The effect of loss of visual input on muscle power in resistance trained and untrained young men and women.

Visual impairment has been shown to reduce muscle power when compared with that in sighted individuals. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the loss of visual input affects lower limb muscle power production in sighted men and women who are resistance trained and untrained. Twenty-seven college-aged participants (19-23 years) performed a seated double-leg press with and without visual input (resulting from being blindfold) in 2 separate counterbalanced trials.

Self-estimation of Body Fat is More Accurate in College-age Males Compared to Females.

The objective was to determine the effect of gender on the ability to accurately estimate one's own body fat percentage. Fifty-five college-age males and 99 college-age females participated. Participants estimated their own body fat percent before having their body composition measured using a BOD POD.

Survey of sickle cell trait screening in NCAA and NAIA institutions.

Background: Screening for sickle cell trait (SCT) in athletes has been recommended by several professional organizations; however, it is not known how many colleges and universities have implemented such screening in athletes.

Aims: This study examines factors related to policies and procedures of SCT screening at colleges and universities, including all divisions of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) programs.

Methods: A total of 375 head athletic trainers or directors of sports medicine from NCAA and NAIA schools responded to an online survey.

Presence of Observers Increases One Repetition Maximum in College-age Males and Females.

Purpose: To determine if the presence of observers affects muscular strength performance in college-age males and females.

Methods: Twenty-five women and 24 men participated in the study. Two counter-balanced trials were performed in which participants completed 1-RM tests in bench press and leg press.

Physical activity and food consumption in high- and low-active inbred mouse strains.

Purpose: To determine the effect of innate activity level and running wheel access on food consumption in high-active (SWR/J) low-active (DBA/2J) mice.

Methods: Two strains of inbred mice were used in this study owing to their high activity level (SWR/J) and low activity level (DBA/2J). Mice were housed in individual cages, and half of the mice in each strain had free access to running wheels in their cages, whereas the other half received no running wheel.

Exercise intensity during wheelchair rugby training.

The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of individuals with a cervical spinal cord injury to achieve and sustain a cardiorespiratory training intensity during wheelchair rugby. Nine wheelchair rugby players completed a continuous peak exercise test on a SciFit Pro I arm ergometer with stage increases each minute to determine peak heart rate and power output. Approximately one week after peak exercise testing, heart rate was recorded (every 5 s) during three regularly scheduled rugby training sessions.

Type of Encouragement Influences Peak Muscle Force in College-Age Women.

To investigate if the type of encouragement during a maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) had an influence on peak muscle force in strength-trained versus untrained collegiate women. Eleven strength-trained (201 y) and twelve untrained (211 y) women participated in three, five-second MVICs of seated knee extension. The three trials consisted of verbal only encouragement, verbal + visual encouragement, and verbal + pain avoidance encouragement.

Wheel access does not attenuate weight gain in mice fed high-fat or high-CHO diets.

Purpose: To determine the effect of a high-fat or high-carbohydrate diet and running wheel activity on body composition, body mass, and caloric intake in C57Bl/6 mice.

Methods: At 4 wk of age, five groups of C57Bl/6 mice were housed individually. Two groups had running wheels, whereas the other three groups did not.

The effect of light color on muscular strength and power.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of the color of light in a room on muscular strength and power. A convenience sample of 18 men (M age = 20.4 yr.

Undergraduate Research: Importance, Benefits, and Challenges.

Developing and maintaining undergraduate research programs benefits students, faculty mentors, and the university. Incorporating a research component along with a sound academic foundation enables students to develop independent critical thinking skills along with oral and written communication skills. The research process impacts valuable learning objectives that have lasting influence as undergraduates prepare for professional service.

Ambient-temperature beverages are consumed at a rate similar to chilled water in heat-exposed workers.

Palatability of beverages has been shown to influence drinking patterns and hydration. Cool beverages are known to enhance palatability; however, situations exist in which cooling is not possible. The purpose of this study was to determine the palatability of a variety of flavors of ambient temperature beverages.

Influence of age of exposure to a running wheel on activity in inbred mice.

Purpose: It is currently unknown whether the age of wheel exposure influences running wheel activity in mice. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the age at which a running wheel was introduced affected running wheel activity for a subsequent 15-wk period.

Methods: Twenty female C57Bl/6J mice (age 7 wk) were assigned to one of four experimental groups.

Influence of Hydration and Electrolyte Supplementation on Incidence and Time to Onset of Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramps.

Context: Exercise-associated muscle cramps (EAMCs) are common among physically active individuals and are temporarily disabling; therefore, prevention is of great interest.Objective: To determine the role of hydration and electrolyte supplementation in the prevention of EAMCs.Design: Each subject completed 2 counterbalanced trials in a repeated-measures design.

The impact of resistance training on distance running performance.

Traditionally, distance running performance was thought to be determined by several characteristics, including maximum oxygen consumption (VO(2max)), lactate threshold (LT), and running economy. Improvements in these areas are primarily achieved through endurance training. Recently, however, it has been shown that anaerobic factors may also play an important role in distance running performance.