Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Do Force–Time and Power–Time Measures in a Loaded Jump Squat Differentiate between Speed Performance and Playing Level in Elite and Elite Junior Rugby Union Players?

Hansen, KT, Cronin, JB, Pickering, SL, and Douglas, L. Do force-time and power-time measures in a loaded jump squat differentiate between speed performance and playing level in elite and elite junior rugby union players? J Strength Cond Res 25(9): 2382-2391, 2011—The purpose of this study was to investigate the discriminative ability of rebound jump squat force-time and power-time measures in differentiating speed performance and competition level in elite and elite junior rugby union players. Forty professional rugby union players performed 3 rebound jump squats with an external load of 40 kg from which a number of force-time and power-time variables were acquired and analyzed. Additionally, players performed 3 sprints over 30 m with timing gates at 5, 10, and 30 m. Significant differences (p < 0.05) between the fastest 20 and slowest 20 athletes, and elite (n = 25) and elite junior (n = 15) players in speed and force-time and power-time variables were determined using independent sample t-tests. The fastest and slowest sprinters over 10 m differed in peak power (PP) expressed relative to body weight. Over 30 m, there were significant differences in peak velocity and relative PP and rate of power development. There was no significant difference in speed over any distance between elite and elite junior rugby union players; however, a number of force and power variables including peak force, PP, force at 100 milliseconds from minimum force, and force and impulse 200 milliseconds from minimum force were significantly (p < 0.05) different between playing levels. Although only power values expressed relative to body weight were able to differentiate speed performance, both absolute and relative force and power values differentiated playing levels in professional rugby union players. For speed development in rugby union players, training strategies should aim to optimize the athlete's power to weight ratio, and lower body resistance training should focus on movement velocity. For player development to transition elite junior players to elite status, adding lean mass is likely to be most beneficial.
Isokinetic Knee Joint Evaluation in Track and Field Events

Deli, CK, Paschalis, V, Theodorou, AA, Nikolaidis, MG, Jamurtas, AZ, Koutedakis, Y. Isokinetic knee joint evaluation in track and field events. J Strength Cond Res 25(9): 2528-2536, 2011—The purpose of this study was to evaluate maximal torque of the knee flexors and extensors, flexor/extensor ratios, and maximal torque differences between the 2 lower extremities in young track and field athletes. Forty male track and field athletes 13-17 years old and 20 male nonathletes of the same age participated in the study. Athletes were divided into 4 groups according to their age and event (12 runners and 10 jumpers 13-15 years old, 12 runners and 6 jumpers 16-17 years old) and nonathletes into 2 groups of the same age. Maximal torque evaluation of knee flexors and extensors was performed on an isokinetic dynamometer at 60°·s−1. At the age of 16-17 years, jumpers exhibited higher strength values at extension than did runners and nonathletes, whereas at the age of 13-15 years, no significant differences were found between events. Younger athletes were weaker than older athletes at flexion. Runners and jumpers were stronger than nonathletes in all relative peak torque parameters. Nonathletes exhibited a higher flexor/extensor ratio compared with runners and jumpers. Strength imbalance in athletes was found between the 2 lower extremities in knee flexors and extensors and also at flexor/extensor ratio of the same extremity. Young track and field athletes exhibit strength imbalances that could reduce their athletic performance, and specific strength training for the weak extremity may be needed.
The Effect of Acute Stretching on Agility Performance

Van Gelder, LH and Bartz, SD. The effect of acute stretching on agility performance. J Strength Cond Res 25(11): 3014–3021, 2011—Static stretching (SS) has shown decreases in many areas including strength, anaerobic power, and sprinting time. Dynamic stretching (DS) has shown increases in anaerobic power and decreases in sprinting time. Research on the effects of stretching on agility performance is limited. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of SS and DS on performance time of a sport agility test. Sixty male subjects consisting of collegiate (n = 18) and recreational (n = 42) basketball athletes volunteered for the study. Subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 intervention groups: SS, DS, or no stretching (NS). All groups completed a 10-minute warm-up jog followed by a 3-minute rest. The SS and DS groups then completed an 8.5-minute stretching intervention. Next, all subjects completed 3 trials of the 505 agility test with 2–5 minutes of rest between trials. A 2-way repeated-measure analysis of variance (Stretch group, athlete category, group × athlete interaction) was used to determine statistical significance (p < 0.05). A Tukey post hoc test was performed to determine differences between groups. For all athletes, the DS group produced significantly faster times on the agility test (2.22 ± 0.12 seconds, mean ± SD) in comparison to both the SS group (2.33 ± 0.15 seconds, p = 0.013) and NS group (2.32 ± 0.12 seconds, p = 0.026). Differences between the SS and NS groups revealed no significance (p = 0.962). There was a significant difference in mean times for the type of athlete (p = 0.002); however, interaction between the type of athlete and stretching group was not significant (p = 0.520). These results indicate that in comparison to SS or NS, DS significantly improves performance on closed agility skills involving a 180° change of direction.
RESEARCH NOTES / NOTES DE RECHERCHE

This research was based on data collected in the Health and Mental Health cycle of the Canadian Community Health Survey to assess the effects of ethnic background on seeking treatment for major depression episodes (MDE) and to investigate types of barriers to mental health care reported by members of different racial/ethnic groups. Findings indicated that racial/ethnic background had a significant effect on treatment-seeking rates, controlling for socio-economic, demographic and health factors. Proportion of MDE sufferers with unmet mental health care needs varied significantly across racial/ethnic groups, with the lowest rate reported among Blacks and the highest among South Asians. Results identified some access problems that were common across all racial/ethnic groups and some problems unique to members of specific groups. For example, twothirds of depressed individuals of all racial/ethnic backgrounds with unmet needs reported personal barriers to treatment, i.e., they decided not to seek treatment. In contrast, rates of accessibility and availability barriers differed significantly across racial/ethnic groups. Results signaled an urgent need for psycho-educational programs aimed at Canadians of all racial/ethnic backgrounds, as well as the need for culturally sensitive screening and intervention policies to ensure equal access to mental health services for all Canadians.
Effects of the Number of Players and Game Type Constraints on Heart Rate, Rating of Perceived Exertion, and Technical Actions of Small-Sided Soccer Games

Abstract Abrantes, CI, Nunes, MI, Maçãs, VM, Leite, NM, and Sampaio, JE. Effects of the number of players and game type constraints on heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and technical actions of small-sided soccer games. J Strength Cond Res 26(4): 976–981, 2012—The purpose of this study was to identify the variation of heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and technical actions between 2 soccer small-sided games (SSGs; 3 × 3 and 4 × 4) in 3 game type constraints (when playing only offense [OFF], playing only defense [DEF], and both situations [GAME]). Sixteen high-level young male players were analyzed (age 15.75 ± 0.45 years; height 172.4 ± 4.83 cm; body mass 64.5 ± 6.44 kg; HRmax199.1 ± 9.08 b·min−1; and 8.06 ± 1.98 years of soccer practice). All tasks were performed in 4 periods of 4 minutes interspersed with 2 minutes of active recovery. The HR was measured continuously and then analyzed by the time spent into 4 training zones according to individual %HRmax (zone 1 <75%; zone 2 75–84.9%; zone 3 85–89.9%; and zone 4 ≥90%). Results identified that players were most frequently in zones 2 and 3. The 3 × 3 SSGs elicited higher HR and RPE and the most intense situation was GAME. Despite the known higher frequencies from technical actions in SSGs with fewer players, player effectiveness in 3 × 3 and 4 × 4 was identical. The use of GAME, OFF, and DEF game type constraints should be carefully planned. Using the 3 × 3 format seems more adequate when aiming for aerobic performance optimal effects; however, DEF situations should only be used to promote aerobic recovery effects. The inclusion of an additional player in SSGs had different interactions in game type constraints, and only GAME presented adequate intensity.
Plasma/platelet pathogen inactivation

‘Safe blood’ is and has always been a major task in transfusion medicine. In the public eye, ‘safe blood’ is often related to protection against infectious agents transmitted through blood. The current measures taken to protect the patients against infection through transfusion are careful donor selection and extensive testing for infectious markers of HIV, HBV, HCV, HTLV, WNV and Treponema pallidum. There are some differences in the testing panel, and the test methods vary – e.g. HCV NAT not included in all European countries. In addition, as focus was set on bacterial contamination of platelet concentrates, bacterial surveillance of platelet concentrates has been implemented as well. The success of these precautions has been documented by national haemovigilance report systems as the SHOT in the UK [1]. Transmission of infectious agents is no longer the major threat related to transfusion. However, emerging pathogens may change the situation totally. West Nile virus infected many blood donors in the USA before adequate measures to prevent transfusion-related transmission could be taken, and a possible bird flu epidemic could theoretically impair the blood supply severely. In many developing countries, both lack of testing facilities and a much broader spectre of infectious agents make the blood supply unsafe. Therefore there is a continuous focus on pathogen inactivation – or pathogen reduction as it named by some official agencies. The term ‘pathogen reduction’ is based on the documented efficiency of the pathogen inactivation methods, as it is given as log reduction of the individual infectious agent tested. If the pathogen dose in the treated product exceeds the ‘log reduction’ of the pathogen, there will be pathogen reduction rather than pathogen inactivation. In this paper, the term will be ‘pathogen inactivation’, according to the given title. For plasma and platelets, some pathogen inactivation techniques are available – and more are under development. However, the usages of these techniques differ a lot between different countries and also between different centres in the same country. The reasons for this may primarily be related to the cost – or cost-effectiveness – of the methods [2,3], but it may also indicate that the current methods do not completely fulfil the criteria for a successful method: efficient pathogen inactivation, maintained component function and acceptable safety profile [4].
Glucocorticoids retard skeletal muscle development and myoblast protein synthesis through a mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)-signaling pathway in broilers (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Abstract Glucocorticoids exert a well-known catabolic protein action on skeletal muscle. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway acts as a central regulator of protein metabolism. Whether glucocorticoids regulate protein synthesis through the mTOR pathway in skeletal muscle of chickens remains unknown. This study was performed to characterize the effect of glucocorticoids on the mTOR pathway in skeletal muscle development in chickens, and on protein synthesis in cultured embryonic myoblasts. Male 29-d-old chickens were given a dexamethasone injection (2 mg/kg) twice per day for 4 d (n = 16). Chicken embryonic myoblasts were exposed to dexamethasone for 24 h (100 µmol/L, n = 4 cultures). The interaction between dexamethasone and leucine was also investigated. ANOVA and Duncan’s multiple test were used to analyze the effects of the dexamethasone and leucine treatments. The results showed that dexamethasone decreased body weight gain, body weight, and feed efficiency. Protein synthesis was inhibited by in vitro dexamethasone exposure. Phosphorylation of mTOR and ribosomal protein S6 protein kinase (p70S6K) were inhibited by dexamethasone, suggesting the mTOR pathway may be involved in dexamethasone-regulated muscle protein synthesis. Phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was not altered in vitro but was reduced in vivo by dexamethasone. These results imply that the mTOR and AMPK pathways are both involved in retarding muscle development and protein synthesis by glucocorticoids, but the mTOR pathway is a critical point linking glucocorticoid and protein synthesis. Leucine, at least partially, inhibited the effects of dexamethasone on protein synthesis via the mTOR pathway.
Gender Differences in Knee Stability in Response to Whole-Body Vibration

Abstract Sañudo, B, Feria, A, Carrasco, L, de Hoyo, M, Santos, R, and Gamboa, H. Gender differences in knee stability in response to whole-body vibration. J Strength Cond Res 26(8): 2156–2165, 2012—The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are kinematic and electromyographic (EMG) differences between men and women in how the knee is controlled during a single-legged drop landing in response to whole-body vibration (WBV). Forty-five healthy volunteers, 30 men (age 22 ± 3 years; weight 76.8 ± 8.8 kg; height 179.0 ± 6.8 cm) and 15 women (age 22 ± 3 years; weight 61.0 ± 7.7 kg; height 161.9 ± 7.2 cm) were recruited for this study. Knee angles, vertical ground reaction forces, and the time to stabilize the knee were assessed after single-legged drop landings from a 30-cm platform. Surface EMG data in rectus femoris (RF) and hamstrings (H) and knee and ankle accelerometry signals were also acquired. The participants performed 3 pretest landings, followed by a 3-minute recovery and then completed 1 minute of WBV (30 Hz to 4 mm). Before vibration, the female subjects had a significantly higher peak vertical force value, knee flexion angles, and greater H preactivity (EMGRMS 50 milliseconds before activation) than did the male subjects. In addition, although not significant, the medial-lateral (ML) acceleration in both knee and ankle was also higher in women. After WBV, no significant differences were found for any of the other variables. However, there was a decrease in the RF to H activation ratio during the precontact phase and an increase in the ratio during the postcontact phase just in women, which leads to a decrement in ML acceleration. The gender differences reported in knee stability in response to WBV underline the necessity to perform specific neuromuscular training programs based on WBV together with instruction of the proper technique, which can assist the clinician in the knee injury prevention.
Anthropometric Profile, Vertical Jump, and Throwing Velocity in Elite Female Handball Players by Playing Positions

Abstract Vila, H, Manchado, C, Rodriguez, N, Abraldes, JA, Alcaraz, PE, and Ferragut, C. Anthropometric profile, vertical jump, and throwing velocity in elite female handball players by playing positions. J Strength Cond Res 26(8): 2146–2155, 2012—Women's handball is a sport, which has seen an accelerated development over the last decade. Although anthropometric and physical characteristics have been studied for male sports teams, in women's handball, studies are scarce. The aim of this study was twofold: first, to describe the anthropometric characteristics, throwing velocity, hand grip, and muscular power of the lower limbs in female handball players and second, to identify the possible differences in these parameters in terms of individual playing positions (center, back, wing, pivot, and goalkeeper). A total of 130 elite female Spanish handball players participated in the study (age 25.74 ± 4.84 years; playing experience 14.92 ± 4.88 years). Anthropometric assessment was performed for all the subjects following the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry protocols. Furthermore, all the subjects performed a vertical jump test (squat jump and countermovement jump). Hand grip and throwing velocity in several situations were also assessed. A 1-way analysis of variance and a Tukey post hoc test were used to study the differences among individual playing positions. Wings were less heavy, shorter, and showed a smaller arm span than did goalkeepers, backs and pivots (p ⩽ 0.001). Additionally, pivots were heavier than centers. Backs and pivots exhibited higher muscular mass than did wings. Total players' somatotype was mesomorphy endomorphy (3.89–4.28–2.29). Centers showed higher throwing velocity levels than did wings in 9-m throws from just behind the line, with a goalkeeper. Backs exhibited higher hand-grip values than did wings. Statistical differences have been established between wings and other specific playing positions, especially with pivot and backs. Coaches can use this information to select players for the different specific positions.
A Kinematic Comparison of Alterations to Knee and Ankle Angles from Resting Measures to Active Pedaling During a Graded Exercise Protocol

Abstract Peveler, WW, Shew, B, Johnson, S, and Palmer, TG. A kinematic comparison of alterations to knee and ankle angles from resting measures to active pedaling during a graded exercise protocol. J Strength Cond Res 26(11): 3004–3009, 2012—Saddle height is one of the most researched areas of bike fit. The current accepted method for adjusting saddle height involves the use of a goniometer to adjust saddle height so that a knee angle between 25° and 35° is obtained. This measurement is taken while the cyclist maintains a static position with the pedal at the 6-o′-clock position. However, the act of pedaling is dynamic, and angles may alter during movement. The purpose of this study was to examine the alterations to knee and ankle angle occurring from static measures to active pedaling across intensities experienced by cyclists during a graded exercise protocol. Thirty-four recreational to highly trained cyclists were evaluated using 2D analysis of stationary position and 3 active levels (level 1, respiratory exchange ratio of 1.00, and max). Dependent measures were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance (p = 0.05). When examining the results, it is evident that significant alterations to pedal stroke occur from stationary measures to active pedaling and as intensity increases toward maximal. Plantar flexion increased when moving from stationary measures to active pedaling, which resulted in an increase in knee angle. Although still greater than stationary measures, less plantar flexion occurred at higher intensities when compared with lower intensity cycling. Less plantar flexion at higher intensities is most likely a result of application of a larger downward torque occurring because of greater power requirements at higher intensities. There appeared to be greater variability in angle when examining novice cyclists in relation to more experienced cyclists. Although stationary measures are where a bike fit session will begin, observation during the pedal cycle may be needed to fine-tune the riders' fit.
Effects of Isocaloric Carbohydrate vs. Carbohydrate-Protein Supplements on Cycling Time to Exhaustion

Abstract Richardson, KL, Coburn, JW, Beam, WC, and Brown, LE. Effects of isocaloric carbohydrate vs. carbohydrate-protein supplements on cycling time to exhaustion. J Strength Cond Res 26(5): 1361–1365, 2012—The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of isocaloric carbohydrate (CHO) and carbohydrate-protein (CHO-Pro) supplements on time to exhaustion. Eleven moderately aerobically fit adults (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max= 48.3 ± 6.5 ml·kg-1·min-1) performed a maximal cycle ergometer test for the determination of V[Combining Dot Above]O2max. At least 72 hours later, the participants performed a time-to-exhaustion test at a power output equivalent to the power output when subjects were at 75% of their V[Combining Dot Above]O2max. Either the CHO or the CHO-Pro supplement was administered at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after this test. After 3 hours of recovery and supplement ingestion, a second time-to-exhaustion test was performed. This testing protocol was repeated for the third visit, but the supplement not given during the second visit was administered. The results indicated that there was no significant difference in time to exhaustion after isocaloric CHO (pretest 22.4 ± 2.84 minutes, posttest 25.4 ± 4.45 minutes) and CHO-Pro (pretest 22.3 ± 3.46 minutes, posttest 24.0 ± 5.08 minutes) supplementation. Carbohydrate and CHO-Pro ingestion after exercise appear to have similar effects on short-term recovery.
Neuropsychiatry and Mental Health Services

Inevitably, reading is one of the requirements to be undergone. To improve the performance and quality, someone needs to have something new every day. It will suggest you to have more inspirations, then. However, the needs of inspirations will make you searching for some sources. Even from the other people experience, internet, and many books. Books and internet are the recommended media to help you improving your quality and performance.
The Relationship Between Maximal Lifting Capacity and Maximum Acceptable Lift in Strength-Based Soldiering Tasks

Abstract Savage, RJ, Best, SA, Carstairs, GL, and Ham, DJ. The relationship between maximal lifting capacity and maximum acceptable lift in strength-based soldiering tasks. J Strength Cond Res 26(7): S23–S29, 2012—Psychophysical assessments, such as the maximum acceptable lift, have been used to establish worker capability and set safe load limits for manual handling tasks in occupational settings. However, in military settings, in which task demand is set and capable workers must be selected, subjective measurements are inadequate, and maximal capacity testing must be used to assess lifting capability. The aim of this study was to establish and compare the relationship between maximal lifting capacity and a self-determined tolerable lifting limit, maximum acceptable lift, across a range of military-relevant lifting tasks. Seventy male soldiers (age 23.7 ± 6.1 years) from the Australian Army performed 7 strength-based lifting tasks to determine their maximum lifting capacity and maximum acceptable lift. Comparisons were performed to identify maximum acceptable lift relative to maximum lifting capacity for each individual task. Linear regression was used to identify the relationship across all tasks when the data were pooled. Strong correlations existed between all 7 lifting tasks (rrange = 0.87–0.96, p < 0.05). No differences were found in maximum acceptable lift relative to maximum lifting capacity across all tasks (p = 0.46). When data were pooled, maximum acceptable lift was equal to 84 ± 8% of the maximum lifting capacity. This study is the first to illustrate the strong and consistent relationship between maximum lifting capacity and maximum acceptable lift for multiple single lifting tasks. The relationship developed between these indices may be used to help assess self-selected manual handling capability through occupationally relevant maximal performance tests.