Familiarization Trial Research Articles

THE REPEATABILITY OF A CYCLING EXERCISE-HEAT STRESS TEST IN A MALE POPULATION

IntroductionThere is considerable inter-individual variability in the physiological responses to environmental stressors and so to accurately assess and monitor changes in an individual’s ability to cope with exercise-heat stress, a reliable protocol is required. The aim of this study was to examine the repeatability of a 90-minute steady-state heat exercise bout with physiological and subjective variables, and performance during an incremental test to exhaustion post 90-min steady-state exercise. MethodSixteen mixed ability males (Age: 39±15yrs; Height: 176.5±4.8cm; BM: 79.7±10.3kg; O2peak: 46.2±8.6ml/kg/min; PPO: 309±39W) who trained at least three times a week undertook two 90-min steady-state – followed by an incremental protocol to exhaustion – cycling heat stress tests (HSTs) in a hot-humid environment (35°C, 60%RH). Heart rate (HR), rectal (re) and skin temperature (sk), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), thermal sensation (TS), and thermal comfort (TC) were measured throughout. Data was analysed using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC), technical error of measurement (TEM), Bland-Altman plots, t-tests, and Cohen’s d to indicate magnitude of change. ResultsPhysiological variables indicated good repeatability evident through moderate to strong ICC ratings, low magnitudes of change (d), lower mean biases compared to their respective calculated TEMs, and statistical non-significance, except HR90, ₸sk90, and ₸sk. Hydration status showed good repeatability except for urine osmolality (osmu90) and resting urine colour (colu). Perceptual variables showed encouraging repeatability apart from resting TS and mean TS. Performance data showed good repeatability overall, however 11 participants progressed to the incremental test to exhaustion in the second visit compared to 7 in the first. ConclusionCurrent data demonstrated favourable physiological, perceptual, and performance repeatability during repeated cycling HSTs in hot-humid conditions. However, given more participants progressed to the incremental trial to exhaustion protocol in the second visit, at least one familiarisation trial may improve the reliability of exercise capacity assessment.

An exploration of the agreement, inter- and intra-rater reliability, and reproducibility of three common methods used to measure minimum toe clearance with optical motion capture systems under three shoe conditions

BackgroundThe gait variable minimum toe clearance (MTC) has been investigated concerning trip-related fall research in older adults. However, comparing studies is difficult due to the different methods used to measure MTC and shoe conditions, which may affect agreement. Measurement methods can include using a single virtual point (SVP), multiple virtual points (MVPS), or metatarsal head markers (marker-based). The shoe types used in MTC studies include standard shoes (SS), personal shoes (PS), and barefoot (BF) conditions. Research questionWhat is the agreement, inter and intra-rater reliability, and repeatability for the 3 commonly used methods of measuring MTC (SVP, MVPS, marker-based) under the 3 shoe conditions for optical motion capture systems (SS, PS, BF)? MethodsTwelve healthy young adults (mean [SD] 23.8 [1.9] years,7 males) participated in this observational study. In a randomized order, participants completed 25 walking trials at self-selected normal and slow speeds in SS, PS, and BF conditions while infrared cameras recorded the maker trajectories. Each participant performed a familiarization trial for at least 1 minute before collecting data on each shoe condition. Statistical analyses included Bland-Altman 95 % limits of agreement (LOA) analyses, interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analyses for inter- and intra-rater reliability, and the repeatability coefficient (RC). ResultsThe SVP and MVPS had a tighter 95 % LOA than the marker-based method, particularly under SS and BF conditions. The inter-rater reliability was good to excellent under these shoe conditions. Intra-reliability for all methods under all shoe conditions was excellent (ICC >.90). The RC was very similar for each method, with none exceeding 1.02 cm. SignificanceThe study provides estimates of the agreement between MTC methods and suggests that only SVP or MVPS produced similar results in SS/BF conditions. Additionally, a "true" change in MTC requires a difference greater than 1.02 cm.

The Effects of a Novel Sodium Bicarbonate Ingestion System on Repeated 4km Cycling Time Trial Performance in Well-Trained Male Cyclists.

A novel sodium bicarbonate (SB) product has come to market named the "Bicarb System" (M-SB; Maurten AB, Gothenburg, Sweden). It claims to minimise gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort whilst still improving exercise performance. To investigate the effects of M-SB ingestion on repeated 4km cycling time trials (TT1 and TT2) in well-trained male cyclists. The study recruited ten well-trained cyclists (maximal oxygen uptake ( ): 67 ± 4mlkg-1min-1 BM; peak power output (PPO) at : 423 ± 21 W) to take part in this randomised, crossover and double-blinded study. Following one visit to determine , participants completed a second visit to identify individual time to peak blood bicarbonate (HCO3-) (ITTP) in a rested state. Visit three was a familiarisation trial mimicking the experimental procedures. Visits four to seven consisted of completing 2 × 4km cycling TTs separated by 45min passive recovery, following one of either: 0.3gkg-1 BM M-SB, 0.21gkg-1 BM sodium chloride (placebo; PLA) in vegetarian capsules (size 00), or a control trial (CON). Supplements (M-SB or placebo) were ingested pre-exercise at their respective ITTP. Performance in TT1 was faster in the M-SB condition compared with TT1 in CON (- 5.1s; p = 0.004) and PLA (- 3.5s; p < 0.001). In TT2, performance was also significantly faster in the M-SB condition compared with CON (- 4.4s; p = 0.018) or PLA (- 4.1s; p = 0.002). Total aggregated GI symptoms were generally low and not significantly different between PLA and the M-SB conditions for a range of symptoms. The ingestion of M-SB improves repeated 4km cycling TT performance and the recovery of acid-base balancebetween bouts, whilst causing minimal GI discomfort.

Myths and Methodologies: Standardisation in Human Physiology Research-Should We Control the Controllables?

The premise of research in human physiology is to explore a multifaceted system whilst identifying one or a few outcomes of interest. Therefore, the control of potentially confounding variables requires careful thought regarding the extent of control and complexity of standardisation. One common factor to control prior to testing is diet, as food and fluid provision may deviate from participants' habitual diets, yet a self-report and replication method can be flawed by under-reporting. Researchers may also need to consider standardisation of physical activity, whether it be through familiarisation trials, wash-out periods, or guidance on levels of physical activity to be achieved before trials. In terms of pharmacological agents, the ethical implications of standardisation require researchers to carefully consider how medications, caffeine consumption and oral contraceptive prescriptions may affect the study. For research in females, it should be considered whether standardisation between- or within-participants in regards to menstrual cycle phase is most relevant. The timing of measurements relative to various other daily events is relevant to all physiological research and so it can be important to standardise when measurements are made. This review summarises the areas of standardisation which we hope will be considered useful to anyone involved in human physiology research, including when and how one can apply standardisation to various contexts.

Relationship of peak capillary blood lactate accumulation and body composition in determining the mechanical energy equivalent of lactate during sprint cycling

AimA 15-s all-out sprint cycle test (i.e., νLamax-test) and the post-exercise change in capillary blood lactate concentration is an emerging diagnostic tool that is used to quantify the maximal glycolytic rate. The goal of this study was to determine the relation between 15 s-work, change in capillary blood lactate concentration (∆La) and body composition in a νLamax-test.MethodFifty cyclists performed a 15 s all-out sprint test on a Cyclus2 ergometer twice after a previous familiarization trial. Capillary blood was sampled before and every minute (for 8 min) after the sprint to determine ∆La. Body composition was determined employing InBody720 eight-electrode impedance analysis.ResultSimple regression models of fat-free mass (FFM) and also the product of FFM and ∆La showed similar ability to predict 15 s-work (R2 = 0.79; 0.82). Multiple regression combining both predictors explains 93% of variance between individuals. No differences between males and females were found regarding 15 s-work relative to the product of fat-free mass and ∆La. Considering pairs of similar FFM, a change 1 mmol/l of ∆La is estimated to be equal to 12 J/kg in 15 s-work (R2 = 0.85).DiscussionFifteen s-work is both closely related to FFM and also the product of ∆La and lactate-distribution space approximated by FFM. Differences in 15 s-work between males and females disappear when total lactate production is considered. Considering interindividual differences, the mechanical energy equivalent of blood lactate accumulation seems a robust parameter displaying a clear relationship between ∆La and 15 s-work relative to FFM.

Effect of high intensity, intermittent exercise on EyeGuide Focus smooth pursuit assessments in amateur female rugby union athletes

Ocular assessment tools provide insights into neurological functioning when diagnosing sport-related concussions (SRCs). Emerging technologies such as EyeGuide Focus have attempted to improve on pre-existing clinical tools however the reliability of the tool is currently uncertain and it is unclear if physical exertion may affect the validity of the device as seen with similar ocular assessments. The aim of this study was to determine if EyeGuide Focus accuracy is affected by high-intensity, intermittent exercise. Seven amateur female rugby union athletes were recruited (Mean age [± SD] = 23 ± 5 years; stature = 172 ± 4 cm, mass = 87 ± 20 kg). Athletes completed baseline testing on the unit which included two to four familiarisation trials and three official tests on the unit measured in arbitrary units (AUs). Testing was completed in a dark room free from distraction, and participants wore noise-cancelling headphones (BOSE QC45) during assessment. The athlete then performed a brief warmup before beginning the exercise protocol by Whyte et al. (2022, Phys Therapy Sport, 58, 126-133) which involves repeated circuits of acceleration, deceleration, backpedalling, change of direction, jumping, and side shuffling. This protocol has previously displayed significant effects on Vestibular Ocular Motor Screening testing. Athletes repeated circuits until they reported 17-18/20 on the Borg Scale with 30s between each circuit. Athletes then completed three more trials at five- and 10-mins post-exercise cessation. Data were exported to Microsoft Excel and Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences for analysis. Athletes completed an average of 03:15 ± 23 s total work in circuits. Significant differences existed between athlete’s heart rate at rest and post-warmup, post individual circuits, and five mins post-test (P &lt; 0.05) but not 10 mins post-test (P &gt; 0.05). Mean EyeGuide Focus scores were 23443.29 ± 8082.18, 35684.04 ± 13279.40, and 22927.64 ± 6377.61 AUs at baseline, 5 mins post-test, and 10 mins post-test respectively. Scores were significantly different between baseline and 5 mins post-test (P &lt; 0.001), and between 5- and 10-mins post-test (P &lt; 0.001), but not baseline and 10 mins post-test (P &gt; 0.848). Three mins of high-intensity, intermittent exercise was sufficient to induce significant changes in amateur female athletes’ EyeGuide Focus scores, returning to baseline after 10 mins of rest. The findings indicate that physical activity can impact on EyeGuide Focus scores and thus sufficient rest is required when assessing athletes for SRCs. Future research should investigate if sport-related contact or collisions also impact scoring on this device.

Myths and Methodologies: Standardisation in human physiology research-should we control the controllables?

The premise of research in human physiology is to explore a multifaceted system whilst identifying one or a few outcomes of interest. Therefore, the control of potentially confounding variables requires careful thought regarding the extent of control and complexity of standardisation. One common factor to control prior to testing is diet, as food and fluid provision may deviate from participants' habitual diets, yet a self-report and replication method can be flawed by under-reporting. Researchers may also need to consider standardisation of physical activity, whether it be through familiarisation trials, wash-out periods, or guidance on levels of physical activity to be achieved before trials. In terms of pharmacological agents, the ethical implications of standardisation require researchers to carefully consider how medications, caffeine consumption and oral contraceptive prescriptions may affect the study. For research in females, it should be considered whether standardisation between- or within-participants in regards to menstrual cycle phase is most relevant. The timing of measurements relative to various other daily events is relevant to all physiological research and so it can be important to standardise when measurements are made. This review summarises the areas of standardisation which we hope will be considered useful to anyone involved in human physiology research, including when and how one can apply standardisation to various contexts.

Reliability of power output, maximal rate of capillary blood lactate accumulation, and phosphagen contribution time following 15-s sprint cycling in amateur cyclists.

Based on Mader's mathematical model, the rate of capillary blood lactate concentration (νLamax) following intense exercise is thought to reflect the maximal glycolytic rate. We aimed to investigate the reliability of important variables of Mader's model (i.e. power output, lactate accumulation, predominant phosphagen contribution time frames (tP Cr)) and resulting νLamax values derived during and after a 15-s cycling sprint. Fifty cyclists performed a 15-s all-out sprint test on a Cyclus2 ergometer three times. The first sprint test was considered a familiarization trial. Capillary blood was sampled before and every minute (for 8 min) after the sprint to determine νLamax. Test-retest analysis between T2 and T3 revealed excellent reliability for power output (Pmean and Ppeak; ICC = 0.99, 0.99), ∆La and νLamax with tPCr of 3.5 s (ICC = 0.91, 0.91). νLamax calculated with tPCr = tP peak (ICC = 0.87) and tP Cr = tPpeak-3.5% (ICC = 0.79) revealed good reliability. tPpeak and tPpeak-3.5% revealed only poor and moderate reliability (ICC = 0.41, 0.52). Power output and ∆La are reliable parameters in the context of this test. Depending on tPCr, reliability of νLamax varies considerably with tP Cr of 3.5 s showing excellent reliability. We recommend standardization of this type of testing especially tP Cr.

Application of Model Averaging for Measurement in the Presence of Unknown Familiarization Phase or Fatigue Phase

ABSTRACT A number of familiarization trials are needed for reliable measurement, particularly for inexperienced subjects. Researchers have studied and developed familiarization protocols that vary by exercise and study population. The pace of familiarization and fatigue may be an individual-level characteristic, so a population-level protocol may not fit all subjects. In this article, the authors view this practical challenge as a statistical problem. We apply piecewise linear regression and model averaging for estimating the true performance level of a subject after familiarization and before fatigue. This statistical method does not require an experimenter to determine when a study participant is familiarized and fatigued. Simulation studies demonstrate that this statistical approach provides a more reliable measurement than the best-fit model. An online interactive applet is provided for those who are not familiar with statistical programming. Detailed instructions for the applet and case study are provided for demonstration.

Effects of 3days of citrulline malate supplementation on short-duration repeated sprint running performance in male team sport athletes.

Citrulline malate (CM) is purported to be an ergogenic aid during various types of exercise performance. However, the effects of CM on repeated sprint performance (RSP) are under-explored. In a placebo-controlled, double-blind, counterbalanced cross-over design, male university-level team sport athletes (n=13) performed two familiarization trials, after which CM or placebo (PLA) (8×1g tablets each day) were taken on the 2days prior to, and with breakfast on the morning of, each main experimental trial. The main experimental trials employed a RSP protocol consisting of 10 repetitions of 40m maximal shuttle run test (MST) with a 30s interval between the start of each sprint. Sprint times and heart rate were recorded throughout the MST, and blood lactate concentrations were measured before, immediately after, and 5min after completing the MST. CM resulted in better RSP compared to PLA, as indicated by a lower sprint performance decrement (Sdec: CM, 4.68%±1.82% vs. PLA, 6.10%±1.83%; p=0.03; ES=0.77), which was possibly influenced by the fastest sprint time being faster in CM (CM, 8.16±0.34s vs. PLA, 8.29±0.39s; p=0.011; ES=0.34). There were no differences between CM and PLA in average sprint time (p=0.54), slowest sprint time (p=0.48), blood lactate concentrations (p=0.73) or heart rate (p=0.18), nor was there a condition×time interaction effect across the 10 sprints (p=0.166). Three days of CM supplementation (8g daily) attenuated the sprint performance decrement during short-duration high-intensity exercise in the form of running RSP in male university-level team sport athletes.

Assessing Functional Capacity in Directly and Remotely Monitored Home-Based Settings in Individuals With Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Protocol for a Multinational Validation Study.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is widely recommended to improve functional status and as secondary and tertiary prevention in individuals with chronic pulmonary diseases. Unfortunately, access to timely and appropriate rehabilitation remains limited. To help close this inaccessibility gap, telerehabilitation has been proposed. However, exercise testing is necessary for effective and safe exercise prescription. Current gold-standard tests, such as maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), are poorly adapted to home-based or telerehabilitation settings. This was an obstacle to the continuity of services during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is essential to validate tests adapted to these new realities, such as the 6-minute stepper test (6MST). This test, strongly inspired by 6MWT, consists of taking as many steps as possible on a "stepper" for 6 minutes. This study aims to evaluate the metrological qualities of 6MST by (1) establishing concurrent validity and agreement between the 6MST and CPET, as well as with the 6MWT; (2) determining test-retest reliability in a home-based setting with direct and remote (videoconferencing) monitoring; and (3) documenting adverse events and participant perspectives when performing the 6MST in home-based settings. Three centers (Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec in Québec, Groupement des Hôpitaux de l'Institut Catholique de Lille in France, and FormAction Santé in France) will be involved in this multinational project, which is divided into 2 studies. For study 1 (objective 1), 30 participants (Québec, n=15; France, n=15) will be recruited. Two laboratory visits will be performed to assess anthropometric data, pulmonary function, and the 3 exercise tolerance tests (CPET, 6MWT, and 6MST). Concurrent validity (paired sample t tests and Pearson correlations) and agreement (Bland-Altman plots with 95% agreement limits) will be evaluated. For study 2 (objectives 2 and 3), 52 participants (Québec, n=26; France, n=26) will be recruited. Following a familiarization trial (trial 1), the 6MST will be conducted on 2 separate occasions (trials 2 and 3), once under direct supervision and once under remote supervision, in a randomized order. Paired sample t test, Bland-Altman plots, and intraclass correlations will be used to compare trials 2 and 3. A semistructured interview will be conducted after the third trial to collect participants' perspectives. Ethical approval was received for this project (October 12, 2023, in Québec and September 25, 2023, in France) and the first participant was recruited in February 2024. This study innovates by validating a new clinical test necessary for the development and implementation of new models of rehabilitation adapted to home and telerehabilitation contexts. This study also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by contributing to augmenting health care service delivery (goal 3) and reducing health care access inequalities (goal 11). ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06447831; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06447831. DERR1-10.2196/57404.

Impact of midsole thickness on physiological responses during running in well-trained athletes

Introduction Modern running shoes have revolutionized long-distance performances by decreasing the amount of oxygen athletes need when running at a given speed, which is termed running economy. In 2022, World Athletics imposed an upper limit of 40 mm for midsole thickness, possibly to prevent shoes from having an overemphasized role in performance. This ceiling, however, seems arbitrary, and a better understanding of whether midsole thickness affects running economy is needed. This study therefore investigated if midsole thickness affects oxygen consumption both indoors and outdoors, as early findings from treadmill studies may not translate to overground running. Methods Following a familiarization trial including an incremental test, 16 well-trained male runners (weight 70 ± 6 kg, age 28 ± 5 years, peak oxygen uptake, V̇O2peak 64 ± 4 ml O2･kg-1･min-1, peak running speed 20.0 ± 0.8 km･h-1) completed two testing visits, once on a treadmill and once on a track, each consisting of twelve 5-min runs at submaximal speed (16 km･h-1) alternating three different footwear conditions: an entry-level running shoe (EL, 30 mm midsole thickness) and two carbon-plated modern running shoes with midsole thickness of 40 and 50 mm, respectively. The shoe order was randomized and balanced between each of the four replicates. Gas exchange and heart rate were continuously measured throughout the runs. Results Running with 40 mm shoes reduced V̇O2 compared with EL shoes by 2.4 ± 1.1% on the treadmill and 4.0 ± 1.2% when running overground (both p &lt; 0.001). Running with 50mm shoes also decreased V̇O2 compared with EL shoes both on the treadmill (-2.7 ± 1.6%, p &lt; 0.001) and overground (-4.6 ± 1.8%, p &lt; 0.001), but no differences were detected between the modern shoes (40 mm vs. 50 mm treadmill: +0.3 ± 1.3%, p = 0.586; overground: +0.6 ± 1.4%, p = 0.189). Similarly, heart rate was lower compared with the EL shoes in both the 40 mm shoes (treadmill -1.3 ± 0.6%; overground -2.0 ± 0.6%; both p &lt; 0.001) and 50 mm shoes (treadmill -1.6 ± 0.7%; overground -2.3 ± 0.6%, both p &lt; 0.001), but no differences were detected between the modern shoes (40 mm vs. 50 mm treadmill: +0.3% ± 0.6%, p = 0.106; overground: +0.4 ± 0.6%, p = 0.090). Interestingly when running overground V̇O2 decreased over time for the 50 mm shoes, reaching significance between replicates 1 and 4 (p = 0.017), which was not the case for the 40 mm shoes (p = 0.817). The V̇O2 ratio between the 50 mm and 40 mm shoes was 1.003 in replicate 1 and 0.987 in replicate 4 (p = 0.108). Discussion/Conclusion Our data suggests that a 50 mm midsole does not offer significant benefits compared with race-legal 40 mm midsole shoes when tested over short durations. The 50 mm shoes cause a noticeable decrease in V̇O2 over time when used outdoors, which may reflect a learning effect to this unfamiliar midsole thickness. Longer test sessions may be necessary to reveal the actual impact on running economy of shoes with over 40 mm midsoles.

Cold Ambient Temperature Does Not Alter Subcutaneous Abdominal Adipose Tissue Lipolysis and Blood Flow in Endurance-Trained Cyclists

This study sought to investigate the effect of cold ambient temperature on subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (SCAAT) lipolysis and blood flow during steady-state endurance exercise in endurance-trained cyclists. Ten males (age: 23 ± 3 years; peak oxygen consumption: 60.60 ± 4.84 ml·kg−1·min−1; body fat: 18.4% ± 3.5%) participated in baseline lactate threshold (LT) and peak oxygen consumption testing, two familiarization trials, and two experimental trials. Experimental trials consisted of cycling in COLD (3 °C; 42% relative humidity) and neutral (NEU; 19 °C; 39% relative humidity) temperatures. Exercise consisted of 25 min cycling at 70% LT and 25 min at 90% LT. In situ SCAAT lipolysis and blood flow were measured via microdialysis. Heart rate, core temperature, carbohydrate and fat oxidation, blood glucose, and blood lactate were also measured. Heart rate, core temperature, oxygen consumption, and blood lactate increased with exercise but were not different between COLD and NEU. SCAAT blood flow did not change from rest to exercise or between COLD and NEU. Interstitial glycerol increased during exercise (p &lt; .001) with no difference between COLD and NEU. Fat oxidation increased (p &lt; .001) at the onset of exercise and remained elevated thereafter with no difference between COLD and NEU. Carbohydrate oxidation increased with increasing exercise intensity and was greater at 70% LT in COLD compared to NEU (p = .030). No differences were observed between conditions for any other variable. Cycling exercise increased SCAAT lipolysis but not blood flow. Ambient temperature did not alter SCAAT metabolism, SCAAT blood flow, or fat oxidation in well-trained cyclists, though cold exposure increased whole-body carbohydrate oxidation at lower exercise intensities.

Influence of protocol variables on outcomes of the star excursion balance test group (SEBT, mSEBT, YBT-LQ) in healthy individuals: a systematic review.

The "SEBT group," which includes the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), its modified version (mSEBT), and the Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test (YBT-LQ), is used to assess the limits of stability. Interestingly, the testing protocol allows users a considerable degree of flexibility, which can affect the obtained results. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was to analyze the impact of different protocol variants within the "SEBT group" on outcomes. Data were acquired by searching 4 databases (MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Wiley, Springer Link) focusing on studies published in English in peer-reviewed journals, empirical in nature, conducted on healthy individuals, and examining the effects of various protocol variants on test outcomes. Study quality was assessed with the NHLBI quality assessment tool for pre-post studies with no control group. The calculation method based on the maximum repetition yields statistically significantly higher results compared to other calculation methods. Allowing unrestricted arm movements during the test results in statistically significantly higher scores compared to the procedure that restricts arm movements. The impact of a warm-up, wearing footwear during testing, and using a dedicated kit remains ambiguous. To obtain reliable results, 4-6 familiarization trials are necessary, though fewer may suffice for athletes experienced in performing the test. This systematic review highlights the significant impact of the calculation method and arm movement restrictions on the outcomes of the "SEBT group." The effects of wearing footwear during testing, warm-up, and using a dedicated test kit remain unclear. The required number of familiarization repetitions may varies depending on biological maturity level of the person being tested. Future research should develop a warm-up protocol tailored to the needs of the "SEBT group," and investigate the impact of heel elevation during testing on outcomes. The protocol for this systematic review was prospectively registered in the OSF Registries (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/JSKH2).

Reproducibility of peak moment for isometric and isokinetic knee extension exercise

BackgroundAccurate measurements of muscular performance are important for diagnostics, for example during rehabilitation after traumatic injuries but also in competitive sports. For these purposes, dynamometric devices are widely used and considered the gold standard for muscle strength testing. However, few previous studies have tested the reproducibility of peak moment (PM) at velocities close to the maximum device capability, and in general, reproducibility results cannot be transferred to other devices or test protocols. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of PM for different isometric and isokinetic knee extension exercises using the IsoMed 2000.MethodsThirty subjects volunteered in three repeated test sessions, including isometric knee extension (100° and 140° knee angle) and isokinetic knee extension (30°/s and 400°/s). Statistical analysis for comparison of sessions two and three included paired sample t-test, calculation of intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM). Additionally, Bland Altman statistics and corresponding plots were created.ResultsA significant difference between sessions in PM was found for isometric knee extension in one leg (140° left). Reproducibility was high for all conditions with ICC ranging from 0.964 to 0.988 and SEM in the range of 7.6 to 10.5 Nm. Bland Altman statistics revealed a bias between − 7.3 and 0.7 Nm.ConclusionsReproducibility of PM using the IsoMed 2000 was good after an initial familiarization trial with high values of relative reproducibility. Absolute reproducibility can be interpreted as appropriate for most common practical applications.

The Countermovement Rebound Jump: Between-Session Reliability and a Comparison With the Countermovement and Drop Jump Tests.

Xu, J, Turner, A, Comyns, TM, Chavda, S, and Bishop, C. The countermovement rebound jump: Between-session reliability and a comparison with the countermovement and drop jump tests. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): e150-e159, 2024-The countermovement jump (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ) are widely used jump tests to evaluate an athlete's neuromuscular performance. Nevertheless, conducting both the CMJ and the DJ assessments during one testing session can demand a considerable time investment that practitioners or coaches might not always have available. This study investigated whether the countermovement rebound jump (CMRJ) could be considered a viable alternative to the CMJ and DJ tests, respectively. Thirty-three physically active students volunteered as subjects (age: 27.2 ± 5.9 years, height: 1.78 ± 0.8 cm, body mass: 77.5 ± 11.5 kg), with 18 jumps completed for each subject across 2 testing sessions. The jump height (JH) and strategy-based metrics (time to take-off [TTTO], countermovement depth [CM depth], and reactive strength index [RSI] modified for CMJ and the first jump of the CMRJ; leg stiffness [ Kleg ], ground contact time [GCT], and RSI for DJ and the second jump for the CMRJ) were calculated simultaneously via the impulse-momentum, flight time, double integration, and motion capture methods. All variables were examined by repeated-measures analysis of variance, 2-way random effects model intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV), and standard error of measurement, with the significance set at p ≤ 0.05. All 3 jump tests showed good-to-excellent relative reliability (ICC = 0.79-0.98) and good-to-moderate CV (≤9.83), with the only exception being Kleg measured during the DJ and in the second jump of the CMRJ assessment (CV ≤ 16.01%). Of all measured metrics, significant differences were only observed regarding TTTO between jumps ( p ≤ 0.027, effect size [ES] ≤ 0.49). The comparison of calculation methods indicated that the JH calculated by 4 methods were not significantly different between jump actions ( p ≥ 0.254). These findings support the use of the CMRJ as a reliable alternative to the CMJ and DJ tests. However, practitioners should be mindful of using Kleg as a metric, whereas practitioners are also advised to allocate sufficient familiarization trials before implementing the CMRJ into their routine test batteries.

The reliability and suitability of strength assessments in frail and pre-frail older adults: recommendations for strength testing in older populations

BackgroundLifelong strength is fundamental to physical function, health, and quality of life. Reliable appropriate strength assessment measures for older adults play an important role in effective evaluation of baseline ability and exercise prescription to counter disease and disuse. This study aimed to investigate the within-session reliability of maximal isometric knee extension and flexion, hip abduction and adduction, and handgrip strength measures in frail and pre-frail older adults.MethodThe study was conducted at a residential care home in Birmingham, UK. All care home residents aged ≥ 65 years; pre-frail or frail according to the Fried Frailty phenotype criteria; able to speak and read English; not currently involved in any other clinical trial; without severe sensory impairments; and with a predicted life expectancy greater than the trial length were eligible. Maximal isometric lower limb testing was performed using specialised resistance training equipment and a portable measurement device, and grip strength was assessed using a portable dynamometer. All eligible participants attended a single testing session and performed three trials per measure. Peak force measures were obtained for analysis. Within-session reliability for each measure was calculated from repeated-measures analysis of variance, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and coefficients of variation (CV) with 95% confidence intervals.ResultsEleven frail and eleven pre-frail older adults participated in the study. Within-session absolute and relative measures were found to be reliable with the highest overall repeatability indicated between trial 2 and trial 3 for knee extension, hip abduction, and handgrip (CV ≤ 4.65%, ICC ≥ 0.96) with variation evident across all measures, except knee extension, from trial 1 to 2.ConclusionsOverall, maximal isometric strength in frail and pre-frail older adults with no previous testing experience can be measured with good to high reliability within their first testing session. An initial two familiarisation trials followed by two measurement trials is recommended to achieve the highest level of overall repeatability.Trial registrationThe trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03141879 on 05/05/2017.

How Many Trials Is Enough To Access Balance On The Biodex Balance System?

While the Biodex Balance System (BBS) proved to be a reliable apparatus for testing balance, there is lacking evidence on the number of familiarization trials the subject must undergo before being tested, especially when lower stability levels are used on the BBS. The goal of this study was to determine after how many attempts the result of the balance test on the BBS stabilize. The sample consisted of 66 boys (13.42±0.50 years old) and 57 girls (13.39±0.49 years old) not active in sports. The subjects underwent the Postural Stability Test three times and the Overall Stability Index variable of the BBS was examined. In the analysis the results were separately examined for boys and girls using the t-test. Significant differences were found in all three measurements for boys while for girls there was no significant difference between the second and third measurement. The results of this study indicate that, for boys of this age, the results did not stabilize through the three trials conducted which could mean a need for more than three attempts so the negative effects of familiarization could be avoided. For girls it seems that the result stabilized at the second trial which could indicate that only one trial is needed for them to familiarize themselves with the test. These findings can be important for future studies with a similar female sample to save time and conduct just one test trial before the actual testing, since testing balance on the BBS requires a significant amount of time.

Can self-assessment and augmented feedback improve performance and learning retention in manual therapy: results from an experimental study

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate how feedback and self-assessment strategies affect performance and retention of manual skills in a group of chiropractic students.MethodsSeventy-five students participated in two spinal manipulation (SM) learning sessions using a force-sensing table. They were recruited between May and November 2022 during HVLA technical courses. Students were randomly assigned into three different groups: participants in group 1 received visual feedback, those in group 2 received visual feedback after self-assessment, and participants in group 3 (C) received no feedback. During the first session, participants started with one block of 3 familiarization trials, followed by two blocks of 6 SM HVLA (high velocity low amplitude) posterior-to-anterior thoracic SM trials, with 3 trials performed with a target force of 450 N and 3 others at 800 N. They received feedback according to their group during the first block, but no feedback was provided during the second block. All participants were invited to participate in a second session for the retention test and to perform a new set SM without any form of feedback.ResultsResults showed that visual feedback and visual feedback in addition to self-assessment did not improve short-term SM performance, nor did it improve performance at the one-week retention test. The group that received visual feedback and submitted to self-assessment increased the difference between the target force and the peak force applied, which can be considered a decrease in performance.ConclusionNo learning effects between the three groups of students exposed to different feedback and self-assessment learning strategies were highlighted in the present study. However, future research on innovative motor learning strategies could explore the role of external focus of attention, self-motivation and autonomy in SM performance training.

Community diversity and the other-race effect in infancy.

The other-race effect (ORE) is characterized by processing advantages for faces of one's own race over faces of another race and is observed at ~9 months of age. Environmental exposure to other races has an impact on the development of the ORE. In the current study, we examined the effects of community racial diversity on the ORE in 9- to 12-month-olds from across the United States. We hypothesized that community racial diversity would influence the amount of experience that infants have with individuals of other races and be an important factor in predicting the ORE across broad regions of the United States. We predicted that infants from more diverse communities would demonstrate successful processing of own- and other-race faces, while infants from less diverse communities would demonstrate successful processing of own-race but not other-race faces. This would indicate that the ORE is exhibited more strongly in infants from less diverse communities than in infants from more diverse communities. Participants completed familiarization and visual paired comparison (VPC) trials with own- and other-race faces in an online study. Our results showed that although the ORE was present, the effect was driven by community members who were the racial majority. Recognition biases were not observed in community racial or ethnic minority participants, potentially due to increased exposure to racial out-group members, which mitigated the development of the ORE in this subset of participants. This study has far-reaching implications in the study of infant face perception, child development, and social justice, as the ORE develops at a young age, and may lead to a complex pattern of racial biases contributing to systemic barriers in society.