Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Acute Dehydration on Neuromuscular Responses of Exercised and Nonexercised Muscles After Exercise in the Heat

Abstract Rodrigues, R, Baroni, BM, Pompermayer, MG, Lupion, RO, Geremia, JM, Meyer, F, and Vaz, MA. Effects of acute dehydration on neuromuscular responses of exercised and nonexercised muscles after exercise in the heat. J Strength Cond Res 28(12): 3531–3536, 2014—Dehydration can impair aerobic performance, but its effects on muscular strength are still unclear. This study evaluated the effect of dehydration induced by cycling in the heat on exercised (knee extensors) and nonexercised (elbow flexors) muscles' strength and activation. Ten healthy recreationally active and nonacclimatized men (age, 22.71 ± 2.21 years old; body mass (BM), 77.94 ± 7.35 kg; height, 1.76 ± 6.46 m; body fat, 18.93 ± 3.01%) cycled in the heat in 2 separate sessions: dehydrated (DHY) and euhydrated (EUH). Dehydrated session led to a 2% BM loss, and water ingestion prevented the water loss in the euhydrated session. Knee extensor and elbow flexor maximal isometric torques and muscle activation were assessed before and after exercising in both sessions. Knee extensor torque decreased 15.8% (p < 0.001; 294.27 ± 44.82–247.16 ± 40.54) in dehydrated session, whereas no significant reduction (2.98%; p = 0.348; 291.99 ± 48.37–281.74 ± 38.65) was observed in the euhydrated session. No significant session-time interaction (p = 0.098) was observed for elbow flexor responses (DHY, 67.51 ± 14.53–62.95 ± 13.60; EUH, 68.26 ± 13.06–67.87 ± 13.89). Muscle activation capacity was unaffected by the hydration status. Maintenance of euhydration state during cycling in the heat may attenuate strength impairments caused by water loss in exercised muscle groups.
The Effectiveness of 4 Weeks of Fundamental Movement Training on Functional Movement Screen and Physiological Performance in Physically Active Children

Abstract Wright, MD, Portas, MD, Evans, VJ, and Weston, M. The effectiveness of 4 weeks of fundamental movement training on Functional Movement Screen and physiological performance in physically active children. J Strength Cond Res 29(1): 254–261, 2015—The effectiveness of fundamental movement training interventions in adolescents is not fully understood. The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) may provide means of evaluating the effectiveness of such programs alongside traditional tests of physiological performance. Twenty-two children completed the FMS, plank, side plank, sit and reach, and multistage fitness test. Participants were pair matched by total FMS score and assigned to control or intervention. The intervention group received a weekly 4 × 30-minute training sessions with an emphasis on movement quality, whereas the control group was involved in generic multisport activity. A smallest worthwhile effect of 0.2 between-participant SDs was set a priori for all measures except total FMS score for which a change of 1 unit was chosen. When compared with the control, our intervention had a likely trivial effect for FMS score (0.2 Arbitrary Units [AU], 90% confidence limits ±1.2 AU), a very likely small beneficial effect for plank score (87 ± 55%), but a possibly small harmful effect for side plank score (−22 ± 49%). A likely trivial effect was observed for the sit and reach test (0.3 ± 15%), whereas the effect of the training intervention on predicted was unclear (−0.3 ± 11%). Unexpectedly, generic multisport activity enhanced both side plank and sit and reach test performances in the control group. These results demonstrated that short-term interventions might affect specific isolated components of fitness but not FMS performance.
Evaluation of a Six-Week Whole-Body Vibration Intervention on Neuromuscular Performance in Older Adults

Abstract Perchthaler, D, Grau, S, and Hein, T. Evaluation of a 6-week whole-body vibration intervention on neuromuscular performance in older adults. J Strength Cond Res 29(1): 86–95, 2015—Research in the field of whole-body vibration (WBV) for the enhancement of neuromuscular performance is becoming increasingly popular. However, additional understanding of optimal WBV training protocols is still necessary to develop optimal and effective training and prevention concepts, especially for elderly people. The intention of this study was to evaluate a 6-week WBV intervention program based on optimal vibration loads adapted from the literature on lower-limb strength parameters and performance, as well as on perceived exertion according to a subjective rating. A total of 21 older adults were allocated randomly into either a WBV training or control group (CO). Before and after the intervention period, jump height was measured during a countermovement jump. In addition, isolated isokinetic maximal knee extension and flexion strength, mean power, and work were recorded using a motor-driven dynamometer. Borg's scale for rating of perceived exertion was used to evaluate the intensity of WBV exercises within each training session. After the intervention period, jump height increased by 18.55% (p < 0.001) in the WBV group, whereas values of the CO remained unchanged. There were no statistically significant differences in isokinetic maximal strength, mean power, or work values in knee extension or flexion (all p > 0.05). Finally, the subjective perceived exertion of the WBV exercises and respective training parameters ranged between moderate rating levels of 7 and 13 of Borg's scale. Our data show that WBV is a feasible and safe training program for elderly people to increase multijoint strength performance of the lower limbs during a countermovement jump. This could help to determine the potential of WBV programs in training of the elderly to prevent age-related reduction of neuromuscular performance.
Estimations of water balance after validating and administering the water balance questionnaire in pregnant women

Abstract Dehydration during pregnancy may be harmful for the mother and fetus; thus our objective was to understand whether pregnant women balance water intake and loss. The Water Balance Questionnaire (WBQ) was modified to reflect pregnancy (WBQ-P). Validation was performed using 3-day diaries (n = 60) and hydration indices in urine (osmolality, specific gravity, pH and color, n = 40). The WBQ-P was found valid according to Kedhal τ-b coefficient agreement. The WBQ-P was administered to 95, 100 and 97 women per trimester, in Greece. Median (IQR) water balance, intake and loss were, respectively, 203 (−577, 971), 2917 (2187, 3544) and 2658 (2078, 3391) ml/day; these did not differ among the trimesters or between pregnant and non-pregnant women. However, more pregnant women were falling in the higher quartiles of water balance distribution. No differences in sources of water intake were identified except that women in the third trimester had lower water intake from beverages.
Conversion Table for Running on Lower Body Positive Pressure Treadmills

Abstract Kline, JR, Raab, S, Coast, JR, Bounds, RG, McNeill, DKP, and de Heer, HD. A conversion table for running on lower body positive pressure treadmills. J Strength Cond Res 29(3): 854–862, 2015—Lower body positive pressure (LBPP) or antigravity treadmills are becoming increasingly popular in sports and rehabilitation settings. Running at a decreased body weight (BW) reduces metabolic cost, which can be offset by running at faster speeds. To date, however, little is known about how much faster someone must run to offset the reduced metabolic cost. This study aimed to develop a user-friendly conversion table showing the speeds required on an LBPP treadmill to match the equivalent metabolic output on a regular, non-LBPP, treadmill across a range of body weight supports. A total of 20 recreational runners (11 males, 9 females) ran multiple 3-minute intervals on a regular treadmill and then on an LBPP treadmill at 6 different BWs (50–100%, 10% increments). Metabolic outputs were recorded and matched between the regular and LBPP treadmill sessions. Using regression analyses, a conversion table was successfully created for the speeds from 6.4 to 16.1 km·h−1 (4 to 10 mph) in 0.8 km·h−1 (0.5 mph) increments on the regular treadmill and BW proportions of 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100% on an LBPP treadmill. The table showed that a greater increase in speed on the LBPP treadmill was needed with more support (p < 0.001) but that the proportion increase was smaller at higher speeds (p < 0.001). This research has implications for coaches or practitioners using or prescribing training on an LBPP treadmill.
Role of a Self-report Measure in Athlete Preparation

Abstract Saw, AE, Main, LC, and Gastin, PB. Role of a self-report measure in athlete preparation. J Strength Cond Res 29(3): 685–691, 2015—Athlete self-report measures (ASRM) are a common and cost-effective method of athlete monitoring. It is purported that ASRM be used to detect athletes at risk of overtraining, injury, or illness, allowing intervention through training modification. However, it is not known whether ASRM are actually being used for or are achieving these objectives in the applied sport setting. Therefore, the aim of this study was to better understand how ASRM are being used in elite sports and their role in athletic preparation. Semistructured interviews were conducted one-on-one with athletes, coaches, and sports science and medicine staff (n = 30) at a national sporting institute. Interview recordings were transcribed and analyzed for emergent themes. Twelve day-to-day and 7 longer-term practices were identified which contributed to a 4-step process of ASRM use (record data, review data, contextualize, and act). In addition to the purported uses, ASRM facilitated information disclosure and communication among athletes and staff and between staff, and improved the understanding and management of athlete preparation. These roles of ASRM are best achieved through engagement of athletes, coaches, and support staff in the systematic cyclic process.
Influence of Military Training and Standardized Nutrition in Military Unit on Soldiers' Nutritional Status and Physical Fitness

Abstract Tomczak, A, Bertrandt, J, Kłos, A, and Kłos, K. Influence of military training and standardized nutrition in military unit on soldiers' nutritional status and physical fitness. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2774–2780, 2016—Despite suspension of conscription in Polish Army, trainings of soldiers are still carried out. It is expected that they will be effective and will contribute to obtaining optimum level of psychophysical efficiency that enables fulfillment of military tasks. Total of 60 soldiers took part in the study. During the 9-month military service, soldiers had 200 hours of physical training and basic military training (shooting, drill, anti-chemical training, topography, general tactics, and military equipment operation). The training lasted 8 hours everyday. To assess fitness level, 4 trials were done: long jump, pull-ups, sit-ups, and 1,000 m run. Evaluation of food was based on the analysis of full board menus using the “Tables of composition and nutritional value of food products. ” Energy value was assessed, and content of basic nutrients was calculated. Assessment of nutritional status was based on anthropometric measurements, such as body height, body mass, and thickness of 4 selected skinfolds. Body height and body mass were the basis for the body mass index calculation. Soldiers serving in the mechanized infantry unit, after completing the training, got better results only in 1,000 m run (from 250.3 to 233.61 seconds). During the research, an average energy value of a daily food ration planned for consumption was 4,504 kcal. This value consisted of 13.2% of energy from protein, 31.9% of energy from fat, and 54.9% from carbohydrates. In the course of military service, percentage of subjects indicating overweight increased from 10.2 to 25.4%.
Validation of an antiviral assay method for quantifying IFN-α5 activity in macaque and human serum.

BACKGROUND IFN-α5 has been demonstrated to induce stronger signaling and higher expression of antiviral genes than IFN-α2, which is the current treatment in chronic viral hepatitis. However, there is no specific and validated quantification method in order to conduct kinetic studies as part of the preclinical and clinical evaluation for regulatory purposes. RESULTS A novel integration of an antiviral assay against the cytopathic effect of the encephalomyocarditis virus in HeLa cells with a very sensitive method for assay processing - the Vialight(®) Plus assay - is presented for IFN-α5 activity quantification. The bioassay has been validated in macaque and human serum and it has been demonstrated to be selective, precise and accurate. CONCLUSION The validated bioassay meets suitable acceptance criteria for these types of biological assays.
Stretch-Induced Reductions in Throwing Performance Are Attenuated by Warm-up Before Exercise

Abstract Mascarin, NC, Vancini, RL, Lira, CAB, and Andrade, MS. Stretch-induced reductions in throwing performance are attenuated by warm-up before exercise. J Strength Cond Res 29(5): 1393–1398, 2015—Recent investigations have suggested that static stretching (SS) performed before exercise reduces muscular performance. However, it is yet unknown whether dynamic warm-up exercises performed together with SS may actually minimize the detrimental acute effects of stretching on muscular performance. This study aimed to assess the effects of static shoulder stretching exercises, dynamic warm-up exercises, or both together, on muscular performance evaluated by ball throwing. Twenty-one female handball players (age: 16.2 ± 1.0 years [range: 14–18 years], height: 167.0 ± 10.0 cm [range: 158–179 cm], and body mass: 63.3 ± 7.6 kg [range: 50.4–77.4 kg]) performed SS, dynamic warm-up exercises or both, targeting the muscles of the upper limbs. Thereafter, medicine ball throwing distance and handball ball throwing speed tests were performed. Static stretching performed before the medicine ball throwing test reduced performance when compared with the warm-up exercises (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.02–0.17, p ⩽ 0.05, effect size [ES] = 0.34). When a warm-up exercise routine was added to SS, the detrimental effects of SS were abolished (95% CI = −0.01 to 0.18, p > 0.05, ES = 0.31). The throwing speed was the same over the 3 conditions. In conclusion, warm-up exercises performed together with SS abolished the impairment in medicine ball throwing distance. We recommend that athletes perform warm-up exercises together with SS before activity to avoid detrimental effects on muscle strength.
Reliability and Validity of Tests to Assess Lower-Body Muscular Power in Children

Abstract Fernandez-Santos, JR, Ruiz, JR, Cohen, DD, Gonzalez-Montesinos, JL, and Castro-Piñero, J. Reliability and validity of tests to assess lower body muscular power in children. J Strength Cond Res 29(8): 2277–2285, 2015—The purpose of this study was to analyze the reliability and the criterion-related validity of several lower-body muscular power tests (i.e., standing long jump [SLJ], squat jump, countermovement jump, and Abalakov jump) in children aged 6–12 years. Three hundred sixty three healthy children (168 girls) agreed to participate in this study. All the lower-body muscular power tests were performed twice (7 days apart), whereas the 1 repetition maximum (1RM) leg extension test was performed 2 days after the first session of testing. All the tests showed a high reliability (intertrial difference close to 0 and no significant differences between trials, all p > 0.05). The association between the lower-body muscular power tests and 1RM leg extension test was high (all p < 0.001). The SLJ and the Abalakov jump tests showed the highest association with 1RM leg extension test (R 2 = 0.700, test result, weight, height, sex, and age were added in the model). The SLJ test can be a useful tool to assess lower-body muscular power in children when laboratory methods are not feasible because it is practical, time efficient, and low in cost and equipment requirements.
Application of the Critical Heart Model to Treadmill Running

Abstract Bergstrom, HC, Housh, TJ, Cochrane, KC, Jenkins, NDM, Buckner, SL, Goldsmith, JA, Zuniga, JM, Schmidt, RJ, Johnson, GO, and Cramer, JT. Application of the critical heart model to treadmill running. J Strength Cond Res 29(8): 2237–2248, 2015—The mathematical model used to estimate critical power has been applied to heart rate (HR) measurements during cycle ergometry to derive a fatigue threshold called the critical heart rate (CHR). This study had 2 purposes: (a) determine if the CHR model for cycle ergometry could be applied to treadmill running and (b) examine the times to exhaustion (Tlim) and the V[Combining Dot Above]O2 responses during constant HR runs at the CHR. Thirteen runners (mean ± SD; age = 23 ± 3 years) performed an incremental treadmill test to exhaustion. On separate days, 4 constant velocity runs to exhaustion were performed. The total number of heart beats (HBlim) for each velocity was calculated as the product of the average 5-second HR and Tlim. The CHR was the slope coefficient of the HBlim vs. Tlim relationship. The Tlim and V[Combining Dot Above]O2 responses were recorded during a constant HR run at the CHR. Polynomial regression analyses were used to examine the patterns of responses for V[Combining Dot Above]O2 and velocity. The HBlim vs. Tlim relationship (r 2 = 0.995–1.000) was described by the linear equation: HBlim = a + CHR (Tlim). The CHR (176 ± 7 b·min−1, 91 ± 3% HRpeak) was maintained for 47.84 ± 11.04 minutes. There was no change in HR but quadratic decreases in velocity and V[Combining Dot Above]O2. These findings indicated that the CHR model for cycle ergometry was applicable to treadmill running and represented a sustainable (30–60 minutes) intensity but cannot be used to demarcate exercise intensity domains.
Grape seed proanthocyanidin extracts prevent hyperglycemia-induced monocyte adhesion to aortic endothelial cells and ameliorates vascular inflammation in high-carbohydrate/high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Abstract The role of grape seed proanthocyanidin extracts (GSPE) in the prevention of diabetic vascular inflammation and monocyte-endothelial cell interactions has not been examined. We used high-carbohydrate/high-fat diet and streptozotocin to induce diabetes and treated with GSPE (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) for 24 weeks. Inflammatory response and intima-media thickness (IMT) in aortic root were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. The receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) expression of aortic root was assayed by immunohistochemistry. Isolation of rat aortic endothelial cell (RAEC) was used to ex vivo monocyte adhesion assay. In this study, inflammatory response and IMT were significantly increased in diabetic rats compared to non-diabetic rats, which can be reversed by GSPE (p < 0.05). Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and RAGE in diabetic rats were significantly higher than in non-diabetic animals, but were effectively lowered by 500 mg/kg GSPE for 24 weeks (p < 0.05). There was a greater binding of WEHI 78/24 cells to RAEC isolated from diabetic rats as compared with normal rats, which can be normalized by GSPE. The concentrations of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) in RAEC cell supernatant and serum of diabetic rats were greater than those in the normal rats. This study provided evidence that GSPE may be an effective agent to protect vasculature from diabetes-caused inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.
Differences in End Range of Motion Vertical Jump Kinetic and Kinematic Strategies Between Trained Weightlifters and Elite Short Track Speed Skaters

Abstract Haug, WB, Spratford, W, Williams, KJ, Chapman, DW, and Drinkwater, EJ. Differences in end range of motion vertical jump kinetic and kinematic strategies between trained weightlifters and elite short track speed skaters. J Strength Cond Res 29(9): 2488–2496, 2015—The purpose of this investigation was to identify differences in end range of motion (ROM) kinetic and kinematic strategies between highly resistance and vertical jump-trained athletes and controls. Weightlifters (WL: n = 4), short track speed skaters (STSS: n = 5), and nonresistance-trained controls (C: n = 6) performed 6 standing vertical squat jumps (SJ) and countermovement jumps (CMJ) without external resistance. Jump testing was performed using 3-dimensional marker trajectories captured with a 15-camera motion analysis system synchronized with 2 in-ground force plates. During SJ, there were large effects for the difference in time before toe off of peak vertical velocity between WL to STSS and C (ES: −1.43; ES: −1.73, respectively) and for the decrease between peak and toe off vertical velocity (ES: −1.28; ES: −1.71, respectively). During CMJ, there were large effects for the difference in time before toe off of peak vertical velocity between WL to STSS and C (ES: −1.28; ES: −1.53, respectively) and for decrease between peak and toe off vertical velocity (ES: −1.03; ES: −1.59, respectively). Accompanying these differences for both jump types were large effects for time of joint deceleration before toe off for all lower body joints between WL compared with C with large effects between WL and STSS at the hip and between STSS and C at the ankle. These findings suggest that the end ROM kinetic and kinematic strategy used during jumping is group-specific in power-trained athletes, with WL exhibiting superior strategies as compared with resistance- and jump-trained STSS.
Number of Directional Changes Alters the Physiological, Perceptual, and Neuromuscular Responses of Netball Players During Intermittent Shuttle Running

Abstract Ashton, REM and Twist, C. Number of directional changes alters the physiological, perceptual, and neuromuscular responses of netball players during intermittent shuttle running. J Strength Cond Res 29(10): 2731–2737, 2015—This study investigated whether an increased number of changes in direction altered the metabolic, cardiovascular, perceptual, and neuromuscular responses to intermittent shuttle running (ISR). Using a randomized crossover design, 10 female netball players completed 30 minutes of ISR over a 10-m (ISR10) and 20-m (ISR20) linear course. Measures of expired air, heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion, blood lactate concentration ([BLa]), and peak torque of knee extensors and flexors were measured. Differences (%change ± 90% CL) in V[Combining Dot Above]O2 (1.5 ± 5.6%) was unclear between conditions, whereas HR was possibly higher (1.5 ± 2.5%) and [BLa] very likely lower in ISR20 compared with ISR10 (−32.7 ± 9.9%). Rating of perceived exertion was likely lower in the ISR20 compared with the ISR10 condition at 15 (−5.0 ± 5.0%) and most likely lower at 30 minutes (−9.4 ± 2.0%). Sprint times over 20 m were likely slower during ISR20 at mid (3.9 ± 3.2%) but unclear after (2.1 ± 5.4%). Changes in muscle function were not different between ISR10 and ISR20 conditions for knee extension (−0.2 ± 0.9%) but were likely different for knee flexion (−5.7 ± 4.9%). More directional changes during shuttle running increase the physiological and perceptual load on female athletes, which also cause a greater reduction in knee extensor torque. These findings have implications for the effective conditioning and injury prevention of female team sport athletes.