Flexible automated system for laser modified layer by layer assembly.

An open-source automated system for laser modified layer by layer assembly is described. This flexible system, the first designed to be used with this process, can be used to fabricate a range of laser patterned, layer by layer thin films. The Arduino microcontroller-based system features a stepper motor-controlled turntable that holds solutions and water rinses for dipping.

Training for Muscular Strength: Methods for Monitoring and Adjusting Training Intensity.

Linear loading, the two-for-two rule, percent of one repetition maximum (1RM), RM zones, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), repetitions in reserve, set-repetition best, autoregulatory progressive resistance exercise (APRE), and velocity-based training (VBT) are all methods of adjusting resistance training intensity. Each method has advantages and disadvantages that strength and conditioning practitioners should be aware of when measuring and monitoring strength characteristics. The linear loading and 2-for-2 methods may be beneficial for novice athletes; however, they may be limited in their capacity to provide athletes with variation and detrimental if used exclusively for long periods of time.

Dynamic Strength Index: Relationships with Common Performance Variables and Contextualization of Training Recommendations.

The purposes of this study were to examine the relationships between dynamic strength index (DSI) and other strength-power performance characteristics and to contextualize DSI scores using case study comparisons. 88 male and 67 female NCAA division I collegiate athletes performed countermovement jumps (CMJ) and isometric mid-thigh pulls (IMTP) during a pre-season testing session as part of a long-term athlete monitoring program. Spearman's correlations were used to assess the relationships between DSI and CMJ peak force, height, modified reactive strength index, peak power and IMTP peak force and rate of force development (RFD).

Intrasession and Intersession Reliability of Countermovement Jump Testing in Division-I Volleyball Athletes.

Carroll, KM, Wagle, JP, Sole, CJ, and Stone, MH. Intrasession and intersession reliability of countermovement jump testing in Division-I volleyball athletes. J Strength Cond Res 33(11): 2932-2935, 2019-The countermovement jump (CMJ) is a reliable and noninvasive test of lower-body neuromuscular performance.

Recommendations for Measurement and Management of an Elite Athlete.

Athletes who merit the title 'elite' are rare and differ both quantitatively and qualitatively from athletes of lower qualifications. Serving and studying elite athletes may demand non-traditional approaches. Research involving elite athletes suffers because of the typical nomothetic requirements for large sample sizes and other statistical assumptions that do not apply to this population.

Preliminary Scale of Reference Values for Evaluating Reactive Strength Index-Modified in Male and Female NCAA Division I Athletes.

The purpose of this analysis was to construct a preliminary scale of reference values for reactive strength index-modified (RSI). Countermovement jump data from 151 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I collegiate athletes (male n = 76; female n = 75) were analyzed. Using percentiles, scales for both male and female samples were constructed.

Force-Time Differences between Ballistic and Non-Ballistic Half-Squats.

The purpose of this study was to examine the force-time differences between concentric-only half-squats (COHS) performed with ballistic (BAL) or non-ballistic (NBAL) intent across a range of loads. Eighteen resistance-trained men performed either BAL or NBAL COHS at 30%, 50%, 70%, and 90% of their one repetition maximum (1RM) COHS. Relative peak force (PF) and relative impulse from 0⁻50 ms (Imp50), 0⁻90 ms (Imp90), 0⁻200 ms (Imp200), and 0⁻250 ms (Imp250) were compared using a series of 2 × 4 (intent × load) repeated measures ANOVAs with Bonferroni post hoc tests.

Power-Time Curve Comparison between Weightlifting Derivatives.

This study examined the power production differences between weightlifting derivatives through a comparison of power-time (P-t) curves. Thirteen resistance-trained males performed hang power clean (HPC), jump shrug (JS), and hang high pull (HHP) repetitions at relative loads of 30%, 45%, 65%, and 80% of their one repetition maximum (1RM) HPC. Relative peak power (PP), work (W), and P-t curves were compared.

Jumping Performance is Preserved but Not Muscle Thickness in Collegiate Volleyball Players After a Taper.

Bazyler, CD, Mizuguchi, S, Sole, CJ, Suchomel, TJ, Sato, K, Kavanaugh, AA, DeWeese, BH, and Stone, MH. Jumping performance is preserved but not muscle thickness in collegiate volleyball players after a taper. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 1020-1028, 2018-The purpose of this study was to examine changes in muscle architecture and jumping performance in NCAA division I women's volleyball players throughout a competitive season and in preparation for conference championships.

Phase Characteristics of the Countermovement Jump Force-Time Curve: A Comparison of Athletes by Jumping Ability.

Sole, CJ, Mizuguchi, S, Sato, K, Moir, GL, and Stone, MH. Phase characteristics of the countermovement jump force-time curve: a comparison of athletes by jumping ability. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 1155-1165, 2018-The purpose of this study was to compare the phase characteristics of the countermovement jump (CMJ) force-time (F-t) curve between athletes based on jumping ability.