the BELL pragmatic controlled trial.

The Ballistic Exercise of the Lower Limb (BELL) trial examined the efficacy and safety of a pragmatic hardstyle kettlebell training program in older adults. Insufficiently active men and women aged 59-79 years, were recruited to a 6-month repeated measures study, involving 3-months usual activity and 3-months progressive hardstyle kettlebell training. Health-related physical fitness outcomes included: grip strength [GS], 6-min walk distance [6MWD], resting heart rate [HR], stair-climb [SC], leg extensor strength [LES], hip extensor strength [HES], Sit-To-Stand [STS], vertical jump [CMVJ], five-times floor transfer [5xFT], 1RM deadlift, body composition (DXA), attendance, and adverse events. Sixteen males (68.8 ± 4.6 yrs, 176.2 ± 7.8 cm, 90.7 ± 11.0 kg, 29.2 ± 2.6 kg/m2) and sixteen females (68.6 ± 4.7 yrs, 163.9 ± 5.4 cm, 70.4 ± 12.7 kg, 26.3 ± 4.9 kg/m2) were recruited. Compliance with the supervised exercise program was very high (91.5%). Kettlebell training increased GS (R: MD = 7.1 kg 95% CI [4.9, 9.3], L: MD = 6.3 kg 95% CI [4.1, 8.4]), 6MWD (41.7 m, 95% CI [17.9, 65.5]), 1RM (16.2 kg, 95% CI [2.4, 30.0]), 30 s STS (3.3 reps, 95% CI [0.9, 5.7]), LES (R: MD = 61.6 N, 95% CI [4.4, 118.8]), HES (L: MD = 21.0 N,95% CI [4.2,37.8]), appendicular skeletal lean mass (MD = 0.65 kg, 95% CI [0.08, 1.22]), self-reported health change (17.1%, 95% CI [4.4, 29.8]) and decreased SC time (2.7 s, 95% CI [0.2, 5.2]), 5xFT time (6.0 s, 95% CI [2.2, 9.8]) and resting HR (7.4 bpm, 95% CI [0.7, 14.1]). There were four non-serious adverse events. Mean individual training load for group training sessions during the trial was 100,977 ± 9,050 kg. High-intensity hardstyle kettlebell training was well tolerated and improved grip strength and measures of health-related physical fitness in insufficiently active older adults.Trial registration: Prospectively registered: 20/08/2019, Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619001177145).

Effects of 4 Weeks of Active Exergames Training on Muscular Fitness in Elderly Women.

ABSTRACT: Gallardo-Meza, C, Simon, K, Bustamante-Ara, N, Ramirez-Campillo, R, García-Pinillos, F, Keogh, JWL, and Izquierdo, M. Effects of 4 weeks of active exergames training on muscular fitness in elderly women. J Strength Cond Res 36(2): 427-432, 2022-To analyze the effects of 4 weeks of an active exergames training program on muscular fitness in older women, 2 groups of community dwelling physically active subjects were formed by block-design randomization. One was deemed the control group (CG, n = 37; age 68.1 ± 3.3 years), and a second group completed 4 weeks of an active exergames training program (ExG, n = 35; age, 69.2 ± 3.7 years). Training included active exergames (Wii Fit Plus) performed on the Wii Balanceboard, 2 sessions per week. The exergames required mainly balance-related movements, such as leaning forward, leftward, and rightward, also requiring isometric squat positions and explosive leg extension. A supervisor-to-subject ratio method of 2:1 was used. An intensity-based individual progressive overload was applied. There were no significant (all p > 0.05, d = 0.01-0.07) baseline differences between-groups for all dependent variables. For the ExG, significant improvements were observed in static balance right leg test (Δ75.5%, d = 0.89), static balance left leg (Δ33.7%, d = 0.57), timed up-and-go test (Δ14.8%, d = 0.85) and sit-to-stand velocity test (Δ83.8%, d = 1.62). For the control group, trivial to small decrements in performance were observed across all tests (Δ -2.1 to -8.4%, d = -0.08 to 0.32). Group × time interactions were observed for the static balance right and left leg, timed up-and-go test, and the mean velocity achieved in the 5-repetition sit-to-stand test (all p < 0.001; d = 0.33-0.60). In conclusion, exergames training improves muscular fitness in older women. These results should be considered when designing appropriate and better exercise training programs for older women.

COVID-19 and Social Isolation: A Case for Why Home-Based Resistance Training Is Needed to Maintain Musculoskeletal and Psychosocial Health for Older Adults.

The coronavirus disease outbreak in China has become the world's leading health headline and is causing major panic and public concerns. Public health guidelines in many countries are suggesting that people stay at home to avoid human-to-human transmission of the virus, which may lead to reduced physical activity and greater feelings of isolation. Such effects may be particularly problematic in older adults due to their reduced physical capacities and their potential for increased mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. A potential way to minimize many of these side effects of stay-at-home guidelines may be progressive home-based resistance training. A simple way to provide progressive overload in home-based resistance training may involve elastic resistance, which has been demonstrated to provide similar benefits to traditional resistance training equipment typically found in gymnasiums. Recommendations on how older adults can safely and effectively perform elastic resistance training at home are provided.

Validation of Spatiotemporal and Kinematic Measures in Functional Exercises Using a Minimal Modeling Inertial Sensor Methodology.

This study proposes a minimal modeling magnetic, angular rate and gravity (MARG) methodology for assessing spatiotemporal and kinematic measures of functional fitness exercises. Thirteen healthy persons performed repetitions of the squat, box squat, sandbag pickup, shuffle-walk, and bear crawl. Sagittal plane hip, knee, and ankle range of motion (ROM) and stride length, stride time, and stance time measures were compared for the MARG method and an optical motion capture (OMC) system. The root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and Bland-Altman plots and limits of agreement were used to assess agreement between methods. Hip and knee ROM showed good to excellent agreement with the OMC system during the squat, box squat, and sandbag pickup (RMSE: 4.4-9.8°), while ankle ROM agreement ranged from good to unacceptable (RMSE: 2.7-7.2°). Unacceptable hip and knee ROM agreement was observed for the shuffle-walk and bear crawl (RMSE: 3.3-8.6°). The stride length, stride time, and stance time showed good to excellent agreement between methods (MAPE: (3.2 ± 2.8)%-(8.2 ± 7.9)%). Although the proposed MARG-based method is a valid means of assessing spatiotemporal and kinematic measures during various exercises, further development is required to assess the joint kinematics of small ROM, high velocity movements.

Hamstring Myoelectrical Activity During Three Different Kettlebell Swing Exercises.

Del Monte, MJ, Opar, DA, Timmins, RG, Ross, JA, Keogh, JWL, and Lorenzen, C. Hamstring myoelectrical activity during three different kettlebell swing exercises. J Strength Cond Res 34(7): 1953-1958, 2020-Kettlebell exercises have become an increasingly popular form of resistance training and component of lower-body rehabilitative training programs, despite a lack of scientific literature illustrating internal mechanisms and effectiveness of these approaches. Participants (n = 14) performed 3 different styles of kettlebell swings (hip hinge, squat, and double knee extension) and were assessed for medial hamstrings (MHs) and biceps femoris (BF) myoelectrical activity through surface electromyography (sEMG). Bipolar pregelled Ag/AgCl sEMG electrodes (10 mm diameter, 20 mm interelectrode distance) were placed on the participant's dominant limb after correct skin preparation. There was a main effect for swing type (p = 0.004), where the hip hinge swing elicited a greater overall MH and BF sEMG in comparison with the squat swing (mean difference = 3.92; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.53-6.32; p = 0.002) and the double knee extension swing (mean difference = 5.32; 95% CI = 0.80-9.83; p = 0.020). Across all swing types, normalized percentage of MH sEMG was significantly higher compared with the BF (mean difference = 9.93; 95% CI = 1.67-18.19; p = 0.022). The hip hinge kettlebell swing produced the greatest amount of hamstring sEMG for the 3 styles of kettlebell swings assessed. These findings have implications for the application of kettlebell swing exercises in strength and conditioning, injury prevention, and rehabilitation programs.

The Competition-Day Preparation Strategies of Strongman Athletes.

Winwood, PW, Pritchard, HJ, Wilson, D, Dudson, M, and Keogh, JWL. The competition-day preparation strategies of strongman athletes. J Strength Cond Res 33(9): 2308-2320, 2019-This study provides the first empirical evidence of the competition-day preparation strategies used by strongman athletes. Strongman athletes (n = 132) (mean ± SD: 33.7 ± 8.1 years, 178.2 ± 11.1 cm, 107.0 ± 28.6 kg, 12.8 ± 8.0 years general resistance training, 5.9 ± 4.8 years strongman implement training) completed a self-reported 4-page internet survey on their usual competition-day preparation strategies. Analysis of the overall group and by sex, age, body mass, and competitive standard was conducted. Ninety-four percent of strongman athletes used warm-ups in competition, which were generally self-directed. The typical warm-up length was 16.0 ± 8.9 minutes, and 8.5 ± 4.3 minutes was the perceived optimal rest time before the start of an event. The main reasons for warming up were injury prevention, to increase activation, and increase blood flow/circulation, temperature, and heart rate. Athletes generally stated that competition warm-ups were practiced in training. Dynamic stretching, foam rolling, and myofascial release work were performed during warm-ups. Warm-up intensity was monitored using the rate of perceived exertion, perceived speed of movement, and training load (as a percentage of 1 repetition maximum). Cognitive strategies were used to improve competition performance, and psychological arousal levels needed to increase or be maintained in competition. Electrolyte drinks, caffeine, and preworkout supplements were the commonly used supplements. These data will provide strongman athletes and coaches some insight into common competition-day preparation strategies, which may enhance competition performances. Future research could compare different competition-day preparation strategies in an attempt to further improve strongman competition performance and injury prevention.

Short-Term Training Cessation as a Method of Tapering to Improve Maximal Strength.

Pritchard, HJ, Barnes, MJ, Stewart, RJC, Keogh, JWL, and McGuigan, MR. Short-term training cessation as a method of tapering to improve maximal strength. J Strength Cond Res 32(2): 458-465, 2018-The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 2 different durations of training cessation on upper- and lower-body maximal strength performance and to investigate the mechanisms underlying performance changes following short-term training cessation. Eight resistance trained males (23.8 ± 5.4 years, 79.6 ± 10.2 kg, 1.80 ± 0.06 m, relative deadlift 1 repetition maximum of 1.90 ± 0.30 times bodyweight [BW]) each completed two 4-week strength training periods followed by either 3.5 days (3.68 ± 0.12 days) or 5.5 days (5.71 ± 0.13 days) of training cessation. Testing occurred pretraining (T1), on the final day of training (T2), and after each respective period of training cessation (T3). Participants were tested for salivary testosterone and cortisol, plasma creatine kinase, psychological profiles, and performance tests (countermovement jump [CMJ], isometric midthigh pull, and isometric bench press [IBP]) on a force plate. Participants' BW increased significantly over time (p = 0.022). The CMJ height and IBP peak force showed significant increases over time (p = 0.013, 0.048, and 0.004, respectively). Post hoc testing showed a significant increase between T1 and T3 for both CMJ height and IBP peak force (p = 0.022 and 0.008 with effect sizes of 0.30 and 0.21, respectively). No other significant differences were seen for any other measures. These results suggest that a short period of strength training cessation can have positive effects on maximal strength expression, perhaps because of decreases in neuromuscular fatigue.

Tapering Practices of Strongman Athletes.

Winwood, PW, Dudson, MK, Wilson, D, Mclaren-Harrison, JKH, Redjkins, V, Pritchard, HJ, and Keogh, JWL. Tapering practices of strongman athletes. J Strength Cond Res 32(5): 1181-1196, 2018-This study provides the first empirical evidence of how strongman athletes taper for strongman competitions. Strongman athletes (n = 454) (mean ± SD: 33.2 ± 8.0 years, 178.1 ± 10.6 cm, 108.6 ± 27.9 kg, 12.6 ± 8.9 years general resistance training, 5.3 ± 5.0 years strongman implement training) completed a self-reported 4-page internet survey on tapering practices. Analysis by sex (male and female), age (≤30 and >30 years), body mass (≤105 and >105 kg), and competitive standard (local/regional amateur, national amateur and professional) was conducted. Eighty-seven percent (n = 396) of strongman athletes reported that they used a taper. Athletes stated that their typical taper length was 8.6 ± 5.0 days, with the step taper the most commonly performed taper (52%). Training volume decreased during the taper by 45.5 ± 12.9%, and all training ceased 3.9 ± 1.8 days out from competition. Typically, athletes reported that training frequency and training duration stayed the same or decreased and training intensity decreased to around 50% in the last week. Athletes generally stated that tapering was performed to achieve recovery, rest, and peak performance; the deadlift, yoke walk, and stone lifts/work took longer to recover from than other lifts; assistance exercises were reduced or removed in the taper; massage, foam rolling, nutritional changes, and static stretching were strategies used in the taper; and, poor tapering occurred when athletes trained too heavy/hard or had too short a taper. These data will assist strongman athletes and coaches in the optimization of tapering variables leading to more peak performances. Future research could investigate the priming and preactivation strategies strongman athletes use on competition day.

Benefits and Barriers of Cancer Practitioners Discussing Physical Activity with their Cancer Patients.

Our aim was to synthesise the existing empirical literature and theoretical perspectives on the physical activity (PA) promotion practices and determinants of cancer clinicians and health professionals. We conducted a narrative review of theory and evidence to develop practice recommendations for improving the promotion of PA to cancer patients. Surveyed health professionals were aware of many benefits of PA for their cancer patients, although only ~40 % promoted PA to selected cancer patients. Walking was the most commonly promoted form of PA, with this promoted to assist patients control their weight and cardiovascular health risk. Barriers to promotion of PA included lack of time and knowledge of PA and behaviour change skills. Health professionals appear interested in promoting PA to their cancer patients, yet encounter several barriers. Further research is warranted to assist health professionals improve their PA promotion. An adapted reflective-impulsive model of social behaviour shows promise for assisting health professionals overcome barriers and provides an evidence-based theoretical framework for improving communication with patients. Universities, hospitals and/or health-care accreditation organisations also have important roles to play in assisting health professionals improve their promotion of PA to patients.

Correlates Between Force and Postural Tremor in Older Individuals with Essential Tremor.

Essential tremor (ET) is commonly associated with kinetic tremor. However, other forms of tremor, such as force and postural tremor, may occur in ET with less severity. This study objectively assessed force and postural tremor characteristics in ET with the purpose of identifying the relationships between these tremors. Ten individuals with ET (age 71 ± 5 years) and ten healthy controls (age 70 ± 5 years) participated in the study. Force tremor was quantified as fluctuations in index finger abduction force during isometric contractions at 10 % maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and 60 % MVC. Postural tremor was quantified as index finger acceleration when the subjects held their entire arm unsupported, and when their arm was supported so that only the index finger could move. Time- and frequency-domain parameters were extracted from tremor data, and then correlations within, and between, tremor subtypes were examined. ET force tremor was dependent on contraction intensity whereas postural tremor was unaffected by the level of limb support. Significant correlations existed between frequency components of postural tremor and force tremor amplitude. Force tremor amplitude normalised to the level of contraction intensity correlated to the proportion of power for postural tremor. These correlations were observed for both contraction intensities and both levels of postural support. The proportion of power represents the output of central oscillators in ET patients and therefore correlated well to force tremor. Given that significant relationships existed between spectral features of postural tremor and the overall force tremor amplitude, it is clear that these tremor modalities are not completely independent in older adults with ET.

Effects of two neuromuscular training programs on running biomechanics with load carriage: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, athletes have ventured into ultra-endurance and adventure racing events, which tests their ability to race, navigate, and survive. These events often require race participants to carry some form of load, to bear equipment for navigation and survival purposes. Previous studies have reported specific alterations in biomechanics when running with load which potentially influence running performance and injury risk. We hypothesize that a biomechanically informed neuromuscular training program would optimize running mechanics during load carriage to a greater extent than a generic strength training program. METHODS: This will be a two group, parallel randomized controlled trial design, with single assessor blinding. Thirty healthy runners will be recruited to participate in a six weeks neuromuscular training program. Participants will be randomized into either a generic training group, or a biomechanically informed training group. Primary outcomes include self-determined running velocity with a 20 % body weight load, jump power, hopping leg stiffness, knee extensor and triceps-surae strength. Secondary outcomes include running kinetics and kinematics. Assessments will occur at baseline and post-training. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, no training programs are available that specifically targets a runner's ability to carry load while running. This will provide sport scientists and coaches with a foundation to base their exercise prescription on. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ANZCTR ( ACTRN12616000023459 ) (14 Jan 2016).

The Acute Potentiating Effects of Heavy Sled Pulls on Sprint Performance.

This study examined the acute potentiating effects of heavy sprint-style sled pulls on sprint performance. Twenty-two experienced resistance-trained rugby athletes performed 2 heavy sprint-style sled pull training protocols on separate occasions using a randomized, crossover, and counterbalanced design. The protocols consisted of 2-baseline 15 m sprints followed by 15 m sprints at 4, 8, and 12 minutes after completing 15 and 7.5 m heavy sled pulls with loads of 75 and 150% body mass (respectively). A significantly faster (p ≤ 0.05) 15 m sprint time was observed at 12 minutes for the 75% body mass load. Small nonsignificant improvements (effect size [ES] = 0.22-0.33) in 5, 10, and 15 m sprint times were observed at 8 and 12 minutes after the 75% body mass sled pull. No significant changes were observed for any sprint time after the 150% body mass sled pull. Significant differences in the percentage of change in sprint times between the 2 sled pull conditions were observed at 4 (ES = 0.44-0.52), 8 (ES = 0.59), and 12 minutes (ES = 0.64). It would seem that the 75% body mass sled pull can be an effective preload stimulus for improving subsequent sprint performance provided that adequate recovery (8-12 minutes) is allowed. Practitioners should be advised that prescription of training load based on decrement in sprint velocity may be the best approach to determine loading for athletes.

Impact of resistance training on sarcopenia in nursing care facilities: A pilot study.

The impact of progressive resistance training on sarcopenia among very old institutionalized adults was investigated. Residents of Nursing Care Facilities were included in a controlled trial of twice weekly resistance and balance exercise program for six months (Age: 85.9 ± 7.5 years, Time in care: 707.1 ± 707.5 days, N = 21 per group). Sarcopenia was measured based on the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria. Of the recruited 42 participants, 35.7% had sarcopenia at baseline, with prevalence increasing in the control group post-intervention (42.9%-52.4%). Following training, the exercise group experienced a significant increase in grip strength when compared to controls (p = .02), and a within-group decrease in body mass index and increase in grip strength (p ≤ .007). Resistance and balance exercise has positive benefits for older adults residing in a nursing care facilities which may transfer to reduce disability and sarcopenia transition, but more work is needed to ensure improved program uptake among residents.

Strongman vs. traditional resistance training effects on muscular function and performance.

Currently, no evidence exists as to the effectiveness of strongman training programs for performance enhancement. This study compared the effects of 7 weeks of strongman resistance training vs. traditional resistance training on body composition, strength, power, and speed measures. Thirty experienced resistance-trained rugby players were randomly assigned to one of the 2 groups; strongman (n = 15; mean ± SD: age, 23.4 ± 5.6 years; body mass, 91.2 ± 14.8 kg; height, 180.1 ± 6.8 cm) or traditional (n = 15; mean ± SD: age, 22.5 ± 3.4 years; body mass, 93.7 ± 12.3 kg; height, 181.3 ± 5.9 cm). The strongman and traditional training programs required the participants to train twice a week and contained exercises that were matched for biomechanical similarity with equal loading. Participants were assessed for body composition, strength, power, speed, and change of direction (COD) performance. Within-group analyses indicated that all performance measures improved with training (0.2-7%) in both the strongman and traditional training groups. No significant between-group differences were observed in functional performance measures after 7 weeks of resistance training. Between-group differences indicated small positive effects in muscle mass and acceleration performance and large improvements in 1 repetition maximum (1RM) bent over row strength associated with strongman compared with traditional training. Small to moderate positive changes in 1RM squat and deadlift strength, horizontal jump, COD turning ability, and sled push performance were associated with traditional compared with strongman training. Practitioners now have the first evidence on the efficacy of a strongman training program, and it would seem that short-term strongman training programs are as effective as traditional resistance training programs in improving aspects of body composition, muscular function, and performance.

The lived experience of physically active older prostate cancer survivors on androgen deprivation therapy.

This study sought to explore the lived experiences of physically active prostate cancer survivors on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), who exercise individually. Three older men (74-88 years old) with prostate cancer, using ADT continuously for at least 12 months and regularly exercising for at least 6 months, participated in this qualitative pilot study, informed by interpretive phenomenology. Data were gathered using individual semi-structured interviews, audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Coherent stories were drawn from each transcript and analyzed using iterative and interpretive methods. van Manen's lifeworld existentials provided a framework for interpreting across the research text. Three notions emerged: Getting started, Having a routine and Being with music. Together they reveal what drew the participants to exercising regularly despite the challenges associated with their cancer and treatments. This study provides insights into the benefits of, and what it means for, older men with prostate cancer to regularly exercise individually. These findings may assist cancer clinicians and other allied health professionals to be more attuned to prostate cancer survivors' lived experiences when undergoing ADT, allowing clinicians to better promote regular exercise to their patients as a foundational component of living well.

Physical and psychosocial function in residential aged-care elders: effect of Nintendo Wii Sports games.

This mixed-methods, quasi-experimental pilot study examined whether the Nintendo Wii Sports (NWS) active video game (exergame) system could significantly improve the functional ability, physical activity levels, and quality of life of 34 older adults (4 men and 30 women, 83 ± 8 yr) living in 2 residential aged-care (RAC) centers. Change score analyses indicated the intervention group had significantly greater increases in bicep curl muscular endurance, physical activity levels, and psychological quality of life than the control group (p < .05). Analysis of the quotes underlying the 3 themes (feeling silly, feeling good; having fun; and something to look forward to) suggested that intervention group participants developed a sense of empowerment and achievement after some initial reluctance and anxiousness. They felt that the games were fun and provided an avenue for greater socialization. These results add some further support to the utilization of NWS exergames in the RAC context.