Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact Force and Time Analysis Influenced by Execution Distance in a Roundhouse Kick to the Head in Taekwondo

Estevan, I, Álvarez, O, Falco, C, Molina-García, J, and Castillo, I. Impact force and time analysis influenced by execution distance in a roundhouse kick to the head in Taekwondo. J Strength Cond Res 25(10): 2851–2856, 2011—The execution distance is a tactic factor that affects mechanical performance and execution technique in taekwondo. This study analyzes the roundhouse kick to the head by comparing the maximum impact force, execution time, and impact time in 3 distances according to the athletes' competition level. It also analyzes the relationship between impact force and weight in each group. It examines whether the execution distance affects the maximum impact force, execution time, and impact time, in each level group or 2 different competition levels. Participants were 27 male taekwondo players (13 medallists and 14 nonmedallists). The medallists executed the roundhouse kick to the head with greater impact force and in a shorter execution time than did the nonmedallists when they kicked from any distance different to their combat distance. However, the results showed that the execution distance is influential in the execution time and impact time in the nonmedallist group. It is considered appropriate to orientate the high-level competitors to train for offensive actions from any distance similar to the long execution distance because it offers equally effectiveness and a greater security against the opponent. Also, practitioners should focus their training to improve time performance because it is more affected by distance than impact force.
From passive recipient to active citizen. participation in mental health user groups

This paper uses the concept of citizenship to understand the objectives of self-organisation among users of mental health services. It is based on research conducted for the ESRC Local Governance Programme and addresses issues relating to the governance of services, as well as the individual and collective empowerment of users. Studies of three very different user groups led to the conclusion that, not only do such groups have a role to play in ensuring that individual users' rights are respected, but also enable people with mental health problems to play a role in enhancing the accountability of services and support their wider participation as 'active citizens'.
Aging and Factors Related to Running Economy

Quinn, TJ, Manley, MJ, Aziz, J, Padham, JL, and MacKenzie, AM. Aging and factors related to running economy. J Strength Cond Res 25(11): 2971–2979, 2011—The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship that age has on factors affecting running economy (RE) in competitive distance runners. Fifty-one male and female subelite distance runners (Young [Y]: 18–39 years [n = 18]; Master [M]: 40–59 years [n = 22]; and Older [O]: 60–older [n = 11]) were measured for RE, step rate, lactate threshold (LT), &OV0312;O2max, muscle strength and endurance, flexibility, power, and body composition. An RE test was conducted at 4 different velocities (161, 188, 215, and 241 m·min−1), with subjects running for 5 minutes at each velocity. The steady-state &OV0312;O2 during the last minute of each stage was recorded and plotted vs. speed, and a regression equation was formulated. A 1 × 3 analysis of variance revealed no differences in the slopes of the RE regression lines among age groups (y = 0.1827x − 0.2974; R2 = 0.9511 [Y]; y = 0.1988x − 1.0416; R2 = 0.9697 [M]; y = 0.1727x + 3.0252; R2 = 0.9618 [O]). The &OV0312;O2max was significantly lower in the O group compared to in the Y and M groups (Y = 64.1 ± 3.2; M = 56.8 ± 2.7; O = 44.4 ± 1.7 mlO2·kg−1·min−1). The maximal heart rate and velocity @ LT were significantly different among all age groups (Y = 197 ± 4; M = 183 ± 2; O = 170 ± 6 b·min−1 and Y = 289.7 ± 27.0; M = 251.5 ± 32.9; O = 212.3 ± 24.6 m·min−1, respectively). The &OV0312;O2 @ LT was significantly lower in the O group compared to in the Y and M groups (Y = 50.3 ± 2.0; M = 48.8 ± 2.9; O = 34.9 ± 3.2 mlO2·kg−1·min−1). The O group was significantly lower than in the Y and M groups in flexibility, power, and upper body strength. Multiple regression analyses showed that strength and power were significantly related to running velocity. The results from this cross-sectional analysis suggest that age-related declines in running performance are associated with declines in maximal and submaximal cardiorespiratory variables and declines in strength and power, not because of declines in running economy.
Kinematic and Kinetic Analysis of Maximal Velocity Deadlifts Performed With and Without the Inclusion of Chain Resistance

Swinton, PA, Stewart, AD, Keogh, JWL, Agouris, I, and Lloyd, R. Kinematic and kinetic analysis of maximal velocity deadlifts performed with and without the inclusion of chain resistance. J Strength Cond Res 25(11): 3163–3174, 2011—The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the deadlift could be effectively incorporated with explosive resistance training (ERT) and to investigate whether the inclusion of chains enhanced the suitability of the deadlift for ERT. Twenty-three resistance trained athletes performed the deadlift with 30, 50, and 70% 1-repetition maximum (1RM) loads at submaximal velocity, maximal velocity (MAX), and MAX with the inclusion of 2 chain loads equal to 20 or 40% of the subjects' 1RM. All trials were performed on force platforms with markers attached to the barbell to calculate velocity and acceleration using a motion capture system. Significant increases in force, velocity, power, rate of force development, and length of the acceleration phase (p < 0.05) were obtained when repetition velocity increased from submaximal to maximal. During MAX repetitions with a constant resistance, the mean length of the acceleration phase ranged from 73.2 (±7.2%) to 84.9 (±12.2%) of the overall movement. Compared to using a constant resistance, the inclusion of chains enabled greater force to be maintained to the end of the concentric action and significantly increased peak force and impulse (p < 0.05), while concurrently decreasing velocity, power, and rate of force development (p < 0.05). The effects of chains were influenced by the magnitude of the chain and barbell resistance, with greater increases and decreases in mechanical variables obtained when heavier chain and barbell loads were used. The results of the investigation suggest that the deadlift can be incorporated effectively in ERT programs. Coaches and athletes should be aware that the inclusion of heavy chains may have both positive and negative effects on kinematics and kinetics of an exercise.
Kinetic Comparisons During Variations of the Power Clean

Comfort, P, Allen, M, and Graham-Smith, P. Kinetic comparisons during variations of the power clean. J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3269–3273, 2011—The aim of this investigation was to determine the differences in peak power, peak vertical ground reaction forces, and rate of force development (RFD) during variations of the power clean. Elite rugby league players (n = 16; age 22 ± 1.58 years; height 182.25 ± 2.81 cm; body mass 98.65 ± 7.52 kg) performed 1 set of 3 repetitions of the power clean, hang power clean, midthigh power clean, or midthigh clean pull, using 60% of 1 repetition maximum power clean, in a randomized order, while standing on a force platform. One-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc analysis revealed a significantly (p < 0.001) greater peak power output during the midthigh power clean (3,565.7 ± 410.6 W) and the midthigh clean pull (3,686.8 ± 386.5 W) compared with both the power clean (2,591.2 ± 645.5 W) and the hang power clean (3,183.6 ± 309.1 W), along with a significantly (p < 0.001) greater peak Fz during the midthigh power clean (2,813.8 ± 200.5 N) and the midthigh clean pull (2,901.3 ± 226.1 N) compared with both the power clean (2,264.1 ± 199.6 N) and the hang power clean (2,479.3 ± 267.6 N). The midthigh power clean (15,049.8 ± 4,415.7 N·s−1) and the midthigh clean pull (15,623.6 ± 3,114.4 N·s−1) also demonstrated significantly (p < 0.001) greater instantaneous RFD when compared with both the power clean (8,657.9 ± 2,746.6 N·s−1) and the hang power clean (10,314.4 ± 4,238.2 N·s−1). From the findings of this study, when training to maximize power, Fz, and RFD, the midthigh power clean and midthigh clean pull appear to be the most advantageous variations of the power clean to perform.
Difference in Kinematics and Kinetics Between High- and Low-Velocity Resistance Loading Equated by Volume: Implications for Hypertrophy Training

Mohamad, NI, Cronin, JB, and Nosaka, KK. Difference in kinematics and kinetics between high- and low-velocity resistance loading equated by volume: implications for hypertrophy training. J Strength Cond Res 26(1): 269–275, 2012—Although it is generally accepted that a high load is necessary for muscle hypertrophy, it is possible that a low load with a high velocity results in greater kinematics and kinetics than does a high load with a slow velocity. The purpose of this study was to determine if 2 training loads (35 and 70% 1 repetition maximum [1RM]) equated by volume, differed in terms of their session kinematic and kinetic characteristics. Twelve subjects were recruited in this acute randomized within-subject crossover design study. Two bouts of a half-squat exercise were performed 1 week apart, one with high load-low velocity (HLLV = 3 sets of 12 reps at 70% 1RM) and the other with low-load high-velocity (LLHV = 6 sets of 12 reps at 35% 1RM). Time under tension (TUT), average force, peak force (PF), average power (AP), peak power (PP), work (TW), and total impulse (TI) were calculated and compared between loads for the eccentric and concentric phases. For average eccentric and concentric single repetition values, significantly (p < 0.05) greater (∼15–22%) PP outputs were associated with the LLHV loading, whereas significantly greater (∼7–61%) values were associated with the HLLV condition for most other variables of interest. However, in terms of total session kinematics and kinetics, the LLHV protocol resulted in significantly greater (∼16–61%) eccentric and concentric TUT, PF, AP, PP, and TW. The only variable that was significantly greater for the HLLV protocol than for the LLHV protocol was TI (∼20–24%). From these results, it seems that the LLHV protocol may offer an equal if not better training stimulus for muscular adaptation than the HLLV protocol, because of the greater time under tension, power, force, and work output when the total volume of the exercise is equated.
An Examination of Athletes' Self-Efficacy and Strength Training Effort During an Entire Off-Season

Gilson, TA, “Cisco” Reyes, GF, and Curnock, LE. An examination of athletes' self-efficacy and strength training effort during an entire off-season. J Strength Cond Res 26(2): 443–451, 2012—Over the past 30-plus years in which self-efficacy (or confidence at a task) has been researched, findings have shown that in almost every domain of human functioning, self-efficacy positively relates to effort, persistence, and other adaptive behaviors. However, in the past decade, new research postulating that too much self-efficacy can lead to complacency and a subsequent downturn in behavior or performance has also experienced resurgence in the literature. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to test these opposing viewpoints regarding self-efficacy and effort for Division I athletes in a strength and conditioning domain over off-season training, a procedure yet to be undertaken. Subjects (N = 99), from 4 different sports (Mage = 20.0 years, SD = 1.2 years), completed self-efficacy and effort measures at 4 distinct time points during off-season training. In addition, strength and conditioning coaches also rated each subject's effort—at each time point—so that a more valid measure of this construct could be attained. Results were analyzed using a multilevel approach and revealed that self-efficacy was positively, and significantly, related to the current effort that athletes exerted in strength training sessions. Consequently, practitioners are advised to structure strength and conditioning training sessions and the overall environment in ways that will positively impact the 4 proven sources of self-efficacy.
Comparison of Body Cooling Methods on Physiological and Perceptual Measures of Mildly Hyperthermic Athletes

DeMartini, JK, Ranalli, GF, Casa, DJ, Lopez, RM, Ganio, MS, Stearns, RL, McDermott, BP, Armstrong, LE, and Maresh, CM. Comparison of body cooling methods on physiological and perceptual measures of mildly hyperthermic athletes. J Strength Cond Res 25(8): 2065-2074, 2011—Hyperthermia is common among athletes and in a variety of environments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of cooling methods on core body temperature, heart rate (HR), and perceptual readings in individuals after exercise. Sixteen subjects (age: 24 ± 6 years, height: 182 ± 7 cm, weight: 74.03 ± 9.17 kg, and body fat: 17.08 ± 6.23%) completed 10 exercise sessions in warm conditions (WBGT: 26.64 ± 4.71°C) followed by body cooling by 10 different methods. Cooling methods included cold water immersion (CWI), shade, Port-a-Cool® (FAN), Emergency Cold Containment System® (ECCS), Rehab. Hood® (HOOD), Game Ready Active Cooling Vest™ (GRV), Nike Ice Vest™ (NIV), ice buckets (IBs), and ice towels (IT). These cooling modes were compared with a control (SUN). Rectal temperature (Tre), HR, thermal sensation, thirst sensation, and a 56-question Environmental Symptoms Questionnaire (ESQ) were used to assess physiological and perceptual data. Average Tre after exercise across all trials was 38.73 ± 0.12°C. After 10 minutes of cooling, CWI (−0.65 ± 0.29°C), ECCS (−0.68 ± 0.24°C), and IB (−0.74 ± 0.34°C) had significantly (p < 0.006) greater decreases in Tre compared with that in SUN (−0.42 ± 0.15°C). The HR after 10 minutes of cooling was significantly (p < 0.006) lower for CWI (82 ± 15 b·min−1), ECCS (87 ± 14 b·min−1), and IT (84 ± 15 b·min−1) when compared with SUN (101 ± 15 b·min−1). The thermal sensation between modalities was all significantly (p < 0.006) lower (CWI: 1.5 ± 0.5; Fan: 3.0 ± 1.0; ECCS: 4.5 ± 1.0; Hood: 4.5 ± 0.5; GRV: 4.0 ± 0.5; NIV: 4.5 ± 1.0; IB: 4.0 ± 1.0; IT: 3.0 ± 1.0) when compared with SUN (5.5 ± 0.5), except for Shade (5.0 ± 1.0). There were no significant differences (p > 0.006) in thirst sensation between modalities. The ESQ scores were significantly (p < 0.006) lower for CWI (1 ± 6), Fan (4 ± 5), and IT (3 ± 8) compared with that for SUN (13 ± 12). In conclusion, when athletes experience mild hyperthermia, CWI, ECCS, and IB resulted in a significantly greater decrease in Tre. These cooling strategies are recommended to decrease Tre during a brief recovery period between exercise bouts.
Induction of protective immunity to RM‐1 prostate cancer cells with ALVAC‐IL‐2/IL‐12/TNF‐α combination therapy

Human prostate cancers characteristically express low levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class I, which makes it challenging to induce protective antitumor responses involving T cells. Here we demonstrate that a whole cell tumor vaccine can induce protective T cell immunity to a low MHC Class I‐expressing mouse prostate cancer cell line, RM‐1. ALVAC recombinant canarypox viruses encoding interleukin‐2, interleukin‐12 and tumor necrosis factor‐α were used to create therapeutic vaccines in 2 different ways. The RM‐1 cells were pre‐infected in vitro with the viruses prior to injection (pre‐infection vaccine) or the RM‐1 cells were injected alone, followed by the viruses (separate injection vaccine). The vaccines were each tested subcutaneously or intradermally. The pre‐infection vaccine resulted in 100% clearance of primary tumors, whereas intradermal delivery of the separate injection vaccine cleared 40–60% of primary tumors. Despite the highly efficient primary tumor clearance by the pre‐infection vaccine, only the separate injection vaccine generated protection upon rechallenge. Tumor‐free survival induced by the separate injection vaccine required natural killer (NK) cells, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells. None of these cells alone were sufficient to induce tumor‐free survival to the primary challenge, demonstrating an important cooperativity between NK cells and T cells. Secondary clearance of tumors also required NK and CD8+ T cells, but not CD4+ T cells. We report for the first time the generation of T cell immunity to the RM‐1 prostate cancer cell line, demonstrating that it is possible to generate protective T cell immunity to a MHC I‐low expressing tumor. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Validity and Reliability of 5-hZ Global Positioning System Units to Measure Team Sport Movement Demands

Johnston, RJ, Watsford, ML, Pine, MJ, Spurrs, RW, Murphy, AJ, and Pruyn, EC. The validity and reliability of 5-Hz global positioning system units to measure team sport movement demands. J Strength Cond Res 26(3): 758–765, 2012—The purpose of this research was to investigate the validity and the reliability of 5-Hz MinimaxX global positioning system (GPS) units measuring athlete movement demands. A team sport simulation circuit (files collected from each unit = 12) and flying 50-m sprints (files collected from each unit = 34) were undertaken, during which the total distance covered; peak speed; player load; the distance covered; time spent and number of efforts performed walking, jogging, running, high-speed running, and sprinting were examined. Movement demands were also separately categorized into low-intensity activity, high-intensity running, and very high–intensity running. The results revealed that GPS was a valid and reliable measure of total distance covered (p > 0.05, percentage typical error of measurement [%TEM] < 5%) and peak speed (p > 0.05, %TEM 5–10%). Further, GPS was found to be a reliable measure of player load (%TEM 4.9%) and the distance covered, time spent, and number of efforts performed at certain velocity zones (%TEM <5% to >10%). The level of GPS error was found to increase along with the velocity of exercise. The findings demonstrated that GPS is capable of measuring movement demands performed at velocities <20 km·h−1, whereas more caution is to be exercised when analyzing movement demands collected by using GPS velocities >20 km·h−1.
Work-related stress is associated with impaired neuropsychological test performance: a clinical cross-sectional study

Abstract Patients on sick leave due to work-related stress often complain about impaired concentration and memory. However, it is undetermined how widespread these impairments are, and which cognitive domains are most long-term stress sensitive. Previous studies show inconsistent results and are difficult to synthesize. The primary aim of this study was to examine whether patients with work-related stress complaints have cognitive impairments compared to a matched control group without stress. Our secondary aim was to examine whether the level of self-reported perceived stress is associated with neuropsychological test performance. We used a broad neuropsychological test battery to assess 59 outpatients with work-related stress complaints (without major depression) and 59 healthy controls. We matched the patients and controls pairwise by sex, age and educational level. Compared to controls, patients generally showed mildly reduced performance across all the measured domains of the neuropsychological test battery. However, only three comparisons reached statistical significance (p < 0.05). Effect sizes (Cohen's d) were generally small to medium. The most pronounced differences between patients and controls were seen on tests of prospective memory, speed and complex working memory. There were no statistical significant associations between self-reported perceived stress level and neuropsychological test performance. In conclusion, we recommend that cognitive functions should be considered when evaluating patients with work-related stress complaints, especially when given advice regarding return to work. Since this study had a cross-sectional design, it is still uncertain whether the impairments are permanent. Further study is required to establish causal links between work-related stress and cognitive deficits.
Ten Minutes of Dynamic Stretching Is Sufficient to Potentiate Vertical Jump Performance Characteristics

Turki, O, Chaouachi, A, Drinkwater, EJ, Chtara, M, Chamari, K, Amri, M, and Behm, DG. Ten minutes of dynamic stretching is sufficient to potentiate vertical jump performance characteristics. J Strength Cond Res 25(9): 2453-2463, 2011—The current literature recommends dynamic rather than static stretching for the athletic warm-up. Dynamic stretching and various conditioning stimuli are used to induce potentiation in subsequent athletic performance. However, it is unknown as to which type of activity in conjunction with dynamic stretching within a warm-up provides the optimal potentiation of vertical jump performance. It was the objective of the study to examine the possible potentiating effect of various types of conditioning stimuli with dynamic stretching. Twenty athletes participated in 6 protocols. All the experimental protocols included 10 minutes of dynamic stretching. After the dynamic stretching, the subjects performed a (a) concentric (DS/CON): 3 sets of 3 repetition maximum deadlift exercise; (b) isometric (DS/ISOM): 3 sets of 3-second maximum voluntary contraction back squats; (c) plyometric (DS/PLYO): 3 sets of 3 tuck jumps; (d) eccentric (DS/ECC): 3 modified drop jumps; (e) dynamic stretching only (DS), and (f) control protocol (CON). Before the intervention and at recovery periods of 15 seconds, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 minutes, the participants performed 1-2 maximal countermovement jumps. The DS and DS/CON protocols generally had a 95-99% likelihood of exceeding the smallest worthwhile change for vertical jump height, peak power, velocity and force. However, the addition of the deadlift to the DS did not augment the potentiating effect. Time-to-peak potentiation was variable between individuals but was most consistent between 3 and 5 minutes. Thus, the volume and the intensity associated with 10 minutes of dynamic stretching were sufficient to provide the potentiation of vertical jump characteristics. Additional conditioning activities may promote fatigue processes, which do not permit further potentiation.