Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Autonomic Response to Tactical Pistol Performance Measured by Heart Rate Variability

Abstract Thompson, AG, Swain, DP, Branch, JD, Spina, RJ, and Grieco, CR. Autonomic response to tactical pistol performance measured by heart rate variability. J Strength Cond Res 29(4): 926–933, 2015—This study evaluated changes in autonomic tone during a tactical pistol competition. At rest and during a match, heart rate variability (HRV) was examined in 28 healthy subjects. Heart rate variability time-domain variables (including interbeat interval [IBI]) and frequency-domain variables (low frequency [LF], high frequency [HF], total power [TP]) measured during shooting were subtracted from those measured during rest to produce &Dgr;s. The shooting task involved several, rapid tactical maneuvers. Raw time to completion and inaccurate shots (points down [PDs]) were recorded and combined to form a match score where lower values indicated superior shooting performance. Mean (±SD) raw time was 135.9 ± 34.1 seconds, PDs were 78 ± 34, and match score was 175.3 ± 39.8. Shooting decreased IBI (i.e., increased heart rate) and LF. &Dgr;LF, &Dgr;HF, and &Dgr;TP were independent of &Dgr;IBI. Raw time was significantly (p ⩽ 0.05) correlated to shooting IBI (r = 0.404) and &Dgr;IBI (r = −0.426). Points down were significantly correlated to &Dgr;TP (r = 0.416) and &Dgr;LF (r = 0.376). Match score was significantly correlated to &Dgr;IBI (r = −0.458), &Dgr;HF (r = 0.467), &Dgr;LF (r = 0.377), and &Dgr;TP (r = 0.451). In conclusion, individuals with a greater decrease in IBI (and thus heart rate) performed better by accomplishing the match faster. Individuals with less change in stress-related HRV measures (LF, HF, and TP) performed better through improved accuracy. Thus, HRV-derived sympathetic response is significantly related to shooting performance and should be used to assess marksmanship effectiveness under duress.
Anti–Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Treatment Improves Endothelial Function in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background— Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with accelerated atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Striking similarities exist in the inflammatory and immunologic response in RA and atherosclerosis. Indeed, adhesion molecules and cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in particular, are key mediators of joint inflammation and of vascular dysfunction and progression of atherosclerotic vascular disease. Hence, the aim of the present study was to assess the effect of chronic antiinflammatory treatment with the anti-TNF-α antibody infliximab on disease activity and endothelial function in patients with active RA. Methods and Results— Eleven RA patients (mean age 46±5 years; disease duration 9±2 years) with high disease activity despite treatment with stable doses of methotrexate (≤25 mg/wk) and prednisone (≤10 mg/d) were investigated. Clinical status and endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilation of the brachial artery as assessed by high-resolution ultrasoun.
Heart Rate Deflection Point Relates to Second Ventilatory Threshold in a Tennis Test

Abstract Baiget, E, Fernández-Fernández, J, Iglesias, X, and Rodríguez, FA. Heart rate deflection point relates to second ventilatory threshold in a tennis test. J Strength Cond Res 29(3): 765–771, 2015—The relationship between heart rate deflection point (HRDP) and the second ventilatory threshold (VT2) has been studied in continuous sports, but never in a tennis-specific test. The aim of the study was to assess the relationships between HRDP and the VT2, and between the maximal test performance and the maximal oxygen uptake ( ) in an on-court specific endurance tennis test. Thirty-five high-level tennis players performed a progressive tennis-specific field test to exhaustion to determine HRDP, VT2, and . Ventilatory gas exchange parameters were continuously recorded by a portable telemetric breath-by-breath gas exchange measurement system. Heart rate deflection point was identified at the point at which the slope values of the linear portion of the time/heart rate (HR) relationship began to decline and was successfully determined in 91.4% of the players. High correlations (r = 0.79–0.96; p < 0.001) between physiological (HR and oxygen uptake [ ]) and performance (Time, Stage, and Frequency of balls [Ballf]) variables corresponding to HRDP and VT2 were observed. Frequency of balls at the HRDP (BallfHRDP) was detected at 19.8 ± 1.7 shots per minute. Paired t-test showed no significant differences in HR (178.9 ± 8.5 vs. 177.9 ± 8.7 b·min−1 for HRDP vs. HRVT2, respectively) at intensities corresponding to HRDP and VT2. Maximal test performance and were moderately correlated (r = 0.56; p < 0.001). Heart rate deflection point obtained from this specific tennis test can be used to determine the VT2, and the BallfHRDP can be used as a practical performance variable to prescribe on-court specific aerobic training at or near VT2.
Relationships Between Lower-Extremity Flexibility, Asymmetries, and the Y Balance Test

Abstract Overmoyer, GV and Reiser II, RF. Relationships between lower-extremity flexibility, asymmetries, and the Y Balance Test. J Strength Cond Res 29(5): 1240–1247, 2015—Joint flexibility, bilateral asymmetries in flexibility, and bilateral asymmetries in performance of the Y Balance Test have been associated with injuries. However, relationships among these attributes are unclear. The goal of this investigation was to examine how flexibility and flexibility asymmetries relate to the Y Balance Test. Twenty healthy active young adults (9 men and 11 women; mean ± SD: age = 21.9 ± 2.6 years; height = 171 ± 8.8 cm; mass = 67.2 ± 1.9 kg) performed 9 different lower extremity active range of motion (AROM) tests and the Y Balance Test in a single visit. Significant correlations (p ⩽ 0.05) existed between bilateral average AROM measures and bilateral average Y Balance Test scores at the ankle and hip. Specifically, ankle dorsiflexion AROM at 0° knee flexion significantly correlated with Anterior, Posterolateral, and Composite directional scores of the Y Balance Test (r = 0.497–0.736). Significant correlations in ankle dorsiflexion AROM at 90° knee flexion also existed with Anterior, Posterolateral, Posteromedial, and Composite directional scores (r = 0.472–0.795). Hip flexion AROM was significantly correlated with Posterolateral, Posteromedial, and Composite directional scores (r = 0.457–0.583). Significant correlations between asymmetries in AROM and asymmetries in the Y Balance Test existed only in ankle plantarflexion with Anterior, Posterolateral, and Composite directional scores of the Y Balance Test (r = 0.520–0.636). Results suggest that when used with recreationally active healthy adults, the Y Balance Test may help identify lower-extremity flexibility deficits and flexibility asymmetries in the ankle and hip regions but may need to be used in conjunction with additional tests to understand a broader picture of functional movement and injury risk.
Comparison of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak and Achievement of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak Criteria in Three Modes of Exercise in Female Triathletes

Abstract Snoza, CT, Berg, KE, and Slivka, DR. Comparison of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak and achievement of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak criteria in three modes of exercise in female triathletes. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2816–2822, 2016—The purpose of this study was to compare peak aerobic capacity in female triathletes in 3 modes of exercise: treadmill, cycle, and arm ergometer. A second purpose was to determine the extent that physiologic criteria for achieving V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak were reached in each mode of exercise. Six criteria were examined: V[Combining Dot Above]O2 plateau, heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration (BLC), respiratory exchange ratio, oxygen saturation, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Twelve recreational level female triathletes completed maximal tests on the treadmill, stationary bike, and arm ergometer. Results indicated V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak (ml·kg−1·min−1) is highest on a treadmill (46.8 ± 2.1), intermediate in cycling (40.7 ± 5.0), and lowest in arm ergometry (28.2 ± 3.3) with mean differences being significant (p ⩽ 0.05). Blood lactate concentration and RPE criteria were met by the highest number of subjects across the 3 modes of testing while the HR criterion was not achieved in any participant in arm ergometry and only 2 in cycling. It was concluded that in moderately trained recreational level triathletes, V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak is highest in running and lowest in arm ergometry. Criteria for achieving V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak most frequently were blood lactate level and RPE. Coaches and researchers should appreciate that V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak values of moderately trained triathletes differ considerably in contrast to elite triathletes and tend to be highest on the treadmill and lowest in arm ergometry. Also, criteria used to determine achievement of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak should be carefully selected and seem to be best achieved using BLC and RPE.
Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum NCU116 on loperamide-induced constipation in mice

Abstract Lactobacillus plantarum, as a probiotic, has many functional properties in human intestinal tract. This study examined the effects of L. plantarum NCU116 on loperamide-induced constipation in a mouse model. Loperamide (5 mg kg−1) was injected subcutaneously to induce constipation. Animals were divided to five groups: normal group, constipation group, constipation plus three doses of L. plantarum NCU116 groups (NCU116-L, 107 CFU/mL; NCU116-M, 108 CFU/mL; NCU116-H, 109 CFU/mL; respectively). Mice were treated with the probiotic for 15 d to assess the anti-constipation effects. Fecal parameters, intestinal transit ratio and the production of fecal short chain fatty acids, histological of colon and immunohistochemical in colonic interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) by c-kit were all improved in L. plantarum NCU116-treated mice as compared to the constipation group. These results demonstrate that L. plantarum NCU116 enhanced gastrointestinal transit and alleviated in mice with loperamide-induced constipation.
Evidence That the Talk Test Can Be Used to Regulate Exercise Intensity

Abstract Woltmann, ML, Foster, C, Porcari, JP, Camic, CL, Dodge, C, Haible, S, and Mikat, RP. Evidence that the talk test can be used to regulate exercise intensity. J Strength Cond Res 29(5): 1248–1254, 2015—The Talk Test (TT) has been shown to be a surrogate of the ventilatory threshold and to be a viable alternative to standard methods of prescribing exercise training intensity. The TT has also been shown to be responsive to manipulations known to change physiologic function including blood donation and training. Whether the TT can be used independently to regulated training intensity is not known. Physically active volunteers (N = 16) performed an incremental exercise test to identify stages of the TT (Last Positive [LP], Equivocal [EQ], and Negative [NEG]). In subsequent, randomly ordered, 30-minute steady-state runs, the running velocity was regulated solely by “clamping” the TT response desired and then monitoring the response of conventional markers of exercise intensity (heart rate, blood lactate, rating of perceived exertion). All subjects were able to complete the LP stage, but only 13 of 16 and 2 of 16 subjects were able to complete the EQ and NEG stages, respectively. Physiologic responses were broadly within those predicted from the incremental exercise test and within the appropriate range of physiologic responses for exercise training. Thus, in addition to correlating with convenient physiological markers, the TT can be used proactively to guide exercise training intensity. The LP stage produced training intensities compatible with appropriate training intensity in healthy adults and with recovery sessions or long duration training sessions in athletes. The EQ and NEG stages produced intensities compatible with higher intensity training in athletes. The results demonstrate that the TT can be used as a primary method to control exercise training intensity.
Comparison of In-Season-Specific Resistance vs. A Regular Throwing Training Program on Throwing Velocity, Anthropometry, and Power Performance in Elite Handball Players

Abstract Hermassi, S, van den Tillaar, R, Khlifa, R, Chelly, MS, and Chamari, K. Comparison of in-season-specific resistance vs. a regular throwing training program on throwing velocity, anthropometry, and power performance in elite handball players. J Strength Cond Res 29(8): 2105–2114, 2015—The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of a specific resistance training program (throwing movement with a medicine ball) with that of regular training (throwing with regular balls) on ball velocity, anthropometry, maximal upper-body strength, and power. Thirty-four elite male team handball players (age: 18 ± 0.5 years, body mass: 80.6 ± 5.5 kg, height: 1.80 ± 5.1 m, body fat: 13.4 ± 0.6%) were randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 groups: control (n = 10), resistance training group (n = 12), or regular throwing training group (n = 12). Over the 8-week in season, the athletes performed 3 times per week according to an assigned training program alongside their normal team handball training. One repetition maximum (1RM) bench press and 1RM pullover scores assessed maximal arm strength. Anthropometry was assessed by body mass, fat percentage, and muscle volumes of upper body. Handball throwing velocity was measured by a standing throw, a throw with run, and a jump throw. Power was measured by measuring total distance thrown by a 3-kg medicine ball overhead throw. Throwing ball velocity, maximal strength, power, and muscle volume increases for the specific resistance training group after the 8 weeks of training, whereas only maximal strength, muscle volume and power and in the jump throw increases were found for the regular throwing training group. No significant changes for the control group were found. The current findings suggest that elite male handball players can improve ball velocity, anthropometrics, maximal upper-body strength, and power during the competition season by implementing a medicine ball throwing program.
An Investigation Into the Relationship Between Maximum Isometric Strength and Vertical Jump Performance

Abstract Thomas, C, Jones, PA, Rothwell, J, Chiang, CY, and Comfort, P. An investigation into the relationship between maximum isometric strength and vertical jump performance. J Strength Cond Res 29(8): 2176–2185, 2015—Research has demonstrated a clear relationship between dynamic strength and vertical jump (VJ) performance; however, the relationship of isometric strength and VJ performance has been studied less extensively. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between isometric strength and performance during the squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ). Twenty-two male collegiate athletes (mean ± SD; age = 21.3 ± 2.9 years; height = 175.63 ± 8.23 cm; body mass = 78.06 ± 10.77 kg) performed isometric midthigh pulls (IMTPs) to assess isometric peak force (IPF), maximum rate of force development, and impulse (IMP) (I100, I200, and I300). Force-time data, collected during the VJs, were used to calculate peak velocity, peak force (PF), peak power (PP), and jump height. Absolute IMTP measures of IMP showed the strongest correlations with VJ PF (r = 0.43–0.64; p ⩽ 0.05) and VJ PP (r = 0.38–0.60; p ⩽ 0.05). No statistical difference was observed in CMJ height (0.33 ± 0.05 m vs. 0.36 ± 0.05 m; p = 0.19; ES = –0.29) and SJ height performance (0.29 ± 0.06 m vs. 0.33 ± 0.05 m; p = 0.14; ES = –0.34) when comparing stronger to weaker athletes. The results of this study illustrate that absolute IPF and IMP are related to VJ PF and PP but not VJ height. Because stronger athletes did not jump higher than weaker athletes, dynamic strength tests may be more practical methods of assessing the relationships between relative strength levels and dynamic performance in collegiate athletes.
Small Bowel Imaging: Clinical Applications of the Different Imaging Modalities—A Comprehensive Review

In the last years, MR and CT techniques have been optimized for small bowel imaging and are playing an increasing role in the evaluation of small bowel disorders. In comparison to traditional barium fluoroscopic examinations, spatial and temporal resolution is now much more improved partially thanks to modern bowel distending agents. However, there is a global interest in implementing techniques that either reduce or eliminate radiation exposure. This is especially important in patients with chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease who may require multiple studies over a lifetime. Owing to the excellent soft tissue contrast, direct multiplanar imaging capabilities, new ultrafast breath-holding pulse sequences, lack of ionizing radiation, and availability of a variety of oral contrast agents, MR is well suited to play a critical role in the imaging of small bowel disorders.
Influence of Load Intensity on Postexercise Hypotension and Heart Rate Variability after a Strength Training Session

Abstract Figueiredo, T, Willardson, JM, Miranda, H, Bentes, CM, Reis, VM, and Simão, R. Influence of load intensity on postexercise hypotension and heart rate variability after a strength training session. J Strength Cond Res 29(10): 2941–2948, 2015—The purpose of this study was to compare blood pressure and heart rate variability (HRV) responses in trained men after strength training (ST) sessions with loads of 60, 70, and 80% of a 1 repetition maximum (1RM). Eleven men (age: 26.1 ± 3.6 years; body mass: 74.1 ± 8.1 kg; height: 172.0 ± 4.0 cm; body mass index: 25.0 ± 1.96 kg·m−2; %G: 18.3 ± 6.4) with at least 6-month ST experience participated in this study. After assessment of 1RM loads for the bench press (BP), lat pull-down (LPD), shoulder press (SP), biceps curl (BC), triceps extension (TE), leg press (LP), leg extension (LE), and leg curl (LC), subjects performed 3 experimental sessions in random order. During each experimental session, subjects performed 3 sets of 8–10 repetitions at 60, 70, or 80% of 1RM loads, with 2-minute rest intervals between sets and exercises. All experimental sessions were performed in the following exercise order: BP, LPD, SP, BC, TE, LP, LE, and LC. Before and for 1 hour after each experimental session, blood pressure and HRV were tracked. The results demonstrated a greater duration of postexercise hypotension (PEH) after the 70% of 1RM session vs. the 60 or 80% of 1RM session. These results indicate that the load/volume associated with completion of 8–10 repetitions at 70% of 1RM load may provide the best stimulus for the PEH response when compared with training with a 60 or 80% of 1RM loads. In conclusion, strength and conditioning professionals may prescribe exercises with 60, 70, and 80% of 1RM loads if the intent is to elicit an acute decrease in blood pressure after an ST session; however, 70% of 1RM provides a longer PEH.
Effects of an Unstable Load on Force and Muscle Activation During a Parallel Back Squat

Abstract Lawrence, MA and Carlson, LA. Effects of an unstable load on force and muscle activation during a parallel back squat. J Strength Cond Res 29(10): 2949–2953, 2015—Stability training has become commonplace in the strength and conditioning field. Although unstable surface training has been investigated, little is known regarding the efficacy of performing resistance exercises with an unstable load. The purpose of this study was to determine if performing a parallel back squat with an unstable load (weights suspended from the bar by an elastic band) produces greater ground reaction forces (GRFs) and muscle activation in the trunk and lower extremities than a stable condition (a normally loaded barbell). Fifteen resistance-trained males (age: 24.2 ± 3.4 years, mass: 83.4 ± 18.7 kg) completed 10 repetitions of the back squat, with 60% of their 1 repetition maximum in both stable and unstable conditions. Peak vertical GRF and the integrated muscle activity of the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, soleus, rectus abdominis, external oblique, and erector spinae muscles on the right side of the body were determined The unstable load resulted in a small (3.9%) but significant decrease in peak vertical GRF. The unstable load also produced greater muscle activation in the rectus abdominis, external oblique, and soleus. The findings of this study suggest that squatting with an unstable load will increase activation of the stabilizing musculature; and while force decrements were statistically significant, the decrease was so small it may not be relevant to practitioners.
The prevalence of voice-hearers in the general population: A literature review

Background. It is increasingly understood that voice-hearing is neither a rare phenomenon experienced only by ‘psychiatric patients’ nor a meaningless symptom of a ‘mental illness’. Aims. To estimate the prevalence of voice-hearing in the adult general population. Methods. PsycINFO and relevant literature reviews were searched for studies of the prevalence of verbal auditory hallucinations among adults. Results. Seventeen surveys, from nine countries, were identified. Comparisons across studies were problematic due to differences in definitions, methodologies, and cultural factors. Prevalence ranged from 0.6% to 84%, with an interquartile range (excluding the highest and lowest quartiles) of 3.1%–19.5%, and a median of 13.2%. Conclusions. Differences in prevalence can be attributed in part to differences in definitions and methodologies, but also to true variations based on gender, ethnicity and environmental context. The findings support the current movement away from pathological models of unusual experiences and towards understanding voice-hearing as occurring on a continuum in the general population, and having meaning in relation to the voice-hearer's life experiences.
Effects of Military Load Carriage on Susceptibility to Enemy Fire During Tactical Combat Movements

Abstract Billing, DC, Silk, AJ, Tofari, PJ, and Hunt, AP. Effects of military load carriage on susceptibility to enemy fire during tactical combat movements. J Strength Cond Res 29(11S): S134–S138, 2015—Current military operations require soldiers to carry heavy external loads that are widely acknowledged to impair the ability to move tactically on the battlefield. However, to date, the effect of load on susceptibility to enemy fire (the probability of being hit) has not been examined. Nineteen soldiers completed a break contact simulation (five 30-m sprints commencing every 44 seconds) and a fire and movement simulation (sixteen 6-m bounds commencing every 20 seconds) in each of the 5 load conditions (ranging from 9.8 to 30.1 kg). For each simulation, the impact of load on exposure time and peak movement velocity was examined. In addition, the 6 fastest and 6 slowest soldiers (determined by exposure time in the heaviest condition) were parsed into subgroups to examine interindividual differences in response to load. Susceptibility for the 2 subgroups was modeled using exposure time for the 2 simulations and the assumed reaction time, shooting cadence, and shooting accuracy of the enemy. Susceptibility increased as a function of load for both the break contact and fire and movement simulations and became more pronounced when the participant population was parsed into fast and slow groups. When the impact of personal protection systems was isolated and analyzed, it was found that not only were the slower participants more vulnerable (as a result of not wearing the personal protection system) but also more susceptible than the faster participants who carried 11.2 kg more load. Large interindividual differences in response to external load have meaningful consequences for battlefield susceptibility, and it is therefore critical that personnel are afforded tailored training such that they maximize their proficiency in the execution of tactical combat movements.