Can Squat Jump Performance Differentiate Starters vs. Nonstarters in Division I Female Soccer Players?

Magrini, MA, Colquhoun, RJ, Sellers, JH, Conchola, EC, Hester, GM, Thiele, RM, Pope, ZK, and Smith, DB. Can squat jump performance differentiate starters vs. nonstarters in division I female soccer players? J Strength Cond Res 32(8): 2348-2355, 2018-Although soccer is predominately an endurance sport, high velocity movements may be an important indicator of athletic success. The purpose of this investigation was to establish whether squat jumps (SJs) can differentiate starters from nonstarters with a female collegiate division I soccer team. Eighteen female division I soccer athletes were separated into 2 groups: 9 starters (age: 19.5 ± 1.0; mass = 64.8 ± 11.5 kg; height = 167.5 ± 7.7 cm; games started = 18.2 ± 4.7; and minutes played = 1633.8 ± 478.2 minutes) and 9 nonstarters (age: 19.4 ± 1.4 years; mass = 63.3 ± 4.2 kg; height = 164.7 ± 6.8 cm; games started 0.7 ± 1.3; and minutes played 158.2 ± 269.3 minutes). Each athlete performed 3 maximal SJs at a starting knee angle of 110° without arm swing. Each participant's SJ height, mean power (MP), peak power (PP), mean velocity (MV), and peak velocity (PV) were measured during each attempt by a linear position transducer. No statistically significant differences (p ≥ 0.05) in MP and PP between the starters and nonstarters were observed. However, starters performed significantly better than nonstarters in SJ height (p = 0.002), MV (p = 0.025), and PV (p = 0.015). In addition, SJ height was strongly correlated with MV (r = 0.628) and PV (r = 0.647). These findings suggest that SJ height, MV, and PV may be important variables for discriminating differences between starters and nonstarters in division I female soccer athletes and a strong indicator of explosive performance.

Influences of Interelectrode Distance and Innervation Zone on Electromyographic Signals.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of electrode placements centered over and offset from the innervation zone (IZ) with different interelectrode distances (IED) on the time and frequency domain parameters of the electromyographic (EMG) signal during a fatiguing submaximal, isometric workout. 11 adults performed an isometric leg extension muscle action at 50% maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) to exhaustion. Electromyographic amplitude and frequency parameters were determined from electrode placements with different IED centered over, at proximal offset, at distal offset, and away from the IZ at 10, 50, and 100% of the time to exhaustion using an electrode array. There were greater absolute EMG amplitude and lower absolute EMG frequency for electrode placements over and offset from the IZ, but lower absolute EMG amplitude over than offset from the IZ regardless of IED at each time-point during the time to exhaustion. The absolute EMG frequency values were affected by the location relative to the IZ and IED of the electrode placements, and were greater for distal offset vs. proximal offset electrode placements at each time-point. Normalization of the EMG amplitude and EMG frequency values to MVIC eliminated differences due to IED and electrode placements during the fatiguing workout.

Relationship Between Selected Strength and Power Assessments to Peak and Average Velocity of the Drive Block in Offensive Line Play.

Jacobson, BH, Conchola, EC, Smith, DB, Akehi, K, and Glass, RG. Relationship between selected strength and power assessments to peak and average velocity of the drive block in offensive line play. J Strength Cond Res 30(8): 2202-2205, 2016-Typical strength training for football includes the squat and power clean (PC) and routinely measured variables include 1 repetition maximum (1RM) squat and 1RM PC along with the vertical jump (VJ) for power. However, little research exists regarding the association between the strength exercises and velocity of an actual on-the-field performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of peak velocity (PV) and average velocity (AV) of the offensive line drive block to 1RM squat, 1RM PC, the VJ, body mass (BM), and body composition. One repetition maximum assessments for the squat and PC were recorded along with VJ height, BM, and percent body fat. These data were correlated with PV and AV while performing the drive block. Peal velocity and AV were assessed using a Tendo Power and Speed Analyzer as the linemen fired, from a 3-point stance into a stationary blocking dummy. Pearson product analysis yielded significant (p ≤ 0.05) correlations between PV and AV and the VJ, the squat, and the PC. A significant inverse association was found for both PV and AV and body fat. These data help to confirm that the typical exercises recommended for American football linemen is positively associated with both PV and AV needed for the drive block effectiveness. It is recommended that these exercises remain the focus of a weight room protocol and that ancillary exercises be built around these exercises. Additionally, efforts to reduce body fat are recommended.

Time Course of Changes in Neuromuscular Parameters During Sustained Isometric Muscle Actions.

Smith, CM, Housh, TJ, Herda, TJ, Zuniga, JM, Camic, CL, Bergstrom, HC, Smith, DB, Weir, JP, Hill, EC, Cochrane, KC, Jenkins, NDM, Schmidt, RJ, and Johnson, GO. Time course of changes in neuromuscular parameters during sustained isometric muscle actions. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2697-2702, 2016-The objective of the present study was to identify the time course of changes in electromyographic (EMG) and mechanomyographic (MMG) time and frequency domain parameters during a sustained isometric muscle action of the leg extensors at 50% maximal voluntary isometric contraction. The EMG and MMG signals were measured from the vastus lateralis of 11 subjects to identify when motor unit activation strategies changed throughout the sustained isometric muscle action. The EMG amplitude (muscle activation) had a positive linear relationship (p = 0.018, r = 0.77) that began to increase at the initiation of the muscle action and continued until task failure. Electromyographic frequency (motor unit action potential conduction velocity) and MMG frequency (global motor unit firing rate) had negative quadratic relationships (p = 0.002, R = 0.99; p = 0.015, R = 0.94) that began to decrease at 30% of the time to exhaustion. The MMG amplitude (motor unit activation) had a cubic relationship (p = 0.001, R = 0.94) that increased from 10 to 30% of the time to exhaustion, then decreased from 40 to 70% of the time to exhaustion, and then markedly increased from 70% to task failure. The time course of changes in the neuromuscular parameters suggested that motor unit activation strategies changed at approximately 30 and 70% of the time to exhaustion during the sustained isometric muscle action. These findings indicate that the time course of changes in neuromuscular responses provide insight into the strategies used to delay the effects of fatigue and are valuable tools for quantifying changes in the fatiguing process during training programs or supplementation research.

Effects of neuromuscular fatigue on electromechanical delay of the leg extensors and flexors in young men and women.

INTRODUCTION: We examined the effects of neuromuscular fatigue on volitional electromechanical delay (EMD) of leg extensors and flexors between genders. METHODS: Twenty-one men and 20 women performed 2 maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs), followed by intermittent isometric contractions of leg extensors and flexors using a 0.6 duty cycle (6-s contraction, 4-s relaxation) at 50% of MVC until volitional fatigue was achieved. MVCs were again performed at 0, 7, 15, and 30 min post-fatigue. RESULTS: EMD was greater compared with baseline at all post-fatigue time phases for the leg flexors (P = 0.001-0.007), while EMD was greater at Post0, Post15 and Post30 (P = 0.001-0.023) for the leg extensors. EMD was also greater for leg extensors compared with leg flexors only at Post0. CONCLUSION: No differential gender-related fatigue effects on EMD were shown. There were different fatigue-induced responses between leg extensors and flexors, with leg extensors exhibiting higher EMD immediately post-fatigue.

Acute Postexercise Time Course Responses of Hypertrophic vs. Power-Endurance Squat Exercise Protocols on Maximal and Rapid Torque of the Knee Extensors.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a medium-intensity high-volume vs. explosive squat protocol on the postexercise time course responses of maximal and rapid strength of the knee extensors. Seventeen resistance-trained men (mean ± SD: age = 22.0 ± 2.6 years) performed maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) of the knee extensors before and after performing a squat workout using either a low-intensity fast velocity (LIFV) (5 × 16 at 40% 1 repetition maximum) or a traditional high-intensity slow velocity (TISV) (5 × 8 at 80% 1RM) exercise protocol. For each MVC, peak torque (PT), peak rate of torque development (RTDpeak), absolute (RTDabs), and relative RTD (RTDnorm) at early (0-50 milliseconds) and late (100-200 milliseconds) phases of muscle contraction were examined at pre- (Pre) and post-exercise at 0, 7, 15, and 30 (Post0...30) minutes. There were no intensity × time interactions for any variables (p = 0.098-0.832). Peak torque was greater at Pre than Post0 and Post7 (p = 0.001-0.016) but was not greater than Post15 and Post30 (p = 0.010-0.189). RTDpeak and early absolute RTD (RTD50abs) were greater at Pre than all postexercise time phases (p = 0.001-0.050); however, later absolute RTD (RTD100-200abs) was only greater at Pre than Post0 and Post30 (p = 0.013-0.048). Early relative RTD (RTD50norm) was only higher at Pre compared with Post0 (p = 0.023), whereas no differences were observed for later relative RTD (RTD100-200norm) (p = 0.920-0.990). Low-intensity fast velocity and TISV squat protocols both yielded acute decreases in maximal and rapid strength capacities following free-weight squats, with rapid strength showing slower recovery characteristics than maximal strength.

The influence of professional status on maximal and rapid isometric torque characteristics in elite soccer referees.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of maximal and rapid isometric torque characteristics of the posterior muscles of the hip and thigh and lower-body power to discriminate between professional status in full-time and part-time professional soccer referees. Seven full-time (mean ± SE: age = 36 ± 2 years; mass = 82 ± 4 kg; and height = 179 ± 3 cm) and 9 part-time (age = 34 ± 2 years; mass = 84 ± 2 kg; and height = 181 ± 2 cm) professional soccer referees performed 2 isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) of the posterior muscles of the hip and thigh. Peak torque (PT) and absolute and relative rate of torque development (RTD) were calculated from a torque-time curve that was recorded during each MVC. Lower-body power output was assessed through a vertical jump test. Results indicated that the rapid torque characteristics were greater in the full-time compared with the part-time referees for absolute RTD (p = 0.011) and relative RTD at 1/2 (p = 0.022) and 2/3 (p = 0.033) of the normalized torque-time curve. However, no differences were observed for PT (p = 0.660) or peak power (Pmax, p = 0.149) between groups. These findings suggest that rapid torque characteristics of the posterior muscles of the hip and thigh may be sensitive and effective measures for discriminating between full-time and part-time professional soccer referees. Strength and conditioning coaches may use these findings to help identify professional soccer referees with high explosive strength-related capacities and possibly overall refereeing ability.

Can maximal and rapid isometric torque characteristics predict playing level in division I American collegiate football players?

The purpose of this study was to determine if maximal and rapid isometric torque characteristics could discriminate starters from nonstarters in elite Division I American collegiate football players. Sixteen starters (mean ± SD: age = 20.81 ± 1.28 years; height = 184.53 ± 6.58 cm; and mass = 108.69 ± 22.16 kg) and 15 nonstarters (20.40 ± 1.68 years; 182.27 ± 10.52 cm; and 104.60 ± 22.44 kg) performed isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) of the leg flexor and extensor muscle groups. Peak torque (PT), rate of torque development (RTD), the time to peak RTD (TTRTDpeak), contractile impulse (IMPULSE), and absolute torque values (TORQUE) at specific time intervals were calculated from a torque-time curve. The results indicated significant and nonsignificant differences between starters and nonstarters for the early rapid leg flexion torque characteristics that included RTD, IMPULSE, and TORQUE at 30 and 50 milliseconds, and TTRTDpeak. These variables also demonstrated the largest effect sizes of all the variables examined (0.71-0.82). None of the leg extensor variables, leg flexion PT, or later leg flexion rapid torque variables (≥ 100 milliseconds) were significant discriminators of playing level. These findings suggest that the early rapid leg flexion torque variables may provide an effective and sensitive muscle performance measurement in the identification of collegiate football talent. Further, coaches and practitioners may use these findings when designing training programs for collegiate football players with the intent to maximize rapid leg flexion characteristics.

Relationships between rapid isometric torque characteristics and vertical jump performance in division I collegiate American football players: influence of body mass normalization.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationships between absolute and body mass-normalized rapid isometric torque variables and vertical jump (VJ) performance of the leg extensors and flexors in elite National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision collegiate American football players. Thirty-one players performed isometric maximal voluntary contractions of the leg extensor and flexor muscle groups and a countermovement VJ. Rate of torque development (RTD) and the contractile impulse (IMPULSE) were determined from 0 to 30, 0 to 50, 0 to 100, and 0 to 200 milliseconds from the onset of muscular contraction. The relationships between absolute and normalized rapid torque variables and VJ performance were assessed using correlation coefficients (r). There were no significant correlations (p > 0.05) observed between the absolute rapid torque variables and VJ performance, except for leg flexion RTD at 0-200 milliseconds (p = 0.024). All normalized rapid torque variables of the leg extensors and flexors were significantly correlated to VJ performance (p ≤ 0.001-0.026). These findings indicated that normalizing rapid torque variables to body mass improves the relationships between isometric rapid torque variables and VJ performance and normalized leg extension and flexion are both similarly related to VJ performance. Strength and conditioning professionals may use these findings in an attempt to identify and monitor dynamic sport performance. Furthermore, future studies examining the relationship between dynamic on the field performances and laboratory-based isometric strength testing may consider including normalized rapid torque variables.

Relationships between Lower-body Power, Sprint and Change of Direction Speed among Collegiate Basketball Players by Sex.

The purpose of this study was to determine if significant relationships exist between absolute and relative lower-body power and selected measures of speed among male and female collegiate basketball players. Archived performance testing data from 29 (male = 14; female = 15) NCAA division II collegiate basketball players were used for this analysis. These measures included lane agility, 10-yard sprint, and shuttle run time (sec). A Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine if significant relationships existed between measures of lower-body power and linear sprint time, change of direction speed (CODS), and shuttle performance. Statistical significance was set a priori at p ≤ 0.05. A significant large correlation was found between absolute power and lane agility (r = 0.54, p = 0.05) among male players. No significant correlations were found between absolute or relative power for 10-yard sprint times, lane agility, or shuttle run performance (p > 0.05). Females showed no significant correlations between relative power and lane agility (r = -0.25, p = 0.37) or 10-yard sprint (r = -0.47, p = 0.08), but did show a significant large correlation (r = -0.64, p = 0.01) between relative power and shuttle run performance. Generating high amounts of relative power is vital in intermittent team sports such as basketball. In particular, this study provided evidence that relative power in female collegiate basketball players is significantly related to shuttle run ability.

The influence of ratio and allometric scaling procedures for normalizing upper body power output in division I collegiate football players.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the differences in upper body power output among lineman and nonlineman division I collegiate football players and to examine the influence of 2 normalization procedures: (a) simple ratio scaling and (b) standardized allometric scaling. Ten lineman (mean +/- SD: age = 19.3 +/- 1.6 years; height = 187.7 +/- 4.7 cm; mass = 127.7 +/- 13.3 kg) and 14 nonlineman (19.6 +/- 1.4 years; 181.8 +/- 5.2 cm; 92.3 +/- 10.6 kg) performed a multiple repetition bench press power test at 50% of their 1 repetition maximum. Peak power (PP) was determined from a Tendo weightlifting analyzer that was attached to the barbell. The PP values were then analyzed under 3 conditions that included: (a) no scaling (absolute values), (b) ratio scaling (PP body mass), and (c) allometric scaling (PP body mass). The results indicated that the larger lineman demonstrated greater absolute PP values (p = 0.02); however, ratio scaling favored the smaller nonlineman group (p = 0.04). There were no differences in PP values between positions after the standardized allometric scaling procedure (p = 0.60). These findings indicated that the standardized allometric scaling procedure may be a more effective method for normalizing PP values among elite division I collegiate football players.

Effects of Power-Endurance and Controlled Heavy Squat Protocols on Vertical Jump Performance in Females.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the immediate and acute vertical jump performance responses throughout and following two different free-weight back squat exercise protocols. Fifteen resistance-trained women (mean ± SD: age = 21.8 ± 0.9 years; height = 164.6 ± 8.4 cm; mass = 68.5 ± 9.2 kg) performed vertical jumps before (Pre), immediately after each set (S1-S5), and up to 20 minutes post squat exercise (Post0-Post20) of either a power-endurance (PE; 5×16 at 40% 1-RM) or controlled heavy (CHP; 5×8 at 80%) protocol. Participants' jump height (JH), mean (MP), peak power (PP), mean (MV) and peak velocity (PV) were measured using a linear position transducer. 2-way repeated measures ANOVAs were run for all dependent variables. In the case of the violation of sphericity Greenhouse-Geisser results were reported. No significant intensity × time interactions were observed for any of the variables (p = 0.30-0.87). Main effects for time were observed (p ≤ 0.001, ηp2 = 0.52) for MP and MV, which were significantly lower than Pre at S2 through S5-Post0 (p = 0.001-0.02) time points. Additionally, main effects for time were observed (p ≤ 0.001, ηp2 = 0.43) for PP and PV, which were significantly lower than Pre at all time points (p = 0.001-0.03) with the exception of Post10 (p = 0.17-0.21). Lastly, JH was significantly lower than Pre for all time points (p ≤ 0.001-0.02) except for Post5 (p = 0.13) and Post10 (p = 0.25). This study suggests overall training volume and not training-load could have attributed to the similar fatigue and recovery-related responses that were observed. The present findings suggest that vertical jump performance may be negatively affected following moderate to heavy exercise for up to 20 minutes.

Heart Rate Responses during Simulated Fire Ground Scenarios among Full-Time Firefighters.

Simulated fire ground scenarios (SFGS) provide firefighters with an opportunity to maintain skills, receive feedback, and optimize performance. Although there is extensive research on heart rate (HR) changes in the firefighter population, few examine the differences between positions. Firefighters are primarily responsible for fire suppression and control (23), officers for emergency operations and organizational management, paramedics for providing on-scene emergency medical care, and drivers are responsible for driving the fire apparatus. Utilizing HR analysis to quantify the physical demands of SFGS among firefighting crews by position. Sixty-seven male (age: 38.97 ± 9.17; ht: 177.99 ± 6.45 cm. wt: 88.83 ± 13.55 kg) firefighters (FF) participated in this investigation. FF crews performed two SFGS involving the suppression and control of a structural fire. Participants were outfitted with heart rate (HR) monitors and average heart rate (HRavg) and maximum heart rate (HRmax) data were collected for each of the two SFGS. Significant differences were observed for Age (P = 0.01), APMHR (P = 0.01), HRmax1 (P = 0.04), and HRmax2 (P = 0.04) in which firefighters had higher values for Age-predicted maximal heart rate (APMHR), HRmax1, HRmax2 compared to the officers. SFGS can be very physically demanding events that may elicit maximal or near maximal HR responses regardless of position. Based on the metabolic demands of these events and the individual firefighter's capabilities, this information can be used to develop resistance training and conditioning programs that optimize performance at maximal or near maximal heart rates.

Assessment of the effectiveness of a sublingual, ergogenic spray on muscle strength and power.

Nutrients, chemicals, and drugs may be applied sublingually to provide faster absorption. Sublingual absorption occurs when a substance comes in contact with the buccal mucosa, where it diffuses through a membrane of the dense capillaries. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a sublingual, ergogenic product containing vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and a coenzyme on muscle performance. National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I linemen (n = 23) voluntarily participated in the study. All participants (20.11 +/- 1.45 years, 132.1 +/- 9.85 kg, 191.19 +/- 3.85 cm) were tested on 102.1 kg (225 lb) bench press repetitions, vertical jump, and grip strength. One week later, participants were either a placebo or the experimental treatment before they were tested again. Repeated-measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) yielded a significant (p = 0.046) gain for the bench press. A Newman-Keuls post hoc test revealed a significant change in the treatment group but not in the placebo group. While the treatment group demonstrated greater improvement over the placebo group for each of the remaining variables, none were significant: vertical jump (p = 0.65) and grip strength (p = 0.74). The inconsistency of the results may be due to several factors. First, the spray may not be an ergogenic agent; second, the standardized dose may be too small for those weighing >or=290 lb and should be administered based on weight. Furthermore, the coenzyme and amino acids may not possess the molecular size, solubility, chemical stability, or hydrophilic character to be easily absorbed. Lastly, the data were generated by field tests and may not be sensitive enough to elicit subtle responses.

Assessment of the effectiveness of nontransdermal energy patches on muscle endurance and power.

Claims of recently developed energy patches suggest that organic nanoscale biomolecular "antennas" produced by L and D-stereoisomers resonate at frequencies in unison with molecules in the cells inducing electron flow to assists in recruiting calcium ions, allowing greater muscle fiber recruitment during muscle contraction. The purpose of the study was to assess the efficacy of energy patches in the performance of selected muscle power and endurance measures. After a 5-minute warm-up and stretch, 41 college varsity football players (age, 20.37 +/- 1.24 years; height, 169.91 +/- 7.44 cm; weight, 109.45 +/- 19.85 kg) were pre-tested on 102-kg maximal bench press repetitions, standing vertical jump, grip strength, peak torque, torque to body weight, total work, average power, and average torque as measured by 50 repetitions of leg extensions at 180 degrees .s. The following week, the players were randomly assigned the experimental or placebo patches. After placement of the patches, the participants again completed a 5-minute warm-up, followed by the identical pre-test protocol. Repeated-measures ANOVAs were used to compare resultant data. No significant group interaction effects were found between experimental and placebo patches for maximal bench press repetitions (p = 0.48), vertical jump distance (p = 0.39), grip strength (p = 0.29), total work (p = 0.26), torque to body weight (p = 0.05), average peak torque (p = 0.08), and average power (p = 0.05). A significant increase occurred in the experimental group for peak torque (p = 0.04). It was concluded that the energy patches significantly improved performance over placebo patches in one of the eight variables tested and registered near significance in two additional variables. However, inconsistency in overall results demands further studies to determine the reliability in improvement of performance in the presence of energy patches.

Grouped comparisons of sleep quality for new and personal bedding systems.

The purpose of this study was to compare sleep comfort and quality between personal and new bedding systems. A convenience sample (women, n=33; men, n=29) with no clinical history of disturbed sleep participated in the study. Subjects recorded back and shoulder pain, sleep quality, comfort, and efficiency for 28 days each in their personal beds (pre) and in new medium-firm bedding systems (post). Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed significant improvement between pre- and post-test means for all dependent variables. Furthermore, reduction of pain and stiffness and improvement of sleep comfort and quality became more prominent over time. No significant differences were found for the groupings of age, weight, height, or body mass index. It was found that for the cheapest category of beds, lower back pain was significantly (p<0.01) more prominent than for the medium and higher priced beds. Average bed age was 9.5yrs. It was concluded that new bedding systems can significantly improve selected sleep variables and that continuous sleep quality may be dependent on timely replacement of bedding systems.

The effect of epoch length on time and frequency domain parameters of electromyographic and mechanomyographic signals.

The selection of epoch lengths affects the time and frequency resolution of electromyographic (EMG) and mechanomyographic (MMG) signals, as well as decisions regarding the signal processing techniques to use for determining the power density spectrum. No previous studies, however, have examined the effects of epoch length on parameters of the MMG signal. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences between epoch lengths for EMG amplitude, EMG mean power frequency (MPF), MMG amplitude, and MMG MPF from the VL and VM muscles during MVIC muscle actions as well as at each 10% of the time to exhaustion (TTE) during a continuous isometric muscle action of the leg extensors at 50% of MVIC. During the MVIC trial, there were no significant (p > 0.05) differences between epoch lengths (0.25, 0.50, 1.00, and 2.00-s) for mean absolute values for any of the EMG or MMG parameters. During the submaximal, sustained muscle action, however, absolute MMG amplitude and MMG MPF were affected by the length of epoch. All epoch related differences were eliminated by normalizing the absolute values to MVIC. These findings supported normalizing EMG and MMG parameter values to MVIC and utilizing epoch lengths that ranged from 0.25 to 2.00-s.

Effects of a Pre-workout Energy Drink Supplement on Upper Body Muscular Endurance Performance.

The use of pre-workout beverages is becoming an increasingly common method of improving performance during exercise in athletic and recreationally active populations. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a commercially available energy drink on exercise performance. Thirty-one healthy males (n=23) and females (n=8) participated in this study and were separated into two groups: supplement (SU; n=16) or placebo (PL; n=15). Subjects visited the laboratory on 2 occasions separated by no more than 7 days. The first visit consisted of completing a push up to fatigue protocol (PUFP) without ingesting the pre-workout energy drink supplement (PWEDS). The second visit consisted of ingesting either a placebo or the PWEDS 30 minutes prior to completing the PUFP. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded following each set of pushups on both testing days. Also, participant's height, weight, and body composition were collected. There was no significant differences at baseline in any variable between groups (p = >.05). After the second testing session, both groups significantly improved total push-ups (PL Pre: 133.3 ±39.4, PL Post: 155.3 ± 54.1; SU Pre: 139.3 ± 58.5, SU Post: 161.3 ± 79.4; p=<.001), and push-ups completed in each of the 3 sets (p=<.001), when compared to baseline. Post-testing revealed no significant difference between groups in total push-ups completed or RPE at any time point, when compared to baseline. In conclusion, the commercially available PWEDS offered no additional ergogenic effects when compared to the placebo.

Reliability of panoramic ultrasound imaging in simultaneously examining muscle size and quality of the hamstring muscles in young, healthy males and females.

The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability of ultrasound (US) measures of cross-sectional area (CSA), muscle thickness (MT) and echo intensity (EI) of the hamstrings, with comparisons between males and females. In 20 healthy participants (10 males, 10 females), CSA, MT and EI were measured from panoramic US scans of the hamstrings on 2 separate days. The intra-class correlation coefficients and standard errors of measurement as a percentage of the mean for CSA, MT and EI ranged from 0.715 to 0.984 and from 3.145 to 12.541% in the males and from 0.724 to 0.977 and from 4.571 to 17.890% in the females, respectively. The males had greater CSAs and MTs and lower EIs than the females (p = 0.002-0.049), and significant relationships were observed between CSA and MT (r = 0.714-0.938, p ≤ 0.001-0.023). From an overall reliability standpoint, these findings suggest that panoramic US may be a reliable technique for examining muscle size and quality of the hamstrings in both males and females.

The influence of athletic status on maximal and rapid isometric torque characteristics and postural balance performance in Division I female soccer athletes and non-athlete controls.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of maximal and rapid isometric torque characteristics of the hip extensor muscles and postural balance performance to discriminate between female collegiate soccer athletes and non-athlete controls. Ten athletes (mean ± SE: age = 19·20 ± 0·36 year; mass = 62·23 ± 3·12 kg; height = 162·43 ± 1·70 cm) and 10 non-athletes (age = 20·30 ± 0·40 year; mass = 69·64 ± 3·20 kg; height = 163·22 ± 2·10 cm) performed two isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) of the hip extensor muscles. Peak torque (PT) and absolute and relative rate of torque development (RTD) at early (0-50 ms) and late (100-200 ms) phases of muscle contraction were examined during each MVC. Postural balance was assessed using a commercially designed balance testing device, which provides a measurement of static stability based on sway index (SI). Results indicated that absolute and relative RTD at 0-50 ms (RTD50 and RTD50norm) were greater (P = 0·007 and 0·026), and postural SI was lower (P = 0·022) in the athletes compared with the non-athletes. However, no differences (P = 0·375-0·709) were observed for PT nor absolute and relative RTD at 100-200 ms (RTD100-200 and RTD100-200norm). Significant relationships were also observed between RTD50 and RTD50norm and SI (r = -0·559 and -0·521; P = 0·010 and 0·019). These findings suggest that early rapid torque characteristics of the hip extensor muscles and postural balance performance may be sensitive and effective measures for discriminating between college-aged athletes and non-athletes. Coaches and practitioners may use these findings as performance evaluation tools to help in identifying athletes with both superior early rapid torque and balance performance abilities, which may possibly be an indicator of overall athletic potential.