Objective measures of stiffness and ratings of pain and stiffness in the gastrocnemii following delayed-onset muscle soreness.

Background: Muscle stiffness is commonly associated with a sensation of tightness, pain and movement difficulty. It is unclear, however, whether changes in muscle stiffness can be objectively identified by myotonometry across time. This study investigated whether a myotonometer (MyotonPRO) can detect changes in muscle stiffness by delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

What are the temporal and physical characteristics of locally applied vibration that modulate balance in older adults? - A systematic review of the literature.

Background: Compromised balance is known to contribute to falls, which are associated with increased morbidity and mortality for older adults. Evidence suggests that the application of local vibration to the lower limbs of older adults has the potential to modulate balance.

Research Question: To identify the temporal and mechanical parameters of vibration applied locally to the lower limbs of older adults that modulate measures of balance, and to define the short- and long-term effects of vibration on balance in this population.

The Central Mechanisms of Resistance Training and Its Effects on Cognitive Function.

Resistance exercise is used extensively in athletic and general populations to induce neuromuscular adaptations to increase muscle size and performance. Exercise parameters such as exercise frequency, intensity, duration and modality are carefully manipulated to induce specific adaptations to the neuromuscular system. While the benefits of resistance exercise on the neuromuscular system are well documented, there is growing evidence to suggest that resistance exercise, even when performed acutely, can lead to neuroplastic changes within the central nervous system (CNS) and improve cognitive functioning.

Enhancing Teaching in Biomedical, Health and Exercise Science with Real-Time Physiological Visualisations.

Muscle physiology constitutes a core curriculum for students and researchers within biomedical, health and exercise science disciplines. The variations between skeletal and smooth muscle, mechanisms underlying excitation-contraction coupling, as well as the relationships between muscle anatomy and physiology are commonly taught from illustrations, static models or textbooks. However, this does not necessarily provide students with the required comprehension surrounding the dynamic nature of muscle contractions or neuromuscular activities.

Weight-Cutting Implications for Competition Outcomes in Mixed Martial Arts Cage Fighting.

Brechney, GC, Chia, E, and Moreland, AT. Weight-cutting implications for competition outcomes in mixed martial arts cage fighting. J Strength Cond Res 35(12): 3420-3424, 2021-Weight cutting is common among amateur and professional mixed martial arts (MMA) competitors because of the belief that it provides an advantage in combat sports.

The effect of active hypohydration on cognitive function: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hypohydration is generally considered to have a negative effect on cognitive function, despite several studies reporting comparable findings between hydration states. Recommendations to avoid moderate dehydration (≥ 2% loss in body mass) are commonly made to athletes, on the provision that this deficit may impair optimal cognitive performance. To determine whether cognitive function is impaired by hypohydration, and investigate the existence of the proposed critical water deficit of ≥2% loss in body mass purported to diminish cognitive performance, we conducted a systematic search of the literature and examined appropriate studies by meta-analysis.