Comparison of muscle activation using various hand positions during the push-up exercise

Popular fitness literature suggests that varied hand placements during push-ups may isolate different muscles. Scientific literature, however, offers scant evidence that varied hand placements elicit different muscle responses. This study examined whether different levels of electromyographic (EMG) activity in the pectoralis major and triceps brachii muscles are required to perform push-ups from each of 3 different hand positions: shoulder width base, wide base, and narrow base hand placements. Forty subjects, 11 men and 29 women, performed 1 repetition of each push-up. The EMG activity for subjects' dominant arm pectoralis major and triceps brachii was recorded using surface electrodes. The EMG activity was greater in both muscle groups during push-ups performed from the narrow base hand position compared with the wide base position (p < 0.05). This study suggests that, if a goal is to induce greater muscle activation during exercise, then push-ups should be performed with hands in a narrow base position compared with a wide base position.     

Myoelectric activation and kinetics of different plyometric push-up exercises

The kinetic and myoelectric differences between 3 types of plyometric push-ups were investigated. Twenty-seven healthy, physically active men served as subjects and completed both familiarization and testing sessions. During these sessions, subjects performed 2 series of 3 plyometric push-up variations in a counterbalanced order according to the following techniques: Countermovement push-ups (CPUs) were push-ups performed with the maximum speed of movement; jump push-ups (JPUs) were similar to clapping push-ups; and fall push-ups (FPUs) required kneeling subjects to drop and then attempt to return to their initial position. Vertical ground reaction forces were determined by using a force plate. Myoelectric activity was recorded by means of electromyography. Impact force and impact rate of force development were significantly (p < 0.05) higher for FPUs than for JPUs. The maximum rate of force development was higher for CPUs (p < 0.05) than for JPUs, and the maximum force was higher for the CPUs than for the FPUs (p < 0.05). There were differences among exercises for the mean muscle activation of the pectoralis major (PM; p < 0.001), triceps brachii (p < 0.001), external oblique (p < 0.005) and anterior deltoid (p < 0.001), and in the maximum muscle activation of the PM (p < 0.001). Plyometric push-ups with countermovement achieved a higher maximum force and rate of force and did not cause impact forces. Thus, this type of push-up exercise may be regarded as the best for improving explosive force. The FPU exercise achieved higher levels of muscular activation in the agonist and synergist muscle groups, and greater impact forces and impact force development rates.     

Dynamic and electromyographical analysis in variants of push-up exercise

The purpose of the study was to record dynamic and muscular modifications during push-up exercise variants (EV). Eight healthy men performed 6 EV of push-ups: normal, abducted, adducted, posterior, anterior, and on knees. Ground-reaction forces were recorded with a force plate while surface muscular activity with electrodes on triceps and pectoralis major. Significant differences (p < 0.05) existed for most vertical force variables but not for anteroposterior force and time variables. The initial load relative to body weight was 66.4% at the normal position, while only 52.9% at the on-knees EV. Muscle activity was less during the on-knees EV for both muscles. At the posterior EV, pectoralis major was activated higher than normal; however, triceps were activated lower than normal. Dynamic behavior and muscle activity were significantly altered between push-up EV. Instructions for push-up exercises should be followed carefully because dynamic and muscular challenge is altered when hands are differently positioned.     

Ground reaction force patterns in plyometric push-ups

Compared with lower extremity plyometrics, data concerning the loads and intensity associated with upper extremity plyometrics are limited. The purpose of this study was to compare vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) characteristics between the clap push-up and box drop push-ups from 3.8 cm (BD1), 7.6 cm (BD2), and 11.4 cm (BD3) heights and limbs (dominant, nondominant). Twenty-two healthy active male subjects (age 25.9 ± 1.3 years, height 1.8 ± 0.08 m, mass 87.6 ± 12 kg) performed 4 repetitions of each push-up variation in a random order. Four dependent variables, peak vGRF, time-to-peak vGRF, loading rate (LR), and propulsion rate (PR) were calculated for each extremity. Statistical analysis consisted of separate limb by variation repeated measures analysis of variance. In addition, ground contact time (GCT) was statistically compared between variations. The GCT for the clap push-up (p = 0.033) was significantly less than that for BD1 and BD2. No significant differences were revealed for time-to-peak vGRF (p = 0.717). Peak vGRF was significant between dominant and nondominant limbs (p = 0.045). Post hoc analysis of a significant limb by variation interaction in LR (p < 0.001) revealed the dominant limb to be significantly greater than the nondominant one in all 4 push-up variations. Furthermore, for both limbs, the clap LR was significantly greater than BD1, BD2, and BD3. The clap PR was significantly greater than BD1, BD2, and BD3. These data add rationale for determining upper extremity plyometric progression. The peak vGRFs are similar, and altering the box height did not affect peak vGRF. In contrast, the clap demonstrated the highest LR and PR suggesting that it may be a more powerful exercise than BD1, BD2, and BD3. The higher LR (Clap and BD3) for the dominant extremity illustrates bilateral disparity in the rate of eccentric loading.     

Kinetic quantification of plyometric exercise intensity

Ebben, WP, Fauth, ML, Garceau, LR, and Petushek, EJ. Kinetic quantification of plyometric exercise intensity. J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3288-3298, 2011-Quantification of plyometric exercise intensity is necessary to understand the characteristics of these exercises and the proper progression of this mode of exercise. The purpose of this study was to assess the kinetic characteristics of a variety of plyometric exercises. This study also sought to assess gender differences in these variables. Twenty-six men and 23 women with previous experience in performing plyometric training served as subjects. The subjects performed a variety of plyometric exercises including line hops, 15.24-cm cone hops, squat jumps, tuck jumps, countermovement jumps (CMJs), loaded CMJs equal to 30% of 1 repetition maximum squat, depth jumps normalized to the subject's jump height (JH), and single leg jumps. All plyometric exercises were assessed with a force platform. Outcome variables associated with the takeoff, airborne, and landing phase of each plyometric exercise were evaluated. These variables included the peak vertical ground reaction force (GRF) during takeoff, the time to takeoff, flight time, JH, peak power, landing rate of force development, and peak vertical GRF during landing. A 2-way mixed analysis of variance with repeated measures for plyometric exercise type demonstrated main effects for exercise type and all outcome variables (p ≤ 0.05) and for the interaction between gender and peak vertical GRF during takeoff (p ≤ 0.05). Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons identified a number of differences between the plyometric exercises for the outcome variables assessed (p ≤ 0.05). These findings can be used to guide the progression of plyometric training by incorporating exercises of increasing intensity over the course of a program.     

The effectiveness of traditional and sling exercise strength training in women

Strength training often combines closed-kinetic-chain exercises (CKCEs) and open kinetic-chain exercises (OKCEs). The CKCE may be more effective for improving performance in lower-body training. Recently, we reported upper-body CKCE (using a commercially available system of ropes and slings, Redcord AS, Staubo, Norway) was as effective as OKCE training for strength gains and that CKCE was more effective than OKCE for improving throwing performance. To our knowledge the effectiveness of a strength training program that uses exclusively CKCE is unknown. In this study, we examined the effectiveness of CKCE vs. OKCE strength training programs in women enrolled in an introductory strength training program. Twenty-six participants were randomized to OKCE (traditional exercises) or CKCE (sling-based exercises). Participants completed 6 sets per week for 13 weeks. Pre and posttraining evaluations included the following: 1 repetition maximum (1RM) leg and bench press; sling exercise push-ups; isokinetic dynamometry; lateral step-down test; and the Star Excursion Balance Test. Both groups significantly improved bench press (by an average of 4-6 kg) and leg press (by an average of 23-35 kg) (p < 0.001). There was a significant group × time interaction (p < 0.001) for sling exercise push-ups (OKCE pre = 5.5 ± 8.6, OKCE post = 6.1 ± 8.2, CKCE pre = 6.8 ± 6.0, CKCE post = 16.9 ± 6.6). Isokinetic measures of knee extension, knee flexion, shoulder internal rotation, and shoulder external rotation increased (improvements ranged from 2.7 to 27.7%), with no group differences. Both OKCE and CKCE strength training elicited similar changes in balance. We conclude that CKCE training is equally as effective as OKCE training during the initial phases of a strength training program in women. The fact that only CKCE improved sling exercise push-ups supports previous findings suggesting functional superiority of CKCE.     

Barbell kinematics should not be used to estimate power output applied to the Barbell-and-body system center of mass during lower-body resistance exercise

The aim of this study was to compare measures of power output applied to the center of mass of the barbell and body system (CM) obtained by multiplying ground reaction force (GRF) by (a) the velocity of the barbell; (b) the velocity of the CM derived from three-dimensional (3D) whole-body motion analysis, and (c) the velocity of the CM derived from GRF during lower-body resistance exercise. Ten resistance-trained men performed 3 maximal-effort single back squats with 60% 1 repetition maximum while GRF and whole-body motion were captured using synchronized Kistler force platforms and a Vicon Motus motion analysis system. Repeated measures analysis of variance of time-normalized kinematic and kinetic data obtained using the different methods showed that the barbell was displaced 13.4% (p < 0.05) more than the CM, the velocity of the barbell was 16.1% (p < 0.05) greater than the velocity of the CM, and power applied to the CM obtained by multiplying GRF by the velocity of the barbell was 18.7% (p < 0.05) greater than power applied to the CM obtained by multiplying the force applied to the CM by its resultant velocity. Further, the velocity of the barbell was significantly greater than the velocity of the trunk, upper leg, lower leg, and foot (p < 0.05), indicating that a failure to consider the kinematics of body segments during lower-body resistance exercise can lead to a significant overestimation of power applied to the CM. Strength and conditioning coaches and investigators are urged to obtain measures of power from the force applied to and the velocity of either the barbell (using inverse dynamics) or CM (GRF or 3D motion analysis). Failure to apply these suggestions could result in continued overestimation of CM power, compromising methodological integrity.     

Fitness levels of firefighter recruits before and after a supervised exercise training program

Federal law prohibits pre-employment physical examination of firefighter recruits, but these workers must perform intense exercise in arduous environments. Components of physical fitness of rookie firefighters (n = 115; 104 men, mean +/- SD: age = 28.3 +/- 4.3 years; height = 1.76 +/- 0.07 m; weight = 83.2 +/- 13.9 kg; percent body fat = 17 +/- 8%) were measured upon being hired and following a 16-week exercise training program (1 h.d(-1), 3 d.wk(-1)) designed to improve physical fitness. Maximum aerobic capacity (VO2max) was estimated from submaximal cycle ergometry, body composition from skinfold tests, flexibility from a sit and reach test, strength by hand grip dynamometry, and muscle endurance by a push-up test. The results are as follows (*, p 相似文献   

Resistin, visfatin and insulin sensitivity in selected phases of annual training cycle of triathletes

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of sport training on carbohydrate metabolic indices and adipokines concentrations in young male triathletes (n=10). Athletes performed the incremental running test in two periods of the training cycle: in the transitory and preparatory phases. In both analyzed terms, physical exercise was reflected by a significant increase in lactate (p≤0.01), insulin (p≤0.01), visfatin concentrations (p≤0.01, p<0.05, respectively) and only during transitory phase in glucose (p≤0.01) and resistin concentrations (p<0.05). Significant inter-period differences were noted in the pre-exercise insulin (p≤0.01) and also in pre- and post-exercise visfatin concentrations (p<0.05). Additionally, the differences (Δ) between post- and pre-exercise values of glucose (p<0.05) and visfatin (p≤0.01) significantly decreased in the preparatory phase comparing to the transitory phase. The inverse correlations between pre-exercise concentrations of visfatin and peak oxygen uptake (p<0.05) in the transitory phase and between post- and pre-exercise differences (Δ) of visfatin and lactate concentrations (p<0.05) in the preparatory phase were noted. During preparatory phase, pre-exercise visfatin concentrations inversely correlated with pre-exercise resistin, insulin and glucose levels (p<0.05). In conclusion, systematic training in elite triathletes modulates basal adipokine concentrations only to a small extent, however, influences on these molecules response on the acute exercise.     

Accelerometer counts and raw acceleration output in relation to mechanical loading

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship of accelerometer output, in counts (ActiGraph GT1M) and as raw accelerations (ActiGraph GT3X+ and GENEA), with ground reaction force (GRF) in adults. Ten participants (age: 29.4 ± 8.2 yr, mass: 74.3 ± 9.8 kg, height: 1.76 ± 0.09 m) performed eight trials each of: slow walking, brisk walking, slow running, faster running and box drops. GRF data were collected for one step per trial (walking and running) using a force plate. Low jumps and higher jumps (one per second) were performed for 20 s each on the force plate. For box drops, participants dropped from a 35 cm box onto the force plate. Throughout, three accelerometers were worn at the hip: GT1M, GT3X+ and GENEA. A further GT3X+ and GENEA were worn on the left and right wrist, respectively. GT1M counts correlated with peak impact force (r = 0.85, p < 0.05), average resultant force (r = 0.73, p < 0.05) and peak loading rate (r = 0.76, p < 0.05). Accelerations from the GT3X+ and GENEA correlated with average resultant force and peak loading rate irrespective of whether monitors were worn at the hip or wrist (r > 0.82, p < 0.05, r > 0.63 p < 0.05, respectively). In conclusion, accelerometer count and raw acceleration output correlate positively with GRF and thus may be appropriate for the quantification of activity beneficial to bone. Wrist-worn monitors show a similar relationship with GRF as hip-worn monitors, suggesting that wrist-worn monitors may be a viable option for future studies looking at bone health.     

Acute arginine supplementation fails to improve muscle endurance or affect blood pressure responses to resistance training

Dietary supplement companies claim that arginine supplements acutely enhance skeletal muscular endurance. The purpose of this study was to determine whether acute arginine α-ketoglutarate supplementation (AAKG) will affect local muscle endurance of the arm and shoulder girdle or the blood pressure (BP) response to anaerobic exercise. Twelve trained college-aged men (22.6 ± 3.8 years) performed 2 trials of exercise separated by at least 1 week. At 4 hours before, and 30 minutes before exercise, a serving of an AAKG supplement (3,700 mg arginine alpha-ketoglutarate per serving) or placebo was administered. Resting BP was assessed pre-exercise after 16 minutes of seated rest, and 5 and 10 minutes postexercise. Three sets each of chin-ups, reverse chin-ups, and push-ups were performed to exhaustion with 3 minutes of rest between each set. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance and paired t-tests. The AAKG supplementation did not improve muscle endurance or significantly affect the BP response to anaerobic work. Subjects performed fewer total chin-ups (23.75 ± 6.38 vs. 25.58 ± 7.18) and total trial repetitions (137.92 ± 28.18 vs. 141.08 ± 28.57) in the supplement trial (p ≤ 0.05). Subjects executed fewer reverse chin-ups (5.83 ± 1.85 vs. 6.75 ± 2.09) during set 2 after receiving the supplement as compared to the placebo (p < 0.05). Because AAKG supplementation may hinder muscular endurance, the use of these supplements before resistance training should be questioned.     

Factors of trainability and predictability associated with military physical fitness test success

Cuddy, JS, Slivka, DR, Hailes, WS, and Ruby, BC. Factors of trainability and predictability associated with military physical fitness test success. J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3486-3494, 2011-The purpose of this study was to determine the trainability of college-aged men using varied training programs and to assess factors associated with successfully passing a Special Operations Forces (SOF) physical fitness test (PFT). One hundred thirty-five male subjects were stratified into 3 training groups (run focused, calisthenic focused, or combined run and calisthenic) and were trained 3 times·per week for 12 weeks. Body composition and accelerometer activity patterns were measured pretraining and posttraining. The PFT performance (pull-ups, sit-ups, push-ups, and 1.5-mile run time) was measured weekly throughout the study period. The subjects exhibited reduced body fat (18.4 ± 7.7 to 16.9 ± 7.3), increased fat-free mass (66.1 ± 8.2 to 67.4 ± 7.9), reduced fat mass (15.8 ± 9.2 to 14.6 ± 8.9) from pretraining to posttraining, respectively (p < 0.05). All groups improved in each component of PFT performance with training (p < 0.05). There was a significant 20 ± 35% increase in 6-day average daily activity for the run-focused training group from pretraining and posttraining. The key indicators of a candidate's potential to successfully reach SOF PFT standards (in 12 weeks) were determined to be as follows: enter the pipeline being able to run 2.4 km in ≤10:41 minutes, have a body fat percentage of ≤12.9%, and participate in a minimum of 30 min·d of vigorous physical activity. Training an individual's relative run or calisthenic deficiency did not prove to be a better training approach compared with a program that emphasizes training both running and calisthenic activities.     

The effect that side dominance has on barbell power symmetry during the hang power clean

The aim of this study was to examine whether ground reaction force (GRF) side differences were transmitted and related to bar end power output asymmetries during hang power clean (HPC) performance and whether progressive loading would intensify this effect. Differences between the dominant (D) and nondominant (ND) side average GRFs (AGRFs) of both feet and average bar end power outputs were recorded simultaneously from 15 recreationally trained male volunteers at 30, 60, and 90% 1RM using 2 force platforms and 3 high-speed digital cameras, quantifying side dominance from perceived handedness (left- or right-side dominance [LRSD]), GRF side dominance (force side dominance [FSD]), and bar end power output side dominance (barbell side dominance [BSD]). With the exception of the LRSD condition, differences between the D and ND side AGRFs were significant (FSD: 1.8-4.3%; BSD: 5.1-6.4%, p < 0.05). Bar end power output side differences were significant for all conditions (LRSD: 1.5-5.4%; FSD: 0.5-3.4%; BSD: 3.9-5.6%, p < 0.05). Progressive loading did not significantly affect GRF side differences or the FSD average bar power side differences. However, during the LRSD and BSD conditions, the 60 and 90% side average bar power side differences were >the 30% equivalents. Average GRF side differences were not related to bar end power output side differences. Because of the consistent side difference of 4-6% investigators and strength and conditioning practitioners should exercise caution when interpreting changes in bar end power output.     

Quantifying plyometric intensity via rate of force development, knee joint, and ground reaction forces

Because the intensity of plyometric exercises usually is based simply upon anecdotal recommendations rather than empirical evidence, this study sought to quantify a variety of these exercises based on forces placed upon the knee. Six National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I athletes who routinely trained with plyometric exercises performed depth jumps from 46 and 61 cm, a pike jump, tuck jump, single-leg jump, countermovement jump, squat jump, and a squat jump holding dumbbells equal to 30% of 1 repetition maximum (RM). Ground reaction forces obtained via an AMTI force plate and video analysis of markers placed on the left hip, knee, lateral malleolus, and fifth metatarsal were used to estimate rate of eccentric force development (E-RFD), peak ground reaction forces (GRF), ground reaction forces relative to body weight (GRF/BW), knee joint reaction forces (K-JRF), and knee joint reaction forces relative to body weight (K-JRF/BW) for each plyometric exercise. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance indicated that E-RFD, K-JRF, and K-JRF/BW were different across the conditions (p < 0.05), but peak GRF and GRF/BW were not (p > 0.05). Results indicate that there are quantitative differences between plyometric exercises in the rate of force development during landing and the forces placed on the knee, though peak GRF forces associated with landing may not differ.     

Associations of maximal strength and muscular endurance test scores with cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition

The purpose of the present study was to assess the relationships between maximal strength and muscular endurance test scores additionally to previously widely studied measures of body composition and maximal aerobic capacity. 846 young men (25.5 ± 5.0 yrs) participated in the study. Maximal strength was measured using isometric bench press, leg extension and grip strength. Muscular endurance tests consisted of push-ups, sit-ups and repeated squats. An indirect graded cycle ergometer test was used to estimate maximal aerobic capacity (V(O2)max). Body composition was determined with bioelectrical impedance. Moreover, waist circumference (WC) and height were measured and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Maximal bench press was positively correlated with push-ups (r = 0.61, p < 0.001), grip strength (r = 0.34, p < 0.001) and sit-ups (r = 0.37, p < 0.001) while maximal leg extension force revealed only a weak positive correlation with repeated squats (r = 0.23, p < 0.001). However, moderate correlation between repeated squats and V(O2)max was found (r = 0.55, p < 0.001) In addition, BM and body fat correlated negatively with muscular endurance (r = -0.25 - -0.47, p < 0.001), while FFM and maximal isometric strength correlated positively (r = 0.36-0.44, p < 0.001). In conclusion, muscular endurance test scores were related to maximal aerobic capacity and body fat content, while fat free mass was associated with maximal strength test scores and thus is a major determinant for maximal strength. A contributive role of maximal strength to muscular endurance tests could be identified for the upper, but not the lower extremities. These findings suggest that push-up test is not only indicative of body fat content and maximal aerobic capacity but also maximal strength of upper body, whereas repeated squat test is mainly indicative of body fat content and maximal aerobic capacity, but not maximal strength of lower extremities.     

Monocyte and T-cell responses to exercise training in elderly subjects

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise training on age-related impairment of immune parameters related to T-cell activation in elderly individuals. Twenty-four elderly subjects were assigned to an exercise training group (EXC: 3 men, 9 women; age 61-76 years) or a nonexercise control group (CON: 4 men, 8 women; age 62-79 years). Subjects in EXC participated in exercise sessions 2 d·wk(-1) for 12 weeks. The training session included stretching and endurance exercise (10 minutes), resistance training comprised leg extension, leg press, hip abduction, and hip adduction using exercise machine and each subject's body weight. Subjects in CON maintained their normal physical activity levels during the study period. Blood samples were collected before and after the training period. Samples were measured for the numbers of leukocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes, and for CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), CD28(+)CD4(+), CD28(+)CD8(+), TRL-4(+)CD14(+), and CD80(+)CD14(+) cells. The number of leukocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, CD3(+), CD4(+), and CD8(+) cells did not change after 12 weeks in either EXC or CON. The number of CD28(+)CD8(+) cells increased significantly after training in EXC (p ≤ 0.05), although CON showed no significant change. In the EXC group, CD80(+)CD14(+) cell counts were significantly higher after training (p ≤ 0.05), but the TLR-4(+)CD14(+) cell counts were unchanged. In the CON group, no significant alteration existed in TLR-4(+)CD14(+) and CD80(+)CD14(+) cell numbers. In conclusion, exercise training in elderly people is associated with increased CD28-expressing Tc cells and CD80-expressing monocytes. Therefore, exercise training might upregulate monocyte and T-cell-mediated immunity in elderly people.     

Effects of 6 weeks of periodized squat training with or without whole-body vibration on short-term adaptations in jump performance within recreationally resistance trained men

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 6-week, periodized squat training program, with or without whole-body low-frequency vibration (WBLFV), on jump performance. Males ranged in age from 20 to 30 years and were randomized into groups that did squat training with (SQTV, n = 13) or without (SQT, n = 11) vibration, or a control group (CG, n = 6). Measures of jump height (cm), peak power (Pmax), Pmax per kilogram of body mass (Pmax/kg), and mean power were recorded during 30-cm depth jumps and 20-kg squat jumps at weeks 1 (pretraining), 3 (midtraining), and 7 (posttraining). No significant group differences were seen for 30-cm depth jump height between weeks 1 and 7 (p > 0.05). Trial three (W7) measures were greater than those for trial two (W3) and trial one (W1) (p < 0.05). Significant group differences were seen for 20-kg squat jump height, with SQTV > SQT between weeks 1 and 7 (p < 0.05). Significant trial differences were seen, with W7 > W3 > W1 (p < 0.05) as well as for 30-cm depth jump Pmax percent change (W7 > W3 and W1 p < 0.05)). A significant trial effect was seen for 20-kg squat jump Pmax (W7 > W1, p < 0.05) and 20-kg squat jump Pmax/kg percent change (W7 > W3 > W1, p < 0.05). The addition of vibration to SQTV seemed to facilitate Pmax and mean power adaptation for depth jumps and Pmax for squat jumps, although not significantly (p > 0.05). Stretch reflex potentiation and increased motor unit synchronization and firing rates may account for the trends seen. Baseline squat strength, resistance training experience, and amplitude, frequency, and duration of application of WBLFV seem to be important factors that need to be controlled for.     

Effects of low-intensity resistance exercise under acute systemic hypoxia on hormonal responses

Previous studies have shown that low-intensity resistance exercises with vascular occlusion and slow movement effectively increase muscular size and strength. Researchers have speculated that local hypoxia by occlusion and slow movement may contribute to such adaptations via promoting anabolic hormone secretions by the local accumulation of metabolites. In this study, we determined the effects of low-intensity resistance exercise under acute systemic hypoxia on metabolic and hormonal responses. Eight male subjects participated in 2 experimental trials: (a) low-intensity resistance exercise while breathing normoxic air (normoxic resistance exercise [NR]), (b) low-intensity resistance exercise while breathing 13% oxygen (hypoxic resistance exercise [HR]). The resistance exercises (bench press and leg press) consisted of 14 repetitions for 5 sets at 50% of maximum strength with 1 minute of rest between sets. Blood lactate (LA), serum growth hormone (GH), norepinephrine (NE), testosterone, and cortisol concentrations were measured before normoxia and hypoxia exposures; 15 minutes after the exposures; and at 0, 15, and 30 minutes after the exercises. The LA levels significantly increased after exercises in both trials (p ≤ 0.05). The area under the curve for LA after exercises was significantly higher in the HR trial than in the NR trial (p ≤ 0.05). The GH significantly increased only after the HR trial (p ≤ 0.05). The NE and testosterone significantly increased after the exercises in both trials (p ≤ 0.05). Cortisol did not significantly change in both trials. These results suggest that low-intensity resistance exercise in the hypoxic condition caused greater metabolic and hormonal responses than that in the normoxic condition. Coaches may consider low-intensity resistance exercise under systemic hypoxia as a potential training method for athletes who need to maintain muscle mass and strength during the long in-season.     

Influence of weight distribution asymmetry on the biomechanics of a barbell back squat

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of weight distribution (WtD) asymmetry on the biomechanics of a barbell back squat. This study included 2 groups of trained individuals who were separated based on a WtD test (n = 14 in each group). They performed the barbell back squats with 2 resistance levels (60 and 75% of 1 repetition maximum) to measure vertical ground reaction force (GRF), tilting, and rotational angular bar displacements. A symmetry index (SI) score of the vertical GRF and the 2 bar displacements were examined to identify the group difference. Results showed that the unequal WtD group displayed a higher vertical GRF SI score (p < 0.05) and greater degrees of the tilting (p < 0.05) and rotational (p < 0.05) angular bar displacements. The 2 resistances did not influence the magnitude of the dependent variables, and no interactions were found. The unequal WtD captured at the WtD test carried over to the SI score during the back squat test. The unequal WtD was also a partial factor of displaying greater bar displacements. The lack of postural control to distribute body weight evenly should be treated properly to gain levelness before participating in high volume of resistance training, and coaches should be conscious of moving in a symmetrical fashion with minimal bar displacements in tilting and rotational manner.     

Higher mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation following intermittent versus continuous endurance exercise training

It has been well documented that skeletal muscle fatty acid oxidation can be elevated by continuous endurance exercise training. However, it remains questionable whether similar adaptations can be induced with intermittent interval exercise training. This study was undertaken to directly compare the rates of fatty acid oxidation in isolated subsarcolemmal (SS) and intermyofibrillar (IMF) mitochondria following these different exercise training regimes. Mitochondria were isolated from the gastrocnemius-plantaris muscles of male Sprague-Dawley rats following exercise training 6 days per week for 12 weeks. Exercise training consisted of either continuous, submaximal, endurance treadmill running (n = 10) or intermittent, high intensity, interval running (n = 10). Both modes of training enhanced the oxidation of palmityl-carnitine-malate in both mitochondrial populations (p < 0.05). However, the increase associated with the intermittent, high intensity exercise training was significantly greater than that achieved with the continuous exercise training (p < 0.05). Also, the increases associated with the IMF mitochondria were greater than the SS mitochondria (p < 0.05). These data suggest that high intensity, intermittent interval exercise training is more effective for stimulation of fatty acid oxidation than continuous submaximal exercise training and that this adaptation occurs preferentially within IMF mitochondria.