Overhead Press Research Articles

Prediction of Snatch and Clean and Jerk Performance From Physical Performance Measures in Elite Male Weightlifters.

Sandau, I and Kipp, K. Prediction of snatch and clean and jerk performance from physical performance measures in elite male weightlifters. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-This study aimed to build a valid model to predict maximal weightlifting competition performance using ordinary least squares linear regression (OLR) and penalized (Ridge) linear regression (penLR) in 29 elite male weightlifters. One repetition maximum (1RM) or 3RM test results of assistant exercises were used as predictors. Maximal performance data of competition and assistant exercises were collected during a macrocycle in preparation for a competition. One repetition maximum snatch pull, 3RM back squat, 1RM overhead press, and body mass were used to predict the 1RM snatch; and 1RM clean pull, 3RM front squat, 1RM overhead press, and body mass were used to predict the 1RM clean and jerk. Model validation was performed using cross-validation (CV) and external validation (EV; random unknown dataset) for the coefficient of determination and root mean square error (RMSE). Results revealed that penLR models present more plausible output in the relative importance of highly correlated predictors. Of note, the 1RM snatch pull is the most relevant predictor for the 1RM snatch, whereas the 1RM clean pull and 3RM front squat are the most relevant predictors for the 1RM clean and jerk. Validation-based absolute predictive error (RMSE) ranged between ≈ 3-9 kg for the 1RM snatch and ≈ 3-7 kg for the 1RM clean and jerk, depending on the model (OLR vs. penLR) and validation procedure (CV vs. EV). In conclusion, penLR models should be used over OLR models to analyze highly correlated predictors because of more plausible model coefficients and smaller predictive errors.

OPTIMISING THE LADDER RAISE TASK IN THE PHYSICAL APTITUDE TEST FOR FIRE-FIGHTERS

INTRODUCTION & AIM Identifying physically capable candidates is a crucial component of recruiting firefighters given the physical demands of the occupation. At the request of a local fire agency, a review of one test item within the physical aptitude testing protocol was undertaken with the aim of this pilot study to compare physical and perceptual performance between the ladder raise task and a suite of surrogate tests to determine suitability for use in recruitment screening. METHODS 23 participants (unskilled in firefighting) performed the criterion ladder task (‘Ladder’) and three surrogate tasks: stationary constant-tension overhead press (existing test item; ‘Reel’); barbell overhead walk/return (‘Barbell’); overhead modular ladder lift (Modular Under-Running Apparatus (‘MURA’)). The tests were segmented into six components relating to lifting and under-running the device. Task duration, task completion, perceptual and kinetic variables were measured. Pearson’s correlation, OLP regressions and paired t-tests assessed relationships between the Ladder and surrogate tasks. RESULTS The Reel most closely reflected the criterion task in component 1 (lifting) for both peak and average forces (dz =-0.11, p=0.920; dz=-0.11, p=0.532 respectively). The MURA and Barbell were most closely aligned to the Ladder in all other objective values with trivial-small differences evident. The MURA was most closely aligned with the Ladder in subjective measures for components-2/5 and components-3/4 including difficulty (dz= -0.41, p=0.133; dz=-0.32, p=0.250, respectively), fatigue (dz= -0.25, p=0.354; dz=-0.10, p=0.796, respectively) and task representation (7.2[1.6]; 7.4[1.6], respectively). CONCLUSION The currently used Reel task revealed low construct and content validity. The MURA was shown to be the most appropriate surrogate option for the local fire agency to further investigate for use within recruitment physical testing. Further investigation with a sample of career firefighters should be undertaken to verify face validity at the industry level.

149 Power-agers: the effect of Progressive Resistance Training (PRT) on sarcopenia status of community dwelling older adults

Abstract Background The primary aim of this study is to establish whether the sarcopenia status of community-dwelling older adults could be improved using Progressive Resistance Training (PRT) in a gym-based, physiotherapy-led intervention for 7 weeks. Methods This is a non-randomised study, all participants completed the intervention. 24 participants attended the programme, n = 2 lost to follow up. Participants attended twice weekly for 7 weeks; 2 assessment sessions and 12 exercise sessions. The assessment consisted of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, Timed Up and Go (TUAG), five time Sit-to-Stand (5 x STS), 10 metre walk test, grip strength and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Each group had 5–7 participants complete 6 exercises in circuit; (1) weighted sit-to-stand, (2) modified deadlift, (3) farmer walks, (4) overhead press, (5) cable row, and (6) cable chest press. Results Data were analysed using SPSS. Pre-intervention 87.5% (n = 21) were identified as ‘probable sarcopenic’; post-intervention this decreased to 77.3% (n = 17). Sarcopenia status was not found to be significantly associated with the intervention by Chi-squared tests. No participants were classified as ‘confirmed sarcopenia’, as all were above the cut off scores for muscle mass. There was a statistically significant change in the SPPB and TUAG scores (p < 0.0041), with large effect sizes; Eta squared = 0.481 (SPPB), and 0.341 (TUAG). Improvements in 5xSTS and right grip strength had alpha values of less than p < 0.05, with large effect sizes, however they did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion The improvements in physical performance measures (SPPB & TUAG) are encouraging and may indicate that PRT can play a role in the long-term management of sarcopenia and promotion of independence in older adults. However, due to the lack of a control, it is difficult to ascribe the changes to the intervention itself. Further research with suitable controls and follow-up is needed to gain insights into which PRT interventions are the most effective in managing sarcopenia in older community dwellers.

The effectiveness of clinic versus home-based, artificial intelligence-guided therapy in patients with low back pain: Non-randomized clinical trial

BackgroundLow back pain is a common cause of disability in the US with increasing financial burden on healthcare. A variety of treatment options exist to combat LBP. Home-based therapy is a low-cost option, but there is a lack of data on how it compares to therapy in clinical settings. It was hypothesized that when using artificial intelligence-guided therapy, supervised in-clinic interventions would have a greater influence on patient-reported outcomes and strength than unsupervised, home interventions. MethodsThis is a non-randomized controlled trial of 51 patients (28 female, 23 male). The investigation compared an 8-week, core-focused exercise intervention in a Clinic (supervised) versus Home (unsupervised) setting. Outcome variables included measures of strength, performance, and patient-reported outcomes related to function. Generalized linear regression (p < 0.05) was used to evaluate outcomes were evaluated with respect to sex, intervention setting, and time. FindingsMale subjects exhibited greater strength (p ≤ 0.02) but not greater patient-reported outcomes (p ≥ 0.30) than females. The Clinic group exhibited slightly greater lateral pull-down strength (p = 0.002), greater eccentric phase range of motion during overhead press (p < 0.01), and shorter concentric phase duration during bench press (p < 0.01) than the Home group. Significance between groups was not observed in any other strength, performance, or patient-reported outcome (p ≥ 0.11). InterpretationA lack of consistent significance indicated that the hypothesis was not supported. AI-guided, telehealth exercise produced comparable outcomes in both home and clinical settings. Telehealth options may offer a lower-cost alternative to clinic-based exercise therapy for patients with nonspecific lower back pain.

Association Between Foundation Strength and Weightlifting Exercises in Highly Trained Weightlifters: Support for a General Strength Component.

Zecchin, A, Puggina, EF, Hortobágyi, T, and Granacher, U. Association between foundation strength and weightlifting exercises in highly trained weightlifters: support for a general strength component. J Strength Cond Res 37(7): 1375-1381, 2023-In addition to specific weightlifting exercises (i.e., clean and jerk and snatch), foundation strength exercises (i.e., overhead press, front squat, and deadlift) constitute an integral part of the weightlifters' training regime. The unexamined concept behind this training plan is that foundation strength exercises are associated with clean and jerk and snatch performance, implying the existence of a general strength component. We thus determined the relationship between performance in foundation strength exercises (overhead press, front squat, and deadlift) and weightlifting exercises (clean and jerk and snatch) in weightlifters. Well-trained weightlifters ( N = 19, age: 26.8 ± 4.4 years; body mass index: 27.6 ± 2.3 kg·m -2 ; and training history: 4.6 ± 0.8 years) performed 1 repetition maximum tests (1RM) in foundation strength and weightlifting exercises, over 14 days, in a randomized order. We observed significant correlations in 1RM performance between the overhead press and snatch ( r = 0.69), front squat and snatch ( r = 0.73), overhead press and clean and jerk ( r = 0.67), and front squat and clean and jerk ( r = 0.72, all r values: p < 0.01). No significant correlations were found for 1RM performance between the snatch and deadlift or between the clean and jerk and deadlift ( r- range: 0.20-0.58; p > 0.05). Stepwise linear regression revealed that 1RM performance in the overhead press and front squat explained 62% of the variance in snatch 1RM performance ( F = 5.51; p < 0.04). Overhead press and front squat 1RM performance explained 59% of the variance in the clean and jerk 1RM performance ( F = 5.14; p < 0.04). Our results demonstrate the existence of a general strength component between selected foundation strength exercises and weightlifting performance. However, the use of the front squat and overhead press to increase 1RM performance in weightlifting exercises needs to be determined in future research using a different methodological approach (i.e., longitudinal protocols), given that the observed correlations do not necessarily imply causation.

The Effect of the Weight and Type of Equipment on Shoulder and Back Muscle Activity in Surface Electromyography during the Overhead Press-Preliminary Report.

The overhead press is a multi-joint exercise that has the potential to use a high external load due to the cooperation of many muscle groups. The purpose of this study was to compare the activity of shoulder and back muscles during the overhead press with a kettlebell and a dumbbell. Surface electromyography (EMG) for the anterior and posterior deltoid, upper and lower trapezius, serratus anterior, and spinal erectors was analysed for 20 subjects. Participants performed the four trials of pressing kettlebell and dumbbell, weighted at 6 kg, and 70% of one maximum repetition (1RM) in the sitting position. Statistical analysis was performed using a non-parametric Friedman test and a post-hoc test of Dunn Bonferroni. No significant differences were found in the activation of assessed muscles when comparing dumbbell to kettlebell press trials with the same load (6 kg and 70% of 1RM). However, muscle activity of all muscles except the upper trapezius was always higher for kettlebell pressing. Different center of gravity locations in the kettlebell versus the dumbbell can increase shoulder muscle activity during the overhead press. However, more studies are required to confirm these results.

Accuracy of the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Whoop Band 3.0 for assessing heart rate during resistance exercises

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine heart rate accuracy measured by wearable devices during resistance exercises at various intensities. Twenty-nine participants (16 female) aged 19–37 years participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed five resistance exercises; Barbell Back Squat, Barbell Deadlift, Dumbbell Curl to Overhead Press, Seated Cable Row, and Burpees. During the exercises, heart rate was concurrently measured using the Polar H10, the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Whoop 3.0. The Apple Watch had high agreement with the Polar H10 during Barbell Back Squats, Barbell Deadlift, and Seated Cable Rows (rho > 0.832) and moderate to low agreement during Dumbbell Curl to Overhead Press and Burpees (rho > 0.364). The Whoop Band 3.0 had high agreement with the Polar H10 during Barbell Back Squats (r > 0.697), moderate agreement during Barbell Deadlift and Dumbbell Curl to Overhead Press (rho > 0.564) and low agreement during Seated Cable Rows and Burpees (rho > 0.383). The results varied across exercises and intensities and indicated the most favourable outcomes for the Apple Watch. In conclusion, our data suggest that the Apple Watch Series 6 is suitable for measuring heart rate during exercise prescription or monitoring resistance exercise performance.

Muscle Activity And User-perceived Exertion During Immersive Virtual Reality Exergaming Incorporating Adaptive Cable Resistance

INTRODUCTION: Resistance training is often avoided in a wide range of populations due to the uncomfortable feelings of intense exertion. Exergaming, which is defined as the integration of video gameplay into exercise training, has shown the ability to distract users from perceived exertion. PURPOSE: The purpose of this exploratory study was to characterize muscle activation via surface electromyography (sEMG), user-perceived exertion, and enjoyment during a 30-minute session of immersive virtual reality (IVR) cable resistance exergaming. METHODS: Ten healthy, college-aged males completed a signature 30-minute exergaming session using an IVR adaptive cable resistance system that incorporated six traditional compound exercises. Muscle activation (sEMG) was captured during the session with a wearable sEMG system. Rated of Perceived Exertion (RPE), and Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) were recorded following the session. RESULTS: The adaptive cable resistance system induced similar activation patterns over time in every exercise (p < 0.001). Pectoralis major showed the highest activation during chest press, deltoids showed the highest activation on overhead press, latissimus dorsi showed the highest activation during lat pulldown and row exercises, hamstrings were the most activated muscles during Romanian deadlift, and glutes showed the highest activity during squats. RPE and PACES mean scores were 14(1) and 4.27(0.38), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: IVR exergaming with resistance cable training provides an enjoyable experience and distracts practitioners from exertion while exercising at a high intensity. Results from this study suggest similar muscle activation responses compared to traditional resistance exercises as demonstrated with prior evidence. This novel form of exercise might have important repercussions for improving health outcomes among those who find it challenging to adhere to and enjoy exercise routines, as well as those with little knowledge on how to progress in their resistance training. Further investigations are needed to explore long-term adaptations and to assess if IVR exergaming has additional benefits compared to traditional resistance training.

Effects of 6-Week Betaine Supplementation on Muscular Performance in Male Collegiate Athletes.

Simple SummaryBetaine supplementation has ergogenic potential for exercise performance, but the effect of betaine supplementation in combination with training for 6 weeks is still unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of betaine supplementation on muscular power and maximal strength in collegiate male athletes. The participants in the study received either 5 g/day of betaine or placebo for 6 weeks, during which they maintained their regular exercise training. The overhead medicine-ball throw, countermovement jump, and one repetition-maximum of a bench press, overhead press, half squat, and sumo dead lift by the participants were assessed before and after betaine supplementation. Blood lipids were also analyzed before and after betaine supplementation. We found that receiving 5 g of betaine supplementation daily during the 6-week preparatory period had extra benefits on the power of the upper body and maximal strength on the half squat and overhead press. Betaine seems to be a useful nutritional strategy to improve and maintain performance during 6-week preparatory periods in collegiate athletes.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 6-week betaine supplementation during a preparatory period of collegiate athletes on muscular power and strength. Sixteen male collegiate athletes received 5 g/day of betaine (betaine group, n = 9) or carboxymethyl cellulose (placebo group, n = 7) for 6 weeks. All participants engaged in their regular training during the experimental period. The overhead medicine-ball throw (OMBT), countermovement jump, and maximal strength (one repetition maximum, 1-RM) on the bench press, overhead press, half squat, and sumo dead lift by the participants were assessed before and after betaine supplementation. Blood lipids were also analyzed before and after betaine supplementation. After supplementation, there were no significant differences between betaine and placebo groups on any variables. Compared to presupplementation, the performance of OMBT and 1-RM of overhead press and half squat in the betaine group had significantly improved (p < 0.05). By contrast, no significant differences were observed in the placebo group before and after supplementation. Blood analysis revealed no negative effect on blood lipid profiles. Betaine seems to be a useful nutritional strategy to improve and maintain performance during 6-week preparatory periods in collegiate athletes.

A comparison of three load-velocity based methods to estimate maximum overhead press performance in weightlifters

This study aimed to evaluate whether lifting velocity can be used to estimate the overhead press one repetition maximum (1RM) and to explore the differences in the accuracy of the 1RM between three velocity-based methods. Twenty-seven weightlifters (16 men and 11 women) participated. The first session was used to test the overhead press 1RM. The second session consisted of an incremental loading test during the overhead press. The mean velocity was registered using a transducer attached to the barbell. A 1-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni post hoc corrections was applied to the absolute differences between the actual and predicted 1RMs. Raw differences with 95% limits of agreement and ordinary least-products regressions were used to test the concurrent validity of the 1RM prediction methods with respect to the actual 1RM. The ANOVA did not reveal significant differences for the absolute differences respect to the actual 1RM between the three 1RM prediction methods ( F = 3.2, p = .073). The absolute errors were moderate for the Multiple-Point (6.1 ± 3.7%), Two-Point45−75 (8.6 ± 6.2%), and Two-Point45−90 methods (5.7 ± 4.0%). The validity analysis showed that all the 1RM prediction methods underestimated the actual 1RM (1.0–2.2 kg), but ordinary least-products regressions failed to show fixed or proportional bias. These results suggest that the Multiple-Point and Two-Point45−90 velocity-based methods might be viable tools to predict the overhead press 1RM in weightlifters, but practitioners are encouraged to use the direct 1RM for a more accurate prescription of the training loads.

Front vs Back and Barbell vs Machine Overhead Press: An Electromyographic Analysis and Implications For Resistance Training.

Overhead press is commonly performed to reinforce the muscles surrounding the shoulders. However, many overhead press variations can be executed, thus varying the stimuli to each muscle. Therefore, the current study compared the muscles excitation during overhead press performed with the barbell passing in front or behind the head or using a shoulder press machine. Eight competitive bodybuilders performed in random order front (front-BMP) or back barbell military press (back-BMP), and front (front-MSP) with neutral handgrip or back machine shoulder press (back-MSP). Normalized surface electromyographic root mean square (RMS) of anterior, medial and posterior deltoid, upper trapezius, pectoralis major and triceps brachii was recorded during both the ascending and descending phases. During the ascending phase, anterior deltoid showed greater RMS in back-BMP than back-MSP [ES: 1.42, (95% confidence interval 0.32/2.51)]. Medial deltoid showed greater RMS in back-BMP than front-BMP [ES: 3.68 (2.07/5.29)], and back-MSP [ES: 7.51 (4.73/10.29)]. Posterior deltoid showed greater RMS in back-BMP than front-BMP [ES: 9.00 (5.73/12.27)]. Pectoralis major showed greater RMS in front-BMP than back-BMP [ES: 3.11 (1.65–4.56)] and in front-MSP than back-MSP [ES: 20.52 (13.34/27.70)]. During the descending phase, anterior deltoid was more excited in back-BMP compared to front-BMP [ES: 7.66 (4.83/10.49). Medial deltoid showed greater RMS in back-BMP than front-BMP [ES: 4.56 (2.70/6.42)]. Posterior deltoid showed greater RMS in back-BMP than front-BMP [ES: 8.65 (5.50/11.80)]. Pectoralis major showed greater RMS in front-BMP than back-BMP [ES: 4.20 (2.44/5.95)]. No between-exercise difference was observed for upper trapezius. Performing back overhead press enhances the excitation of medial and posterior and partly anterior deltoid, while front overhead favors pectoralis major. Overhead press performed using barbell excites muscles more than using machine to stabilize the trajectory of the external load. Different variations of overhead press appear to provide different stimuli to the shoulder muscles and may be used accordingly during the training routine.

How Does Lower-Body and Upper-Body Strength Relate to Maximum Split Jerk Performance?

Soriano, MA, Jiménez-Ormeño, E, Amaro-Gahete, FJ, Haff, GG, and Comfort, P. How does lower-body and upper-body strength relate to maximum split jerk performance? J Strength Cond Res 36(8): 2102-2107, 2022-The aims of this study were to (I) determine the relationships between the maximum dynamic strength of the upper and lower body, measured by overhead press and back squat 1 repetition maximum (1RM) performances, and the split jerk (SJ) performance in trained weightlifters and (II) explore the magnitude of these relationships for men and women to establish sex-specific prediction equations. Twenty men (age: 28.9 ± 6.6 years; height: 1.8 ± 0.1 m; body mass [BM]: 82.5 ± 10.2 kg; weightlifting training experience: 4.2 ± 2.4 years) and 13 women (age: 27.7 ± 4.4 years; height: 1.7 ± 0.1 m; BM: 61.8 ± 5.2 kg; weightlifting training experience: 2.7 ± 1.7 years) competitive weightlifters participated. The 1RM performances of the overhead press, back squat, and SJ were assessed for all subjects. A very strong correlation exists between the back squat and overhead press, with maximum SJ performance for all subjects (r = 0.97; p < 0.001). Similarly, very strong correlations were found for men (r = 0.90, p < 0.001) and women (r = 0.90, p = 0.0002), separately. The coefficient of determination indicates that the prediction equation for the maximum SJ performance is quite accurate (R2 = 0.94) for all subjects and men (R2 = 0.83) and women (R2 = 0.81), separately. These results provide evidence that the maximum strength of the upper and lower body are major contributors to SJ performance. In addition, SJ performance can accurately be predicted from the back squat and overhead press performances.

Estimating Repetitions in Reserve in Four Commonly Used Resistance Exercises.

Hughes, LJ, Peiffer, JJ, and Scott, B. Estimating repetitions in reserve in four commonly used resistance exercises. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-This study aimed to determine the accuracy and reliability of estimating repetitions in reserve (RIR) across the squat, bench press, overhead press, and prone row exercises, using both free-weight and Smith machine modalities. Twenty-one trained men attended the laboratory on 14 occasions. They were assessed for 1 repetition maximum (1RM) for the squat, bench press, prone row, and overhead press exercises and subsequently completed 6 RIR testing sessions using 65, 75, and 85% 1RM. In these trials, subjects indicated when they reached 2 RIR (i.e., perceive they could only perform 2 more repetitions), before continuing the set to failure. The same process was then replicated using the alternative equipment modality. To determine accuracy of 2-RIR estimates, 1-sample t-tests assessed differences between 2 and the actual number of repetitions completed after subjects indicated they had reached 2 RIR. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to determine the reliability of test-retest RIR estimated. There were no clear differences in the accuracy or reliability of estimating RIR between free-weight and Smith machine exercises. Load, however, proved an important factor with the highest accuracy associated with RIR estimations performed when using 85%, followed by 75 and 65% 1RM, respectively. When using loads of 75 and 65% 1RM, it was increasingly likely that individuals would underestimate RIR by >1 repetition, which would practically lead to an undesired reduction in training volume. These results highlight that although estimates of 2 RIR may be accurate and reliable in heavy load resistance training (≥85% 1RM), practitioners should be wary of using this measure with lighter loads.

Front vs back overhead press: an electromyographic analysis and possible implications for resistance training

Front vs back overhead press: an electromyographic analysis and possible implications for resistance training

The Relationship Between High-intensity Functional Training Performance And Laboratory-based Measurements Of Fitness

To date, research has examined the physiological determinants of performance in standardized High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) workouts but not without the influence of HIFT familiarity. PURPOSE: To examine the predictive value of aerobic fitness, body composition, and total body strength on performance of two standardized HIFT workouts in HIFT-naïve participants. METHODS: Twenty-two recreationally trained individuals (males = 13, females = 9) underwent assessments of peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak), ventilatory thresholds, body composition, and one repetition maximum tests for the back squat, deadlift, and overhead press in which the sum equaled the total strength. Participants also performed two standardized HIFT workouts: a scaled version of the 19.1 (as many sets of 19 wall balls followed by 19 calories on rower within 15 minutes) and a modified Fran (sets of 21, 15, and 9 repetitions of thrusters and burpees) to determine scores based on total repetitions completed and time-to-completion, respectively. Simple Pearson’s r correlations were used to determine the relationships between HIFT performance variables (19.1 and modified Fran) and the independent variables. A forward stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed and significant variables that survived the regression analysis were used to create a predictive model of HIFT performance. RESULTS: Absolute VO2 peak was a significant predictor of 19.1 performance, explaining 39% of its variance (adjusted R2 = 0.39, p = 0.002). For modified Fran, total strength was a significant predictor and explained 33% of the variance in performance (adjusted R2 = 0.33, p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: These results suggest, without any influence of HIFT familiarity or experience, that performance in these two HIFT workouts could be predicted by distinct laboratory-based measurements of fitness.

Inconsistent Use of Resistance Exercise Names in Research Articles: A Brief Note.

Nuzzo, JL. Inconsistent use of resistance exercise names in research articles: a brief note. J Strength Cond Res 35(12): 3518–3520, 2021—Academic fields require standard nomenclature to communicate concepts effectively. Previous research has documented resistance training exercises are named inconsistently. This inconsistent use has been observed among fitness professionals and within resistance training textbooks. The purpose of the current note was to explore inconsistent use of resistance training exercise names in scientific articles. Keyword searches were performed in PubMed to identify articles that referred to 4 different resistance training exercises. The search was limited to titles and abstracts of articles published between 1960 and 2020. For exercise 1, “shoulder press,” “overhead press,” and “military press” were searched. For exercise 2, “arm curl,” “bicep curl,” and “biceps curl” were searched. For exercise 3, “hamstring curl,” “leg curl,” and “knee curl” were searched. For exercise 4, “calf raise” and “heel raise” were searched. For exercise 1, 114 articles included “shoulder press” in their title or abstract, 42 articles included “overhead press,” and 45 articles included “military press.” For exercise 2, 244 articles included “arm curl,” 37 articles included “bicep curl,” and 177 articles included “biceps curl.” For exercise 3, 24 articles included “hamstring curl,” 159 articles included “leg curl,” and 7 articles included “knee curl.” For exercise 4, 68 articles included “calf raise” and 154 articles included “heel raise.” The results are evidence of inconsistent use of resistance training exercise names in scientific articles. A possible solution to inconsistent use of exercise names in research articles, educational texts, and clinical practice is a system that includes a standard exercise naming pattern and guidelines for communicating exercise names.

Gender Differences in Physical Fitness Characteristics in Professional Padel Players.

The aims of the present study were to examine the fitness characteristics of professional padel players and to determine differences in physical performance regarding players’ gender. Thirty professional padel players (men: n = 15, age = 27.4 ± 6.8 years, height = 177.9 ± 4.0 cm; women: n = 15, age = 30.0 ± 4.2 years, height = 166.6 ± 4.8 cm) completed a 4-day evaluation process, including: isometric handgrip strength, sit and reach, 10 × 5 shuttle test, countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), Abalakov test, one-repetition maximum test (bench press, leg extension, leg curl, lat pulldowns, overhead press, and shoulder press), anthropometry and VO2 max tests. The men players had higher values in terms of weight, height, one maximum repetition, jump tests (CMJ and ABK) and VO2 max test than the women (p < 0.005). By contrast, the women had higher values for fat mass (p = 0.005; ES: 2.49). The values from this multifaceted test battery can be a useful guide for coaches regarding players’ development in future evaluations and monitoring.

Is there a relationship between the overhead press and split jerk maximum performance? Influence of sex

The aims of this study were to (I) determine the differences and relationship between the overhead press and split jerk performance in athletes involved in weightlifting training, and (II) explore the magnitude of these differences in one-repetition maximum (1RM) performances between sexes. Sixty-one men (age: 30.4 ± 6.7 years; height: 1.8 ± 0.5 m; body mass 82.5 ± 8.5 kg; weightlifting training experience: 3.7 ± 3.5 yrs) and 21 women (age: 29.5 ± 5.2 yrs; height: 1.7 ± 0.5 m; body mass: 62.6 ± 5.7 kg; weightlifting training experience: 3.0 ± 1.5 yrs) participated. The 1RM performance of the overhead press and split jerk were assessed for all participants, with the overhead press assessed on two occasions to determine between-session reliability. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and 95% confidence intervals showed a high reliability for the overhead press ICC = 0.98 (0.97 – 0.99). A very strong correlation and significant differences were found between the overhead press and split jerk 1RM performances for all participants (r = 0.90 [0.93 – 0.85], 60.2 ± 18.3 kg, 95.7 ± 29.3 kg, p ≤ 0.001). Men demonstrated stronger correlations between the overhead press and split jerk 1RM performances (r = 0.83 [0.73-0.90], p ≤ 0.001) compared with women (r = 0.56 [0.17-0.80], p = 0.008). These results provide evidence that 1RM performance of the overhead press and split jerk performance are highly related, highlighting the importance of upper-limb strength in the split jerk maximum performance.

Biomechanical analysis of wheelchair athletes with paraplegia during cross-training exercises

Context Extreme conditioning programs (ECPs), such as CrossFit®, are a relatively new method of fitness with rapid growth in individuals with paraplegia. However, it is unknown if wheelchair users are at an additional risk of musculoskeletal injury during these exercises. Biomechanical characterization is necessary to determine the safety and efficacy of ECPs as an exercise modality for wheelchair users with paraplegia. Objective To characterize the three-dimensional (3-D) thorax and upper extremity joint kinematics of paraplegic wheelchair athletes during exercises commonly prescribed as part of ECPs. Design Observational study Participants Three male wheelchair athletes, average age of 37.1 ± 4.6 years, with spinal cord injury levels of T8, L2, and T10, with varying exercise experience. Methods 3-D movement was acquired using motion capture during the performance of four exercises: battle ropes, sled pull, overhead press, and sledgehammer swing. A custom upper extremity inverse kinematics model was applied to compute 3-D joint angles. Outcome Measures 3-D peak thorax, glenohumeral, elbow, and wrist joint angles and ranges of motion (ROM), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Borg Scale of Perceived Exertion. Results Large joint motions were required for the exercises, at times demanding extreme shoulder and/or wrist flexion and extension, abduction, and external rotation, which are concerning for injury risk in wheelchair users. Participants, however, were able to perform the exercises pain free. Conclusion These quantitative findings highlight that wheelchair athletes may be exposed to potentially injurious positions during common ECP exercises. These findings provide insight that may lead to improved clinical guidelines for prescription and training of exercise regimens, particularly involving ECPs, for wheelchair users.

Leveraging the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: Is It Time to Consider Incorporating Mobile Applications Into Standard Clinical Management of the Liver Transplantation Patient?

Over the past decade, major advancements in the development of mobile applications and telehealth monitoring systems have assisted healthcare professionals in the diagnosis and management of chronic disease. When effectively used, mobile applications can lead to higher quality care and better patient-reported outcomes.(1) Mobile applications can also improve patient self-management of chronic metabolic disease.(2) Despite these known benefits in other chronic diseases, telehealth and mobile applications have been slow to be adopted in standard clinical management of the liver transplant patient, in-part due to the complexity of chronic liver disease where there is often a need for physical examination, physical frailty assessment, support network determination and building rapport.(3).