Muscular Strength Tests Research Articles

Effects of a 12-Week Mixed-Method Physical Exercise Program on Physical Fitness, Stress, Anxiety, and Quality of Life in Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: A Case Series Study.

Although the health benefits related to physical exercise for adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) have been recognized, studies indicate that individuals with CP at school age are less involved in physical activities than their typical peers and are twice as likely to engage in sedentary behaviors. Therefore, our study aims to investigate the effects of a physical exercise program on physical fitness, stress, anxiety, and quality-of-life variables. A total of 15 teenagers with ambulatory CP (n = 8 boys, n = 7 girls, between 12 and 18 years old; M = 14.35; SD = 1.76) completed a 12-week program based on a mixed-method approach with face-to-face and live online activities. The outcome measures were physical fitness, stress, anxiety, and quality of life. The 12-week exercise program resulted in gains in muscular strength, flexibility, and aerobic endurance tests, characterized by an increase in average walking speed and average VO2 max. There was also a significant change in the perception of emotional states of depression, anxiety, and stress reported by the participants. The program proved to be effective in physical fitness tests and perception of emotional states. Given the positive effects produced by the program, its design appears to meet the demands of adolescents with cerebral palsy.

On court wingwave® coaching improves accuracy and confidence in basketball athletes

AbstractThe short-term oriented coaching method known as wingwave® (Besser-Siegmund Institute, Hamburg, Germany) has demonstrated efficacy in boosting individuals’ confidence related to future tasks, enhancing overall performance in sports motor tasks, and improving concentration abilities. Its procedure incorporates elements of eye movement and desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and adds a muscular strength test to reduce stress and anxiety for the athletes. In this study, amateurs and experts were observed performing a basketball-specific task. In two sets of 30 free throws, with a 1 h break between sets, 44 participants (aged 16–32), consisting of 22 experts and 22 novices in basketball, were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The experimental group received one coaching session using the wingwave® method during the break. During coaching, specific emotional obstacles or blockades were identified and addressed using the wingwave® method by six qualified coaches. The findings reveal a statistically significant increase in accuracy, F(1.40) = 4.74, p = 0.036, η2 = 0.106, Wilk’s Λ = 0.894, in free throws as well as a notable boost in task-specific confidence (i.e., subjective perception; F(1.40) = 4.21, p = 0.047, η2 = 0.095, Wilk’s Λ = 0.905) in the experimental group compared to the control group. Based on these findings, it can be deduced that the wingwave® method holds promise as a valuable tool for mitigating stress and anxiety, while bolstering self-assurance and fostering confidence in one’s own capabilities within a defined sporting context.

Blood Groups and their Correlation with Physical Traits Affecting 100-Meter Performance

Background. Sport training has an impact on other sciences. Among these sciences is physiology, in which emerged to form what is called sports physiology. The recent development in the science of physical education is one of the important factors in measuring and determining the nature of athletes' physical, physiological and biochemical adaptations and responses. The blood circulatory system is important as manifested in finding the relationship between some blood groups and the basic physical characteristics and the completion of the 100-meter race. Objectives. The aim of this study is to identify the types of blood groups and their relationship to some physical traits, and the completion of the 100-meter race for some student athletes. Methods. the descriptive approach was used for its suitability to the research problem. The sample consisted of the students of second stage in the Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at Al-Mustaqbal University in Iraq. It was 143 students (35%) of the original research sample. With the a 143 sample size , the calculated confidence is 34.95 with standard deviation of ±3.87. Results. The study finds out a positive correlation between blood groups and some physical traits. There is also a positive correlation between blood groups and 100-meter sprint achievement as indicated from the statically data analysis and supported by the mean values 5.6 for O blood grouping. Conclusion. the blood group of athletes can take a role and impact on the speed and muscular strength tests. according to the results of this study the athletes who have AB and O blood group are more likely to win in 100 sprint races.

Criterion-related validity and reliability of the standing long jump test in adults: The Adult-Fit project.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the criterion-related validity and the reliability of the standing long jump test (SLJ) for evaluating the lower-body explosive muscular strength in adults. A total of 410 adults participated in this study. Sociodemographic, anthropometric measurements, laboratory lower-body muscular strength tests, and the field-based SLJ were performed. In validity analysis, stepwise regression analysis showed that maximal horizontal power, sex, percentage of body fat, maximal horizontal force, and lean mass were significantly associated with the SLJ distance (R2=0.78; p<0.001). Reliability analysis showed significant differences between test-retest in the SLJ test, with an overestimation of the second measurement compared to the first [12.14±14.46cm, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)=0.94 (0.75-0.97), p<0.001; Cohen's d=0.31]. The coefficient of variation (CV) was 7.06% and the minimal detectable change (MDC90) was 29cm. After a learning period, higher reliability values were found [0.45±1.04cm, ICC=1.00 (0.99-1.00); p=0.001; CV=0.53 %; MDC90=1cm]. The SLJ test may be a valid tool to assess lower-body explosive muscular strength in the adult population. A learning period may be necessary to provide reliability on the SLJ test.

Relative Contribution of Metabolic Syndrome Components in Relation to Obesity and Insulin Resistance in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis.

Introduction. Osteoporosis (OP) affects 30% of postmenopausal women, often complicated by metabolic syndrome (MetS) with a still controversial role. We aimed to characterize MetS and its components in relation to bone mineral density (BMD), body mass index (BMI), and insulin resistance. Methods. Patients (n = 188) underwent DEXA scans, spine X-rays, and metabolic and hormonal investigations, including bone biomarkers, muscular strength, and physical performance tests, while insulin resistance was evaluated by the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA-IR). Results. Patients with a normal BMD or osteopenia (n = 68) and with OP (n = 120) displayed 51.5% and 30.8% of MetS, but without differences in insulin resistance. When BMD was studied as a function of the cumulative MetS criteria and centiles of BMI, lower levels of BMD were observed beyond an inflection point of 27.2 kg/m2 for BMI, allowing for further stratification as lean and overweight/obese (OW/OB) subjects. In contrast with lean individuals (n = 74), in OW/OB patients (n = 46), MetS was associated with HbA1c (p < 0.0037, OR 9.6, 95% CI [1.64-55.6]) and insulin resistance (p < 0.0076, OR 6.7, 95% CI [1.49-30.8]) in the context where BMD values were lower than those predicted from BMI in non-OP subjects. In OP patients with fragility fractures (31% of MetS), glycemia also appeared to be the dominant factor for MetS (p < 0.0005, OR 4.1, 95% CI [1.63-10.39]). Conclusions. These data indicate a detrimental effect of insulin resistance in MetS on OP patients, while the prevalence of the syndrome depends on the proportion of obesity. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenic role of MetS and reveal the need to consider different strata of BMI and insulin resistance when studying postmenopausal OP.

Effect of Menstrual Cycle on Neuromuscular Efficiency and Muscular Strength in Runners

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the influence of the menstrual cycle (MC) stages on neuromuscular efficiency and muscular strength in female runners. METHODS: Three runners (females) underwent testing using a BIODEX isokinetic dynamometer concurrently with a BioPac EMG, during which peak torque, peak torque/body weight, time to peak torque, mean amplitude, median amplitude, minimum amplitude, maximum amplitude, frequency, and the p-p value were collected throughout the test. During the test, the performance variables were assessed on the quadriceps (rectus femoris) muscle and collected at speeds of 60 degrees/second and 180 degrees/second. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: A paired-sample t-test was used to determine the correlation between neuromuscular efficiency and peak torque of the quadriceps during extension in the two MC phases. A paired-sample t-test was also used to determine the difference in neuromuscular efficiency between the MC phases, as well as peak torque between the MC phases. RESULTS: Muscular strength testing did not reveal statistical significance between neuromuscular efficiency and peak torque of the quadriceps during MC phases. Furthermore, there was no statistical significance between the differences in peak torque of the MC phases. Maximum amplitude at 60 degrees/second on the left leg between the MC phases revealed statistical significance (p = 0.026). EMG wave frequency at 60 degrees/second on the right leg between the MC phases revealed statistical significance (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Results show a significant difference in maximum amplitude and wave frequency at 60 degrees/second during knee extension between the MC phases.

Exploring the Relationship between Muscular Strength, Flexibility, and mSEBT Test Performance in Saudi Arabian Women

Saudi females exhibit a higher susceptibility to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), particularly impacting balance, in comparison to their male counterparts. The current study was aimed at determining the association between the modified Star Excursion Balancing Test (mSEBT) score and the muscular strength and flexibility of the lower-extremity muscles among a group of young healthy Saudi females. The mSEBT assessed balance, complemented by measurements of lower-extremity muscle strength and flexibility. Statistical analysis, utilizing SPSS software (version 26.0), with a significance level of p &lt; 0.05, unveiled valuable insights. Results indicate a moderate positive correlation between hip flexor strength and reach distance, notably in the anterior and posteromedial directions. Conversely, no statistically significant associations emerged between hip extensor, hip abductor, or knee extensor strength and reach distances across all directions. Furthermore, there were weak negative correlations between hip flexion angle (assessed via the Thomas test) and reach distances, primarily within the anterior direction. Interestingly, the sit-and-reach flexibility test demonstrated no significant correlations with reach distances. These findings underscore the role of hip flexor strength and flexibility in influencing mSEBT performance in young, healthy Saudi females. This study advocates for the incorporation of the mSEBT as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for identifying individuals with deficits in lower extremity muscle strength and flexibility.

The Impact of Core Complex Training on Some Basketball-Related Aspects of Physical Strength and Shooting Performance.

Exercises for the core can be categorized as promoting core-stability, core-strength, or functionality, as these are crucial aspects of most sports activities. This study aimed to examine the effects of using core complex training (CCT), complex training (CT), and core exercise (CE) on some aspects of muscle strength and shooting performance in basketball players. The 36 participants were divided into three groups of 12 each, and then the experimental approach was applied to each group. The groups were labeled as follows: the core complex training group (N = 12; age, 18.58 ± 0.67 years; height, 178.08 ± 0.79 cm; weight, 76.42 ± 1.38 kg; training age, 7.42 ± 0.51 years); the complex training group (N = 12; age, 18.50 ± 0.52 years; height, 177.92 ± 1.31 cm; weight, 76.67 ± 1.78 kg; training age, 7.33 ± 0.49 years); and the core exercise group (n = 12; age, 18.42 ± 0.52 years; height, 177.75 ± 1.29 cm; weight, 76.58 ± 1.38 kg; training age, 7.42 ± 0.67 years). For ten weeks, each of the three groups participated in three training sessions every week. This study investigates the impact of core complex training on basketball shooting ability and muscle strength. The eight-week program, consisting of weight training, plyometric exercises, and core exercises, yielded improvements in muscle strength and shooting accuracy. In tests of muscular strength and basketball shooting ability, the CCT group outperformed the CE and CT groups. The F value varied from 3.75 to 58.77, which are function values with a p < 0.05 significance level. The core complex training group exhibited superior muscle strength to that of both the complex training group and the core exercise group, in some areas. This is shown in the results of the javelin quadrathlon medicine ball test, the core muscle strength and stability test, the sit-up abdomen test, the sit-up back test, the standing long jump test, the Sargent jump test, and the shooting test (p < 0.005). Due to the effect of the core complex training program on improving performance efficiency and muscle strength, which affects the results of matches, we have recommended using the proven basic strength training program at other age stages, with the objective of including the concept, importance, and design of compound basic strength training in training programs used by basketball coaches.

Dose-response associations of Monitor-Independent Movement Summary with health-related fitness in youth.

The purpose of this study was to determine the dose-response associations between Monitor-Independent Movement Summary (MIMS) units and health-related fitness in youth. The sample comprised US children and adolescents who participated in the 2012 National Youth Fitness Survey (NNYFS; N = 1158, 48.9% female). Health-related fitness domains were assessed using tests of cardiorespiratory endurance (timed maximal and graded treadmill tests), muscular strength (modified pull-up and grip tests), and muscular endurance (plank test). Movement data were collected using wrist-worn ActiGraph accelerometers with raw data processed using MIMS and the calculated metrics of average MIMS/day, Peak 60-min MIMS, and Peak 30-min MIMS. Weighted regression models examined linear associations between MIMS metrics and fitness test scores. Nonlinear associations were examined using weighted spline models with knots placed at the 10th, 50th, and 90th percentiles. Models were adjusted for covariates and fit was examined using the coefficient of determination (R2 ). The strongest adjusted linear relationships included a positive association between MIMS/day (per every 1000 units) and maximal endurance times (b = 5.5 s, p < 0.001) and between Peak 60-min MIMS (per every 10 units) and estimated aerobic capacity (b = 1.7 mL/kg/min, p < 0.001), modified pull-ups (b = 0.7 reps, p < 0.001), and plank test scores (b = 5.0 s, p < 0.001). Linear spline models had slightly higher R2 values (R2 range = 16.9%-74.8%) compared to linear models (R2 range = 15.0%-74.5%). The relationship between MIMS metrics and fitness test scores was best modeled as piecewise linear functions. Although all MIMS metrics associated with cardiorespiratory endurance, Peak 60-min MIMS showed stronger associations with tests of muscular strength and endurance.

The effects of ankle dorsiflexor fatigue on lower limb biomechanics during badminton forward forehand and backhand lunge.

Background: Local muscle fatigue may have an adverse effect on the biomechanics of the lunge movement and athletic performance. This study analyzed the biomechanical indicators of the forward lunge in badminton players before and after fatigue of the ankle dorsiflexors. Methods: Using the isometric muscular strength testing system, 15 badminton players underwent an ankle dorsiflexor fatigue test. Before and after the fatigue experiment, five lunges were done in both the forehand forward (FH) and backhand forward (BH) directions, five in each direction. A Vicon motion capture system and an AMTI force measuring station were used to record lower limb kinematic and ground reaction force (GRF). Pre-fatigue and post-fatigue variability were determined using paired-samples t-tests, Wilcoxon signed rank test, and Statistical Non-parametric Mapping (SNPM). Result: The results showed that after fatigue, the peak angle of ankle dorsiflexion was significantly reduced (p = 0.034), the range of motion (ROM) of the ankle sagittal plane (p = 0.000) and peak angle of ankle plantarflexion (p = 0.001) was significantly increased after forehand landing. After fatigue, ankle inversion was significantly increased after forehand and backhand landings (FH: p = 0.033; BH: p = 0.015). After fatigue, peak knee flexion angles increased significantly (FH: Max: p = 0.000, Min: p = 0.000; BH: Max: p = 0.017, Min: p = 0.037) during forehand and backhand landings and ROM in knee flexion and extension increased (p = 0.009) during forehand landings. Knee inversion range of motion was significantly increased after fatigue (p = 0.024) during forehand landings. Peak hip flexion angle (p = 0.000) and range of motion (p = 0.000) were significantly reduced in forehand landings after fatigue. The mean loading rate (p = 0.005) and the maximum loading rate (p = 0.001) increased significantly during backhand landings after fatigue. Post-fatigue, the center of pressure (COP) frontal offset increased significantly (FH: p = 0.000; BH: p = 0.000) in the forehand and backhand landings. Conclusion: These results indicate that when the ankle dorsiflexors are fatigued, the performance of the forehand is significantly negatively affected, and the impact force of the backhand is greater.

Accuracy of handgrip and respiratory muscle strength in identifying sarcopenia in older, community-dwelling, Brazilian women

Certain cut-off points for sarcopenia screening and diagnosis are arbitrary and based on European populations, with normative references often obtained from healthy young adults. Although respiratory skeletal muscle strength tests represent low-cost clinical measures commonly performed in clinical practice by health professionals, a gap remains regarding whether respiratory skeletal muscle strength tests are adequate and sensitive measures for sarcopenia screening. This study aimed to verify the value of handgrip and respiratory muscle strength as possible discriminators to identify sarcopenia and to establish cut-off points for sarcopenia screening in community-dwelling, Brazilian women. In a cross-sectional study, 154 community-dwelling, Brazilian women (65–96 years) were assessed for appendicular skeletal muscle mass, handgrip (HGS), and respiratory muscular strength, including maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP). The data were analyzed using the ROC curve and the Youden Index determined cut-off points. Statistical significance was set at 5%. 88 participants (57%) were sarcopenic. MEP (OR 0.98 [95%CI 0.97, 1.00], p = 0.023) and HGS (OR 0.82 [95% CI 0.75, 0.90], p < 0.001) were independent factors for sarcopenia in older. The optimal cut-off points for identifying sarcopenia were ≤ 77 cmH2O for MEP (AUC = 0.72), and ≤ 20 kg for HGS (AUC = 0.80). Simple muscular strength tests, including HGS and MEP, may be considered in the identification of sarcopenia in older, community-dwelling, Brazilian women. Future work is still needed to assess external validation of the proposed cut-offs before the clinical application.

The Effect of Movement Games on the Level of Physical Fitness and Mental Health of Students with Disabilities: Mixed Method

Study purpose. This study aims to investigate the effects of movement games as an effort to increase the level of physical fitness and mental health of students with disabilities during COVID-19.&#x0D; Materials and methods. This study adopted a mixed method. The participants involved in this study were students with disabilities who came from two special schools students with disabilities in Karawang Regency, Indonesia (n=40). Participants were divided into an experimental group who carried out a movement game program (n=20) and a control group (n=20) who followed routine learning without participating in any activities. After implementing the movement game program, 20 participants were interviewed about the experiences, advantages and disadvantages of the movement game program. Quantitative research instruments used muscular strength, muscular endurance and cardiorespiratory fitness tests. Meanwhile, the qualitative research instrument used in-depth interviews for 30 minutes. Analysis of quantitative data used IBM SPSS, and analysis of qualitative data used thematic analysis.&#x0D; Results. The quantitative study results showed that there was a significant increase in the level of physical fitness and mental health in the experimental group (p&lt;0.05), and no increase was found in the control group (p&gt;0.05). In addition, the qualitative study results showed that the majority of participants acknowledged that the movement game program was a fun method of education and had a positive effectiveness.&#x0D; Conclusions. After carrying out this research, we confirm that the movement game activity is an education method that has a great effect on the increase in the physical fitness level and mental health of students with disabilities during COVID-19.

An evaluation of cardiopulmonary endurance and muscular strength in adults living with sickle cell disease.

There have been limited investigations into exercise in sickle cell disease (SCD). In the general population, health is reflected in general physical fitness. It is unclear if the same associations are seen in people with SCD. Here, we report a cross-sectional assessment of two important measures of physical fitness, muscle strength and cardiorespiratory endurance, in adults with SCD. A total of 29 adults with SCD (aged 24-62 years; 72% female) completed cardiopulmonary and muscular strength testing using a cycle ergometer and an isokinetic dynamometer. Adults with SCD had lower median values for cardiorespiratory endurance (the median [interquartile range, IQR] peak oxygen uptake [VO2 ] 16.1[6.3] vs. 42.65[11.3]ml/kg/min, p < 0.001) and knee strength (median [IQR] flexor torque 26.91[22.5] vs. 55.6[22.7]Nm, p < 0.001) compared to controls and predicted values. Interestingly, there was a very positive association between muscular strength and peak VO2 values for adults with SCD (r=0.53, p=0.003) suggesting these values may be useful in determining cardiopulmonary health.

Associations between muscular strength and vertical jumping performance in adolescent male football players

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the associations between muscular strength tests and vertical jumping performance (countermovement jump [CMJ] and squat jump [SJ]) in adolescent male football players, while controlling for important predictors such as chronological age and body composition.MethodsThe sample involved 161 male footballers (mean age: 15.8 ± 1.7 years) from the under-19, under-17, and under-15 age groups. Body fat percentage (BF%) was calculated with Slaughter equations. Muscular strength assessment included handgrip strength and push-up and sit-up tests. Vertical jumping was examined through CMJ and SJ. Pearson correlations and hierarchical regression analyses were run to analyse the data.ResultsAll muscular strength tests showed significant correlations with CMJ and SJ. Handgrip strength was the most substantial predictor for CMJ (&lt;i&gt;r&lt;/i&gt; = 0.43, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.01) and SJ (&lt;i&gt;r&lt;/i&gt; = 0.44, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.01). However, regression models identified sit-ups (CMJ: β = 0.15, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.01, &lt;i&gt;R&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/i&gt; = 0.23; SJ: β = 0.16, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.01, &lt;i&gt;R&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/i&gt; = 0.27) and push-ups (CMJ: β = 0.13, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.01; SJ: β = 0.15, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.01) as significant predictors after controlling for chronological age, body mass, and BF%. In contrast, BF% remained a significant predictor of jumping performance (CMJ: β = –0.43, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.01, &lt;i&gt;R&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/i&gt; = –0.39; SJ: β = –0.52, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.01, &lt;i&gt;R&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/i&gt; = –0.52) in the whole hierarchical regression model.ConclusionsThis study reinforces the importance of players’ overall physical development, including healthy diet habits, to enhance jumping performance.

Once-Weekly Semaglutide Induces an Early Improvement in Body Composition in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A 26-Week Prospective Real-Life Study.

Background: Body weight (BW) loss is an essential therapeutic goal in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists are effective in reducing BW, but their effect on body composition has not yet been fully explored. The study aim was to assess the impact of Semaglutide on body composition in patients with T2D. Methods: Forty patients with T2D were treated with subcutaneous Semaglutide and evaluated at the baseline (T0) and after three (T3) and six (T6) months. Body composition was assessed by a phase-sensitive bioimpedance analyzer. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) thickness was also measured with an ultrasonographic method (US-VAT). Anthropometric variables, muscular strength, and laboratory tests were analyzed and compared. Results: A significant decrease in VAT, the fat mass index (FMI), and BW loss was observed at all observation times. US-VAT, the skeletal mass index (SMI), the fat-free mass index (FFMI), waist circumferences, and glycated hemoglobin had lessened after three months and remained stable at T6. No variations in muscle strength, the muscle quality index, and body water were found. Discussion: In a real-life setting, Semaglutide provided significant weight loss mainly due to a reduction in the FMI and VAT, with non-clinically relevant changes in the SMI, the FFMI, and muscle strength. Most importantly, the results were obtained after three months of treatment and persisted thereafter.

Ability of functional performance assessments to discriminate athletes with and without chronic ankle instability : a case-control study.

BackgroundThe decline in motor function associated with chronic ankle instability (CAI) can be assessed using Functional Performance tests. Ankle muscular strength, endurance and range of motion (ROM) has been assessed in previous studies but functional activities such as sprinting and change of direction are less well studied in athletes with CAI. Hence the aim of this study was to determine how sprint, change of direction, ankle isometric strength, endurance and ROM measures may be associated with discriminate athletes with and without CAI.MethodsOne hundred and six participants (CAI: n = 53 or no CAI: n = 53) provided informed consent to participate in this study. Participants performed three functional performance tests, (30-m sprint test, Modified Illinois change of direction test (MICODT)) and change of direction test. Range of motion for dorsiflexion was measured using weight bearing lunge test and inversion, eversion and plantarflexion using Saunders® digital inclinometer. Strength was assessed using Baseline® hand-held dynamometer for plantarflexors, dorsiflexors, invertors and evertors. Muscular endurance was assessed by single heel raise test and Modified single heel raise test. Between-group comparisons utilised Student’s t-test and Mann-Whitney U-tests, with a number of unique variable and multivariable binomial logistic regression performed to determine which performance measures may discriminate participants with CAI.ResultsThe CAI participants performed significantly worse in the three functional performance tests as well as multiple measures of ankle ROM, isometric strength and muscular endurance (p < 0.008). While several measures of ROM (plantarflexion and dorsiflexion), strength (inversion and eversion) and both muscular endurance tests were significantly associated with CAI in the univariable analysis, the strongest association was the functional performance tests, especially MICDOT time (odds ratio (95% CI): 0.06 [0.02–0.17], sensitivity 94.3%, specificity 88.7%). Multivariable regression analyses indicated that performance across the functional performance tests were more strongly associated with CAI than any ankle ROM, muscular strength or endurance test. Further, the inclusion of the best ankle range of motion, strength or muscular endurance tests did not significantly improve upon the association of the MICDOT with CAI.ConclusionsChronic ankle instability in athletic populations appears to be highly associated with declines in functional performance and to a somewhat lesser extent, ankle range of motion, strength and muscle endurance measures. This may suggest that optimal rehabilitation for athletes with CAI may require a greater focus on improving sprinting speed and change of direction ability in the mid to latter stages of rehabilitation, with regular assessments of these functional performance tests necessary to guide the progression and overload of this training.

Exploring the Level of Physical Fitness on Physical Activity and Physical Literacy Among Chinese University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Physical literacy (PL) has received considerable attention in the field of physical education and physical activity (PA) worldwide. According to recent studies, the level of physical fitness (PF) among Chinese university students is gradually decreasing. This study aims to examine the impact of the PF level (fit/unfit) on PA and PL, as well as the relationships among PF, PA, and PL, in Chinese university students. Participants comprised 798 university students (390 men; mean age, 19.2 ± 1.2 years) in Chongqing, China. Participants completed the tests of vital capacity, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and flexibility, according to the National Physical Fitness Measurement Standards Manual (NPFMSM), as well as questionnaires on PA (time spent performing PA at various intensities) and PL. The independent t-tests were conducted to examine sex differences in the evaluated variables, and the Pearson’s correlation between each PF test and PL attributes and PA was calculated according to sex. In addition, the independent t-tests were conducted to determine whether the PF level had an effect on PL attributes and PA at various intensities. Significant sex differences were found in the PF domains of vital capacity, muscular strength, and aerobic fitness, with higher scores in men than in women (all p-values < 0.05), but not in the PF domain of flexibility and total PL score. Furthermore, the PF domains of muscular strength and aerobic fitness were significantly and positively correlated with the PL attributes of confidence and physical competence in both men and women, while the PF domains of vital capacity and aerobic fitness were significantly and positively correlated with the PL attribute of motivation in men. In addition, PL was significantly and positively associated with cardiorespiratory fitness, vital capacity, muscular strength, and flexibility among participants in the fit group. These findings support advocating for increased participation in PA in university students and using PL as a tool to improve PF components.

Effects of an App-Based Physical Exercise Program on Selected Parameters of Physical Fitness of Females in Retirement: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Modern technologies enable new options in the delivery of physical exercise programs. Specially designed app-based programs can be used to help older people in particular to integrate physical exercise into their daily lives. This study examines the influence of an app-based physical exercise program on selected parameters of physical fitness, such as muscular strength, balance, and flexibility. The women (n = 110) were on average 65.3 (± 1.5) years old and, compared to age-specific norm values, healthy. The 14-week intervention consisted of an app-based, unsupervised physical exercise program, in which the exercise frequency and duration of sessions were self-selected. The physical exercise program consisted of simple, functional exercises such as arm circles, squats, lateral raises. The participants were provided with an elastic resistance band and an exercise ball allowing them to increase exercise intensity if needed. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention group (IG) and control group (CG). 71% of the IG used the physical exercise program at least 1.2 times per week, whereas 25% of the IG showed usage rates above four times per week. Significant effects were found in the domains of muscular strength and flexibility. While IG could maintain their performance in isometric muscular strength tests and increased their flexibility, CG faced a decrease in those parameters. Thus, this app-based physical exercise program had positively influenced muscular strength and flexibility in women over 60 years of age.

Relationship between muscle mass and neuromuscular function in the muscular strength of elderly women practicing and non-practicing physical activities

Objective. To verify the correlation between muscle mass and neuromuscular function in muscle strength of women practicing and not practicing physical activities. Methods. This is a cross-sectional study conducted with older women (60 and over), physically active (fa) and physically inactive (fi). The muscle strength of the upper limb (handgrip strength - hgs; resisfor test) and lower limb (30 second chair stand test) were evaluated; as well as muscle mass (calf circumference - cc); and neuromuscular activity (semg) of the following muscles: flexor carpi radialis (fcr) and biceps brachii (bb) (upper limb); vastus lateralis (vl), vastus medialis (vm) and tibialis anterior (ta) (lower limb). The student t test and multiple linear regression were used (95%; p &lt;.05). Results. Overall, 59 women were evaluated (71.5 ± 7.1 years), 31 fa and 28 fi. Fa women had significantly better values ​​in dynamic muscular strength tests of the upper (p=.001) and lower limbs (p&lt;.0001). There was no significant difference in muscle mass between groups. After adjustment for covariates, there was relationship between cc and activity of fcr muscle with hgs (r2adj.= 0.64), and cc with the 30 second chair stand test (r2adj.= .39) in fa women. Among fi women, there was significant correlation between activity of fcr muscle and hgs (r2adj.= .35) and cc and neural activity of fcr with resisfor (r2adj.= .66). Conclusion. Physical exercise was related to higher dynamic muscle strength. Differences in the relationship between muscle mass and neuromuscular activity with strength in each test indicate physiological differences for each strength exercise applied.

Acute effect of energy drink ingestion on Crossfit performance: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study

The aim of this study was to analyze the acute effects of energy drink (ED) ingestion on CrossFit®performance in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study, with 8 CrossFit®-trained (26.5 ± 2.7 years;70.2 ± 13.0 kg; 1.7 ± 0.09 m; 23.0 ± 3.2 kg/m2; Σ skinfold thickness: 34.1 ± 6.9 mm; body fat: 13.3 ± 3.0%), that were randomly allocated to 2 groups and underwent 2 trials separated by a 7-day washoutperiod. Participants ingested either a dose of 300 mL of ED or Placebo (soda), 30 minutes before thestart of tests of muscular strength (MS), 10 and 12 maximum repetitions (MRs) in barbell bench press(BBP) and barbell squat (BS), respectively and localized muscular endurance (LME) using Workout of the Day (WOD) selected. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and the rating of perceived pain (RPP)were evaluated immediately after the tests. The total volume of repetitions (TVR) was evaluated to each test. The TVR was significantly higher after consuming the ED (p = 0.012) and of the Placebo(p = 0.027). There was a reduction in the rate of RPE after the consumption of both drinks (p = 0.023and p = 0.024). The consumption of ED significantly reduced the rate of RPP (p = 0.017). Acute EDingestion improved CrossFit® performance by increased the TVR and the pain tolerance.