Fitness Professionals Research Articles

The Stretching Programme - Key Factor for Prevent Injuries of "U" 16 Soccer Players

Soccer coaches, fitness professionals soccer and athletic trainers have long believed and taught that would have kept them out of the doctor’s office. Are they right?Researchers recently began to examine how muscles respond to stretching and how this relates to exercise performance and injury risk. Many studies that found reaction time, movement time and balance were all reduced after 20 minutes of standard stretching before exercise. At the elite levels, even the smallest reductions in these important variables could have a significant effect on soccer players stretching before training is vital; hence, many players are filled with guilt and regret, believing that more frequent stretching, especially given the differences in muscle growth at the age of 16 years. Their findings suggest it may be time to update the old rules about stretching. And then this article just wants to emphasize that if a suitable heating program resolves the problem when an appropriate muscle stretching workout day and again will help strengthen muscle flexibility.

Australian fitness professionals' level of interest in engaging with high health-risk population subgroups: findings from a national survey.

Fitness industry professionals (personal trainers, group instructors) may have a role in health promotion, particularly when working with subgroups with known health risks (e.g. older adults, obese). The aim of this study is to examine fitness professionals' level of interest in engaging with high-risk populations. Cross-sectional evaluation of a national survey. In 2014, 9100 Australian registered exercise professionals were invited to complete an online survey. Respondents reported their level of interest in engaging with nine health-risk population subgroups. A multivariable logistic regression analysis assessed the odds of being classified as having a 'low level' of interest in training high health-risk subgroups, adjusting for demographic and fitness industry-related factors. Of 1185 respondents (aged 17-72 years), 31.1% reported having a 'high level' of interest in training high health-risk subgroups. The highest level of interest was among 'obese clients' and 'adults (18-64 years) with chronic health conditions'. In the adjusted analysis, males (odds ratio [OR], 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-2.25) and those in urban settings (OR, 2.26, 95% CI: 1.54-3.37) were more likely to have a 'low level' of interest. Fitness professionals have a modest level of interest in training high health-risk subgroups. In addition to the development of strategies to increase interest, research should examine whether fitness professionals are able to safely prescribe exercise to high health-risk subgroups.

Do exerciser weight status and perceived motivation predict instructors’ motivation and beliefs about the exerciser? A test of motivation contagion effects

We examined how fitness professionals’ perceptions of a hypothetical exerciser’s motivation and weight status impacted the professionals’ motivation to instruct, perceived effectiveness of different interpersonal behaviors toward the exerciser, and beliefs about the exerciser’s efficacy to overcome barriers to exercise. Results of a 2 (autonomous vs. controlled exerciser motivation) x 2 (normal weight vs. overweight exerciser) between-subjects experimental design showed that fitness professionals (N = 134) were more autonomously motivated to instruct, perceived autonomy-supportive behaviors as more effective, and had stronger beliefs regarding the exerciser’s efficacy when the exerciser was portrayed as having autonomous motivation, compared to controlled motivation. Fitness professionals reported higher levels of controlled motivation to instruct and perceived controlling behaviors as more effective when presented with the overweight exerciser, compared to the normal weight exerciser. Our findings suggest that perceptions of exercisers’ motivation and body weight can influence fitness professionals’ interactions with and beliefs about their clients.

Routine Assessment and Promotion of Physical Activity in Healthcare Settings: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Physical inactivity is one of the most prevalent major health risk factors, with 8 in 10 US adults not meeting aerobic and muscle-strengthening guidelines, and is associated with a high burden of cardiovascular disease. Improving and maintaining recommended levels of physical activity leads to reductions in metabolic, hemodynamic, functional, body composition, and epigenetic risk factors for noncommunicable chronic diseases. Physical activity also has a significant role, in many cases comparable or superior to drug interventions, in the prevention and management of >40 conditions such as diabetes mellitus, cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity, depression, Alzheimer disease, and arthritis. Whereas most of the modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors included in the American Heart Association's My Life Check - Life's Simple 7 are evaluated routinely in clinical practice (glucose and lipid profiles, blood pressure, obesity, and smoking), physical activity is typically not assessed. The purpose of this statement is to provide a comprehensive review of the evidence on the feasibility, validity, and effectiveness of assessing and promoting physical activity in healthcare settings for adult patients. It also adds concrete recommendations for healthcare systems, clinical and community care providers, fitness professionals, the technology industry, and other stakeholders in order to catalyze increased adoption of physical activity assessment and promotion in healthcare settings and to contribute to meeting the American Heart Association's 2020 Impact Goals.

Determining the Validity and Accuracy of Multiple Activity-Tracking Devices in Controlled and Free-Walking Conditions.

Clinicians and fitness professionals are increasingly recommending the use of activity trackers. This study compares commercially available activity tracking devices for step and distance accuracy in common exercise settings. Cross sectional. Rochester, Minnesota. Thirty-two men (n = 10) and women (n = 22) participated in the study. Researchers manually counted steps and measured distance for all trials, while participants wore 6 activity tracking devices that measured steps and distance. We computed the difference between the number of steps measured by the device and the actual number of steps recorded by the observers, as well as the distance displayed by the device and the actual distance measured. The analyses showed that both the device and walking trials affected the accuracy of the results (steps or distance, P < .001). Hip-based devices were more accurate and consistent for measuring step count. No significant differences were found among devices or locations for the distance measured. Hip-based activity tracking devices varied in accuracy but performed better than their wrist-based counterparts for step accuracy. Distance measurements for both types of devices were more consistent but lacked accuracy.

Fundamental life motivations and prerequisites for their realization in young men

Аbstract. Quality of life of young men in the view of existential compliance is considered. In its most general form, the term «existence» means «specifically human way of being», the main characteristic of which is the freedom of choice, that is the way of being a person, when he is constantly in a situation that asks him: «How does a man will be a person in this situation?». А person’s subjective assessment of his life was investigated by the technique of A. Langle and K. Orgler «Scale of Existence» in 42 practically healthy young men (24,12±1,1 years). Scores diagnosed on such scales as Self-distancing, Self-Transcendence, Freedom, Responsibility, Personality, Existentiality, and Fulfillment testify to the absence of grounds for the development of existential crisis (for a crisis of subjective evaluation of one’s own life). Thus, with the right medical and psychological support of young people, they have the ability to cope with themselves and with the world, and the feasibility of interaction with the internal and external demands and proposals presented to circumstances, correlating with their own values. At the same time, one should keep in mind that a possible conflict can lead to nervous breakdowns, decrease in the level of professional health (a professional fitness). In order to prevent this, it is necessary to identify persons at risk and prevent possible psychosocial adaptation disorders in advance, using direct methods of psychodiagnostic. To this end, both methods of psycho-counseling and solving personal problems through the provision of advice or other assistance are recommended.

A New Resource for Health &amp; Fitness Professionals

A New Resource for Health &amp; Fitness Professionals

Comparison of a foam rolling session with active joint motion and without joint motion: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundFoam rolling has become a popular form of self-myofascial release or roller massage among health and fitness professionals. Due to this popularity, foam roller devices can be found in many clinical and fitness settings. Despite the popularity, there are still several unknowns regarding foam rolling such the optimal technique. Specifically, there is a lack of research analyzing different foam roll techniques such as combining active joint motion with foam rolling. PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a foam rolling session to the left quadriceps with active joint motion and without joint motion on passive knee flexion range of motion (ROM) and pressure pain thresholds (PPT). MethodsThirty healthy adults were randomly allocated to one of two intervention groups: active joint motion and no joint motion. Each foam roll intervention to the left quadriceps lasted a total of 2 min. Dependent variables included passive knee flexion ROM and pressure pain threshold measures (PPT). Statistical analysis included subject demographic calculations and appropriate parametric and non-parametric tests to measure changes within and between intervention groups. ResultsFor left knee ROM, the active joint motion group demonstrated the greatest immediate increase in passive ROM (8°, p < .001) than the non-motion group (5°, p < .001). For PPT, the active joint motion group demonstrated the greatest immediate increase (180 kPa, p < .001) followed by the non-motion group (133 kPa, p < .001). Between group comparisons revealed a significance between groups for passive knee ROM (p < .001) and PPT (p < .001). ConclusionA short session of foam rolling with active joint motion appears to have a greater effect on passive joint ROM and PPT than rolling without motion. These observed changes may be influenced by the agonistic muscle activity during active motion. This activity may modulate activity of the antagonist muscle through reciprocal inhibition and other neural pathways. Future research is needed to confirm these findings.

Fitness professionals’ knowledge and perceptions on hydration and fluid intake: a preliminary study

This descriptive study examined the extent of hydration knowledge and fluid intake pattern in people who work within fitness industry. Fourty fitness professionals were asked to complete a questionnaire about their perspectives on hydration, thirst and fluid intake pattern. Water was the most preferred drink before (75.0%), during (72.5%) and after exercise (60.0%) as well as generally during the day (75.0%). Most participants rated plain tap water and plain bottled mineral water as excellent sources of water for human body, whereas colas or lemonade and chocolate drinks were rated as a poor source of water. To conclude, the fitness professionals generally demonstrated substantial knowledge about the timing and benefits of fluid replacement, hydration status monitoring and the health consequences of water consumption, but lack understanding on the type of beverages that adequately hydrate the body. Keywords : thirst; fluid balance; fluid intake; personal trainers; knowledge.

Preseason Maximal Aerobic Power in Professional Soccer Players Among Different Divisions

Marcos, MA, Koulla, PM, and Anthos, ZI. Preseason maximal aerobic power in professional soccer players among different divisions. J Strength Cond Res 32(2): 356-363, 2018-The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the anthropometric, maximal oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max), and positional differences of first division (D1) professional football players from players of second (D2) and third (D3) divisions in Cyprus football leagues. Four hundred twenty-one professional male football players participated in this study. All subjects underwent anthropometric and body composition evaluation. In addition, they performed an incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) on a treadmill for V[Combining Dot Above]O2max evaluation. The results were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance, between subjects design revealing significant effects among the divisions. Tukey's honest significant difference (HSD) tests demonstrated that players from D1 scored significantly higher on V[Combining Dot Above]O2max and lasted significantly longer on the treadmill than participants of D2 and D3 (p ≤ 0.05). Similar findings were demonstrated when D2 was contrasted against D3 players. Goalkeepers, defenders, and forwards demonstrated significantly higher anthropometric measurements, whereas wingers and midfielders demonstrated significantly higher V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (p ≤ 0.05) than goalkeepers and defenders. The findings of this study clearly demonstrated that cardiovascular fitness, as determined by CPET, is an important fitness parameter that differentiates professional football players who play at a more advanced level. This could be attributed to the different seasonal schedules that allow for longer transition time for lower division players and thus favoring greater detraining effects. Emphasis should be given by fitness professionals on transition period training to minimize the detraining effects especially in lower divisions.

Comparison of Strength Gains in Untrained College-Age Females Using Free Weights and FreeMotion Machines

Resistance training has become a preferred method for developing muscular strength among various populations. A variety of resistance training modes are available, but there are mixed outcomes regarding strength development among barbells, dumbbells, and weight machines. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in strength improvements between dumbbell and FreeMotion machine training. Twenty college-age females were randomly assigned into dumbbell or FreeMotion groups, but only 8 in the dumbbell group completed. Both groups followed a nearly identical progressive strength training program on each of their training modes for 8 weeks. Participants were tested on their one-repetition max (1-RM) on a barbell bench press and barbell back squat before and after the intervention program. A repeated measures ANOVA analysis compared 1-RM changes between groups, and effect sizes were calculated. Significant increases in strength improvements (p < .001) were observed for the dumbbell and FreeMotion groups, with moderate effect size for the 1-RM barbell bench press (d = 0.56) and a moderate to large effect size for the 1-RM barbell back squat (d = 0.73). There was no Group × Time interaction for the strength tests (p = .201 for 1-RM barbell bench press and p = .816 for the 1-RM barbell back squat, respectively). Dumbbells and FreeMotion machines were equally effective in improving strength in college-age females. The findings add to the literature on FreeMotion machines and benefit novice resistance trainers, physical educators, and fitness professionals. The study should be replicated with additional populations. Subscribe to TPE

National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Prevention of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury.

To provide certified athletic trainers, physicians, and other health care and fitness professionals with recommendations based on current evidence regarding the prevention of noncontact and indirect-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in athletes and physically active individuals. Preventing ACL injuries during sport and physical activity may dramatically decrease medical costs and long-term disability. Implementing ACL injury-prevention training programs may improve an individual's neuromuscular control and lower extremity biomechanics and thereby reduce the risk of injury. Recent evidence indicates that ACL injuries may be prevented through the use of multicomponent neuromuscular-training programs. Multicomponent injury-prevention training programs are recommended for reducing noncontact and indirect-contact ACL injuries and strongly recommended for reducing noncontact and indirect-contact knee injuries during physical activity. These programs are advocated for improving balance, lower extremity biomechanics, muscle activation, functional performance, strength, and power, as well as decreasing landing impact forces. A multicomponent injury-prevention training program should, at minimum, provide feedback on movement technique in at least 3 of the following exercise categories: strength, plyometrics, agility, balance, and flexibility. Further guidance on training dosage, intensity, and implementation recommendations is offered in this statement.

Web Alert

Zygote Body: https://www.zygotebody.com/ Description: ZygoteBody, formerly Google Body, is a web application managed by Zygote Media Group that renders manipulable 3D anatomic models of the human body. These models have several layers from the skin all the way down to the bones. Individual body parts can be studied by removing or making other layers transparent. Not only are most of the muscles, vessels, and nerves labeled and searchable, but other organ systems are cataloged and detailed as well. There are premium features that allow users advanced navigation of the models, ability to annotate and save specific scenes, and to view some high-definition models. While these tools may be helpful for some, they are certainly not necessary to gain excellent utility from the free site. Cost: Free (option to get premium account in the U.S. for $4 per month) Exercise is Medicine®: http://www.exerciseismedicine.org/ Description: Exercise is Medicine® exists as an effort to prevent and treat chronic diseases with exercise. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) manages this web site as part of the initiative to “make physical activity a ‘vital sign.’” The site is aimed at both health care workers and fitness professionals. The web site can aid providers in conversations with patients by assisting in promoting healthy participation in physical activity. Users can sign up for newsletters, obtain resources for starting programs to promote and educate people about physical activity, and download resources and educational materials. There are templates for prescribing exercise in healthy ways, patient education handouts about duration and timing of exercise and links to articles on specific topics, such as lower back pain or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Overall, the strength of this web site is that it provides information from a reliable source (ACSM) that can be useful to all groups of people in an easily accessible manor. Cost: Free VuMedi: https://www.vumedi.com/orthopaedics/ Description: VuMedi is an excellent video reference site. It is a platform that allows providers to post orthopedic talks, procedures, discussions, or cases. Other users are able to review these, comment, and give “thumbs up” to good videos. There are topics ranging from cervical spine to foot and ankle. There are multiple approaches to surgeries or procedures and this is a place to view demonstrations of these. Opportunities for CME are available. Webinars also are available and users are able to attend and participate in discussions. The web site membership is limited to physicians, fellows, residents, or members of the allied health community. To hold an account, the site asks for credentials to maintain the fidelity of the content uploaded. Cost: Free (after signing up for a free account and having credentials verified) Concussion Legacy Foundation: https://concussionfoundation.org/ Description: Popularity and awareness of concussions have increased like never before with the recent attention in both the news and academic community surrounding chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in NFL athletes. The Concussion Legacy Foundation (formerly the Sports Legacy Institute) is focused on “Solving the Concussion Crisis.” This organization was founded in 2007 by Chris Nowinski, PhD, and Robert Cantu, MD, FACSM. Their original goal was to change how concussions were understood and handled in sports. The web site is easily navigated and offers information of CTE, post concussive syndrome (PCS), concussions, personal stories, programs, and ways to get involved in the movement to help the cause against concussions. Information provided is evidence-based and there is even a section referencing links to peer-reviewed publications. They have worked with Boston University (BU) School of Medicine and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to form the largest CTE tissue bank, which is now the BU CTE center. The site features a sign-up for users who would like to donate their brains to further research on CTE. Overall, the site is an excellent place for patients and medical providers to learn the basics of concussions and it provides opportunities to spread awareness of concussions. Cost: Free Disabled Sports USA: http://www.disabledsportsusa.org/ Description: Disabled Sports USA is a nonprofit organization that has served patients and athletes for 50 years. The mission of this organization is “to provide national leadership and opportunities for individuals to develop independence, confidence, and fitness through participation in community sports, recreation, and educational programs.” The web site has links to more than 30 different adaptive sports and describes what they are, what equipment is used, and where to find programs to participate in or volunteer. There are links to updated events happening all over the country, ways to get involved with volunteering, become an athlete, or find out recent news in the adaptive sport community. It is a very easy and straightforward web site to navigate, making it an excellent resource to refer patients to if they want to become more involved in adaptive sports. Cost: Free

"Thoroughly Original and Thoroughly Natural": Redefining Professional Fitness in McTeague and Blix

"Thoroughly Original and Thoroughly Natural": Redefining Professional Fitness in McTeague and Blix

Research of professional suitability in construction by the noise factor

The field of construction is one of the most traumatic areas of human activity. Various methods are used to reduce injuries and increase the safety level at construction sites, which do not allow to reduce the level of injury risk. In other industries characterized by heightened danger, the risk management methodology based on the “human factor” management is gaining popularity. By attracting the most relevant workers, we can compensate for a significant portion of the risks. The authors propose the use this concept in the field of construction. In this paper, a study of professional fitness in construction during work requiring an increased level of attention and reaction under the influence of noise factor was conducted. For this purpose, testing was per-formed to identify the dependencies between the external effects of noise and attention indicators. During the testing the subjects demonstrated various concentration abilities. We concluded that, using this methodology, it is possible to select “successfully fit” personnel to perform specific tasks in construction, in order to increase the level of safety.

프로축구 구단속성과 구단동일시, 스폰서적합성, 스폰서동일시 및 스폰서십결과와의 구조적 관계

이 연구의 목적은 프로축구 구단속성과 구단동일시, 스폰서적합성, 스폰서동일시, 스폰서십결과와의 구조적 관계를 규명하는 것이다. 이를 위해 K리그 클래식에 참여하는 12개 구단 중 설문조사를 허락한 9구단의 고등학생 이상 홈 관중을 조사대상으로 선정하였다. 표집은 편의표본추출법을 활용하였으며, 각 경기장별로 100명씩 총 900명을 표집하였다. 표집된 설문지 중 1문항이라도 응답하지 않았거나 부적절한 응답이라 판단되는 설문지를 제거한 810부를 최종유효표본으로 선정하였다. 모형과 가설 검증은 AMOS 18.0을 활용하여 처리하였는데, 그 결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 구단속성은 구단동일시에 긍정적인 영향을 미쳤다. 둘째, 구단동일시는 스폰서적합성에 긍정적인 영향을 미쳤다. 셋째, 구단동일시는 스폰서동일시에 긍정적인 영향을 미쳤다. 넷째, 스폰서적합성은 스폰서이미지에 긍정적인 영향을 미쳤다. 다섯째, 스폰서동일시는 스폰서이미지에 긍정적인 영향을 미쳤다. 여섯째, 스폰서이미지는 스폰서제품구전의도에 긍정적인 영향을 미쳤다. 이러한 결과를 통해서 관중의 구단속성이 스폰서이미지와 스폰서제품구전의도에 미치는 영향에 동일시요인과 스폰서적합성이 중요하게 작용함을 알 수 있었다. 따라서 스폰서십 효과를 높이기 위해서는 동일시를 유발하고 프로축구-스폰서적합성을 높일 수 있도록 구단속성의 가치를 강화해야 할 것이다.

Delivery of an Exercise Program for Breast Cancer Survivors on Treatment in a Community Setting

ABSTRACT Purpose Exercise can help reduce the negative physical and psychological side effects of breast cancer treatments. Breast Cancer Patients Engaging in Activity while Undergoing Treatment (BEAUTY) is an exercise program that has been operating in a university-based setting for 4 years. This study describes the feasibility of implementing BEAUTY at the YMCA following the RE-AIM framework. Methods This is a single-center, single-cohort interventional feasibility study. Breast cancer patients undergoing or within 3 months of completing chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment (N = 12) received individualized exercise programs and group-based exercise classes twice per week for 19 wk. Outcome variables were measured pre- and post program. Results YMCA BEAUTY had similar reach to the university BEAUTY program in terms of recruitment rate and representativeness. Participants attended M = 10.7 ± 10.0 classes and 75% completed post program assessments. Participants showed improvement in the 6-min walk test (M∆ = 45.7 m). All other physical outcomes and quality of life were maintained. Overall, the program was delivered as intended, evidenced by outcomes assessed, exercise class, and education session delivery. A key component for setting level maintenance is the expertise of YMCA fitness professionals needed to deliver an exercise program for a clinical population. Conclusions On the basis of RE-AIM metrics, BEAUTY was feasible and appears to be promising for improving health and well-being of breast cancer survivors. These findings will inform researchers, clinicians, health professionals, and fitness facilities of the implementation considerations for future community-based programs for cancer survivors undergoing treatment.

Community-Based Physical Fitness Service Learning: Student and Volunteer Perspectives

ABSTRACTThis article compares the post-activity perceptions of both the volunteer clients and student service providers in a community-based service learning project. Students served as either personal trainers or nutrition coaches for recruited clients during the final month of their respective classes. The clients were asked to rank different factors based on their relative impact on their motivation to adhere to their programs. The students were asked to rank the same factors based on how they thought their clients were impacted. Mann-Whitney U tests were run to determine if there were statistically significant differences (0.05 level) in the perceptions of students and clients regarding the relative impact of the factors. While the tests revealed no significant differences between the rankings of nutrition coaches and clients, personal trainers and clients differed significantly in the way they ranked certain factors. Implications for undergraduate professional preparation and/or certification of fitness professionals are discussed.

Call to Action: Enhancing 'Exercise is Medicine' from the Perspective of Fitness Professionals

Call to Action: Enhancing 'Exercise is Medicine' from the Perspective of Fitness Professionals

Fitness Professionals’ Perceptions and Attitudes toward Certification, Online Education, and Medical Fitness

ABSTRACTA medical fitness professional designs and implements exercise programs for special populations and individuals with chronic disease. Few credible certifications are available to graduates with accredited online degrees or graduate programs that fulfill the learning outcomes necessary for medical fitness. This quantitative, descriptive study evaluated and compared the perception of the practical application of advanced fitness certifications to graduate-level online education in certified fitness professionals with an online graduate degree. The study also evaluated perceived need for graduate- or doctorate-level education in medical fitness. 86 fitness professionals completed the Fitness Professionals Perception of Education and Certification (FitPECs) survey. Practical experience was perceived to be important for professional practice (88.4%) and practical knowledge (70.9%), while as a fitness professional, education was perceived to be important (54.7%), and had helped most with careers (46.5%). Education and certification were both perceived as very valuable when working with special populations (72.1%, 52.3%, respectively), and the greatest anticipated need was for fitness professionals to work with special populations (62.8%). To establish credibility, certifying organizations should consider implementing educational requirements and accept accredited online degrees, and colleges and universities should fill the gap in training by developing graduate level education in medical fitness.