Whole-body-vibration-induced increase in leg muscle activity during different squat exercises.

This study analyzed leg muscle activity during whole-body vibration (WBV) training. Subjects performed standard unloaded isometric exercises on a vibrating platform (Power Plate): high squat (HS), low squat (LS), and 1-legged squat (OL). Muscle activity of the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and gastrocnemius was recorded in 15 men (age 21.

Exercise programs for older men: mode and intensity to induce the highest possible health-related benefits.

Background: Although health-related benefits of fitness training in older men are well established, it is not clear yet which mode and intensity of a exercise program is most effective. This study addresses whether the combination of endurance (ED) and resistance training in older men have supplementary health-related benefits in addition to profits attained through endurance training alone. Additionally, effects of moderate- and low-intensity resistance training are compared.

Growth and menarcheal status of elite female gymnasts.

The growth and maturity status of 201 elite female gymnasts was considered. The subjects were participants at the 24 World Championship Artistic Gymnastics in 1987. In addition to age at menarche, weight, stature, biacromial, and bicristal breadths, the sitting height/stature ratio, and the Health-Carter anthropometric somatotype of gymnasts 13-20 yr of age were compared with reference data for a nationally representative sample of Flemish girls.

Anthropometric characteristics of outstanding male and female gymnasts.

Anthropometric data of outstanding gymnasts were gathered on the occasion of the 24th World Championship Artistic Gymnastics, held at Rotterdam, The Netherlands, in October 1987. In total 165 males and 201 females were investigated, constituting 84% of the total number of participants. The data of these gymnasts were descriptively compared with both reference data and data reported in previous studies on gymnasts competing at international events.