Currently the information available on how to properly train youth athletes is limited due to the lack of studies performed on this population. It is widely understood that youth athletes should be trained in some manner but exactly how they might be trained for maximum effectiveness is still unclear. To better understand how to train youth athletes this study looks at 16 male athletes between the ages of 14 and 18 years old who participate in at least one sport and have had at least a youth of strength training experience. The study aims to determine how relative strength levels in the squat and deadlift effect the performance of five athletic indicators, the max hang high pull, 40-yard dash, 10-yard dash, max broad jump, and 3-cone drill. These were the chosen indicators because each movement demonstrates an athletes' speed, agility, and power production all of which are essential markers of athletic success. Each athlete performed a max squat and deadlift to determine their relative strength levels where the highest eight scores of each lift were placed in a high strength group and the lowest eight were placed in the low strength groups. Correlational analyses were run to determine if there were any correlations between strength levels and performance each of the athletic indicators. One-way ANOVA tests were run between the high and low strength squat and deadlift groups respectively to determine if there was a significant difference between the high and low strength groups of each lift. There was a significant correlation between relative squat strength and each of the five indicators at the .05 level, there was also a significant correlation between relative deadlift strength and each of the five indicators at the .05 level. The one-way ANOVA tests revealed there was a significant difference (p ≤ .05) between the high and low relative deadlift strength groups in each of the five indicators while there was also a significant difference between the high and low r (open full item for complete abstract)

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of keto-adaptation via a KD and a strength-power resistance training program on cognitive performance in healthy adults in both a rested and physically stressed state. Methods: Twenty-nine subjects (25 males, 4 females) were placed in either a ketogenic diet (KD) group (N=15) or a high carbohydrate (CON) group (N=14). Resting cognition was measured using the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) computer battery and physically stressed cognition was measured using a symbol digit modality test (SDMT) before and after high-intensity sprints on a self-propelled treadmill (HiTrainer). These measures were assessed at baseline, and following a 9-12 week dietary and strength/power intervention. Results: No significant difference between groups for diet was observed for resting or physically stressed cognition. For resting cognition within the KD group there existed a significant correlation between acute ketone levels prior to testing and percent change from pre to post for the tests Code-substitution delay and Go/No-go, which test aspects of delayed memory and inhibition. The strength/power intervention produced significant increases for some of the variables in both resting and physically stressed cognition. For resting cognition the tests code substitution - delayed and procedural reaction time, which are associated with learning, delayed memory, and processing speed, improved significantly from pre to post. For physically stressed cognition, the amount of correct answers on the 3rd set of SDMT following the final sets of sprints improved significantly from pre to post. Conclusion: Exercise focused on strength and power seems to beneficially effect cognition at rest and when physically stressed. KD did not improve cognition, but some aspects seemed to be directly affected by acute ketone levels. Further research into both areas and their effects on cognition are needed.

The purpose of this current study was to describe and evaluate the status of high school strength and conditioning for high school football teams in the state of Ohio from the perspective of high school athletic directors (ADs). The researchers created and sent 677 online questionnaires to every high school AD in the state of Ohio whose program had a football team. Of the 677 outgoing questionnaires, 157 were returned. Results found that ADs are aware of who is acting as the strength and conditioning coach (SCC) within their program, feel that the position is important, and predict that the position will grow in the future. It was also found that most individuals acting as the SCC did not hold relevant certifications and are thus, deemed unqualified to hold the position of SCC. Of the uncertified individuals, most were head football coaches, assistant coaches, or teachers who implemented the strength and conditioning activities. Based on previous research, this suggests that these individuals may not be qualified to safely implement strength and conditioning to high school level athletes (Couture et al., 2015; Mcgladrey et al., 2014; Pote & Christie, 2016). An increase in qualified SCCs at the high school level shall provide the athletes with a safer, more successful experience (Baechle & Earle, 2008; Gucciardi et al., 2009; Zatsiorsky, 2006).

Resistance training has become one of the most popular methods to increase muscular strength and cross-sectional area (hypertrophy). Strength is often measured by testing an individual's 1-repetition maximum (1RM) for a specific lift. Hypertrophy is measured by an increase in muscle fiber cross-sectional area of the target muscle group. Rest interval between sets is an important variable that affects both acute and chronic responses to resistance training. Prior research has found conflicting data that makes determining the most effective inter-set rest interval difficult. Most findings show that at least 3-minute rest intervals are required to see significant increases in strength and hypertrophy, but most studies also show that long rest intervals result in further increases when compared to the short rest intervals, regardless of specific times. Therefore, we hypothesized that longer inter-set rest intervals would lead to greater increases in both muscular strength and hypertrophy when compared to shorter inter-set rest intervals. This study recruited 12 participants to undergo a 4-week resistance training protocol consisting of 3 training days a week. Each training day would include the flat barbell bench press, barbell back squat, and barbell or dumbbell curls. Subjects were randomly assigned to either a 3-minute or 5-minute interest rest interval and were told to strictly follow these rest intervals. Pre- and post-tests were performed before and after the 4-week exercise protocol, consisting of heart rate, blood pressure, BIA, girth measurement, and skinfold. Between the two groups, there was no statistical difference prior to testing or post testing. When comparing within groups from prior to post testing, significant differences were found in the 3-minute group biceps skinfold, 3-minute group bench press 1RM, and 5-minute group back squat 1RM. Based on findings from this study, conclusions that can be made are that a 3-minute rest interval might be most ef (open full item for complete abstract)

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Study One Abstract: High-intensity low-volume exercise training (HILVET) has been shown to improve health-related outcomes while reducing the time required to exercise. However, the effects of HILVET while incorporating a weight-supported kinetic chain resistance training (WSKCRT) modality are unknown. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the impact of a novel high-intensity low-volume WSKCRT program on health-related fitness through measurements of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), muscular strength, muscular endurance, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage (BF%), and lower body flexibility. Six recreationally active undergraduate college students completed high-intensity low-volume WSKCRT three days per week for six weeks. Participants performed 4-9 intervals of WSKCRT, for 30 seconds at 90% of heart rate reserve (HRR) followed by 60 seconds of treadmill exercise at 40% of HRR. Significant improvements in BF% (23.1 ± 8.7 to 20.3 ± 7.6%; p = 0.004) and muscular strength (504.9 ± 223.01 to 596.2 ± 206.1 kg; p = 0.0001) were observed from baseline. Changes in VO2 max, muscular endurance score, and WC failed to reach statistical significance. There were no changes in BMI or lower body flexibility. These results indicate the potential efficacy of HILVET, using WSKCRT, for college students seeking to improve their health. Future research is warranted to determine if HILVET, utilizing a novel WSKCRT modality, is comparable to nationally recommended exercise guidelines. Study Two Abstract: High-intensity low-volume exercise training (HILVET) has been shown to be a time efficient method for improving measures associated with being overweight or obesity. However, the impact of HILVET using a novel standing weight-supported kinetic chain resistance training (WSKCRT) modality on these measures is unknown. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the impact of HILVET utilizing a novel WSKCRT modality on factors related to lo (open full item for complete abstract)

MAMONE, BERNADETT, M.ED. AUGUST 2013 BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES MOTOR IMAGERY TRAINING FACILITATES NEURAL ADAPTATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH MUSCLE STRENGTHENING IN AGING (208 PP.) Director of Thesis: Guang, H. Yue Background. Aging is accompanied by a decline in muscle strength. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Growing evidence indicates that voluntary muscle strength training paradigms enhance descending cortical drive and strengthen muscle output in the elderly. Motor Imagery Training (MIT) may improve strength, however, it is not known if MIT can reverses aging-related maladaptive changes and how the underpinnings differ from those of conventional strength training (CST). Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Electroencephalography (EEG), we studied the relation between training-related motor cortical changes and muscle strengthening in the elderly. Methods. Thirty-two right-handed, healthy older adults (74.41±7.09 yrs) were randomly assigned to either an 8-week MIT (n=15) or CST (n=10) group for left elbow flexion (EF) strengthening. A non-training elderly control (n=7) and twenty non-training young (23±4.02 yrs) subjects were also included. We measured maximal left arm EF and elbow extension (EE) force before and after training using a computerized force transducer and electromyography (EMG) to detect changes in relative antagonist muscle EMG and co-contraction. TMS was used to test the excitability of corticospinal pathways, intra-cortical and inter-hemispheric connections. Central motor drive was assessed using EEG. Results. Before training, there were significant age-related effects. Elderly had significantly (p=0.044) lower strength, antagonist muscle EMG (p=0.001), inter-hemispheric inhibition (IHI; p=0.032), stronger brain activation in beta (13-30 Hz; p<0.001) and gamma band (30-100 Hz; p<0.001) and weakened brain-to-muscle coupling at Cz and C4 compared to young. Both training paradigm equally improved left (open full item for complete abstract)

The older adult age group is a significant and growing population. After 60, older adults experience up to 3% decrease in muscle mass a year. This reduces their mobility and activity to exercise and often leads to loss of independence. Additionally, there are not many in-home exercise solutions for older adults to combat muscle weakness in the current market. Therefore, it is essential to explore these challenges and find an in-home exercise solution for older adults to combat muscle weakness, especially for those who are losing their independence. Literature reviews, market research, a survey of older adults, and interviews with geriatric physicians and personal trainers are conducted to establish an informed approach to designing lower body exercise equipment to combat muscle weakness and improve mobility. As older adults are an extensive age range, an exploration into mobility evaluation tools is conducted. A mobility level map is developed from a combination of Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and Walking Speed Test to further pinpoint the target group's motor skills and used as design criteria. Research results suggested that squats are one of the best lower body exercises that older adults can do to improve lower body strength and balance. Additionally, it is found that health, growth, and social connection are the primary motivations in the life of older adults. These indicate a need for a design solution composed of an in-house equipment for exercise and an app for motivating users. These were developed through three design phases. After each phase, a design review surveys with older adults and design review interviews with experts are conducted to collect feedback and suggestions for the following development. At the end of the development process, it is found that the function and design of the machine are in the right direction, but further testing and development are needed. Additionally, market positioning research should b (open full item for complete abstract)

Context: Running is extremely popular sport because of its accessibility, but due to its repetitive nature running-related injuries (RRIs) are extremely common. Adult runners were found to hold misconceptions about factors that contribute to the risk of sustaining an RRI; however, it is unknown what factors adolescent runners perceive to influence the risk of sustaining an RRI. The purpose of this study is to assess the perceptions of adolescent runners on the influence of footwear, training habits strength, and stretching on RRIs. Objective: To determine the perceptions of adolescent runners on factors that contribute to RRIs. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Online. Participants: 303 long-distance runners ages 9-19. Intervention: Participants completed on online survey containing 94 questions (21 questions discussed) about factors that contribute to RRIs such as footwear, training habits, strength, and stretching. Main outcome measures: Descriptive statistics of questions pertaining to footwear, training habits, strength, and stretching. Results: Most adolescent long-distance runners believed that shoes with less cushioning (n = 223 [73.8%]), milage of ≥ 300 miles (n = 170 [56.1%]), milage of ≥ 500 miles (n = 231 [76.2%]), transitioning to a new type shoe (n = 153 [50.5%]), increasing weekly running distance by more than 10% (n = 214 [85.9%]), running up hill (n = 103 [56.3%]), running downhill (n = 177 [82.3%]), training more moths per year (n = 117 [53.9%]), and running on hard surfaces (n = 233 [91.0%]) will increase their risk of sustaining an RRI. Shoes with more cushion (n = 232 [76.6%]), wearing comfortable shoes (n = 213 [70.3%]), cross-training (n = 235 [85.1%]), summer/preseason training (n = 206 [81.1%]), having strong legs (n = 248 [81.9%]), having a strong core (n = 196 [64.7%]), static stretching before (n = 191 [63.3%]) and after a run (n = 258 [90.4%]) and dynamic stretching before (n = 273 [85.4%]) and after (n = 144 [47.8%]) a run reduce (open full item for complete abstract)

Caffeine consumption prior to resistance exercise has demonstrated significant increases in maximal strength in resistance-trained individuals, along with concomitant increases in heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP). Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of caffeine (4mg/kg) alone or in conjunction with acute resistance exercise in resistance-trained women on resistance exercise performance and cardiovascular hemodynamics. The acute bout of resistance exercise consisted of two sets of 10 repetitions at 75% 1 repetition maximum (1RM) for the squat and bench press, and one set to failure at 70% 1RM for both resistance exercises. Performance variables included the total load lifted, as well as the number of repetitions completed. Hemodynamic variables included HR, systolic and diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure. Measurements were taken at rest (Rest1), 45 minutes after consumption of the caffeine or placebo (Rest2), immediately post exercise (Rec1), and 10-minutes post exercise (Rec2). Paired samples t-tests were used to evaluate differences in total load, and the total number of repetitions performed during set 3. A 2 x 4 repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess the effects of condition (caffeine vs placebo) across the time (Rest1, Rest2, Rec1, Rec2) with a Bonferroni correction. Eight resistance-trained women (mean±SD: 23±3 yrs) completed the study. There were no significant differences between conditions for any performance variable. However, there was a significant (p=0.001) main effect of time for HR, such that it was elevated at Rec1 and Rec2, compared to Rest1 and Rest2. There were no significant interactions of main effects for systolic or diastolic BP. There was a significant interaction (p=0.04) for mean arterial pressure such that following caffeine consumption it was elevated at Rest2 compared to Rest1, and was different than Rest2 following the placebo. There was also no interaction or ma (open full item for complete abstract)

There has been a plethora of imagery research examining imagery and performance. Recent imagery research has examined the effects of PETTLEP imagery on golf bunker shots and bicep curl performance. Although there has been a study conducted that examined the effects of PETTLEP imagery on bicep curl performance of novice participants there has been no research to date that has examined the effects of PETTLEP imagery on barbell bench press performance of individuals with strength training experience. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of imagery training on the barbell bench press performance of individuals with strength training experience.To examine these effects the researcher had the participants perform a 1 repetition maximum and repetitions at 80% of their pre-test 1 repetition maximum on the barbell bench press. After the completion of the four-week intervention the participants performed the 1 repetition maximum and repetitions at 80% of their pre-test 1 repetition maximum on the barbell bench press. The results indicated that participants in all three groups improved their 1 repetition maximum and repetitions at 80% of their pre-test 1 repetition maximum from pre-test to post-test. However, there were no differences based on the intervention across time.

Many voice pedagogy practices revolve around the notion of controlling airflow and lung volumes and focus heavily on the concepts of breath support and breath control. Despite this emphasis, the effects of increased respiratory muscle strength on airflow and phonation patterns in trained singers remain unknown. This study addressed whether singers could increase respiratory muscle strength with resistive training and whether respiratory muscle strength increases had any effect on voice and aerodynamic measures. A single subject design was used to answer the research questions. Improved breath support was hypothesized to manifest in differences in airflow, vibrato, and phonetogram characteristics. Six graduate-level singing students were recruited to complete the protocol which consisted of a baseline phase followed by either inspiratory muscle strength training followed by expiratory muscle strength training or vice versa. Results showed that these singers were able to increase respiratory muscle strength after completing the training program. Consistent changes in measures of aerodynamics and voice were not present among subjects, although some individual changes were noted. Future research may focus on the effects of respiratory muscle strength training in less advanced singers.

Resistance training has proven to be beneficial for individuals of all ages at improving muscular strength and endurance, increasing muscle size, and improving performance and body image among other factors. Specific intensities, volumes, and rest periods have been suggested through resistance training research as a means of targeting a particular variable such as muscle strength or power. Modifications to the arrangement of exercises during a resistance training program may promote speedier gains or enhanced muscle development. Individuals would likely be more inclined to participate in a resistance training regimen if this were the case. In order to determine whether changing exercise arrangement during a resistance training program will elicit superior gains in muscle and body development, 31 young women were divided into three groups: control (C), traditional (T), and compound supersets group (SS). Supersets are coupled resistance training exercises that target either the same muscle group (agonist-agonist/compound superset) or opposing muscle groups (agonist-antagonist/reciprocal supersets). The women were tested pre-training for muscle strength (MS), muscle endurance (ME), vastus lateralis cross-sectional area (CSA) and thickness, body composition (BC), and thigh girth. The women then trained for 12 weeks. Post workout soreness and workout time per session was also monitored. The T training group had significant improvements in MS, ME, CSA, and thickness, but not for body composition. The SS training group also demonstrated significant improvements in MS, ME, and CSA but the improvements in BC and thickness were not significant for the SS group. The SS group did differ significantly from the C group for post 1RM squat and post leg press ME, while the T group did not differ significantly from the C group for those measurements. Also, the SS group demonstrated superior workout efficiency (weight lifted/time). Post workout soreness was not different between tra (open full item for complete abstract)

The purpose of this study was to determine how an inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) program affects respiratory measures, speech characteristics, and perceived levels of dyspnea in individuals who have an upper airway obstruction (UAO). This thesis presents pilot data for a larger randomized control trial to examine this treatment technique. Five individuals between the ages of 11 and 26 years completed the 4-week IMST program and an 8-week detraining period. Four participants were assigned to the experimental group, and one was assigned to the control group. An identical protocol consisting of respiratory, speech, and exercise tasks was conducted at pre-training, post-training, and at an 8-weeks post-training session. Visual analysis indicated an improvement of 36.14 -77.21% in the experimental participants with longer and less frequent pausing during speech, fewer ungrammatical pauses, and less perceived dyspnea during reading and exercise tasks after a 4-week IMST program. The control participant remained fairly stable across trials. The paper also presents limitations to the study and direction for future studies.

The demands placed on respiration during simultaneous exercise and speech creates the potential to increase dyspnea and the time for recovery. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) program on these two functionally limiting factors during simultaneous exercise and speech. Ten healthy adults were randomly assigned to an Experimental and Sham training program. MIP was used as an indirect measure of inspiratory muscle strength and measured at baseline and weekly during the training. All participants completed pre-and post-training simultaneous exercise and speech tasks at a moderate intensity. The results indicated a significant improvement in MIP across 4 weeks of training. Analysis pre-and post-training indicated no significant changes in dyspnea between the groups. A decrease was, however, observed in recovery time providing potential for functional gains for individuals who must complete exercise and speech simultaneously.

Fifteen female collegiate softball players from a Midwestern, Division III National Collegiate Athletic Association instution, participated in the study. The purpose of this project was to determine if the implementation of a Quadriceps/Hamstring strengthening program would benefit female collegiate athletes. A pre- and post- test measurement of strength was calculated using an isokinetic machine. The results indicated that sixty-six percent of the participants improved their hamstring strength and ultimately improved their quadricep hamstring ratio.