International Journal of Exercise Science

A Pilot Study Exploring the Quadratic Nature of the Relationship of Strength to Performance Among Shot Putters

Lawrence W. Judge et al. — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:59:29 PDT

International Journal of Exercise Science 6(2) : 171-179, 2013. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the quadratic nature of the relationship between the strength and throwing distance in the shot put. A survey was sent to throws coaches with Master Coach or USA Track and Field Level III distinction to examine fifty-three collegiate and elite throwers (24 male, 29 female). The coaches reported the thrower’s personal best shot put distance and preseason weight room 1RM for bench press, power clean, and squat exercises. Relationship between distance and 1RM was determined via general linear model polynomial contrast analysis and regression. Data analysis showed significant linear and quadratic trends for distance and 1RM power clean for both male (linear: p≤0.001, quadratic: p=0.003) and female (linear: p≤0.001, quadratic: p≤0.001) elite and collegiate shot put athletes. Analysis also provided a quadratic equation to compare personal best distance and 1RM power clean. The power clean was found to be more closely related to shot put distance as compared with squat and also with bench press, which is the least related. Based on the results of this investigation, in addition to strength exercises such as the squat and bench press, power exercises such as the power clean should also be incorporated into strength and conditioning programs of shot put athletes for optimal performance.

Validity of Borg Ratings of Perceived Exertion During Active Video Game Play

Brandon S. Pollock et al. — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:59:27 PDT

International Journal of Exercise Science 6(2) : 164-170, 2013. During physically interactive video game play (e.g., Nintendo Wii), users are exposed to potential distracters (e.g., video, music), which may decrease their ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) throughout game play. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the association between RPE scores and heart rate while playing the Nintendo Wii. Healthy adults (N = 13, 53.5 ± 5.4 years old) participated in two exercise sessions using the Nintendo Wii Fit Plus. During each session participants played a five-minute warm-up game (Basic Run), two separate Wii Fit Plus games (Yoga, Strength Training, Aerobics or Balance Training) for fifteen minutes each, and then a five-minute cool down game (Basic Run). Borg RPE and heart rate were assessed during the final 30 seconds of the warm up and cool down, as well during the final 30 seconds of play for each Wii Fit Plus game. Correlation analysis combining data from both exercise sessions indicated a moderate positive relationship between heart rate and RPE (r = 0.32). Mixed-effects model regression analyses demonstrated that RPE scores were significantly associated with heart rate (p < 0.001). The average percentage of age-predicted heart rate maximum achieved (58 ± 6%) was significantly greater (p = 0.001) than the percentage of maximum RPE indicated (43 ± 11%). Borg RPE scores were positively associated with heart rate in adults during exercise sessions using the Wii Fit Plus. However, this relationship was lower than observed in past research assessing RPE validity during different modes of exercise (e.g. walking, running) without distracters.

Kinesio Tape® Applied to the Thorax Augments Ventilatory Efficiency during Heavy Exercise

Kindal Malehorn* et al. — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:59:22 PDT

International Journal of Exercise Science 6(2) : 157-163, 2013. Kinesio Tape® (KT) is purported to help coordinate involuntary contractions. KT applied to the thorax is believed to enhance breathing during constant-load exercise, but verification is lacking. We had 12 participants complete a graded exercise test to determine gas-exchange threshold (GET), and two, constant-load bouts sufficient in intensity to evoke the VO2 slow component using no tape (NT) or KT applied to the thorax, respectively, in counterbalanced order. Indirect calorimetery measured ventilatory and gas-exchange parameters, and a 3-lead EKG recorded heart rate (HR). A greater expiratory tidal volume (+150 mL·min-1) along with a small, yet significant (P < 0.05), improvement in mechanical efficiency occurred when using KT. Using KT did not affect exercising respiratory rate or HR, and most participants reported that KT was comfortable during exercise. ATs may apply KT to the thorax to improve heavy exercise efficiency, but research on exhaustive exercise is warranted.

Stress Reactivity in Humans and Animals: Two Meta-Analyses

Brad Wipfli et al. — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:59:14 PDT

International Journal of Exercise Science 6(2) : 144-156, 2013. Previous meta-analyses examining the effects of exercise on stress reactivity have included methodologically weak studies; we therefore conducted a meta-analysis utilizing more stringent inclusion criteria. An analysis of 33 randomized controlled trials involving humans (N = 1,252) revealed a moderate effect (ES = -0.31; 95% CI = -.43, -.20) for exercise as a method to reduce stress reactivity. An additional analysis with 27 randomized controlled trials of physical activity in animals (N = 462) also revealed a moderate reduction (ES = -0.33; 95% CI = -0.15, -0.52) in stress reactivity. The combined results of these analyses indicate that exercise diminishes the negative effects of increased reactivity to stressors.

The Impact of Classroom Activity Breaks on the School-Day Physical Activity of Rural Children

Teresa Bershwinger et al. — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:58:57 PDT

International Journal of Exercise Science 6(2) : 134-143, 2013. Schools have been identified as a central element in a system that ensures that children participate in enough physical activity to develop healthy lifestyles. Even with this recommendation, many school-based physical activity opportunities are being eliminated/minimized (i.e. physical education (PE), recess). With children spending much of their time at school, other supplemental physical activity opportunities are essential. One such opportunity is through classroom teacher led activity breaks. Very little evidence exists identifying the impact of classroom activity breaks on the daily physical activity patterns of children. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to determine the impact of classroom teacher led activity breaks on the step counts and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of 4^th grade children at school. Participants in this pilot study included a 4^th grade class (N=18; aged 9.2±.4 years; mostly Caucasian (n=14); BMI=19.9±2.8) in a rural school district in the Northeast US. Children wore the NL-1000 piezoelectric pedometer for 2-weeks (a baseline week and an activity break week) during the winter of 2012. Activity breaks were created by the teacher/students to give them ownership in the program (activities included numerous classroom games and walking activities). At baseline, children averaged 4806±639 steps and 17.7±2.8 minutes of MVPA/day. During implementation of the physical activity breaks, children significantly increased both their steps (p<.01; 5651±627; D=845) and MVPA (p<.01; 22.3±3.5; D=4.6 minutes). Findings suggest that classroom activity breaks have the potential to increase children’s daily physical activity patterns at school. Future studies are needed with a larger and more diverse population to support these findings.

Effects of Exercise Sequence in Resistance-Training on Strength, Speed, and Agility in High School Football Players

Shawn Johnson et al. — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:58:47 PDT

International Journal of Exercise Science 6(2) : 126-133, 2013. Manipulating variables in a training program (e.g., sets, reps, lifts, sequence, etc.) is designed to maximize strength and power performance. Due to the complexity of designing resistance-training programs, changing one variable could potentially set an athletic team apart from others in performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate if exercise sequence could influence the development of strength, speed, and agility. This study compared two specific types of exercise sequences: traditional, which performs the prescribed exercises in a traditional or blocked manner (by completing every set of an exercise before moving to the next); and, circuit, which performs the prescribed exercises in a circuit or alternating manner (by completing the first set of each prescribed exercise, then going to the second set of each exercise). Thirty-nine adolescent athletes from two separate high school football teams completed identical six-week resistance-training programs with the only difference being the sequence of the exercises. Each group tested pre- and post-intervention on hang clean, bench, squat, 40-yard dash, and pro agility. A strength index was used to measure overall strength gained by dividing the sum of the three lifts by total body weight. The results demonstrated that the only significant difference between groups occurred with hang clean. Both circuit and traditional groups made significant but equal gains when compared independently pre- to post-intervention. These results suggest that if strength gains are desired, then either a circuit or traditional style of exercise sequence will produce equal results regardless of beginning level of strength.

Effects of Foot Position during Squatting on the Quadriceps Femoris: An Electromyographic Study

Nicholas G. Murray et al. — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:58:40 PDT

International Journal of Exercise Science 6(2) : 114-125, 2013. Weightlifters have commonly believed that changing joint position can alter specific muscle activation. The magnitude of force produced by a muscle is highly dependent upon the length of the muscle. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of foot positioning on muscle activation of the superficial quadriceps as measured by surface electromyography (sEMG) during a functional squatting movement in healthy adults. Twenty physically active asymptomatic adults (7 females and 13 males) were included in the study while four different foot positions (Neutral, Internally Rotated, Externally Rotated, and Staggered) were assessed. Three quadriceps muscles (Rectus Femoris (RF), Vastus Medialis Oblique (VMO), and Vastus Lateralis Oblique(VLO) were measured. Raw EMG was transformed using a root mean square algorithm. Six one-way repeated measure ANOVAs were conducted to examine the peak and average RMS amplitude for each muscle across each condition, with an alpha level of 0.05 set a priori. Across all foot positions only the Staggered foot position reached statistical significance when compared to all other foot positions for each muscle group. Results suggest that altering the foot position during a partial weight squat has little to no effect on the EMG amplitudes of the quadriceps. However, more research is needed to examine the concentric and eccentric phases of the squatting motion separately with the addition of full weight bearing squats.

Validation of Omron™ Pedometers Using MTI Accelerometers for Use with Children

Bradley P. Peters et al. — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:58:26 PDT

International Journal of Exercise Science 6(2) : 106-113, 2013. The MTI accelerometer is highly regarded as a reliable means to measure physical activity in children (Trost et. al., 1998); however, it is not always a practical instrument to use. Pedometers offer an alternative method of activity measurement and are often more practical. PURPOSE: To validate Omron™ pedometer (steps/day) against MTI accelerometer (counts /day and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) min/day) for children. METHODS: 190 children (88 males, 102 females, 8.7±2.1 yrs, 76.9±27.5 BMI %tile) wore an MTI accelerometer and Omron™ pedometer attached to the same belt for 3.9±2.2 days. MVPA was defined as movement ≥4 METs (Troiano et al., 2008). A Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine validity coefficients between Omron™ steps/day and MTI accelerometer MVPA min/day and counts/day. A stepwise regression was used to predict MVPA using Omron steps/day, sex, and age with 488 days of data. Cross-validation and paired t-tests were used to determine differences from predicted MVPA and actual MVPA. RESULTS: The correlations between Omron™ steps/day with both MTI counts/day and MTI MVPA min/day were r=0.79, p<0.05 and r=0.74, p<0.05 respectively. The model generated from the multiple regression equation accounted for 67% of the variance (r² = 0.6689, SEE = 24.5) in MVPA, MVPA = 67.99 + 0.0068(steps/day) + -7.531(age in years) + 5.559(sex). CONCLUSION: Our validation correlations between the Omron™ pedometer and MTI accelerometer were acceptable The results indicate that the Omron pedometer can be used to estimate MVPA minutes and could serve as a useful alternative to accelerometry for those with limited resources or in practical situations.

Acute Ingestion Of L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate Fails To Improve Muscular Strength And Endurance In ROTC Cadets

Benjamin Wax et al. — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:58:15 PDT

International Journal of Exercise Science 6(2) : 91-97, 2013. L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AAKG) is purported to stimulate the release of nitric oxide, and is suggested to facilitate muscular performance by increasing blood flow and increase oxygen and nutrient delivery to the working muscle. However, the ergogenic benefit of AAKG during resistance exercise has not been established. Therefore the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of acute AAKG ingestion in active ROTC Cadets on measures of one-repetition maximal strength (1RM) and muscular endurance. Nineteen apparently healthy males ingested either AAKG (3 g) or a placebo 45 minutes prior to resistance testing in a randomized, double-blind crossover design. Initially, blood lactate (BLA) was obtained followed by 1RM testing on the barbell bench press and leg press. Upon determination of 1RM, participants completed repetitions to failure at 60% of 1RM. Blood lactate measures were immediately taken following the final repetition. Analysis revealed no significant differences between the conditions for bench press 1RM. Additionally, there were no differences between conditions for 1RM leg press, or for number of repetitions performed for the bench press or leg press. Blood lactate values did increase significantly from baseline to post-bench press in both the AAKG (t₃₃ = 7.56, p < 0.01) and placebo conditions (t₃₃ = 8.45, p < 0.01). Further, BLA lactate levels were also significantly greater post leg-press in the AAKG (t₃₃ = 9.23, p < 0.01) and placebo (t₃₃ = 8.10, p < 0.01). The results indicate that acute AAKG supplementation provides no ergogenic benefit in this study.

Examination of Injury in Female Gaelic Football

Justin Brown et al. — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:58:07 PDT

International Journal of Exercise Science 6(2) : 98-105, 2013. To examine the relationship between body mass index and injury as well as examine injury according to playing position. In addition we sought to describe injury as it pertains to female Gaelic football. Data was collected using an online questionnaire. Archived data was also collected from a ladies Gaelic football team located in Washington, USA. Respondents included 74 recreationally trained female Gaelic footballers aged 15 – 45 years and a playing experience of 1 – 24 years. Respondents were asked to recall injuries that resulted from participation in Gaelic football. A Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used to describe the relationship between BMI and injury. Analysis of variance was performed to examine injury according to playing position. There was no significant correlation between BMI and injury and no significant difference was seen for injury among the different playing positions. There was no significant difference in BMI between injured and non-injured players. A total of 98 injuries were recorded among the 52 injured players with an incidence rate of 1.88 injuries per injured player. Lower limb injuries accounted for 46.9% of injuries, while the upper limb accounted for 38.8%. The most frequent injury location were the fingers (22.5%) followed by the ankle and foot (19.4%). Despite the limitations associated with retrospective studies, this study provides valuable information regarding injury in female Gaelic footballers. As Gaelic football is new to North America, these results may help coaches and trainers identify problematic injuries and develop appropriate training programs to reduce both incidence and severity.

Effects of Two Weeks of High-intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Monocyte TLR2 and TLR4 Expression in High BMI Sedentary Men

Marta Child et al. — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 11:51:12 PST

International Journal of Exercise Science 6(1) : 81-90, 2013. Monocyte TLR expression has been shown to be reduced after a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise, but more studies considering the influences of different exercise intensities, type and duration on TLR expression are needed. Although there is an agreement about the importance of physical exercise, the minimal amount needed to improve health status is uncertain. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the influence of 2 weeks of high-intensity intermittent exercise training on CD14+ monocyte TLR4 expression in a sedentary, high BMI population. As a secondary purpose, this study covers the influence of exercise on classical and pro-inflammatory monocytes and the TLR4 expression before and after a training period in these monocyte subsets. Six high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions over a 2 week period (three sessions per week) were completed by 11 sedentary participants (24 ± 5 years old). Blood samples were taken at the beginning and end of the training period for analysis of haematocrit, haemoglobin, total white blood cell (leukocyte), monocyte counts, monocyte CD14+ TLR4 expression and monocyte subsets. Two weeks of high-intensity intermittent exercise training increased VO2peak and total CD14+ monocyte TLR4 expression in a sedentary, high BMI population. There was no influence of training on the proportions of classical and pro-inflammatory monocyte subsets, but TLR4 expression in the majority of these monocyte subsets (apart from CD14++CD16+) was higher after the six training sessions.

Effect of GPS Feedback on Lactate Threshold Pacing in Intercollegiate Distance Runners

Jacob W. Smith et al. — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 11:51:05 PST

International Journal of Exercise Science 6(1) : 74-80, 2013. In their roles as coaches, the authors have observed that first-year collegiate distance runners often have difficulty running at prescribed training paces during lactate threshold (LT) training runs. Previous research has validated the accuracy of global positioning system (GPS) devices in providing distance and velocity feedback during running. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of using the Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS watch (Garmin) to reduce deviations from prescribed training paces during LT runs with first-year collegiate runners. Participants were two groups of varsity cross country runners who completed a three-week LT training intervention either with (n = 5) or without (n = 6) a Garmin device. Prescribed training paces were based off an initial time-trial. In both the pre- and post-test runs, in which all runners ran without a Garmin device, differences were calculated between the prescribed pace and actual pace. The comparisons revealed a significant difference between the training groups in the post-test. Those runners who trained with the Garmin device had a significant decrease in pacing variability. This suggests that GPS pacing feedback appears to be an effective tool at improving LT pacing in first-year collegiate distance runners.

Association of Venous Function and Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption

Eric Tisdell et al. — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 11:50:57 PST

International Journal of Exercise Science 6(1) : 63-73, 2013. Excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) has been attributed to metabolic, hemodynamic, neuroendocrine, and pulmonary factors. Interestingly, few studies have examined the role of venous system on EPOC. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between measures of vascular function and EPOC. Measures of vascular function and VO₂ recovery kinetics were examined in 20 individuals [age=22+2.41 yrs]. Nondominant forearm arterial inflow, venous capacitance and venous outflow were evaluated at rest and after 5 minutes of upper arm occlusion, using strain gauge plethysmography. VO₂ recovery kinetics was assessed using gas exchange analysis following a six-minute constant work rate protocol at 60 percent of VO₂peak (VO₂@60%), on a cycle ergometer. The average VO₂peak was 33.48±8.22 ml×kg^-1×min^-1 (Range: 18.7 to 46.1 ml×kg^-1×min^-1). Following the six-minute constant work rate protocol, recovery half-time (T_1/2VO₂) and Tau were 17.01±3.51 seconds and 54.45±11.28 seconds, respectively. Arterial resting inflow was 2.77±1.51 ml×100ml^-1×min^-1, reactive hyperemic blood flow was 17.72±3.65 ml×100ml^-1×min^-1, venous capacitance was 2.86±0.72 percent, and venous outflow was 34.19±10.03 ml×100ml^-1×min^-1. Bivariate correlations revealed significant inverse associations between T_1/2VO₂and the reactive hyperemic response (r=-0.48, p=0.03) and T_1/2VO₂and venous outflow post-occlusion (r=-0.50, p=0.02). In conclusion, these findings suggest an important role of both the arterial and venous circulation on EPOC.

Dietary Habits, Menstrual Health, Body Composition, and Eating Disorder Risk Among Collegiate Volleyball Players: A Descriptive Study

Suzanne L. Vargas et al. — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 11:50:48 PST

International Journal of Exercise Science 6(1) : 52-62, 2013. Volleyball is typically considered a non-aesthetic sport. However, the revealing nature of volleyball uniforms may place additional pressure on female volleyball players to be thin and increase the risk of disordered eating. The purpose of this study was to provide descriptive data concerning the body composition, nutritional habits, eating disorder risk, and menstrual health of collegiate volleyball players. Female collegiate volleyball players (N = 14) completed a 7-day food record, menstrual health questionnaire, and EAT-26 survey. Participant body composition was determined using a 3 site skinfold test and the Bod Pod®. Half (50%) of participants were deemed “At-Risk” (AR) for disordered eating according to EAT-26 results, while the other half were consider “Not At- Risk” (NR). Participants consumed inadequate calories (1928 ⁺ 476) meeting only 69.35% of their predicted energy expenditure (2780.66 ⁺ 148.88). Additionally, all participants were below the recommended CHO intake range of 6-10g/kg/day for athletes (3.49 + 0.89g/CHO/kg/day) and the recommended intake range of 1.2-1.7 g/kg/day for protein for athletes (1.17 + 0.35). Body fat percentage using the Bod Pod® (22.76 ⁺ 6.25%) was similar to values reported by other studies. Seven of the participants were currently using oral contraceptives (OC). Menstrual dysfunction was reported by 3 participants not using OC. Of those using OC, 3 reported irregular menses as the reason for taking OC. No significant difference existed in macronutrient and energy intake, prevalence of menstrual dysfunction, or body composition between AR and NR groups. In conclusion, the current study suggests that collegiate female volleyball players’ diets tend to be inadequate in calories, protein, and carbohydrates, placing them at risk for subsequent medical ailments including menstrual dysfunction.

Variations in running technique between female sprinters, middle, and distance runners

Ruthann Cunningham et al. — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 11:50:39 PST

International Journal of Exercise Science 6(1) : 43-51, 2013. In the sport of track and field, runners excel not only due to physiological characteristics but also aspects in running technique. Optimal technique allows runners the perfect the balance between running speed and economy. The ideal movement pattern may vary between events as the goal goes from economy of movement in the long-distance events to speed and power in the sprints. Understanding how each type of runner moves differently will help coaches more effectively train their athletes for each specific running event. This study was conducted to determine if sprinters, middle-distance, and long-distance runners would exhibit differences in form while running at the same speeds. Thirty female Division I collegiate runners participated in this study. Runners were separated into categories based on the events for which they were currently training in: 10 sprinters, 10 middle-distance, and 10 long-distance runners. Participants were asked to run twenty-two steps at five selected speeds. Knee angles, ground contact time, center of mass separation, and stride length were measured using a Vicon Nexus motion analysis system. Data was processed using analysis of variance and a Tukey post hoc analysis. Significant differences (p < .05) occurred between long-distance runners and the other two groups (middle-distance and sprinters) for knee range, ground contact time, center of mass separation, and stride length at all five speeds. While running at the same speeds, there are specific characteristics of technique that distinguish long-distance runners from middle-distance and sprinters.

Investigation of injuries occurring within competitive waterskiing in the UK

Sarah L. Loughlin — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 11:50:32 PST

International Journal of Exercise Science 6(1) : 29-42, 2013. To date, most waterskiing research has been on recreational waterskiers from the USA. Our aim was to determine if the tournament waterskiing population in the UK had the same injury patterns as these previously studied populations. We hypothesised that the number of injuries, body parts injured and type of injury would vary by gender, event and competitive level. An online questionnaire was distributed to all British Water Ski Federation (BWSF) tournament licence holders. There were 90 participants: 24 female and 66 male (mean age 37 ± 15). Chi- squared and Fishers Exact Test was used to analyse the data. Forty-five skiers reported 71 injuries. The most common body part injured was back/trunk (38.8%); the most common type of injury was strain/sprain (64.6%). There was no association between gender and incidence of injury, however males had significantly more strains and sprains than females. Skiers in the lower competitive levels reported significantly more falls than the higher-level skiers. Slalom skiers reported the most injuries (76.8%), with 23.2% of injures in jump and none in trick. A high percentage of strains and sprains highlight the need for more specific physical conditioning. Longitudinal studies are needed to make causal links between injury factors.

The Validity Of 7-Site Skinfold Measurements Taken By Exercise Science Students

Tiago V. Barreira et al. — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 11:50:24 PST

International Journal of Exercise Science 6(1) : 20-28, 2013. Skinfold (SKF) measurement is arguably the most ubiquitous method of estimating percent body fat (%BF) because of cost, ease, and feasibility. However, it is unknown how accurately novice exercise science students measure SKF thickness. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the validity with which exercise science students in an Exercise Physiology course measured skinfold thickness and estimated percent body fat (%BF) when compared to a skilled technician. Twenty-three novice undergraduate students were afforded both verbal measurement instruction and visual measurement demonstration and, subsequently, assessed SKF thicknesses of a male and female testee. %BF was calculated using measurements obtained by the skilled technician and students. Comparisons were made between measurements taken by the skilled technician and students using error, absolute error, and one sample t-tests. For the female testee, average error ranged from -0.5 mm to -4.8 mm for the 7-sites, 1.7±15.4 mm for the sum of 7-sites, and -3.7±2.6% for %BF. The average absolute error ranged from 1.2 mm to 4.9 mm for the 7-sites, 23.3±12.7 mm for the sum of 7-sites, and 3.9±2.2% for %BF. For the male testee, average error ranged from 0.0 mm to 0.9 mm for the 7-sites, 2.9±8.5 mm for the sum of 7-sites, and 0.5±1.4% for %BF. The average absolute error ranged from 0.6 mm to 1.1 mm for the 7-sites, 4.8±7.5 mm for the sum of 7-sites, and 0.8±1.2% for BF%. The one sample t-tests revealed no significant differences in the sum of 7-sites and %BF for the male model (p>0.05), but significant differences were found for the female model (p<0.05). From a practical perspective, when novice exercise science students were provided both verbal and visual instructions of SKF measurement technique, students were able to accurately assess %BF of a male testee as compared to the skilled technician. With respect to the female testee, however, students underestimated the sum of the 7 SKF sites by ~ 20 mm when compared to the skilled technician. Additional tutelage and practice may be necessary when teaching SKF measurement of females and/or individuals with higher %BF to novice undergraduate exercise science students.

Oxygen Cost of Performing Selected Adult and Child Care Activities

Nathanael Meckes et al. — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 11:50:20 PST

International Journal of Exercise Science 6(1) : 11-19, 2013. Little is known about the oxygen cost of caring for infants and older adults. Many people perform these activities so it is useful to know the energy cost and if the activities are of sufficient intensity to contribute to meeting physical activity recommendations. The purpose of this study was to assess the oxygen cost of four care-related activities in the Compendium of Physical Activities. Nineteen participants (n = 10 women, n = 9 men; Age = 36.4 ± 13.6 y; % Fat = 34.1 ± 10.5; BMI = 28.1 ± 4.5 kg/m²) performed four activities: 1) pushing an infant in a stroller, 2) pushing an adult in a wheelchair, 3) carrying an infant, and 4) bathing and dressing an infant. The oxygen cost was assessed using a portable metabolic unit. Activities were performed in random order for 8 minutes. The oxygen cost and heart rates, respectively, for healthy adults during care related activities were 3.09 METs and 90 ± 8 beats per minute (bpm) for pushing an infant in a stroller, 3.69 METs and 97 ± 9 bpm for pushing an adult in a wheelchair, 2.37 METs and 85 ± 9 bpm for carrying an infant, and 2.00 METs and 87 ± 9 bpm for bathing and dressing an infant. Carrying an infant and bathing an infant are light-intensity physical activities and pushing a wheelchair or a stroller are moderate intensity activities. The latter activities are of sufficient intensity to meet health-related physical activity recommendations.

2012 International Journal of Exercise Science Reviewer List

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 11:50:09 PST

2012 International Journal of Exercise Science Reviewer List

The Evolutionary Role of Physician Assistants across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom

Brayden J. Gerrie et al. — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 11:50:01 PST

International Journal of Exercise Science 6(1) : 1-8, 2013. With physician shortages looming ominously on the horizon, healthcare systems across the globe are awaiting a surge of eager young doctors to enter the field. Much to the dismay of these systems, it does not appear that there will be a collective sigh of relief in the coming years. Fortunately there still remains a promising position to fill the gaps and potentially overcome the growing inundation of patients, shortage of general practice physicians, and ever growing underserved rural populations: the position of physician assistant (PA). Through this review, the evolution of the PA position will be discussed from the perspective of healthcare systems in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Further, an outline of the educational requirements, projected student debt-to-income ratios, and position availability will be touched upon.