The present study profiled the fitness characteristics of elite South African surfers. Sixty-one surfers volunteered to participate in the study. Each subject underwent a maximal tests in order to measure peak maximum oxygen uptake, anthropometery, co-ordination, agility, balance, Wingate test, and isokinetic strength assessments of the knee and shoulder in extension and flexion, including shoulder internal and external rotation. Lung function measurements were also measured to assess the lung capacity of the subjects. The cardiovascular demands of surfing was high showing a peak VO2 of 54.9 (+SD=9.73) ml.kg-1.min-t, and a peak VE of 98.3 (+SD=17.8) l.min-1. Actual lung function results obtained by the subjects were greater than predicted scores for age and weight. Anaerobic scores were excellent for surfers as compared to other sportpersons. Balance and agility scores were excellent. Good strength ratios and values were obtained through isokinetic testing, both for the shoulders and the knees. The subjects showed an above level of fitness in all the measurements as compared to other water-based athletes. As a result the research showed that surfing can be best enhanced through the principle of specificity, and that the subjects engaged in this sport can be regarded as elite athletes. / Thesis (M.Sport Sc.)-University of Durban-Westville, 2000.

While a great deal of research has been directed towards investigating the age-related decline in V02max, the effect of physical activity on the age-related decline in V02max has not been clearly established. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between physical activity and the age-related decline in maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in apparently healthy individuals. In order to assess the effects of physical activity on the age-related decline in V02max, physiological data was obtained from 142 former participants (116 men and 26 women) (40 ± 8.0 years), in the Ball State University Adult Physical Fitness Program across an average of 12 ± 4.5 years. The subjects were divided into three physical activity group categories depending on their self-reported physical activity status at the time of the first and follow-up test. Those subjects who were sedentary at the first and last test were designated as SED-SED. Those who reported sedentary at the first test and active at the last test were designated as SEDACT and those who were physically active at the time of both tests were designated as ACT-ACT. The data from the analysis revealed that the rate of decline in V02mx expressed as change per year among adult men varied as a function of their reportedphysical activity habits. Those men designated as SED-SED and ACT-ACT experienced a statistically significant decline (p<0.05) in V02max during the follow-up period, while, those men designated as SED-ACT maintained their V°2max. The rates of the change in V02max (ml-kg- 1•min-1) for the men were -0.45, 0.03 and -0.22 ml•kg-l-min-1•yr1 for the SED-SED, SED-ACT and ACT-ACT groups respectively. The percent decline in V02max were 6%, 11% and 2% respectively. A statistical comparison of the rate of change among physical activity groups indicated a difference between the SED-SED and SED-ACT groups (p<0.05). Within the limitations of this study, these data suggested that there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of change in V02max (ml•kg-1•min-1-yr1) between the SED-SED and ACT-ACT physical activity groups. However, when presented as percent change per decade, the decline for those men who were sedentary at both time points was twice that of those men who reported an active lifestyle at both time points. Although the rates of change were not different for the SED-SED and ACT-ACT physical activity groups, those men with a physically active lifestyle maintained their aerobic power advantage as compared to sedentary men who remained sedentary. Furthermore, sedentary men who took up an active lifestyle had offset the decline in V02max (ml•kg-1•min-1) attributed to physical inactivity.The rates for the change in V02max (ml•kg-1•min-1-yr1) for the women were -0.36, 0.20 and -0.21 (ml•kg-1•min-1-yr1) for the SED-SED, SED-ACT and ACT-ACT groups respectively. While these changes were similar in direction and magnitude to those observed for the men, there were no statistically significant differences among the female groups (p>0.05). Therefore the results from the present study were inconclusive for women possibly due to the low sample size (n=26). / School of Physical Education

Periodized training programs seem to augment muscle performance (i.e., hypertrophy, strength and muscle endurance), however, optimal repetition ranges to achieve these adaptations are unclear. Thus, the purpose was to compare high and low repetition daily undulating periodization (DUP) models, with equal volume on performance. Eleven trained, college-aged males were counterbalanced into high (DUPHR) or low (DUP-LR) repetition groups. Subjects performed the squat and bench press 3X/wk. for 8wks. Outcome measures included one-repetition maximum (1RM) bench press, squat, and total strength (TS=squat+bench press), and muscle thickness (MT). 1RM strength increased with no difference between groups. Both groups increased total chest and total body MT (p<0.05); but only DUP-HR increased thigh MT (p<0.05). Effect sizes showed meaningful differences in strength favoring DUP-LR for bench press-1.48 and TS-0.89. Our findings indicate with equal volume, there may be meaningful differences in strength that are repetition-dependent, and varying responses to MT across different muscle groups. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2014. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of compression socks worn post exercise on the perceived rating of muscle soreness. Methods: In a randomly cross over design, 16 subjects performed a soreness inducing protocol. Below knee CG (Compression garments) were worn for the next 6 hours post exercise. HR (Heart Rate), RPE (rate of perceived exhaustion) and time to complete one cycle was measured throughout the intervention. PS (Perceived Soreness) was assessed prior, immediate post, 6h, and 24h post exercise. Results: There was no significant difference in perception of soreness between compression and no compression at 6h post exercise (p=.136) and at 24h post exercise (p=286). Conclusion: Compression socks worn post exercise did not significantly alter ratings of perceived soreness after a soreness inducing protocol. / by Friederike Feil. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2011. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2011. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Fung Man-yi, Wendy. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 84-106). / Text in English; abstracts and appendices in English and Chinese. / Fung Man-yi, Wendy. / Acknowledgments --- p.i / Presentation --- p.iii / Abstract --- p.iv / Table of Contents --- p.viii / List of Tables --- p.x / List of Figures --- p.xi / Chapter CHAPTER ONE --- Introduction --- p.1 / Research Background --- p.1 / Purpose of the Study --- p.5 / Justification of the Study --- p.6 / Hypotheses --- p.6 / Definition of Terms --- p.7 / Assumptions --- p.8 / Delimitations --- p.8 / Limitations --- p.9 / Significance of the Study --- p.9 / Chapter CHAPTER TWO --- Review of Literature --- p.10 / "Engergy Metabolism During Prolonged, Submaximal Exercise" --- p.10 / "Causes of Fatigue During Prolonged, Submaximal Exercise" --- p.16 / Factors Influencing Muscle Glycogen Resynthesis During Recovery --- p.21 / Factors Influencing Rehydration During Recovery --- p.27 / Effect of Muscle Glycogen Replenishment During Recovery on Subsequent Endurance Capacity --- p.30 / Effect of Rehydration During Recovery on Subsequent Endurance Capacity --- p.32 / Effect of Glycemic Index Meals Before Exercise on Exercise Performance --- p.33 / Chapter CHAPTER THREE --- Methodology --- p.37 / Participants --- p.37 / Equipment and Instrumentation --- p.37 / Standardized Experimental Procedures --- p.38 / Collection and Analysis of Blood Samples --- p.42 / Preliminary Measurements --- p.45 / Dietary Analyses and Training Control --- p.50 / Preliminary Testing --- p.51 / Statistical Analysis --- p.54 / Chapter CHAPTER FOUR --- Results --- p.56 / Run Time to Exhaustion --- p.56 / Dietary Analysis --- p.57 / Postprandial Responses of the Test Meals During Screening Session --- p.58 / Postprandial Responses During Recovery --- p.60 / Responses During Exercise and Recovery --- p.62 / Body Mass Changes and Fluid Balance --- p.74 / Changes in Plasma Volume and Urine Volume --- p.75 / Summary of the Results --- p.76 / Chapter CHAPTER FIVE --- Discussion --- p.77 / Recommendations and Applications --- p.83 / References --- p.84 / Appendixes --- p.107

Siu Ming Fai Parco. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 101-117). / Text in English; abstracts in English and Chinese. / Siu Ming Fai Parco. / Acknowledgments --- p.i / Abstract --- p.iii / Table of Contents --- p.vii / List of Tables --- p.ix / List of Figures --- p.x / Chapter CHAPTER ONE --- Introduction --- p.1 / Research Background --- p.1 / Purpose of the Study --- p.6 / Hypotheses --- p.6 / Definition of Terms --- p.7 / Assumptions --- p.8 / Delimitations --- p.9 / Limitations --- p.9 / Chapter CHAPTER TWO --- Review of Literature --- p.10 / Importance of Muscle Glycogen Resynthesis During Recovery from Exercise --- p.10 / Factors Affecting Muscle Glycogen Resynthesis --- p.10 / Muscle Glycogen Resynthesis and Subsequent Endurance Capacity --- p.17 / Importance of Rehydration on Recovery from exercise --- p.22 / Factors Affecting Rehydration --- p.22 / Rehydration and Subsequent Endurance Capacity --- p.25 / Glycemic Index Foods and Exercise --- p.26 / Definition of Glycemic Index (GI) --- p.26 / Ingestion of GI Foods Before Exercise --- p.28 / Ingestion of GI Foods During Recovery --- p.33 / Frequency of CHO Ingestion and Exercise --- p.36 / Chapter CHAPTER THREE --- Methodology --- p.39 / Participants --- p.39 / Equipment and Instrumentation --- p.39 / Preliminary Measurements --- p.40 / Dietary Analysis and Training Control --- p.45 / Preliminary Testing --- p.46 / Standardized Experimental Procedure --- p.51 / Collection and Analysis of Blood Sample --- p.57 / Statistical Analysis --- p.61 / Chapter CHAPTER FOUR --- Results --- p.62 / Run Time to Exhaustion --- p.63 / Dietary Analysis --- p.63 / Postprandial Responses of the Prescribed Foods During Screening Test --- p.64 / Postprandial Responses During Recovery of Main Trial --- p.67 / Metabolic and Physiological Responses During Exercise and Recovery --- p.70 / "Body Mass Change, Fluid Balance and Urine Volume" --- p.89 / Changes in Plasma Volume --- p.90 / Summary of the Results --- p.91 / Chapter CHAPTER FIVE --- Discussion --- p.92 / Recommendations and Applications --- p.99 / References --- p.101 / Appendices --- p.118

Aortic baroreflex (ABR) control of blood pressure was examined in 7 untrained (UT) and 8 endurance exercise trained (EET) young men. ABR control of blood pressure was determined during a steady state phenylephrine infusion to increase mean arterial pressure 10-15 mmHg, combined with positive neck pressure to counteract the increased carotid sinus transmural pressure, and low levels of lower body negative pressure to counteract the increased central venous pressure. Functioning alone, the ABR was functionally adequate to control blood pressure. However, ABR control of HR was significantly diminished in the EET subjects due solely to the decrease in the ABR sensitivity. The persistent strain from an increased stroke volume resulting from endurance exercise training could be the responsible mechanism.

The purpose of this study was to examine the participants of the Ball State University Retirees Fitness (BSURF) program in order to determine the role that habitual participation in an exercise program plays on the aging process. The participants of the BSURF program were divided into two groups: those that have been exercising for seven or more years (LT; n=14), and those that have been exercising for six years or less (ST; n=10). Subjects underwent testing on the following variables: BMI, body composition, resting heart rate and blood pressure, blood lipid profile, biceps muscular strength, trunk flexibility, and the Rockport Walk Test. Group differences were determined using an independent t-test. Despite a significant difference in age and duration of participation time between the LT and ST groups, no statistically significant differences in cardiovascular measurements, anthropometric measurements, and body size were seen between the two study groups. The only exception to the positive effects of this exercise program on the aging process is demonstrated by the trunk flexibility data. The ST group was significantly more flexible (27.6 ± 1.51 cm) than the LT group (17.7 ± 2.67 cm). The results of this study suggest that continued participation in the BSURF program enabled the LT group to maintain their physiological functioning. Further, the length of participation by the members of the BSURF program clearly demonstrates significant adherence, and suggests that a program of moderate intensity in combination with a large social aspect may play a role in the exercise adherence of older adults. / School of Physical Education

Numerous cross-sectional studies have reported an inverse relationship between VO2,,,ax and age. However, few longitudinal investigations have compared the rate of decline in VO2,,.x between women who did or did not report exercise habits consistent with the 1990 ACSM position stand for quantity and quality of exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine if changes in exercise habits and body composition affected age-related changes in VO2.x. Subjects were 91 women (age 40.9 ± 8.8 years at baseline) tested twice between 1973 and 1996 (range of 3.1 - 21.9 years, mean interval of 9.3 ± 4.2 years). The subjects were divided into four physical activity groups based on their reported exercise habits at baseline and follow-up as: non-exercise - exercise (NE-EX; n = 21), NE-NE (n=36), EX-EX (n=19), and EX-NE (n=15). Baseline VOz,,,ax (ml-kg-1-min-1) was significantly higher for the EX vs. NE ( 38.4 ± 8.4 vs.28.8 ± 5.7; f42.2; P<.0001). ANOVA revealed significant differences between the physical activity change groups and mean percent changes in VO2. (% A ml•kg'.min'-yr') (F =10.887; P<.0001) which are listed in the following:NE-NENE-EXEX-EXEX-NE-1.081.58*-1.25-2.21* NE-EX vs. EX-NE; NE-EX vs. EX-EX; and NE-EX vs. NE-NE (P<0.05)There were differences between the following groups: NE-EX vs. EX-NE; NE-EX vs. EX-EX; and NE-EX vs. NE-NE for percent change in VO2max (nl•kg'-min 1•yr 1) with the EX-NE group having the largest decline in VO2max during the follow-up period.Using a multiple regression model after adjusting for the exercise habit groups, the exercise group scheme accounted for 27.3 percent of the variance in percent change in VO2max at step 1 of the analysis (f = 1.09; P < 0.001). Change in percent body fat and change in maximal ventilation accounted for an additional 7.2 percent and 6.5 percent of the variance at steps 2 and 3, respectively. The change in maximal heart rate accounted for an additional 2.5 percent of the variance at step 4, although the statistical significance of the contribution was low (P = 0.057). Increases in body fat and decreases in pulmonary ventilation were found associated with declines in aerobic power while a decline in maximal heart rate between the tests was associated with a decline in percent change in aerobic power.In conclusion, these data demonstrate that: 1) adoption or maintenance of a regular exercise program is associated with less decline in VO2,,. during long-term follow-up compared to women who did not exercisers, and 2) changes in exercise habits, body composition, maximal ventilation, and maximal heart rate accounted for nearly half (43 %) percent of the percent decline per year. / School of Physical Education

The recent American college of Sports Medicine Position Stand concerning the quantity and quality of exercise for developing cardiovascular fitness (1) suggests a need for more information concerning the rate of improvement in aerobic power as a function of age. Therefore, the purpose of this retrospective study was to assess whether the change in maximal oxygen uptake (AVO2max) following endurance training varies as a function of age. Subjects were healthy men (N=277) and women (N=161), ranging in age from 20-72 years, who completed an endurance training program (= 3-5 months) between 1972 and 1987. The standard training stimulus consisted of individualized aerobic exercise (walking, walk-jog, or jogging) at about 75-85% maximal heart rate reserve for = 30-60 minutes, 3-4 sessions per week. A description of the %OVO2max expressed in relative and absolute terms, ± SEE are presented below.Variable20-29 yrs30-39 yrs40-49 yrs50-59 yrs60-69 yrsM 9/6AV02max ml•kg-1-min-'17.1 ± 13.220.0 ± 11.817.3 ± 13.319.5 ± 13.719.8 ± 9.1M%%OV02maxLmin-112.6 ± 10.616.0 ± 11.514.7 ± 11.616.6 ± 15.116.2 ± 9.8F °/oA VO2max mlkg''•min-'16.3 ± 9.022.5 ± 13.119.0 ± 10.917.6 ± 13.415.4 ± 6.8F%OV02maxL.min-'15.2±12.321.7±12.716.6±11.515.7±13.411.9±9.8N=Men women)20(17)87(54)112(51)46(30)12(9)A stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between age and %OVO2max in both relative and absolute units, after adjusting for other parameters known to effect the training response. After adjusting for pre-training VO2max.(ml-kg-1-min-1) there was a significant negative correlation between OVO2max and age in both men (r = -0.31, p < 0.01) and women(r = -0.37, p < 0.01). When expressed as %OVO2max (L•min-1), the resultsrevealed the same age trend as that observed for the relative unit. Since the AVO2max after =3-5 months of training decreased as a function of age, this study supported the contention that training adaptations may be attenuated with increased age. / School of Physical Education