OBJECTIVES: To assess whether the Minimal Chair Height Standing (MCHS) test, could effectively identify “fallers” in a population of Canadian older adults, and to compare its effectiveness with the commonly used Sit-to-Stand (STS) test. DESIGN: Cross-sectional with counter-balanced assignment of testing order. SETTING: Community centers, independent-living and assisted-living facilities. PARTICIPANTS: 167 older adults (mean age=83.6yrs), able to walk independently. MEASUREMENTS: Participants were interviewed for medical conditions, physical activity, cognitive status (Mini Mental State Examination), mobility and independence (Independent Activities of Daily Living). Height, weight and shank length were measured. Fall history was self-reported and recorded retrospectively. The main outcome measures were MCHS and STS scores. RESULTS: MCHS performance was significantly worse for fallers (37.7cm, 95% CI: 35.5-40.0cm) than non-fallers (30.3cm, 95% CI: 28.1-32.5cm). Fallers showed significantly slower times in the STS. For participants with cardiac disease and/or stroke, MCHS scores discriminated between fallers and non-fallers (p=.001), but the STS did not (p=.233). For participants with knee replacements, MCHS discriminated between fallers and non-fallers (p=.044) but the STS did not (p=.076). CONCLUSIONS: The MCHS was found to be simple, practical and feasible for use with the elderly. The current study demonstrates its effectiveness as a fall-risk screening instrument for use with Canadian older adults. Further studies should be undertaken to determine its predictive validity. / Graduate

abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the Feasibility of Using a Non-Counter Movement Squat to Assess Lower Body Strength in Adults ages 20-70 years. Feasibility was tested by measuring five feasibility metrics described by Bowen et al. (Bowen et al., 2009): Acceptability, Demand, Implementation, Practicality, and Limited Efficacy. Seven male subjects and fifteen female subjects participated in the study. The subjects had their height, weight, body fat percentage by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and grip strength measured. Subjects performed a warm-up on a cycle ergometer, a Non-Counter Movement Squat Test (NCMST) 1-repetition maximal strength test using a Smith machine, and a cool down on a treadmill. Each subject then completed a post-participation questionnaire used to measure acceptability, Demand was measured by subjects who agreed to participate, implementation was measured by subjects who completed the protocol, practicality was measured by an administrator survey, and limited efficacy was measured by distribution of strength results by age and for all subjects by sex. Results showed acceptance of hypotheses of acceptability, demand, implementation and practicality for both males and females. Limited efficacy was inconclusive for both males and females resulting in rejection of hypothesis. The findings of this study show that further research is needed to compare the NCMST to other lower body muscular strength tests to determine the validity of the NCMST. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Healthcare Innovation 2019

Testosterone is a steroid and anabolic hormone found in all mammals. Previous research indicates that testosterone levels correlates with physical capacities related to physical performance. However, these studies refers only to men and boys. The aim of present study was therefore to investigate the potential relationship between body composition, strength, power and endurance capabilities in relation to blood levels of testosterone and DHEAS in young female football players. Seventeen female elite football (age: 15,4 ± 0,6, body mass: 57,2 ± 7,4kg, height 1,65 ±0,04m) players volunteered for the study. Morning levels of testosterone were plotted against results of Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, Biodex isokinetic dynamometer, maximal counter movement jump, drop jump, 10 and 20 meters sprints and aerobic fitness (Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test). Testosterone levels were significant correlated with DHEAS as well as bone density (BMD) in L1-L4 (p <0,01) and whole body (WB) BMD (p <0,05). DHEAS also correlated with BMD in L1-L4 and WB (p <0,05). No correlations were found between testosterone, DHEAS and performance capacities. These results suggest that DHEAS predict the level of testosterone and BMD in young women. However, more research is needed to clarify the relationship between testosterone, DHEAS and physical capacities in a larger group of women.