Exercise Science Research Research Articles

Ultrasonic assessment of exercise-induced change in skeletal muscle glycogen content

BackgroundUltrasound imaging is a valuable tool in exercise and sport science research, and has been used to visualize and track real-time movement of muscles and tendons, estimate hydration status in body tissues, and most recently, quantify skeletal muscle glycogen content. In this validation study, direct glycogen quantification from pre-and post-exercise muscle biopsy samples was compared with glycogen content estimates made through a portable, diagnostic high-frequency ultrasound and cloud-based software system (MuscleSound®, Denver, CO).MethodsWell-trained cyclists (N = 20, age 38.4 ± 6.0 y, 351 ± 57.6 wattsmax) participated in a 75-km cycling time trial on their own bicycles using CompuTrainer Pro Model 8001 trainers (RacerMate, Seattle, WA). Muscle biopsy samples and ultrasound measurements were acquired pre- and post-exercise. Specific locations on the vastus lateralis were marked, and a trained technician used a 12 MHz linear transducer and a standard diagnostic high resolution GE LOGIQ-e ultrasound machine (GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI) to make three ultrasound measurements. Ultrasound images were pre-processed to isolate the muscle area under analysis, with the mean pixel intensity averaged from the three scans and scaled (0 to 100 scale) to create the glycogen score. Pre- and post-exercise muscle biopsy samples were acquired at the vastus lateralis location (2 cm apart) using the suction-modified percutaneous needle biopsy procedure, and analyzed for glycogen content.ResultsThe 20 cyclists completed the 75-km cycling time trial in 168 ± 26.0 minutes at a power output of 193 ± 57.8 watts (54.2 ± 9.6% wattsmax). Muscle glycogen decreased 77.2 ± 17.4%, with an absolute change of 71.4 ± 23.1 mmol glycogen per kilogram of muscle. The MuscleSound® change score at the vastus lateralis site correlated highly with change in measured muscle glycogen content (R = 0.92, P < 0.001).ConclusionsMuscleSound® change scores acquired from an average of three ultrasound scans at the vastus lateralis site correlated significantly with change in vastus lateralis muscle glycogen content. These data support the use of the MuscleSound® system for accurately and non-invasively estimating exercise-induced decreases in vastus lateralis skeletal muscle glycogen content.

From Ling Gymnastics to Sport Science: The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, GIH, from 1813 to 2013

In 2013, the former Royal Gymnastic Central Institute, now the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH), celebrated its bicentenary. The purpose of this paper is to describe, by means of a literature review, the holding blocks that have contributed to the continuity of the oldest institute for PE teacher education in the world. For the first hundred years Ling gymnastics represented a legitimate system for the schooling of the body, the promotion of health and the rehabilitation of the sick. This resulted in strong markers of exclusivity, keeping the institution together. The next hundred years saw the discontinuity of Ling gymnastics, including medical gymnastics, and a call for sport education. The new cornerstones were exercise science research and the establishment of the Institute as an autonomous university college with the assignment to meet society's continued need for knowledge of how to support healthy citizens. Today's challenges for GIH include dealing with a changing society, the conflicting dimensions of (competitive) sport, and the more philanthropic ideas of body and physicality.

High intensity strength training in overweight adults at workplace: a pilot study

s / Rev Andal Med Deporte. 2015;8(1):20–47 23 Objective.Menopause is characterized by the presence of emotional instability and greater dissatisfactionwith life. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the effects of an exercise intervention on quality of life and optimism in perimenopausal women. Method. Fourteen perimenopausal women (54.1±3.2 years) participated in a 9 weeks (60minutes/session, 3 days/week) moderate-vigorous intensity (12-16 rating of perceived effort) exercise intervention (aerobic and resistance exercise mainly). Health-related quality of life and general optimism and pessimism were evaluated by means of the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Revised Life Orientation Test, respectively. Nonparametric Wilcoxon signed ranks test for paired samples was used. Results. The exercise program improved physical function by 12% (P<0.05) and emotional role by 18% (P=0.05). No statistically significant differences were found for the remaining SF-36 dimensions. After the exercise intervention participants’ general optimism improved 21% (P<0.05). Conclusion. An exercise intervention program is successful by improving the physical functioning and general optimism of perimenopausal women. Because of the small sample size, the results must be taken cautiously. Future studies with greater sample sizes should confirm the present results. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ramd.2014.10.008 High intensity strength training in overweight adults at workplace: a pilot study P.A. Borras ∗, J. Vidal-Conti, A. Muntaner, J. Cantallops, P. Palou Exercise and Sports Science Research Group. University of the Balearic Islands. Ctra. Valldemossa km.7’5. Edifici Guillem Cifre de Colonya. Palma de Majorca. E-07122, Spain Correo electronico: pa-borras@uib.es (P.A. Borras).

Guilt by Genetic Association

Michael R. Graham1, Bruce Davies2 and Julien S. Baker*3 1Llantarnam Health Care, Parc-y-Bont, UK 2Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of South Wales, UK 3Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of the West of Scotland, UK *Corresponding author: Julien S Baker, Professor, Department of Health and Exercise Science, Director of Research, Institute of Clinical Exercise and Health Science, Exercise Science Research Laboratory, School of Science, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton, Lanarkshire, Scotland, ML3 OJB, UK, Tel: 01698 283100; Fax: 01698 894404; E-mail: jsbaker@uws.ac.uk

Can we Learn from Past Iatrogenic Effects When Managing Obesity?

Graham MR1, Bruce Davies2 and Julien S Baker3* 1Parc-y-Bont, Newport Road, Llantarnam, Cwmbran, NP44 3AF, UK 2Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of South Wales, UK 3Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, UK *Corresponding author: Julien S Baker, Professor, Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Director of Research, Institute of Clinical Exercise and Health Science, Exercise Science Research Laboratory, School of Science, Hamilton, Lanarkshire, Scotland, ML3 OJB, UK, Tel: 01698 283100; Fax: 01698 894404; E-mail: jsbaker@uws.ac.uk

The impact of data reduction on the intra-trial reliability of a typical measure of lower limb musculoskeletal stiffness

Double-leg repeated jumping tasks are commonly used as measures of lower limb stiffness in exercise science research. Within similar stiffness calculations, variation in data-reduction criteria exists. The impact of these varied data-reduction methods on stiffness measures is unknown. Sixteen adolescent female participants from varied physical activity backgrounds performed 15 self-paced, bent-knee continuous jumps (CJb) on two force plates. Leg stiffness was calculated as the ratio of the peak force and the centre of mass displacement for each contact. Using combinations of criteria based on previous literature, 83 data-reduction methods were applied to the raw data. Data reduction suitability was assessed based on intra-trial reliability, the number of participants excluded and the average contacts excluded. Four data-reduction methods were deemed suitable for use with adolescent female populations, with three consecutive contacts within 1 SD of the average jump frequency considered optimal. The average individual stiffness values were not greatly influenced by the data-reduction method; however, for a single participant, a stiffness change of up to 6 kN · m−1 (30%) was observed. The role and potential impact of data-reduction methods used to evaluate measures of lower limb stiffness during repeated jumping tasks warrants consideration.

The Athletic Profile of Fast Bowling in Cricket

Cricket is a global sport played in over 100 countries with elite performers attracting multimillion dollar contracts. Therefore, performers maintaining optimum physical fitness and remaining injury free is important. Fast bowlers have a vital position in a cricket team, and there is an increasing body of scientific literature that has reviewed this role over the past decade. Previous research on fast bowlers has tended to focus on biomechanical analysis and injury prevention in performers. However, this review aims to critically analyze the emerging contribution of physiological-based literature linked to fast bowling in cricket, highlight the current evidence related to simulated and competitive in-match performance, and relate this practically to the conditioning coach. Furthermore, the review considers limitations with past research and possible avenues for future investigation. It is clear with the advent of new applied mobile monitoring technology that there is scope for more ecologically valid and longitudinal exploration capturing in-match data, providing quantification of physiological workloads, and analysis of the physical demands across the differing formats of the game. Currently, strength and conditioning specialists do not have a critical academic resource with which to shape professional practice, and this review aims to provide a starting point for evidence in the specific area.

Issues and Concurrent Solutions for the Application of Confirmatory Factor Analysis in Physical Education and Exercise Science Research

Issues and Concurrent Solutions for the Application of Confirmatory Factor Analysis in Physical Education and Exercise Science Research

Type I and Type II Errors in Correlations of Various Sample Sizes

Abstract This study documented the effect of sample sizes commonly seen in exercise science research on type I and type II errors in statistical tests of numerous correlations. Data on tennis string testing were used to examine zero-order and partial correlations between six variables for the population (N = 198) and three randomly drawn sub-samples of 99, 50, and 25. Sample size and statistical analysis procedure affected the rates of statistical errors. Reducing sample size increased type II errors 7% to 21% using correlation analysis. Partial correlation analysis of smaller samples increased type II errors 29% to 85%. Correlation studies of small sample sizes are likely vulnerable to type I or type II statistical errors and should be interpreted with caution.

Ethical Standards in Sport and Exercise Science Research: 2014 Update·

Ethical Standards in Sport and Exercise Science Research: 2014 Update·

Planned Missing Data Designs for Spline Growth Models in Salivary Cortisol Research

Salivary cortisol is often used as an index of physiological and psychological stress in exercise science and psychoneuroendocrine research. A primary concern when designing research studies examining cortisol stems from the high cost of analysis. Planned missing data designs involve intentionally omitting a random subset of observations from data collection, reducing both the cost of data collection and participant burden. These designs have the potential to result in more efficient, cost-effective analyses with minimal power loss. Using salivary cortisol data from a previous study (Hogue, Fry, Fry, & Pressman, 2013), this article examines statistical power and estimated costs of six different planned missing data designs using growth curve modeling. Results indicate that using a planned missing data design would have provided the same results at a lower cost relative to the traditional, complete data analysis of salivary cortisol.

Isokinetic Strength and Performance in Collegiate Women's Soccer.

Soccer research in exercise science has focused on men's soccer, while women's soccer has been underrepresented in training studies, as well as in studies focusing on physiological variables. The purpose of this study was to examine anthropometric data and selected physiological and biomechanical variables of importance as they correlates to performance variables such as ball velocity and distance, specifically in female collegiate soccer players. Twenty-two NCAA Division I female soccer athletes participated in the study. Body composition, muscular strength, explosive power, aerobic power, acceleration, speed, and agility were tested in each athlete. Knee torque (KT) and hip torque (HT) were also measured on both legs. Kicking accuracy and velocity were examined. A correlation was found between KT and KV (r=0.93), as well as vertical jump and KV (r=0.91). Aerobic power (r=0.93), agility (r=0.88), and vertical jump (r=0.84) were highly correlated to BF%. These data suggest that significant relationships do exist between peak knee and hip torque, agility, lean body mass, strength, and explosive power with soccer-specific variables such as kick velocity (KV). Contributing to the body of data on female soccer athletes and variables important in performance is essential as the population engaged in the sport continues to increase.

Thirteen days of normobaric intermittent hypoxia increases SpO2 in a 71‐year‐old male

PURPOSENormobaric Intermittent Hypoxic Exposure (NIHE) is thought to reduce risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) during subsequent exposure to higher altitudes by increasing arterial oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (SpO2). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 13d of NIHE on older adult SpO2.METHODSA 71 y.o., 185 cm tall, 84 kg, healthy male informed volunteer, participated in this IRB approved study. A former marathoner, BR has a history of mitral valve replacement (1995) and hemorrhagic stroke (2001). After a thorough physical examination and stress test by a cardiologist, he was pronounced in superior fitness and approved for the study. BR was exposed to normobaric hypoxic simulated altitudes of 2438 m to 5486 m in ~300 m increments for 3–4h/d for 13d. Every 15 minutes of exposure, SpO2 and heart rate (HR) were measured. On d0 and on d13, BR was exposed to 6 normobaric hypoxic simulated altitudes (1830 m – 4663 m).RESULTSDuring 13d of NIHE, SpO2 was reduced from d1 (2486 m) to d13 (5486 m; r= −0.947, P&lt; 0.001). When the d0 SpO2 values at the 6 simulated altitudes were compared to d13 values, significant increases (P&lt;0.05) were found.CONCLUSIONSNIHE appears to be a safe and effective method of increasing SpO2 in older adults preparing for strenuous high altitude exertion. Supported by: The Foundation for Aging Studies and Exercise Science Research and, The Borgenicht Program at William &amp; Mary

The Harmful Effects of Non Alcoholic Drugs on Driving: It’s Time to Use Technology to Enforce the Law

1Institute for Health, Medical Science and Society, Glyndwr University, Wrexham, LL11 2AW, UK 2Health and Exercise Science Research Unit, School of Science, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, South Wales, UK 3Institute for Clinical Health and Exercise Science, Exercise Science Research Laboratory, School of Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton, Lanarkshire, Scotland, ML3 OJB, UK

Update – Ethical Standards in Sport and Exercise Science Research

Update – Ethical Standards in Sport and Exercise Science Research

Application of Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) in Exercise and Sports Science Research

Application of Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) in Exercise and Sports Science Research

Exercise Science Academic Programs and Research in the Philippines

In this invited editorial, professors from leading institutions in the Philippines, share information regarding their programs relating to Exercise Science. They have provided information on academic components such as entrance requirements, progression through programs, and professional opportunities available to students following completion; as well as details regarding funding available to students to participate in research, collaboration, and specific research interests.

International Journal of Sports Medicine – Ethical Standards in Sport and Exercise Science Research

For research that involves human participants or animals to be published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine (IJSM), it must have been conducted in accordance with recognised ethical standards and national/international laws. Authors are required to confirm that these standards and laws have been adhered to by formally citing this editorial within the methods section of their own manuscript. In this editorial, we synthesise the standards and laws into one source for convenience to authors of IJSM submissions. We outline the principles of the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki [1] and the Institute for Laboratory Animal Research of the National Research Council's Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals [2]. We highlight ethical issues included in national/international law and provide guidance on ethical issues common to Sport and Exercise Science.

Genetic research and testing in sport and exercise science: A review of the issues

This review is based on the BASES position stand on “Genetic Research and Testing in Sport and Exercise Science”. Our aims are first to introduce the reader to research in sport and exercise genetics and then to highlight ethical problems arising from such research and its applications. Sport and exercise genetics research in the form of transgenic animal and human association studies has contributed significantly to our understanding of exercise physiology and there is potential for major new discoveries. Researchers starting out in this field will have to ensure an appropriate study design to avoid, for example, statistically underpowered studies. Ethical concerns arise more from the applications of genetic research than from the research itself, which is assessed by ethical committees. Possible applications of genetic research are genetic performance tests or genetic tests to screen, for example, for increased risk of sudden death during sport. The concerns are that genetic performance testing could be performed on embryos and could be used to select embryos for transplantation or abortion. Screening for risk of sudden death may reduce deaths during sporting events but those that receive a positive diagnosis may suffer severe psychological consequences. Equally, it will be almost impossible to keep a positive diagnosis confidential if the individual tested is an elite athlete.

Normobaric Hypoxic Pre-acclimation And Ascent Of Mount Kilimanjaro By A 69.5-year-old Man: A Case Study

PURPOSE: Normobaric Intermittent Hypoxic Exposure (NIHE) pre-acclimation to high altitude is known to reduce risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) during subsequent exposure to higher altitudes. Little is known about NIHE pre-acclimation of older adult mountaineers nor the efficacy of NIHE pre-acclimation in reducing risk of AMS. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the protective effect of pre-acclimating a 69.5-year-old male using NIHE prior to a climb of Mount Kilimanjaro. METHODS: RT, a 69.5 y.o., 178 cm tall, 76.2 kg, healthy male informed volunteer, participated in this IRB approved study. RT was exposed to simulated altitudes of 2438 m to 5486 m in increments of 1000 m for periods of 3-4h/d for 15d prior to air travel to Africa to climb Mount Kilimanjaro (5895 m). Prior to and after each exposure the subject completed the Environmental Symptoms Questionnaire (ESQ), Lake Louise Consensus Score (LLS), and Profile of Mood States (POMS). Every 15 minutes of each exposure, SpO2 was measured as was mood state and heart rate. On d15 of NIHE, RT was exposed to simulated altitudes equivalent to each altitude of the 8 campsites on the Western Approach (Lemosho) Route of Mount Kilimanjaro after which he remained at 5486 m for 3h. During the Kilimanjaro climb, the ESQ and LLS were completed evenings and mornings at each camp. SpO2, Heart Rate, and altitude were also recorded at each camp as well as on the summit. Two months after RT returned to sea level (SL), he was again exposed over a 3h period to the 8 Lemosho Route simulated campsite altitudes for data comparison to the d15 NIHE values. RESULTS: During pre-acclimation SpO2 was reduced from d1 at 2486 m to d15 at 5486 m (r= -0.863, P< 0.01). No change in mood state or ESQ AMS-C was noted throughout the 15d pre-acclimation period. During the climb, SpO2 decreased with altitude as expected and AMS-C was higher only on d7 (summit day) of the climb. When the NIHE values at the 8 Lemosho Route simulated campsite altitudes were compared to d15 data 2 months after RT‘s return to SL, increases in AMS-C (Wilcoxon signed-rank test; P<0.05) were noted at 3505 m to 5246 m. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-acclimation with NIHE reduces risk of AMS-C in healthy older adults preparing for strenuous high altitude exertion. Supported by: The Foundation for Aging Studies and Exercise Science Research