Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of Increased Body Mass and Body Composition on Cycling Anaerobic Power

Abstract Maciejczyk, M, Wiecek, M, Szymura, J, Szygula, Z, and Brown, LE. Influence of increased body mass and body composition on cycling anaerobic power. J Strength Cond Res 29(1): 58–65, 2015—Recent evidence suggests that not only body fat (BF) but high lean body mass (HLBM) adversely affects aerobic performance and may reduce aerobic endurance performance as well. However, the influence of body composition on anaerobic performance remains controversial. This study aimed to examine the effects of increased body mass (BM) and body composition on cycling anaerobic power. Peak power (PP) and mean power (MP) measurements were conducted in 2 groups of men with similar total BM but different body compositions resulting from (a) high level of BF [HBF group] or (b) high level of lean body mass [HLBM group] and in a control group. Peak power and MP were calculated in absolute values, relative to BM and lean body mass (LBM), and using allometric scaling. Absolute PP and MP were significantly higher in the HLBM group compared with the control and HBF groups. However, PP and MP relative to BM and using allometric scaling were similar in the HLBM and control groups, yet significantly higher than in the HBF group. There were no significant differences between groups in PP and MP when presented relative to LBM. Therefore, it seems that it is not BM but rather body composition that affects PP. Increased BM, resulting from increased LBM, does not adversely affect cycling anaerobic power, but a BM increase resulting from an increase in BF may adversely affect PP. Therefore, coaches and athletes should avoid excess BF to maximize cycling anaerobic power.
Differences in Physiological Responses Between Short- vs. Long-Graded Laboratory Tests in Road Cyclists

Abstract González-Haro, C. Differences in physiological responses between short- vs. long-graded laboratory tests in road cyclists. J Strength Cond Res 29(4): 1040–1048, 2015—This study aimed to determine the effect of a short-graded with respect to a long-graded protocol laboratory test on the physiological responses of road cyclists. Twenty well-trained road cyclists performed a short-graded and long-graded laboratory tests within 1 week of each other in a randomized and crossover study design. Blood lactate concentration ([La−]b), heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption ( ), and carbon dioxide production ( ) were measured. Fat and carbohydrate oxidation rates (FATOxR and CHOOxR) were estimated at the end of each stage during the short-graded and the long-graded (10th minute: T2.10) and in the middle of long-graded (fifth minute: T2.5) protocol. Lactate threshold (LT) and individual anaerobic threshold (IAT) were calculated. For maximal intensities, duration and maxFATOxR were significantly higher in long-graded with respect to short-graded protocols. Peak power output (POPeak), HRPeak, [La−]bmax, , and maxCHOOxR were significantly higher in short-graded with respect to long-graded protocols. At submaximal intensities, short-graded protocol provoked higher demands on glycolytic metabolism than long-graded protocol; no differences were illustrated for HR or between protocols. Crossover concept shifted to higher intensities in long-graded with respect to short-graded protocols due to the higher lipolytic response during the long-graded protocol. Both LT and IAT were reached at the same % , although significantly higher PO in short-graded with respect to long-graded protocols was reached. The long-graded proved to be more specific than the short-graded protocol to assess the physiological responses of road cyclists based on relative PO (W·kg−1).
Division I Hockey Players Generate More Power Than Division III Players During on- and Off-Ice Performance Tests

Abstract Peterson, BJ, Fitzgerald, JS, Dietz, CC, Ziegler, KS, Ingraham, SJ, Baker, SE, and Snyder, EM. Division I hockey players generate more power than Division III players during on- and off-ice performance tests. J Strength Cond Res 29(5): 1191–1196, 2015—Current research has found anthropometric and physiological characteristics of hockey players that are correlated to performance. These characteristics, however, have never been examined to see whether significant differences exist between on- and off-ice performance markers at different levels of play; Division I, Elite Junior, and Division III. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences that may exist between these characteristics in Division I (24), Elite Junior (10), and Division III hockey (11) players. Forty-five (age: 18–24 years) hockey players completed anthropometric, on-ice, and off-ice tests to ascertain average measures for each division of play. On-ice testing was conducted in full hockey gear and consisted of acceleration, top-speed, and on-ice repeated shift test (RST). Off-ice tests included vertical jump, Wingate, grip strength, and a graded exercise test performed on a skating treadmill to ascertain their . Division I players had significantly lower body fat than their Division III peers (p = 0.004). Division I players also scored significantly better on measures of anaerobic power; vertical jump (p = 0.001), Wingate peak power (p = 0.05), grip strength (p = 0.008), top speed (p = 0.001), and fastest RST course time (p = 0.001) than their Division III counterparts. There was no significant difference between Division I and Elite Junior players for any on- or off-ice performance variable. The results of this study indicate that performance differences between Division I and Division III hockey players seem to be primarily because of the rate of force production.
Validity of Arm-Leg Elliptical Ergometer for VO2max Analysis

Abstract Brown, AB, Kueffner, TE, O'Mahony, EC, and Lockard, MM. Validity of arm-leg elliptical ergometer for V[Combining Dot Above]O2max analysis. J Strength Cond Res 29(6): 1551–1555, 2015—Maximal oxygen consumption (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max) can be determined through multiple exercise modalities intended to elicit an individual's maximal aerobic exertion. Uphill treadmill running is considered the best modality for measuring V[Combining Dot Above]O2max. Previous studies have examined correlations between treadmill and elliptical ergometer tests as well as the cycle ergometer, but none of the studies use an arm-leg elliptical ergometer (ALE). The purpose of this study was to develop an ALE V[Combining Dot Above]O2max testing protocol and determine whether ALE produces valid V[Combining Dot Above]O2max values as compared with the treadmill. Twelve undergraduate students (mean age: 20.8 years) completed 2 V[Combining Dot Above]O2max tests, 1 on a treadmill and 1 on ALE. V[Combining Dot Above]O2max correlation between ALE and treadmill was examined, and paired t-tests were run for V[Combining Dot Above]O2max and maximum heart rate (HRmax). A strong positive correlation was found between ALE and treadmill V[Combining Dot Above]O2max values (r = 0.84; p < 0.001). There were no differences between V[Combining Dot Above]O2max values; however, HRmax values were higher on the treadmill than ALE (p = 0.003). Although future research is needed to examine the observed differences in HRmax between the 2 testing modalities and gender differences in muscle recruitment patterns, the results of this study suggest that ALE is a valid modality for V[Combining Dot Above]O2max testing. This will be particularly valuable as a clinical tool to assess V[Combining Dot Above]O2max in populations requiring low-impact exercise.
An Examination of the Relationship Between Movement Demands and Rating of Perceived Exertion in Australian Footballers

Abstract Johnston, RJ, Watsford, ML, Austin, DJ, Pine, MJ, and Spurrs, RW. An examination of the relationship between movement demands and rating of perceived exertion in Australian footballers. J Strength Cond Res 29(7): 2026–2033, 2015—This study aimed to determine whether a relationship existed between movement demands, match events, and perceptual match load, as determined by rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in professional Australian footballers. The movement variables were collected between 1 and 22 times using global positioning system units from 21 players during the 2011 and 2012 Australian Football League seasons. A range of movement demands and match events were collected to obtain a complete insight into the physical demands and work rates of these athletes. These data were separated into the high-load (HL, ≥9) and low-load (LL, ⩽8) RPE groups. A Mann-Whitney U-test, independent samples t-test, and effect sizes were used to determine whether any differences existed between the 2 groups and the size of the difference. The results revealed that the HL groups covered more distance, spent more time, and produced more efforts at the high deceleration zone (2.4–6.7%). Further, the HL group had more possessions and disposals of the football than the LL group (9.2–29.6%). The findings have highlighted the importance of monitoring accelerations, decelerations, and instantaneous power outputs to obtain a comprehensive insight into the physical demands placed on team sport athletes. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that training sessions should involve a focus on drills that are composed of both skill development and physical stimulus element.
Germination and extrusion as combined processes for reducing phytates and increasing phenolics content and antioxidant capacity of Oryza sativa L. whole grain flours

Abstract Whole rice (WR) products with low phytic acid (PA) content and enhanced bio-functional components were obtained by the combination of germination and extrusion processes. Germination conditions (24 h – 35 °C), with a previous soaking process (24 h – 20 °C), were chosen according to the remnant PA content and germination rate. Specific mechanical energy consumption, expansion, sensorial and mechanical hardness, specific volume, solubility, water absorption, free phenolic content (FPC) and antioxidant capacity were evaluated. Results indicated that 175 °C and 14 g 100 g−1 of moisture were the most appropriate conditions to obtain expanded products and precooked flours based on germinated WR. Selected extruded product presented less PA content (821.6 9 ± 10.3 versus 695.2 0 ± 1.6 mg 100 g−1) and higher Fe bio-accessibility, FPC (45.2 9 ± 1.61 versus 66.3 5 ± 3.35 mg GAE g−1) and antioxidant capacity compared with WR (34.9 5 ± 0.8 versus 54.6 3 ± 1.6 µmol trolox g−1). Combining germination–extrusion processes could be a strategy to obtain expanded products or precooked flours based on WR with enhanced health benefits.
Comparison of the Capacity of Different Jump and Sprint Field Tests to Detect Neuromuscular Fatigue

Abstract Gathercole, RJ, Sporer, BC, Stellingwerff, T, and Sleivert, GG. Comparison of the capacity of different jump and sprint field tests to detect neuromuscular fatigue. J Strength Cond Res 29(9): 2522–2531, 2015—Different jump and sprint tests have been used to assess neuromuscular fatigue, but the test with optimal validity remains to be established. The current investigation examined the suitability of vertical jump (countermovement jump [CMJ], squat jump [SJ], drop jump [DJ]) and 20-m sprint (SPRINT) testing for neuromuscular fatigue detection. On 6 separate occasions, 11 male team-sport athletes performed 6 CMJ, SJ, DJ, and 3 SPRINT trials. Repeatability was determined on the first 3 visits, with subsequent 3 visits (0-, 24-, and 72-hour postexercise) following a fatiguing Yo-Yo running protocol. SPRINT performance was most repeatable (mean coefficient of variation ⩽2%), whereas DJ testing (4.8%) was significantly less repeatable than CMJ (3.0%) and SJ (3.5%). Each test displayed large decreases at 0-hour (33 of 49 total variables; mean effect size = 1.82), with fewer and smaller decreases at 24-hour postexercise (13 variables; 0.75), and 72-hour postexercise (19 variables; 0.78). SPRINT displayed the largest decreases at 0-hour (3.65) but was subsequently unchanged, whereas SJ performance recovered by 72-hour postexercise. In contrast, CMJ and DJ performance displayed moderate (12 variables; 1.18) and small (6 variables; 0.53) reductions at 72-hour postexercise, respectively. Consequently, the high repeatability and immediate and prolonged fatigue-induced changes indicated CMJ testing as most suitable for neuromuscular fatigue monitoring.
Factors Associated with Birth Spacing and Contraceptive Use in Leogane, Haiti

Factors Associated with Birth Spacing and Contraceptive Use in Leogane, Haiti by Nahida Chakhtoura Department of Global Health Duke University Date:_______________________ Approved: ___________________________ David Walmer, Supervisor ___________________________ Deborah Jenson ___________________________ Jen’nan Read An abstract of a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in the Department of Global Health in the Graduate School of Duke University 2012 Copyright by Nahida Chakhtoura 2012 iv Abstract Spacing the inter-pregnancy interval to more than two years reduces maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Modern contraceptive use can reduce maternal morbidity and mortality by contributing to birth spacing and reducing the total fertility rate. This study is designed to understand the factors associated with appropriate birth spacing and the barriers to modern contraceptive use in Leogane, Haiti. A crosssectional survey of 552 reproductive age women in Leogane proper was performed from June to July of 2011. Univariate, multivariate, and logisitic regressions were used to analyze the data. The results demonstrate the importance of education, employment status, contraceptive use and stable relationships in influencing appropriate birth spacing. Women who spaced their births tended to have fewer complications compared to women who did not; however, this difference was not statistically significant. Barriers to contraceptive use were cultural factors such as religion, and low socioeconomic status. However, contraceptive use was positively influenced by education and partner acceptance of contraceptives. These findings indicate that family planning programs focused on educating women and their partners about the benefits of contraception and birth spacing would be successful in Leogane, Haiti.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Hypertension among Adult Hypertensive Patients at a Rural Clinic of Coastal Karnataka

OBJECTIVE: To study the knowledge, attitude and practice about hypertension in adult hypertensivepatients at a rural clinic of Coastal Karnataka METHODOLOGY: A study was conducted on five hundred diagnosed hypertensive patients during a one year period in 2013. Patients were questioned by authorized doctors and assessed for various lifestyle and risk factors. A semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire was used to assess socio demographic variables and knowledge, attitude, practices regarding hypertension. Results were analysed using SPSS version 15. RESULTS: The age of patients ranged from 18 years to 75 years with mean age of 45.5 yearsand median age of 46.5 years. Thirty fourpercent patients belonged to grade 1 education grade,forty sixpercent belonged to grade 2, twelvepercent belonged to grade 3, and eightpercentbelonged to grade 4. 13.4% patients can explain the hypertension, mostly in higher educationgrade. 75.6 % patients said that salt is not good for hypertension. 50% patients had good compliance about the drugs. 64.6% said good controlis advantageous for health. 10% have knowledge about complications. CONCLUSION: Our study concludes that a significant proportion of hypertensive patient’s haveinsufficient knowledge about hypertension.
Contributing Factors to Change-of-Direction Ability in Professional Rugby League Players

Abstract Delaney, JA, Scott, TJ, Ballard, DA, Duthie, GM, Hickmans, JA, Lockie, RG, and Dascombe, BJ. Contributing factors to change-of-direction ability in professional rugby league players. J Strength Cond Res 29(10): 2688–2696, 2015—Rugby league is an intermittent team sport in which players are regularly required to accelerate, decelerate, and change direction rapidly. This study aimed to determine the contributing factors to change-of-direction (COD) ability in professional rugby league players and to validate the physical and physiological components of a previously proposed COD ability predictor model. Thirty-one male professional rugby league players (age: 24.3 ± 4.4 years; height: 1.83 ± 0.06 m; body mass: 98.1 ± 9.8 kg) were assessed for anthropometry, linear speed, various leg muscle qualities, and COD ability. Change-of-direction ability was assessed for both the dominant (D) and nondominant (ND) legs using the 505 test. Stepwise multiple regression analyses determined the combined effect of the physical and physiological variables on COD ability. Maximal linear speed (SpMax) and relative squat strength (squat:BM) explained 61% of the variance in 505-D performance, whereas measures of mass, unilateral, and bilateral power contributed 67% to 505-ND performance. These results suggest that the 505-ND task was heavily dependent on relative strength and power, whereas the 505-D task was best predicted by linear sprint speed. Second, the physical component of the COD predictor model demonstrated poor correlations (r = −0.1 to −0.5) between absolute strength and power measures and COD ability. When made relative to body mass, strength and power measures and COD ability shared stronger relationships (r = −0.3 to −0.7). Change-of-direction ability in professional rugby league players would be best improved through increases in an athlete's strength and power while maintaining lean muscle mass.
Cross-regulation of TNF and IFN-¿ in autoimmune diseases

Cytokines, most particularly TNF and type I IFN (IFN-αβ), have been long considered essential elements in the development of autoimmunity. Identification of TNF in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and TNF antagonist therapy represent successes of immunology. IFN-αβ plays a major role in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a prototype autoimmune disease characterized by a break of tolerance to nuclear components. Here, we show that TNF regulates IFN-α production in vitro at two levels. First, it inhibits the generation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), a major producer of IFN-αβ, from CD34+ hematopoietic progenitors. Second, it inhibits IFN-α release by immature pDCs exposed to influenza virus. Neutralization of endogenous TNF sustains IFN-α secretion by pDCs. These findings are clinically relevant, as five of five patients with systemic juvenile arthritis treated with TNF antagonists display overexpression of IFN-α-regulated genes in their blood leukocytes. These results, therefore, might provide a mechanistic explanation for the development of anti-dsDNA antibodies and lupus-like syndrome in patients undergoing anti-TNF therapy.
Effect of Strength and Power Training on Tackling Ability in Semiprofessional Rugby League Players

Abstract Speranza, MJA, Gabbett, TJ, Johnston, RD, and Sheppard, JM. Effect of strength and power training on tackling ability in semiprofessional rugby league players. J Strength Cond Res 30(2): 336–343, 2016—This study examined the influence of a strength and power program on tackling ability in rugby league players. Twenty-four semiprofessional rugby league players (mean ± SD age, 23.4 ± 3.1 years) underwent tests of upper-body strength (3 repetition maximum [RM] bench press), lower-body strength (3RM squat), upper-body power (plyometric push-up), and lower-body power (countermovement jump [CMJ]). Muscular strength relative to body mass was also calculated. Tackling ability of the players was assessed using video analysis of a standardized one-on-one tackling drill. The players then underwent 8 weeks of strength and power training as part of their preseason training before being retested. Training resulted in significant (p ⩽ 0.01) improvements in absolute and relative measures of squat, bench press, CMJ peak power, and plyometric push-up peak power. The strongest correlates of change in tackling ability were changes in 3RM squat (r = 0.60; p < 0.01) and squat relative to body mass (r = 0.54; p < 0.01). The players with the greatest improvements in 3RM squat and squat relative to body mass (i.e., responders) had significantly greater improvements in tackling ability than nonresponding players (p = 0.04; effect size [ES] ≥ 0.85). A small, nonsignificant difference (p = 0.20; ES = 0.56) in tackling ability was found between responders and nonresponders for lower-body power. The findings of this study demonstrate that the enhancement of lower-body muscular strength, and to a lesser extent muscular power, contribute to improvements in tackling ability in semiprofessional rugby league players.
Validity and Reliability of the New Handball-Specific Complex Test

Abstract Schwesig, R, Koke, A, Fischer, D, Fieseler, G, Jungermann, P, Delank, K-S, and Hermassi, S. Validity and reliability of the new handball-specific complex test. J Strength Cond Res 30(2): 476–486, 2016—The purpose of this study was to determine the intraobserver reliability (IR) of the handball-specific complex test (HBKT) and the validity of the HBKT and nonspecific tests. Thirty experienced players (25.7 ± 3.9 years) executed the HBKT twice (time interval: 2 days). Lactate, heart rate (HR), time, throwing velocity and number of errors were measured. Afterwards, players' match performances (MPs) in 30 matches were evaluated using video analysis to compare it with the test parameters. Resting HR between first half and second half (r2 = 0.26), standing long jump (r2 = 0.18), jump and reach (r2 = 0.16), and HR before second half (r2 = 0.14) were proven to be the most valid tests or parameters. The amounts of explained variance concerning the MP of all other tests/parameters were below 10%. Overall, 41% (12/29) of the parameters showed a high relative intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC > 0.75) and absolute coefficient of variation (CV ⩽ 5%) IR. Results suggest that the HBKT can be certified with an insufficient validity and a sufficient absolute (∅CV = 11.3%) and relative (∅ICC = 0.67) IR. The reasons could be insufficient tests or insufficient score of MP. The current findings suggest that the coaches and scientists should recognize a lot of effort is necessary to measure MP and to develop valid tests. Additional research should aim to connect test and MP with each other. Before a coach applies a test, he should thoroughly check whether the test is valid (gold standard: MP) and reliable. The frequent and long-term test application (very common argument of the coaches in practice) is not a proof of validity.