The Strength Characteristics of Elite and Subelite Female Gaelic Football Players.

ABSTRACT: Hughes, W, Healy, R, Lyons, M, Higginbotham, C, Lane, A, and Beattie, K. The strength characteristics of elite and subelite female Gaelic football players. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): 1072-1081, 2024-There is currently an underrepresentation of sports science research focused on the female athlete, specifically in the context of Gaelic football. The aims of this study are to (a) compare the strength characteristics of elite and subelite players and (b) establish normative-based values and percentile scores for the strength characteristics of female Gaelic football players. Ninety-two female Gaelic football players were recruited for this study and subsequently categorized as elite (intercounty n = 30, age; 25.1 ± 5.3 years, stature; 1.69 ± 0.06 m, mass; 69.5 ± 5.9 kg) or subelite (club n = 62, age; 25.4 ± 6.8 years, stature; 1.66 ± 0.06 m, mass; 65.1 ± 8.9 kg). The physical strength characteristics of the subjects were assessed through the isometric midthigh pull (IMTP), countermovement jump (CMJ), and 10-5 repeated jump test. Statistically significant differences were found in the physical strength characteristics between the groups with elite players demonstrating greater peak force (large effect), relative peak force (moderate effect), and reactive strength index (large effect). Statistically significant differences were also observed for key CMJ phase characteristics with elite players producing greater RSI mod (moderate effect), jump height (large effect), and propulsion peak power (large effect) than subelite players. This study demonstrated that there are moderate to large differences between playing standards with elite players displaying superior reactive-, explosive-, and maximal-strength than their subelite counterparts. The strength characteristics evaluated in this study may be used in conjunction with other performance indices to distinguish between elite and subelite playing standards in female Gaelic football players.

Orellanine: From Fungal Origin to a Potential Future Cancer Treatment.

Fungal metabolites represent an underutilized resource in the development of novel anticancer drugs. This review will focus on the promising fungal nephrotoxin orellanine, found in mushrooms including Cortinarius orellanus (Fools webcap). Emphasis will be placed on its historical significance, structural features, and associated toxicomechanics. Chromatographic methods for analysis of the compound and its metabolites, its synthesis, and chemotherapeutic potential are also discussed. Although orellanine's exceptional selectivity for proximal tubular cells is well documented, the mechanics of its toxicity in kidney tissue remains disputed. Here, the most commonly proposed hypotheses are detailed in the context of the molecule's structure, the symptoms seen following ingestion, and its characteristic prolonged latency period. Chromatographic analysis of orellanine and its related substances remains challenging, while biological evaluation of the compound is complicated by uncertainty regarding the role of active metabolites. This has limited efforts to structurally refine the molecule; despite numerous established methods for its synthesis, there is minimal published material on how orellanine's structure might be optimized for therapeutic use. Despite these obstacles, orellanine has generated promising data in preclinical studies of metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma, leading to the early 2022 announcement of phase I/II trials in humans.

The Interplay Between Expected Psychological Responses to Exercise and Physical Activity in Analogue Generalized Anxiety Disorder: a Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Expectations for psychological responses to exercise are not well characterized, particularly in people at risk for anxiety-related illnesses. Given the substantial evidence for salutary effects of exercise on anxiety symptoms and emerging recognition for expectations as a critical mechanism of placebo/nocebo effects, this study explored the interplay between expectations and physical activity in young adults with and without analogue generalized anxiety disorder. METHODS: Participants (N=470, 23.2±4.8 years, 63% female) completed a physical activity and mood survey, including a 7-day physical activity recall questionnaire, and a 20-item questionnaire designed to measure positive and negative expectations for psychological and perceptual responses to exercise, particularly expectations for symptoms in the generalized anxiety disorder symptom profile. Analogue generalized anxiety disorder status was determined using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder subscale of the Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire. RESULTS: For select outcomes, expected exercise-induced changes significantly differed according to analogue generalized anxiety disorder (whole-body pain, sleep quality, psychological well-being, stress, relaxation) and active versus inactive (anxious mood, depressed mood, concentration, physical function, psychological well-being, relaxation) status. However, these findings did not survive corrections for multiple comparisons and the magnitude of these differences was small, approximating 0.25 standard deviations. Expectations for anxious (Spearman's ρ=-0.14, p≤0.002) and depressed mood (ρ=-0.15, p≤0.002), and psychological well-being (ρ=0.15, p≤0.001) were significantly associated with higher physical activity levels. Exercise expectations for anxious mood explained a significant, but small (+1.5%, p≤0.03), amount of variance in physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Expectations for exercise-induced improvements did not significantly differ between young adults based on analogue generalized anxiety disorder or physical activity status.

Equitable and timely access to outpatient COVID-19 treatment: A review of centralized workflow implementation at an integrated health system.

BACKGROUND: During the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic, health care entities had to adapt to rapidly changing research and best practices in disease prevention and treatment to maintain the delivery of high-quality patient care. Prompt interdisciplinary efforts amongst physician, pharmacist, nursing, and information technology teammates are needed to develop robust centralized strategies to allocate and administer COVID-19 therapies in the ambulatory setting. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this analysis is to demonstrate the impact of a system-wide, centralized workflow on referral times and treatment outcomes for COVID-19 infected patients in the ambulatory setting. METHODS: Upon release of monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of COVID-19, a centralized approach for patient treatment referrals to the University of North Carolina Health Virtual Practice team was developed due to the limited supply. Collaboration with infectious disease colleagues played a pivotal role in the rapid application of therapeutic guidance and creation of treatment prioritization levels. RESULTS: From November 2020 through February 2022, the centralized workflow team facilitated the administration of over 17,000 COVID-19 treatment infusions. The median time from treatment referral to infusion was 2 days from a positive COVID-19 test result. From January through February 2022, 514 oral COVID-19 treatment courses were dispensed from the health system's outpatient pharmacies. The median time from referral to treatment was 1 day from diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Given the ongoing strain and demand of COVID-19 on the health care system, a centralized, multidisciplinary team of experts allowed for efficient delivery of COVID-19 therapies through one provider touchpoint. The collaboration between outpatient pharmacies, infusion sites, and Virtual Practice culminated in a sustainable, centralized treatment approach that supported widespread reach, and equitable dose distribution, to the most vulnerable patient populations.

The Association Between Training Load Indices and Injuries in Elite Soccer Players.

ABSTRACT: Tiernan, C, Comyns, T, Lyons, M, Nevill, AM, and Warrington, G. The association between training load indices and injuries in elite soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 36(11): 3143-3150, 2022-To investigate the association between contact injuries, noncontact injuries, and training load indices, across different lag periods in elite soccer players. Internal load (session rate of perceived exertion) was collected from 15 elite soccer players over 1 season (40-weeks). Acute (7 days), chronic (28 days), acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) (uncoupled), exponentially weighted moving averages (EWMA) ACWR, and 2-, 3-, and 4-week cumulative load were calculated on a rolling weekly basis. Multilevel logistic regression was used to analyze the associations between contact, noncontact injuries, and training load indices, across different lag periods (5 and 7 days). A player was at a significantly higher risk of a noncontact injury 5 days later, if week-to-week acute load changes increased (odds ratio [OR] = 1.97). An increase in EWMA ACWR was associated with an increased risk of both a contact (OR = 1.30) and noncontact injury (OR = 1.35), 5 days later. An increase in 2-week cumulative load (OR = 1.77) was associated with an increased risk of a contact injury 7 days later and 3-week cumulative load (OR = 1.55) 5 days later. These findings suggest that to reduce the potential risk of a noncontact injury, training load should be gradually increased, avoiding an increase in week-to-week acute load change (≥9%) or EWMA ACWR (>1.20). Findings indicated that EWMA ACWR may be a more sensitive measure for detecting a player at a higher risk of an injury than ACWR. Furthermore, a high 2- and 3-week cumulative load was associated with an increased risk of a contact injury, which may indicate accumulated fatigue. Practitioners must note that this study investigated associations with injury risk and not injury prediction.

Training load monitoring in team sports: a practical approach to addressing missing data.

Training load (TL) is a modifiable risk factor that may provide practitioners with opportunities to mitigate injury risk and increase sports performance. A regular problem encountered by practitioners, however, is the issue of missing TL data. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of missing TL data in team sports and to offer a practical and effective method of missing value imputation (MVI) to address this. Session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) data from 10 male professional soccer players (age, 24.8 ± 5.0 years; height, 181.2 ± 5.1 cm; mass, 78.7 ± 6.4 kg) were collected over a 32-week season. Data were randomly removed at a range of 5-50% in increments of 5% and data were imputed using 12 MVI methods. Performance was measured using the normalized root-mean-square error and mean of absolute deviations. The best-fitting MVI method across all levels of missingness was Daily Team Mean (DTMean). Not addressing missing sRPE data may lead to more inaccurate calculations of other TL metrics (e.g., acute chronic workload ratio, training monotony, training strain). The DTMean MVI method may provide practitioners with a practical and effective approach to addressing the negative consequences of missing TL data.

An Examination of the Relationship Between the Functional Movement Screen, Landing Error Scoring System, and 3D Kinematic Data During a Drop Jump Task.

ABSTRACT: Everard, E, Lyons, M, and Harrison, AJ. An examination of the relationship between the functional movement screen, landing error scoring system and 3D kinematic data during a drop jump task. J Strength Cond Res 35(11): 3012-3020, 2021-Tests such as the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) have become an established component of preparticipation screening. Despite their practical use, there is a lack of empirical evidence examining their relationship to established assessments of movement, such as 3D kinematics of a drop jump. Fifty-two male collegiate athletes undertook the LESS, FMS, and a drop jump where 3D lower-limb kinematic variables were assessed. Spearman correlations were conducted to examine the relationship between LESS, FMS, and drop-jump 3D kinematic variables. A series of independent t-tests examined differences in hip and knee kinematic variables in acceptable and poor FMS and LESS groups as determined by established cut-off scores. Landing Error Scoring System scores had significant moderate correlations with most kinematic variables (r = 0.35-0.64; p < 0.01). Subjects with poor LESS scores displayed significantly worse lower-limb kinematics compared with their high-scoring counterparts (effect size = 1.99-2.76, large effect). There were significant moderate correlations with maximal hip and knee flexion (r = 0.46 and 0.39 respectively; p < 0.01) and small or nonsignificant correlations between all other kinematic variables and FMS scores. Hip flexion and knee valgus at maximal displacement were the only kinematic variables significantly different between FMS groups (ES = 0.70-0.72, small-to-moderate effect). The results confirm limitations in the ability of the FMS to distinguish between groups for landing biomechanics.

Training Load Monitoring in Amateur Rugby Union: A Survey of Current Practices.

ABSTRACT: Griffin, A, Kenny, IC, Comyns, TM, and Lyons, M. Training load monitoring in amateur Rugby Union: A survey of current practices. J Strength Cond Res 35(6): 1568-1575, 2021-Amateur Rugby Union has an inherent risk of injury that is associated with detrimental effects on player welfare and team performance. Training load (TL) is a modifiable risk factor that, when monitored, may provide strength and conditioning (S&C) coaches with opportunities to reduce the risk of injury. The purpose of this study was to explore TL monitoring practices used by S&C coaches working with male and female amateur adult Rugby Union teams and their rationale for using such. Thirty-three (n = 31 male and n = 2 female) S&C coaches representing 62% of the total number of male clubs and 71% of female clubs, playing at the highest national amateur level, participated in the study by completing an online survey. Seventy-three percent of respondents stated that they monitor TL. The most common method of recording TL was the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE), used in 83% of monitoring systems. Thirty-three percent of the S&C coaches surveyed use the sRPE data to calculate the acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) for highlighting when players are at risk of injury. This study is the first of its kind to exclusively examine the TL monitoring practices of S&C coaches working with amateur adult Rugby Union teams. Thirteen S&C coaches responded to the open-ended question and 3 higher order themes were highlighted: (a) communication with players (b) support from other staff and (c) limiting factors.

Optimal Loading for Force Production in the Straight Bar Deadlift: Force-Time Characteristics in Strength-Trained Adults.

ABSTRACT: Lawson, C, Mundy, P, Lyons, M, and Duncan, MJ. Optimal loading for force production in the straight bar deadlift: Force-time characteristics in strength-trained adults. J Strength Cond Res 35(6): 1636-1641, 2021-This study sought to identify whether there is an optimum load in relation to peak force development and rate of force development (RFD) in the straight bar deadlift and to examine whether baseline strength levels influence this optimum load. Twelve strength-trained men (mean age ± SD; 25.1 ± 5.4 years) performed 3 deadlift repetitions at loads of 10% intervals of 20-90% of their predetermined individual 1 repetition maximum (1RM). Peak vertical force (PFz) and RFD were determined from each repetition. The repetition at each percentage of 1RM that produced the greatest PFz was used for analysis. All data were collected on an AMTI force platform. Repeated-measures analysis of variance indicated significant differences in PFz across loads of 20-90% 1RM (p = 0.001) with a linear increase in PFz with increasing % of 1RM. The highest PFz occurred at 90% of 1RM. For RFD, there was a significant main effect for load (p = 0.018) where instantaneous RFD was significantly higher at 80 and 90% 1RM compared with 20% 1RM. When analyses were re-run using baseline strength as a covariate, the results did not change, indicating that baseline strength did not influence the PFz or RFD output. These results suggest that there is no significant difference in RFD between adjacent loads, but that peak force production was greatest at 90% 1RM in the straight bar deadlift.

Salivary IgA as a Predictor of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections and Relationship to Training Load in Elite Rugby Union Players.

Tiernan, C, Lyons, M, Comyns, T, Nevill, AM, and Warrington, G. Salivary IgA as a predictor of upper respiratory tract infections and relationship to training load in elite rugby union players. J Strength Cond Res 34(3): 782-790, 2020-Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI) are among the most common illnesses reported in athletes. An URTI can result in missed training days, which in turn may lead to performance decrements. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA) as a predictor of URTI, while also exploring the relationship to weekly training load in elite rugby union players. Nineteen male elite rugby union players provided morning saliva swabs, biweekly (Monday and Friday), over a 10-week training period. Participants completed an illness log documenting symptoms of URTI. Session Rate of Perceived Exertion (sRPE) was collected to determine training load (sRPE × session duration). Weekly training load was also calculated. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between incidences of URTI with sIgA and training load. Multilevel regression was conducted to compare associations between sIgA and training load. The results found that the likelihood of suffering from an URTI increased when sIgA significantly decreased (p = 0.046). Where sIgA decreased by 65% or more, a player was at a greater risk of contracting an URTI within the following 2 weeks. No association was found between sIgA and training load. In conclusion, sIgA may be a useful predictor for determining the likelihood of players contracting an URTI. This will allow the coach to make informed decisions on training status, helping reduce the risk of players missing training, which may have performance decrements. Coaches will benefit from the fast, easy, and instant results available, to analyze a player's immune function.

Influence of Weekly Workload on Physical, Biochemical and Psychological Characteristics in Professional Rugby Union Players Over a Competitive Season.

Dubois, R, Lyons, M, Paillard, T, Maurelli, O, and Prioux, J. Influence of weekly workload on physical, biochemical and psychological characteristics in professional rugby union players over a competitive season. J Strength Cond Res 34(2): 527-545, 2020-This study aimed to (a) quantify the physical workload (P-WL) during training and games throughout the professional rugby season and (b) analyze the influence of the season period and weekly-WL, at short (acute) and moderate (chronic) terms, on physical, biochemical, and psychological responses during the season. Physiological (physical and biochemical) responses to P-WL were analyzed by examining changes in the individual Z score of the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (YYIRT), submaximal aerobic tests (5'/5'-test), strength tests, countermovement jump tests, blood sampling, and "recovery-stress" scores (RESTq) in 14 professional players (26.9 ± 1.9 years). Changes throughout the season were analyzed using a linear mixed model to identify changes in P-WL, whereas repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to analyze changes in physiological responses across the season. The relationship between P-WL and physiological responses was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). The results showed that the preseason period comprised the highest level of P-WL compared with all other blocks across the season (p < 0.001). The acute P-WL, acute competitive-WL, and number of impacts seemed to be the WL parameters, which most influenced the physiological responses (changes in testosterone [T], cortisol [C], T/C ratio, IGF-1/C ratio, strength, and RESTq index). The chronic P-WL, particularly conditioning-WL, induced positive changes in fitness characteristics (YYIRT and 5'/5'-test). Finally, this study provides information to players and coaches alike as to the influence of P-WL on as well as adaptations in physiological and psychological indices throughout a playing season. This information can greatly inform the training and preparation of future players in different levels.

Examining the Reliability of the Landing Error Scoring System With Raters Using the Standardized Instructions and Scoring Sheet.

CONTEXT: Dynamic movement-based screens, such as the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS), are becoming more widely used in research and practical settings. Currently, 3 studies have examined the reliability of the LESS. These studies have reported good interrater and intrarater reliability. However, all 3 studies involved raters, who were founders of the LESS. Therefore, it is unclear whether the reliability reported reflects that which would be observed with practitioners without such specialized and intimate knowledge of the screen and only using the standardized set of instructions. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the interrater and intrarater reliability of the final score and the individual scoring criteria of the LESS. DESIGN: Reliability protocol. SETTING: Controlled laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Two raters scored 30 male participants (age = 21.8 [3.9] y; height = 1.75 [0.46] m; mass = 75.5 [6.6] kg) involved in a variety of college sports. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Two raters using only the standardized scoring sheet assessed the interrater reliability of the total score and individual scoring criteria independently of each other. The principal author scored the videos again 6 weeks later for the intrarater reliability component of the study. INTERVENTION: Participants performed a drop box landing from a 30-cm box was recorded with a video camera from the front and side views. RESULTS: The intraclass coefficients interrater and intrarater reliability for the total scores were excellent (intraclass coefficients range = .95 and .96; SEM = 1.01 and 1.02). The individual scoring criteria of the LESS had between moderate and perfect agreement using kappa statistics (κ = .41-1.0). CONCLUSION: The final score and individual scoring criteria of the LESS have acceptable reliability with raters using the standardized scoring sheet. Practitioners using only the standardized scoring sheet should feel confident that the LESS is a reliable tool.

Deep Brain Stimulation and Cognitive Outcomes Among Patients With Parkinson's Disease: A Historical Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease; however, there is conflicting literature about the effect of DBS on cognitive function. The authors conducted a historical cohort study involving patients with Parkinson's disease who underwent DBS of the globus pallidus pars interna (GPi; N=12) or subthalamic nucleus (STN; N=17). METHODS: The authors investigated differences in four neuropsychological test scores at 6 months post-DBS (follow-up) as compared with baseline (i.e., Boston Naming Test, WAIS Verbal Comprehension Index [WAIS-VCI], Working Memory Index [WAIS-WMI], and Processing Speed Index [WAIS-PSI]). RESULTS: GPi DBS patients showed no difference between baseline and follow-up on any neuropsychological test. STN DBS patients had lower scores indicating decreased performance at follow-up as compared with baseline on WAIS-PSI (mean [SD], 91.47 [10.42] versus 81.65 [12.03]; p=0.03). There was a significant (p=0.008) difference between the change in baseline to follow-up scores on the WAIS-VCI for the STN DBS and GPi DBS groups (i.e., STN DBS patients scored lower at the 6-month follow-up compared with baseline, whereas GPi DBS patients scored higher). CONCLUSIONS: GPi may be a preferred target for DBS in patients with Parkinson's disease when considering cognitive outcomes.

The Relationship Between Adductor Squeeze Strength, Subjective Markers of Recovery and Training Load in Elite Rugby Players.

Tiernan, C, Lyons, M, Comyns, T, Nevill, AM, and Warrington, G. The relationship between adductor squeeze strength, subjective markers of recovery and training load in elite Rugby players. J Strength Cond Res 33(11): 2926-2931, 2019-The adductor squeeze strength test has become a popular training monitoring marker, particularly in team sports. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between adductor squeeze strength scores, subjective markers of recovery and training load in elite Rugby Union players, because of limited research in this area. Nineteen elite male Rugby Union players completed daily monitoring markers (adductor squeeze strength and 5 selected subjective markers of recovery), over a 10-week preseason training period. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was collected to determine training load (session RPE; RPE × session duration) and to calculate weekly training load. Spearman's correlation was used to analyze the relationship between adductor squeeze strength scores, subjective markers of recovery, and weekly training load. The results found that where adductor squeeze scores decreased, both perceived fatigue levels (r = -0.335; R = 11.2%; p < 0.001) and muscle soreness (r = -0.277; R = 7.7%; p < 0.001) increased. A weak correlation was found between Monday adductor squeeze strength scores and the previous week's training load (r = -0.235; R = 5.5%; p < 0.001) and Friday adductor squeeze strength scores and the same week's training load (r = -0.211; R = 4.5%; p < 0.05). These results show that adductor squeeze strength may provide coaches with a time-efficient, low-cost objective, player monitoring marker. Additionally, the combination of adductor strength squeeze, with subjective markers, perceived fatigue, and muscle soreness, and appropriately planned training load may help coaches to optimize training adaptations by determining a player's training status.

Dry-Land Resistance Training Practices of Elite Swimming Strength and Conditioning Coaches.

Crowley, E, Harrison, AJ, and Lyons, M. Dry-land resistance training practices of elite swimming strength and conditioning coaches. J Strength Cond Res 32(9): 2592-2600, 2018-No research to date has investigated dry-land resistance (RT) training practices of elite swimming strength and conditioning coaches. This is the first comprehensive study exploring dry-land RT training practices in swimming. The aims of this study were to examine (a) the dry-land RT training practices and exercises used by elite swimming strength and conditioning coaches and (b) the rationale provided by coaches about their practices and prescription of specific dry-land RT training exercises. Twenty-three (n = 21 males, n = 2 females) elite swimming strength and conditioning coaches, from Ireland (n = 7), Great Britain (n = 5), Australia (n = 6), and the United States of America (n = 5) were recruited through their specific national governing bodies. Coaches completed an online questionnaire consisting of 7 sections; subject information, informed consent, coach's biography, coach education, current training commitments, dry-land RT training practices and exercises, and additional information. The results showed that coaches had varying levels of experience, education and worked with different level swimmers. A total of 95 dry-land RT training exercises were used by the coaches across 4 different dry-land RT training practices (warm-up, circuit training, traditional RT training and plyometrics). Traditional RT training (87%) was the most commonly practiced. The pull-up and squat were the most popular dry-land RT training exercises used by elite swimming strength and conditioning coaches. Future research needs to focus on exploring the specificity and the transfer of RT training exercises to swimming performance.

Thalamic deep brain stimulation for orthostatic tremor: A multicenter international registry.

BACKGROUND: We report the accumulated experience with ventral intermediate nucleus deep brain stimulation for medically refractory orthostatic tremor. METHODS: Data from 17 patients were reviewed, comparing presurgical, short-term (0-48 months), and long-term (≥48 months) follow-up. The primary end point was the composite activities of daily living/instrumental activities of daily living score. Secondary end points included latency of symptoms on standing and treatment-related complications. RESULTS: There was a 21.6% improvement (P = 0.004) in the composite activities of daily living/instrumental activities of daily living score, which gradually attenuated (12.5%) in the subgroup of patients with an additional long-term follow-up (8 of 17). The latency of symptoms on standing significantly improved, both in the short-term (P = 0.001) and in the long-term (P = 0.018). Three patients obtained no/minimal benefit from the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Deep brain stimulation of the ventral intermediate nucleus was, in general, safe and well tolerated, yielding sustained benefit in selected patients with medically refractory orthostatic tremor. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Measurement of muscle health in aging.

Muscle health is a critical component in the struggle against physical frailty and the efforts to maintain metabolic health until the limit of chronological age. Consensus opinion is to evaluate muscle health in terms of muscle mass, strength and functional capability. There has been considerable variability in the components of muscle health which have been investigated in addition to variability in the tools of assessment and protocol for measurement. This is in stark contrast to the validated measurement of bone health across the adult life span. The purpose of this review was to identify indices of muscle mass, strength and functional capability most responsive to change with ageing and where possible to provide an estimate of the rate of change. We suggest lean tissue mass (LTM) or skeletal muscle (SM) is best evaluated from the thigh region due to its greater responsiveness to ageing compared to the whole body. The anterior compartment of the thigh region undergoes a preferential age-related decline in SM and force generating capacity. Therefore, we suggest that knee extensor torque is measured to represent the force generating capacity of the thigh and subsequently, to express muscle quality (strength per unit tissue). Finally, we suggest measures of functional capability which allow participants perform to a greater maximum are most appropriate to track age-related difference in functional capacity across the adult lifespan. This is due to their ability encompass a broad spectrum of abilities. This review suggests indices of muscular health for which reference ranges can be generated across the lifespan.

Twelve weeks' progressive resistance training combined with protein supplementation beyond habitual intakes increases upper leg lean tissue mass, muscle strength and extended gait speed in healthy older women.

The age-related decline in functional capability is preceded by a reduction in muscle quality. The purpose of this study was to assess the combined effects of progressive resistance training (PRT) and protein supplementation beyond habitual intakes on upper leg lean tissue mass (LTM), muscle quality and functional capability in healthy 50-70 years women. In a single-blinded, randomized, controlled design, 57 healthy older women (age 61.1 ± 5.1 years, 1.61 ± 0.65 m, 65.3 ± 15.3 kg) consumed 0.33 g/kg body mass of a milk-based protein matrix (PRO) for 12 weeks. Of the 57 women, 29 also engaged in a PRT intervention (PRO + PRT). In comparison to the PRO group (n = 28), those in the PRO + PRT group had an increase in upper leg LTM [0.04 (95% CI -0.07 to 0.01) kg vs. 0.13 (95% CI 0.08-0.18) kg, P = 0.027], as measured by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; an increase in knee extensor (KE) torque [-1.6 (95% CI -7.3 to 4.4 N m) vs. 10.2 (95% CI 4.3-15.8 N m), P = 0.007], as measured from a maximal voluntary isometric contraction (Con-Trex MJ; CMV AG); and an increase in extended gait speed [-0.01 (95% CI -0.52-0.04) m s-1 vs. 0.10 (95% CI 0.05-0.22) m s-1, P = 0.001] as measured from a maximal 900 m effort. There was no difference between groups in the time taken to complete 5 chair rises or the number of chair rises performed in 30 s (P > 0.05). PRT in healthy older women ingesting a dietary protein supplement is an effective strategy to improve upper leg LTM, KE torque and extended gait speed in healthy older women.

Examining the Relationship Between the Functional Movement Screen and the Landing Error Scoring System in an Active, Male Collegiate Population.

Everard, EM, Harrison, AJ, and Lyons, M. Examining the relationship between the functional movement screen and the landing error scoring system in an active, male collegiate population. J Strength Cond Res 31(5): 1265-1272, 2017-In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on movement screening as the principal aspect of preparticipation testing. Two of the most common movement screening tools are the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS). Several studies have examined the reliability and validity of these tools, but so far, there have been no studies comparing the results of these 2 screening tools against each other. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between FMS scores and LESS scores. Ninety-eight male college athletes actively competing in sport (Gaelic games, soccer, athletics, boxing/mixed martial arts, Olympic weightlifting) participated in the study and performed the FMS and LESS screens. Both the 21-point and 100-point scoring systems were used to score the FMS. Spearman's correlation coefficients were used to determine the relationship between the 2 screening scores. The results showed a significant moderate correlation between FMS and LESS scores (rho 100 and 21 point = -0.528; -0.487; p < 0.001). In addition, r values of 0.26 and 0.23 indicate a poor shared variance between the 2 screens. The results indicate that performing well in one of the screens does not necessarily equate to performing well in the other. This has practical implications as it highlights that both screens may assess different movement patterns and should not be used as a substitute for each other.

The Effect of Strength Training on Performance Indicators in Distance Runners.

Beattie, K, Carson, BP, Lyons, M, Rossiter, A, and Kenny, IC. The effect of strength training on performance indicators in distance runners. J Strength Cond Res 31(1): 9-23, 2017-Running economy (RE) and velocity at maximal oxygen uptake (VV[Combining Dot Above]O2max) are considered to be the best physiological performance indicators in elite distance runners. In addition to cardiovascular function, RE and VV[Combining Dot Above]O2max are partly dictated by neuromuscular factors. One technique to improve neuromuscular function in athletes is through strength training. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a 40-week strength training intervention on strength (maximal and reactive strength), VV[Combining Dot Above]O2max, economy, and body composition (body mass, fat, and lean mass) in competitive distance runners. Twenty competitive distance runners were divided into an intervention group (n = 11; 29.5 ± 10.0 years; 72.8 ± 6.6 kg; 1.83 ± 0.08 m) and a control group (n = 9; 27.4 ± 7.2 years; 70.2 ± 6.4 kg; 1.77 ± 0.04 m). During week 0, 20, and 40, each subject completed 3 assessments: physiology (V2 mmol·L BLa, V2 mmol·L BLa [blood lactate], V4 mmol·L BLa, RE, VV[Combining Dot Above]O2max, V[Combining Dot Above]O2max), strength (1 repetition maximum back squat; countermovement jump and 0.3 m drop jump), and body composition (body mass, fat mass, overall lean, and leg lean). The intervention group showed significant improvements in maximal and reactive strength qualities, RE, and VV[Combining Dot Above]O2max, at weeks 20 (p ≤ 0.05) and 40 (p ≤ 0.05). The control group showed no significant changes at either time point. There were no significant changes in body composition variables between or within groups. This study demonstrates that 40 weeks of strength training can significantly improve maximal and reactive strength qualities, RE, and VV[Combining Dot Above]O2max, without concomitant hypertrophy, in competitive distance runners.