Accuracy of smartphone application to monitor heart rate.

Background: The use of smartphone applications to monitor heart rate has become increasingly popular. However, there is limited research available on the validity of these applications. The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of a free heart rate monitoring application on two smartphone platforms while at rest and during moderate intensity exercise.

Comparison of Resistance Exercise Perceived Exertion and Muscle Activation at Varied Submaximal Durations, Loads, and Muscle Actions.

Hollander, DB, Worley, JR, Asoodeh, M, Wakesa, D, Magnuson, M, Dantzler, DK, Didier, JJ, and Kraemer, RR. Comparison of resistance exercise perceived exertion and muscle activation at varied submaximal durations, loads, and muscle actions. J Strength Cond Res 31(5): 1387-1394, 2017-Previous studies investigating muscle activation from dynamic, plate-loaded, concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) muscle contractions have not accounted for the greater absolute strength of ECC contractions.

Testing Postural Stability: Are the Star Excursion Balance Test and Biodex Balance System Limits of Stability Tests Consistent?

There are a variety of options to test postural stability; however many physical tests lack validity information. Two tests of postural stability - the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and Biodex Balance System Limits of Stability Test (LOS) - were examined to determine if similar components of balance were measured. Healthy adults (n=31) completed the LOS (levels 6 and 12) and SEBT (both legs).

Environmental context affects outcome and kinematic changes at different rates during skill learning.

Based on Gentile's learning model, this study used a dart-throwing task to investigate the influence of environmental context. Novice participants (N = 32) were trained in one of four conditions, while measuring outcomes and kinematics. The interaction of regulatory conditions (stationary/in motion) and intertrial variability (present/absent) created four target conditions: (1) stationary with one location, (2) stationary with five locations, (3) moving with one movement pattern, (4) moving with five starting locations.