Leg Strength Research Articles

Impact of increased protein intake in older adults: a 12-week double-blind randomised controlled trial.

Emerging evidence suggests health-promoting properties of increased protein intake. There is increased interest in plant protein but a dearth of information in relation to its impact on muscle function. The objective of the present work was to examine the impact of intake of different types of proteins on muscle functional parameters including handgrip strength, biomarkers of metabolic health, sleep quality and quality of life in a group of older adults. Healthy men and women aged 50years and older entered a double-blinded, randomised, controlled nutritional intervention study with three parallel arms: high plant protein, high dairy protein and low protein. Participants consumed once daily a ready-to-mix shake (containing 20g of protein in high protein groups) for 12weeks. Changes in handgrip and leg strength, body composition, metabolic health, quality of life and sleep quality were analysed by linear mixed models in an intention-to-treat approach. Eligible participants (n= 171) were randomly assigned to the groups (plant: n= 60, dairy: n= 56, low protein: n= 55) and 141 completed the study. Handgrip strength increased after the intervention (Ptime= 0.038), with no significant difference between the groups. There was no significant difference between groups for any other health outcomes. In a population of older adults, increasing protein intake by 20g daily for 12weeks (whether plant-based or dairy-based) did not result in significant differences in muscle function, body composition, metabolic health, sleep quality or quality of life, compared with the low protein group.

Solder joint reliability performance study and shear characterization of low-Ag SAC lead-free solders for handheld application

As handheld electronic products move toward smaller and thinner form factor, the demand of high reliability under stringent field usage also increasing. Drop test, based on the JEDEC JESD22-B111A, accompanied with temperature cycling (TC) test, based on JEDEC JESD22-A104F, are two of the most critical board-level reliability tests for handheld makers. In terms of solder joint reliability (SJR), total 7 candidates of LF35-liked lead-free solder alloys are investigated for its drop performance, and TC reliability evaluation. Among 7 solders, leg 4 and 5 exhibit both decent drop and TC behavior, which are likely owing to the silver (Ag) precipitation hardening and bismuth (Bi) solid solution hardening effect respectively. In addition, the shearing mechanical characterization of 7 solder alloys are being studied. Shear strength of leg 4 and 5 shows higher strength value than others. In terms of failure analysis under drop test, three main fracture modes are observed, including via cracking at PCB side, solder/intermetallic compound (IMC) cracking at package side, and Cu trace broken at package side. Furthermore, in terms of failure modes of TC test, solder/IMC cracking at package side are the main fracture modes. In summary, this study provides an overall reliability performance mapping for 7 solders, and list out a table comprising of shear strength, void% analysis, TC reliability, and drop reliability performance for each LF35 solders which lays out potential future solder alloy to meet higher handheld phone drop reliability margin.

The Influence of a Polyphenol-Rich Red Berry Fruit Juice on Recovery Process and Leg Strength Capacity after Six Days of Intensive Endurance Exercise in Recreational Endurance Athletes.

Various nutritional strategies are increasingly used in sports to reduce oxidative stress and promote recovery. Chokeberry is rich in polyphenols and can reduce oxidative stress. Consequently, chokeberry juices and mixed juices with chokeberry content are increasingly used in sports. However, the data are very limited. Therefore, this study investigates the effects of the short-term supplementation of a red fruit juice drink with chokeberry content or a placebo on muscle damage, oxidative status, and leg strength during a six-day intense endurance protocol. Eighteen recreational endurance athletes participated in a cross-over high intensity interval training (HIIT) design, receiving either juice or a placebo. Baseline and post-exercise assessments included blood samples, anthropometric data, and leg strength measurements. A significant increase was measured in muscle damage following the endurance protocol in all participants (∆ CK juice: 117.12 ± 191.75 U/L, ∆ CK placebo: 164.35 ± 267.00 U/L; p = 0.001, η2 = 0.17). No group effects were detected in exercise-induced muscle damage (p = 0.371, η2 = 0.010) and oxidative status (p = 0.632, η2 = 0.000). The reduction in strength was stronger in the placebo group, but group effects are missing statistical significance (∆ e1RM juice: 1.34 ± 9.26 kg, ∆ e1RM placebo: -3.33 ± 11.49 kg; p = 0.988, η2 = 0.000). Although a reduction in strength can be interpreted for the placebo treatment, no statistically significant influence of chokeberry could be determined. It appears that potential effects may only occur with prolonged application and a higher content of polyphenols, but further research is needed to confirm this.

Abstract PO2-12-03: Home-based Resistance Exercise Improves Fatigue and Functional Strength in Female Breast Cancer Survivors Post Chemotherapy

Abstract Introduction: Chemotherapy is associated with an increase in fatigue and loss of strength in female breast cancer (BCa) survivors. Strength training has been found to reverse these effects, however, the COVID pandemic added a complexity to clinic-based exercise intervention. The purpose of this study is to determine if a home-based resistance exercise program can attenuate these debilitating effects in a cohort of breast cancer survivors that have recently completed chemotherapy. Methods: Ten BCa survivors who completed chemotherapy within the previous 6 months were recruited to participate in a 12-week home-based resistance exercise proof of concept study. Exercise was performed 3 times per week, supervised via Zoom. Participants completed 2-3 sets of upper body and lower body exercises to volitional fatigue. Self-reported fatigue was measured using the respective subscale from the EORTC QLQ-C30. Strength was measured using hand grip dynamometry and isometric leg strength. Physical function was measured using the 6-minute walk test. Assessments were completed at baseline and end of study. As a comparison, age matched controls (AMCs) were recruited to complete cross-sectional analysis of each of these variables. A one-way analysis variance was done with Tukey’s post hoc test. Significance was set at p< 0.05. Results: BCa survivors were 46.4 ± 12.5 years old with a BMI of 28.11 ± 5.25. AMCs were 50.3 ±13.3 years old with a BMI of 30.8 ± 5.8. There was no significant difference in patient characteristics. A significant difference in self-reported fatigue was found between groups (F=18.52; p< 0.0001). Post hoc analysis found significant difference in fatigue between BCa survivors at baseline (48 ± 23) and the age matched controls (p< 0.0001). Exercise was able to significantly reduce fatigue in BCa survivors (21 ± 15; p=0.003) to levels not significantly different to AMCs (3.3 ± 7.5). A significant difference was also observed between groups for right-hand grip strength (F= 4.923; p=0.015) and left-hand grip strength (F=8.685, p=0.001). Post hoc analysis found a significant increase in right hand grip strength in the BCa survivor group following the intervention (p=0.012). Left hand grip strength was found to be significantly lower at baseline than AMCs (p=0.048). Left hand grip strength was significantly increased in BCa survivors at end of study (p< 0.001). Finally, a significant difference was observed between groups for isometric leg strength (F= 3.699; p=0.038). Post hoc analysis found a significant difference in leg strength in the BCa survivor group following intervention (pre: 105.9 ± 50.6 N-M; post: 158.4 ± 13.2 N-M; p=0.030) which was 16.5% higher than AMCs (127.4 ± 36.5 N-M). No significant difference was found in 6-minute walk distance. However, there was a 21% increase in the distance walked for BCa survivors after interventions (pre: 441.2 ± 66.5m; post: 501.4 ± 123m), identical to distances walked by AMCs (501.4 ± 90.8m). Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that a virtually supervised resistance exercise program can attenuate the negative effects of chemotherapy in BCa survivors to levels similar to their peers that never had breast cancer. Further research using powered sample sizes is needed to validate these results. Citation Format: Taylor Moncrief, Crisann Moon, Angela Gonzalez, Allison Stepanenko, Tiffany Cortes, Darpan Patel. Home-based Resistance Exercise Improves Fatigue and Functional Strength in Female Breast Cancer Survivors Post Chemotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO2-12-03.

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO START: A CASE FOR PREVENTATIVE OUTPATIENT GERIATRIC SERVICES

INTRODUCTION & AIMS The population is ageing and the chronic disease burden growing, seeing more older adults present to hospital with preventable non-communicable diseases. Multidisciplinary outpatient teams are well placed to manage modifiable risk factors to prevent disease progression and hospitalisations. A preventative service was launched at Concord Hospital integrating geriatrician, exercise physiologist and dietitian care to optimise the physical and mental health of older adults with chronic disease and frailty. This evaluation aims to determine the success of service implementation and feasibility of the model. METHODS Between November 2022 and June 2023, 59 patients (mean age 80.2 years (SD 6.2), 47.5% female) completed 12-weeks of concurrent exercise and diet interventions with medical oversight. Patients were assessed pre- and post-interventions. Exercise was individualised and multimodal, performed twice weekly in a supervised group. Diet was individualised with a protein supplement prescribed as appropriate. The outcomes measured were Fried Frailty Phenotype (FFP), leg strength (one repetition maximum leg press), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form (GDS), and Mini Nutritional Assessment Long Form (MNA). Service activity was measured monthly via rate of referral and occasions of service (OOS). Data were analysed using JASP (v.0.18.1). RESULTS Monthly rate of referral and OOS increased from 18 to 51 patients and 49 to 479 occasions respectively, indicating service demand. After 12-weeks there were significant improvements in FFP (mean difference [95%CI] -0.4 [-0.7, -0.2] points), leg strength (34.0 [27.1, 40.8] kilograms), SPPB (1.1 [0.8, 1.5] points), GDS (-1.4 [-2.2, -0.6] points) and MNA (2.6 [1.6, 3.5] points), with no effect of sex observed. CONCLUSION Initial implementation of a preventative outpatient geriatric service was successful with increasing service demand and significant physical and mental health improvements. The service model is feasible; however, further evaluation is required to determine outcomes after continued service provision.

EXERCISE AND CANCER PROGRAM: A PRESCRIPTIVE EXERCISE PROGRAM IN A NON-CLINICAL SETTING

INTRODUCTION & AIMS This study aimed to establish a low-cost, sustainable exercise program for cancer patients in Gippsland, Australia, where access to such programs was previously limited. By developing and implementing a collaborative program, the program aimed to improve the physical and psycho-social well-being of cancer patients while reducing burden on healthcare services. METHODS Collaboration between Latrobe Community Health Service, Morwell Leisure Centre, and Gippsland Integrated Cancer Service led to the development of a prescriptive exercise program to provide cancer survivors a sustainable cost-effective exercise and cancer program in a community leisure centre. Exercise physiologists provided initial assessments, in which clients allocated to group-based, one-on-one, or home-based exercise sessions. RESULTS After 12 weeks in the program, 100% of participants that had a reassessment improved on at least one physical test and all improved on a subjective measure like fatigue, depression, or self-worth. On average, they saw a 14.88% increase in leg strength, a 12.70% increase in grip strength, and a 16.65% increase in aerobic fitness. Additionally, they reported an average decrease in anxiety (10.96%), depression (1.59%), fatigue (6.09%), and reported illness symptoms (5.24%). Overall, participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the benefits of the program’s psycho-social support and the opportunity to exercise outside a healthcare setting. CONCLUSION Collaboration between healthcare and leisure centres can provide sustainable and cost-effective exercise programs for cancer patients, improving physical and psycho-social well-being while reducing healthcare burden. Participants valued the support, social interaction, and sense of belonging provided by the program.

Targeted activation of Nrf2 prevents losses in leg muscle mass and strength during 2 weeks of immobilization in young adults

Introduction: Leg immobilization results in substantial losses in muscle mass and strength. Strategies aimed at minimizing these losses have proven largely ineffective. Elevated oxidative stress has been identified as a potential mechanism contributing to these losses. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that PB125, an activator of Nrf2 (the master regulator of the endogenous antioxidant system), and MitoQ, a mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant, would decrease the deleterious effects of limb immobilization on muscle mass and strength. Methods: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed in a cohort of twenty young healthy adults (6M/14F, Age: 28±7 y; Height: 169±7 cm; Mass: 70±14 kg). Participants were randomized into either placebo (n=7), PB125 (n=6), or MitoQ (n=7). Supplementation and measures of physical activity using an accelerometer began 2 weeks prior to single leg immobilization and continued through 2 weeks of immobilization. Knee extensor muscle strength was tested before and after immobilization using isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) and isokinetic contractions (120 and 60 degrees/s). Muscle mass was determined by MRI, and thigh lean muscle volume from image slices between the patellar tendon and gluteal muscle were assessed. Results: Physical activity, measured by steps per day, decreased by 55-65% during limb immobilization for all groups (p <0.05). Isometric muscle strength was significantly decreased following placebo (145±40 to 119±27 kg; p <0.05) and MitoQ (148±36 to 118±36 kg; p <0.05), but not PB125 (140±55 to 144±71 kg, p=0.7). Similarly, isokinetic muscle strength measured at 120 and 60 degrees/s was significantly decreased in placebo and MitoQ but preserved with PB125. Lean muscle volume in the immobilized limb significantly decreased by ~4% in placebo (p<0.05) and MitoQ (p<0.05) but was preserved with PB125 (p =0.55). Conclusions: Targeted activation of Nrf2 with PB125 preserved muscle mass and strength following 2 weeks of leg immobilization. In contrast, both placebo and MitoQ had no impact on immobilization-induced losses in muscle mass and strength. These findings provide novel evidence that targeting Nrf2 offsets the detrimental skeletal muscle effects of limb immobilization in young, healthy individuals. NIH-R01HL142603 and VA Merit-I01CX001999. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Effects of Surya Namaskar yoga on perceived stress, anthropometric parameters, and physical fitness in overweight and obese female university students: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Stress and sedentary lifestyles negatively impact the physical fitness of overweight and obese female university students. Physical activity has been shown to promote psychological as well as physical wellness. However, the effects of Surya Namaskar (SN) yoga on stress and physical fitness remain unclear. Objective: This study aimed to compare the physical fitness, anthropometric measures, and perceived stress between the SN yoga training program group and the control group. Methods: In a randomized controlled study, 44 overweight and obese female university students participated. For 8 weeks, the exercise group received training in SN yoga, whereas the control group was not permitted to participate in any form of exercise. At baseline and after 8 weeks of training, all participants completed the Thai Perceived Stress Scale-10 (T-PSS-10), and assessed the body mass index (BMI), waist–hip ratio, body fat percentage, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), and muscle strength and flexibility. We used the dependent t-test or Wilcoxon sign rank test to examine the differences between the T-PSS-10 and physical fitness within each group. The statistical differences of all parameters between the two groups were compared using an independent t-test or a Mann–Whitney U test. A p-[Formula: see text] was considered statistically significant. Results: Compared to the baseline, the SN yoga group’s post-training period had a significant increase ([Formula: see text]) in forward back flexibility, hand grip strength, leg strength, and VO2max, while a significant decrease ([Formula: see text]) in T-PSS-10 scores and BMI. In addition, we found a significant difference between the both groups in forward back flexibility and T-PSS-10 scores in the post-training period ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively). Conclusion: This study’s findings demonstrated that SN yoga is a useful exercise for enhancing overweight and obese female university students’ perceived stress scales and physical fitness.

Qualitative interviews of patients with COPD and muscle weakness enrolled in a clinical trial evaluating a new anabolic treatment: patient perspectives of disease experience, trial participation and outcome assessments

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and muscle weakness can cause impaired physical function, significantly impacting patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Loss of muscle strength is usually assessed through clinical and performance outcome (PerfO) assessments, which consists of tasks performed in a standardized manner, providing evidence of a patient’s functional ability. However, evidence documenting the patient experience of COPD and muscle weakness is limited.MethodsThis two-stage qualitative study used semi-structured interviews in patients aged 45–80 years with COPD (post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1s [FEV1]/forced vital capacity ratio < 0.70, and FEV1% predicted of 30–80%) and muscle weakness. In Stage 1, 30-minute concept elicitation interviews were conducted with participants recruited across three US sites to explore impacts on physical functioning and activities of daily living. In Stage 2, interviews were performed with participants exiting a Phase IIa trial investigating the efficacy of a selective androgen receptor modulator (GSK2881078) on leg strength, whereby PerfOs were used to evaluate strength and physical functioning endpoints. These participants completed either 60-minute in-depth (n = 32) or 15-minute confirmatory (n = 35) interviews exploring trial experience, completion of outcome measures, disease experience and treatment satisfaction.ResultsIn Stage 1 (n = 20), most participants described their muscles as weak (83.3%). Difficulties with walking (100%) and lifting heavy objects (90%) were reported. In Stage 2, 60-minute interviews, all participants (n = 32) reported a positive trial experience. Most participants reported that the home exercise program was easy to fit into daily life (77.8%), the PROactive daily diary was easy to complete (100%) and wearable sensors were easy to use (65.6%). However, technical issues were reported (71%), and few participants (19.4%) found physical assessments easy to complete. Improvements in muscle strength and functional limitations were reported by most participants. The shorter 15-minute confirmatory interviews (n = 35) supported the in-depth interview results.ConclusionThe qualitative interviews generated in-depth evidence of key concepts relevant to patients with COPD and muscle weakness and support the assessments of patient strength and physical function as outcome measures in this population in future studies.Trial numberGSK Stage 1: 206869; Stage 2: 200182, NCT03359473; Registered December 2, 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03359473.

Effects of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) intake in combination with exercise on muscle strength in humans with decreased mobility: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study

Background: Aging-related declines in skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function are related to instability, falls, and frailty in older people, resulting in the need for nursing care. Objective: To investigate the effect of oral γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) intake and exercise on muscle parameters in healthy subjects whose muscle strength is beginning to decline with age. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparative study was conducted. Fifty subjects (over 40 years old) were randomly divided into the GABA (100 mg/day) or placebo food intake group. Subjects orally consumed the respective study substance every day for 12 weeks. They performed daily “locomotion training” as devised by the Japanese Orthopedic Society. Muscle mass, fat mass, and knee extension muscle strength were measured. Results: The two groups had no significant differences in muscle and fat mass. Compared with the placebo food group, the GABA group showed a significant improvement in knee extension muscle strength in the left and right legs at pre-dose Week 0 (at Week 6, p = 0.02). In post hoc subgroup analysis by sex, when compared with the placebo food intake group, the GABA food intake group showed significant improvement in knee extension muscle strength of the right leg at Weeks 6 (p = 0.001) and 12 (p = 0.007), the left leg at Week 6 (p = 0.02), the stronger of the left and right legs at pre-dose Week 0 (at Week 6, p = 0.001), and the weaker of the left and right legs at pre-dose Week 0 (at Week 12, p = 0.013) in males. Conclusions: These results suggest that GABA intake combined with daily exercise is effective for maintaining knee extension muscle strength, which decreases with age. Furthermore, there were no safety issues with the intake of GABA-containing food during this study. Trial registration: UMIN-CTR: UMIN000050152. Keywords: γ-Aminobutyric acid, GABA, Muscle mass, Knee extension muscle strength, Aging

Noninvasive estimation of skeletal muscle oxygen consumption rate and microvascular reactivity in chronic stroke survivors using near-infrared spectroscopy.

Understanding post-stroke changes in skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism and microvascular reactivity could help create therapeutic targets that optimize rehabilitative interventions. Due to disuse atrophy, we hypothesized that basal muscle oxygen consumption rate and microvascular endothelial function would be impaired in the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of the affected leg of chronic stroke survivors compared with the nonaffected leg and versus matched controls. Fifteen chronic stroke survivors (10 females) and 15 matched controls (9 females) completed this study. A near-infrared spectroscopy oximeter measured tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) of the TA in both legs of stroke survivors and the dominant leg of controls. A cuff was placed around the thigh and inflated to 225 mmHg for 5 min while StO2 was continuously measured. The rate of change in StO2 was calculated during cuff occlusion and immediately post-cuff release. The rate of oxygen desaturation was similar between the legs of the stroke survivors (paretic -0.12 ± 0.04%·s-1 vs. nonparetic -0.16 ± 011%·s-1; P = 0.49), but the paretic leg had a reduced desaturation rate versus controls (-0.25 ± 0.18%·s-1; P = 0.007 vs. paretic leg). After cuff release, there was a greater oxygen resaturation rate in the nonparetic leg compared with the paretic leg (3.13 ± 2.08%·s-1 vs. 1.60 ± 1.11%·s-1, respectively; P = 0.01). The control leg had a similar resaturation rate versus the nonparetic leg (control = 3.41 ± 1.79%·s-1; P = 0.69) but was greater than the paretic leg (P = 0.003). The TA in the paretic leg had an impaired muscle oxygen consumption rate and reduced microvascular endothelial function compared with controls.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Secondary consequences of stroke are not well described. In this study, we show that basal muscle oxidative consumption and microvascular endothelial function are reduced in the paretic tibialis anterior muscle of chronic stroke survivors compared with matched controls using near-infrared spectroscopy and the vascular occlusion technique. There was a moderately strong correlation between microvascular endothelial function and paretic leg strength.

Associations between monitor-independent movement summary (MIMS) and fall risk appraisal combining fear of falling and physiological fall risk in community-dwelling older adults.

Introduction: Fall Risk Appraisal (FRA), a process that integrates perceived and objective fall risk measures, serves as a crucial component for understanding the incongruence between fear of falling (FOF) and physiological fall risk in older adults. Despite its importance, scant research has been undertaken to investigate how habitual physical activity (PA) levels, quantified in Monitor-Independent Movement Summary (MIMS), vary across FRA categories. MIMS is a device-independent acceleration summary metric that helps standardize data analysis across studies by accounting for discrepancies in raw data among research-grade and consumer devices. Objective: This cross-sectional study explores the associations between MIMS (volume and intensity) and FRA in a sample of older adults in the United States. Methods: We assessed FOF (Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International), physiological fall risk (balance: BTrackS Balance, leg strength: 30-s sit-to-stand test) and 7-day free-living PA (ActiGraph GT9X) in 178 community-dwelling older adults. PA volume was summarized as average daily MIMS (MIMS/day). PA intensity was calculated as peak 30-min MIMS (average of highest 30 non-consecutive MIMS minutes/day), representing a PA index of higher-intensity epochs. FRA categorized participants into following four groups: Rational (low FOF-low physiological fall risk), Irrational (high FOF-low physiological fall risk), Incongruent (low FOF-high physiological fall risk) and Congruent (high FOF-high physiological fall risk). Results: Compared to rational group, average MIMS/day and peak 30-min MIMS were, respectively, 15.8% (p = .025) and 14.0% (p = .004) lower in irrational group, and 16.6% (p = .013) and 17.5% (p < .001) lower in congruent group. No significant differences were detected between incongruent and rational groups. Multiple regression analyses showed that, after adjusting for age, gender, and BMI (reference: rational), only irrational FRA was significantly associated with lower PA volume (β = -1,452.8 MIMS/day, p = .034); whereas irrational and congruent FRAs were significantly associated with lower "peak PA intensity" (irrational: β = -5.40 MIMS/day, p = .007; congruent: β = -5.43 MIMS/day, p = .004). Conclusion: These findings highlight that FOF is a significant barrier for older adults to participate in high-intensity PA, regardless of their balance and strength. Therefore, PA programs for older adults should develop tailored intervention strategies (cognitive reframing, balance and strength exercises, or both) based on an individual's FOF and physiological fall risk.

The Relationship Between FTP And VO2max Ability and Strength and Flexibility in Cyclists

The study aimed to investigate the relationship between VO2max and FTP in female road cyclists with strength (right/left-hand grip, back, leg), flexibility, and anthropometric variables. Descriptive statistics are presented as median and interquartile range. The median values of the participants were as follows: height 158.5 cm, body weight 54.9 kg, body fat percentage 19.6%, and body muscle mass 41.5 kg. The participants’ leg strength was measured at 70 kg, while their back strength was found to be 50 kg. Their right-hand grip strength was 29.1 kg, and their left-hand grip strength was 29.6 kg. The participant's flexibility was measured at 32 cm. Their VO2max was found to be 58.2 ml/kg/min, with a VO2max pulse of 189 beats/min and a VO2max workload of 262 watts. During the FTP test, the participant's mean pulse rate was 181 beats/min, mean cadence was 83 rpm, mean workload was 184 watts, normalized power was 185 watts, and relative power was 3.1 watts/kg. The study found a moderate positive correlation between VO2max and back strength and a strong negative correlation with flexibility. Additionally, a strong positive relationship was observed between VO2max workload value and body muscle mass, as well as right- and left-hand grip strength. No relationship was found between VO2max HR, AnT VO2, AnT HR, and AnT workload. Furthermore, the study found a moderate positive correlation between FTP value and body muscle mass and a very strong positive correlation with calendar age. The study also found significant correlations between mean FTP cadence and body muscle mass, as well as between mean FTP workload and body muscle mass. Additionally, a very strong positive correlation was observed between mean FTP workload and calendar age. Finally, a strong negative correlation was found between FTP relative strength and flexibility. The study concluded that as the strength of the back muscles in the group increased, so did their VO2max and FTP values, along with an increase in body muscle mass. The results suggest that back strength and body muscle mass are important variables for the participants in the study.

Physical attributes and performance differences: Server vs. spiker players in men’s doubles sepak takraw

Background Problems: Scientific research exploring the comparative analysis of the physical, physiological, and anthropometric characteristics associated with the server and spiker positions in double-category sepak takraw remains relatively scarce. Research Objectives: This study aims to compare the physical, physiological, and anthropometric characteristics between players in the server and spiker positions in the double category of sepak takraw. Methods: The research method used is an observational study with a quantitative approach. This study consisted of 18 male sepak takraw athletes, with 9 athletes each playing as servers and 9 athletes playing as spikers. The statistical analyses were conducted utilizing the SPSS Version 22 application. Findings and Results: The results of this study showed that there were statistically significant differences in body height, aerobic capacity, and leg strength between server and speaker positions (p &lt; 0.05). Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in the variables age, weight, BMI, fat percentage, speed, agility, and flexibility. Dynamic, attractive game requirements and manoeuvres in the air for players in the spiker position have the potential to contribute to superior VO2max values and increased leg muscle strength compared to players in the server position. Conclusion: The conclusion of this study is that athletes in the spiker position show superior anthropometric and physiological attributes compared to those in the server position. Different understandings of the different characteristics associated with each position in the sport of sepak takraw provide new insights and views for coaches and athletes themselves. In addition, it is hoped that this research will have implications for optimizing training programs that adapt to the demands of each position. Furthermore, these findings serve as a reference for talent search events that assist in the identification and development of athletes with optimal physiological profiles for their respective roles in double-category sepak takraw.

Adaptive Behavior is Related to Body Adiposity and Functional Fitness in Older Women

To determine whether indicators of body adiposity and functional fitness are related to adaptive behavior in Chilean elderly women. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 162 elderly adult women. Body adiposity (BA) was determined by body mass index (BMI) and fat mass (FM). Functional fitness (FA) was assessed by means of four physical tests: Arm flexibility, 30-second right arm strength endurance (RFBD), 30-second chair stand (up-and-go) test and the agility test (2.44 m). Adaptive behavior (AC) was assessed using a scale called AC Self-Perception of AC for Women (ACAM). There were negative correlations between AC with chronological age, BMI, MG, and Agility (∼ r= -0.27 to -0.45, p<0.05), while the relationship was positive with leg strength, flexibility, and RFBD (∼ r= 0.17 to 0.26, p<0.05). Comparisons of CA and PA between CA categories were small and medium. The effect size between women categorized as low and high CA was medium (∼ 0.31 to -0.46). However, among women categorized with medium and high CA level it was small (∼ 0.07 to -0.30). The study found that, in women aged 65-84 years, AC tends to decrease with age, while body adiposity increases and functional fitness decreases. It is recommended to implement strategies that address these negative effects of aging, such as prevention and management of body adiposity, functional exercise programs, and promotion of a healthy lifestyle.

A Comparison of Different Strength Measurement in Taekwondo: Herman Trainer, Manual Tester, and Standing Long Jump.

Background and Objective: The accurate prediction of strength development relies on identifying the most appropriate measurement methods. This study compared diverse strength measurement techniques to assess their effectiveness in predicting strength development. Participants were taekwondo athletes competing at the red-black belt level or above. Methods: Technical striking forces (palding, dollyeo chagi, dwit chagi, and yeop chagi) were measured using a Herman Digital Trainer fixed to a striking stand. Quadriceps and hamstring strength were assessed with a Lafayette force measuring device. Explosive leg strength was evaluated through a standing long jump test, normalized for leg length. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to examine relationships between measurement methods. Results: The standing long jump test showed no significant correlation with other strength assessments. A moderate positive correlation was found between Herman digital trainer measurements and Lafayette digital hand-held dynamometer results. A high positive correlation (r = 0.736, p < 0.001) emerged between hamstring strength and palding chagi technical strike force results. Technical strike kicks showed a significant positive correlation with each other and, also, a right foot-left foot correlation was observed. Conclusions: It was concluded that the standing long jump test, which was shown as one of the explosive leg strength measurement methods in field studies as an alternative to laboratory tests, did not correlate with other strength tests; therefore, this test is weak and insufficient to predict strength skills in taekwondo. In addition, this study showed that the hamstring muscle was more predictive in the measurement of technical strength. In future studies, it might be more useful to measure hamstring muscle strength or technical kick strength instead of a standing long jump field test.

Comparative Efficacy of Different Protein Supplements on Muscle Mass, Strength, and Physical Indices of Sarcopenia among Community-Dwelling, Hospitalized or Institutionalized Older Adults Undergoing Resistance Training: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Aging-related sarcopenia exerts harmful impacts on muscle mass, strength, and physical mobility. Protein supplementation has been demonstrated to augment efficacy of resistance training (RT) in elderly. This study compared the relative effects of different protein supplements on muscle mass, strength, and mobility outcomes in middle-aged and older individuals undergoing RT. A comprehensive search of online databases was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the efficacy of protein supplement plus RT in untrained community-dwelling adults, hospitalized, or institutionalized residents who suffered acute or chronic health conditions. Network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed using a frequentist method for all analyses. Treatment effects for main outcomes were expressed as standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). We used the surface-under-the cumulative-ranking (SUCRA) scores to rank probabilities of effect estimation among all identified treatments. Meta-regression analyses were performed to identify any relevant moderator of the treatment efficacy and results were expressed as β with 95% credible interval (CrI). We finally included 78 RCTs (5272 participants) for analyses. Among the six protein sources identified in this NMA, namely whey, milk, casein, meat, soy, and peanut, whey supplement yielded the most effective treatments augmenting efficacy of RT on muscle mass (SMD = 1.29, 95% CI: 0.96, 1.62; SUCRA = 0.86), handgrip strength (SMD = 1.46, 95% CI: 0.92, 2.00; SUCRA = 0.85), and walking speed (SMD = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.39, 1.07; SUCRA = 0.84). Participant's health condition, sex, and supplementation dose were significant factors moderating the treatment efficacy on muscle mass (β = 0.74; 95% CrI: 0.22, 1.25), handgrip strength (β = -1.72; 95% CrI: -2.68, -0.77), and leg strength (β = 0.76; 95% CrI: 0.06, 1.47), respectively. Our findings suggest whey protein yields the optimal supplements to counter sarcopenia in older individuals undergoing RT.

Associations of midlife fitness and obesity profiles with cognitive function

AbstractLow fitness and obesity at midlife are individually associated with later‐life decline in cognition and health. However, the relationship between profiles of midlife fitness and obesity with midlife cognition is unclear and was examined by this study. Participants from the third follow‐up of the Childhood Determinants of Adult Health study (2014–2019; aged 36–49 years) were assessed for obesity (body mass index [BMI]), cardiorespiratory (physical work capacity) and muscular fitness (isometric grip and leg strength), and these factors were entered into a latent profile analysis. Psychomotor‐attention, learning–working memory and global cognition composites were derived from z‐scores of individual CogState battery tests. Linear regression analyses examined associations between profiles of fitness and obesity with cognition, adjusting for age, sex, education, alcohol and smoking. Using data from 617 participants [44.4 ± 2.6 (mean ± SD) years, 52% female], we identified 5 mutually exclusive profiles of obesity and fitness. Relative to those with the lowest fitness and highest BMI (5% of sample), those with a profile of (1) highest muscular fitness and average BMI (9%), (2) average muscular fitness and BMI (61%) and (3) highest cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and below average BMI (7%) all exhibited better global cognition [at least 0.44 (0.12, 0.77) SD, 95% CI] and psychomotor‐attention performance [at least 0.59 (0.27, 0.91) SD, 95% CI]. Compared with low fitness and unhealthy BMI levels, possessing average or high muscular and CRF and a healthy BMI in midlife was associated with better cognitive performance. Enhancing fitness and reducing obesity in midlife could contribute to improved cognitive performance in middle age.

Analysis of arm, back and leg strength on the quality of power control in billiard sports

Background and Study Aim. This study aims to analyze the strength of the arms, back and legs on the quality of power control in billiards.&#x0D; Material and Methods. This research belongs to the type of quantitative research with a correlational design that aims to analyze the magnitude of the influence exerted by the physical components on the quality of its power control. A total of 43 male pool athletes aged 14 to 20 years participated in this study. The instruments used in the study were a 30-second push-up test to measure arm strength, as well as a back and leg dynamometer to measure back and leg strength. Measurement of power control test by means of a cue ball is placed in the place of the chocolate to start. Players must hit the cue ball to the front of the table, aiming for the cue ball to stop as close to the table cushion in front of it as possible. Data analysis was carried out to produce data according to the research objective, namely to calculate the correlation between the independent and dependent variables. The value above will appear as a table that displays the sig. value and the correlation value that can be converted to a percentage. The calculation used SPSS version 23.&#x0D; Results. The results of the multiple correlation analysis in this study reported no significant relationship between arm, back, and leg strength with power control (sig. 0.517).&#x0D; Conclusions. It can be concluded that there is no correlation between leg strength, back strength, and arm muscle strength on the quality of power control of billiard players, and the correlation given by the variable leg strength, back strength, and arm muscle strength on the quality of power control is 5%.

Golf training as an effective therapeutic tool for autism spectrum disorder: a multisite evaluation

Objectives A 6-week adapted golf training program was delivered to 31 individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the effects of the program were examined on golf skills, physical fitness abilities, and socio-communicative functioning. Methods The program led to significant improvements in golf skills such as grip positioning, shot control, aim, and posture as well as physical activity abilities including leg strength, core stability, and balance. Results Additionally, staff involved with the program documented significant improvements amongst participants in expressive and receptive communication, as well as social and regulatory skills. However, there were no significant changes in social or communicative abilities in the parent-rated, standardized instrument. Conclusions The adapted golf training program proved to be effective for boosting a variety of abilities in individuals with ASD; sport-training programs should continue to be studied and implemented at autism treatment facilities.