Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between intensity of physical activity and body composition in 239 young adult women. Methods: This study was cross-sectional. Participants were recruited from October 2009 to December 2011 and included women from 36 different states and 6 different countries. Physical activity was objectively measured using accelerometers worn for seven days. Body composition was measured using the BOD POD. Height, weight, and circumferences were assessed. Results: Participant's mean age was 20.6±1.6 years. Their mean BMI was 22.6±3.0 kg/m2 and mean body fat percentage was 26.4±6.3 %. Average total activity counts per day were 387,560 ± 172,000, with 61.6±22.5 min per day spent in MVPA, 169.4±43 min per day in light activity, 55.6±19 min per day in moderate activity, and 6±9.2 min per day in vigorous activity. Total activity counts per day were inversely correlated with body fat (r = -0.17, p = 0.007). Light activity was positively correlated with both BMI (r = 0.17, p = 0.007) and waist circumference (r = 0.15, p = 0.0164). Moderate activity was inversely associated with body fat (r = -0.18, p = 0.0051) and hip circumference (r = -0.12, p = 0.0459). MVPA was inversely associated with body fat (r = -0.19, p = 0.0026) and hip circumference (r = -0.14, p = 0.0291). Vigorous physical activity was inversely related to body fat (r = -0.20, p = 0.0023). Using stepwise regression, the best predictor of body fat was time spent in vigorous PA (F = 9.45, p = 0.0024). The best predictor of BMI was light activity per day, which was positively correlated with BMI (F = 7.5, p = 0.0066) followed by moderate activity per day which was negatively correlated (F = 4.25, p = 0.0403). Young adult women who spent no time performing vigorous PA had significantly higher body fat percentages than women who performed some vigorous PA. Young adult women who spent less than 30 minutes per day in MVPA had significantly higher body fat percentages and BMIs than those who obtained more than 30 minutes per day. For every 10 minutes spent in MVPA per day, the odds of being obese by body fat decreased by 33%. Conclusion: Vigorous PA and MVPA appear to be the most important aspects of PA associated with lower body fat and BMI levels. Young adult women should be encouraged to obtain at least 30 minutes of MVPA per day.

Therapeutic ultrasound is a deep heating modality often used to produce vigorous heating (≥4°C Δ) in tissues. The vigorous heating effects of 3 MHz therapeutic ultrasound have only been tested to a 2.5 cm depth, but its maximal depth of producing vigorous heating has yet to be established. Objective: To investigate the tissue temperature change produced by a 3 MHz ultrasound treatment at depths of 3 and 3.5 cm in the human triceps surae muscle group. Design: Randomized control design. Setting: Therapeutic modalities research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Twenty healthy college-aged participants (male = 13, female = 7; age = 23.4 ± 1.31; calf subcutaneous fat thickness= 0.6 cm ± 0.2 cm). Participants were randomized into treatment (n = 15) and sham (n = 5) groups. Participants were blinded to their group assignment. Interventions: Two MT-26/6 needle thermocouples were inserted into the left posterior triceps surae at depths of 3.0 ± 0.1cm and 3.5 ± 0.1cm from the skin's surface. Participants in the treatment group received a continuous 3 MHz ultrasound treatment at 1.4 W/cm2 for 8 minutes with 10mL of 100% ultrasound gel as a coupling medium. Participants in the sham group received the same treatment parameters, but the ultrasound device was not turned on. The Omnisound 3000 ultrasound device (ERA = 4.2cm2, BNR = 3.0:1) was used for all treatments. A 15 cm2 template was used to ensure a constant and proper treatment size. Baseline temperature (TB) was established by taking a mean of intramuscular tissue temperature (TIM)for five minutes before the treatment and TIM were recorded every 10 seconds throughout the experiment session. Participants marked a visual analog scale (VAS) indicating heat sensation at pre-treatment and post-treatment. Main Outcome Measures: A 2 x 2 x 2 (probe depth x condition x time) ANCOVA with TB used as a covariate analyzed the difference in TIM. We only used the time points of baseline and final TIM for our analysis as we are only interested in the change in TIM from beginning to end of the ultrasound treatment. Descriptive statistics for TIM and VAS for heat sensation were computed as post-treatment minus pre-treatment for each condition and probe depth. Results: There was a significant difference in TIM between the conditions at the different probe depths from the beginning and end of the ultrasound treatment (F1,15 = 7.35, p = 0.016). The mean changes in TIM for each condition at each probe depth were: sham 3cm = -0.4 ± 0.3°C, sham, 3.5cm = -0.2 ± 0.3°C, treatment, 3cm = 4.4 ± 0.2°C, treatment, 3.5cm = 3.5 ± 0.2°C. Mean VAS scores for each group were: sham = 0 ± 0mm and treatment = 71.8 ± 11.8mm. Conclusions: At 3cm deep into the posterior calf, the Omnisound 3000 using a 3 MHz treatment produced vigorous heating (≥4°C Δ). Moderate heating (2-3°C Δ) occurred at 3.5cm deep into the calf. Three MHz ultrasound may be used to heat tissues deeper than previously theorized, but it does, however, create a moderately high level of heat sensation for the patient.

The 52 kDa intermediate filament protein desmin plays an important role in force transmission in skeletal muscle by connecting myofibrils at Z-lines and to the sarcolemma. Desmin content in muscle adapts to contractile activity and may be involved in cellular signaling mechanisms responsible for muscle growth. Purpose: To compare signaling responses of the mTOR pathway in wild type (WT) vs desmin knock out (KO) mice. Methods: WT (n=12) and KO (n=12) mice were exposed to high frequency electric stimulation of the left hindlimb to elicit an acute response of the mTOR pathway. Non-stimulated right hindlimbs were used as a within animal control. Right and left TA and EDL muscles were dissected 30 min post-stimulation and examined for changes in mTOR, 4E-BP1 and p70S6K. Results: Relative to WT control samples, total mTOR and total 4E-BP1 content was higher in KO control samples. Electrical stimulation resulted in an increase p70S6K phosphorylation in WT and KO animals however there was no difference between the groups. 4E-BP1 phosphorylation was increased in WT but not KO following electrical stimulation. There was no change in mTOR phosphorylation in response to stimulation in WT or KO. Conclusion: The absence of desmin in skeletal muscle does not impair the phosphorylation of p70S6K demonstrating that a tensile load on the muscle will likely result in an increase in protein synthesis. Elevated levels of total mTOR and 4E-BP1 may imply an adaptation to increase sensitivity to growth stimuli in the muscle.

The purpose of this study was to develop a personalized step test and a valid regression model that used non-exercise data and data collected during the step test to estimate VO2max in males and females 18 to 30 years of age. All participants (N= 80) successfully completed a step test with the starting step rate and step height being determined by the self-reported perceived functional ability (PFA) score and participant's height, respectively. All participants completed a maximal graded exercise test (GXT) to measure VO2max. Multiple linear regression analysis yielded the following equation (R = 0.90, SEE = 3.43 mL/kg/min): 45.938 + 9.253(G) - 0.140(KG) + 0.670(PFA) + 0.429(FSR) - 0.149(45sRHR) to predict VO2max (mL/kg/min) where: G is gender (0=female;1=male), KG is body mass in kg, PFA is the sum of the two PFA questions, FSR is the final step rate (step-ups/min), and 45sRHR is the recovery heart rate 45 seconds following the conclusion of the step test. Each independent variable was significant (p < 0.05) in predicting VO2max and the resulting regression equation accounted for roughly 83% (R2=0.8281) of the shared variance of measured VO2max. Based on the standardized B-weights, gender (0.606) explained the largest proportion of variance in VO2max values followed by PFA (0.315), body mass (-0.256), FSR (-0.248), and the 45sRHR (-0.238). The cross validation statistics (RPRESS = 0.88, SEEPRESS = 3.57 (mL/kg/min-1) show minimal shrinkage in the accuracy of the regression model. This study presents a relatively accurate model to predict VO2max from a submaximal step test that is convenient, easy to administer, and individualized.

Research surrounding the steeplechase is scarce, with most research focusing primarily on how biomechanical factors relate to maintaining running speed while crossing barriers. One area that has not been well explored is the relationship between biomechanical factors and hurdling economy. The purpose of this study was to investigate how performance times and biomechanical variables relate to hurdling economy during the steeplechase. This was accomplished by measuring running economy of collegiate and professional steeplechasers while running with and without hurdles. Biomechanical measures of approach velocity, take-off distance, clearance height, and lead knee extension while hurdling, as well as steeplechase performance times were correlated to a ratio of running economy with and without hurdles. Results indicated no correlation between steeplechase performance time and the ratio of running economy during the hurdle and non-hurdle laps. Results also indicated no correlation between the aforementioned biomechanical variables and ratio of running economy during the hurdle and non-hurdle laps. Increasing approach velocity did not negatively affect running economy. Steeplechasers may continue to increase approach velocity without hurting their economy or performance times.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the functional movement screen (FMS) and a battery of stabilization, balance, and athletic performance assessments, including time to stabilization (TTS), Davies test (DT), Y-Balance test (YBT), and maximum vertical jump (VJ). Sixty-one healthy individuals (32 males, 29 females; age: 22.4 ± 2.7 yr; height: 174.4 ± 10.4 cm, body mass: 74.0 ± 18.8 kg), successfully performed the FMS and the accompanying comparison tests. Correlations were generated between the FMS and TTS, DT, YBT, and VJ (including both unilateral and bilateral assessments) using the R Project for Statistical Computing, with statistical significance set at p < .001 to minimize alpha inflation. Weak correlations were generated between participants' total FMS score (summed from the 7 FMS assessments) and the TTS-left side (r = -.43; p < 0.001), TTS-right side (r = -.35; p<0.006), DT (r = .54; p < 0.0001), and VJ (r = .33; p = 0.101). Moderately strong correlations were generated between total FMS scores and the YBT-left side (r = .69; p < 0.0001) and YBT-right side (r = .70; p < 0.0001). Similar weak significant correlations were generated when comparing the scores of each individual FMS screen with the TTS, DT, YBT, and VJ. Of these, the highest correlations were between the in-line lunge-left side and the YBT-left side (r = .72; p ≤ 0. 001); the in-line lunge-left side and YBT-right side (r = .75; p ≤ 0.001); the trunk stability push-up and VJ (r = .60; p < 0.0001); and the active straight leg raise-left side and TTS-left side (r = -.46; p < 0.0001). In summary, mostly weak correlations were found between the FMS (involving total or individual scores) and the comparison assessments employed in this study. More rigorous investigations are now warranted to determine the causality of these relationships and how the FMS might be applied to activity of daily living, athletic performance, and injury prevention.

Background -- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a primary premature killer of adults and risk of CVD has been linked to modifiable risk factors including dietary intake. Many diet assessment tools are costly, time consuming, and complicated. This study investigated the relationship between diet quality and cardiovascular disease risk as indicated by carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) using a validated, simple, self-administered rapid food screener. Methods -- Participants were 51 male and 33 female older adults with an average age of 67 years. Carotid intima-media thickness was assessed using B-mode high resolution diagnostic ultrasound. Unhealthy and healthy diet intake was assessed using a validated 22-item rapid food screener. Data on other potentially confounding variables were also collected and included blood lipid profile, BMI, and resting blood pressure. Results -- Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant relationship for the unhealthy diet pattern and cIMT for both average and maximum region cIMT (r = 0.218, p = .023; r = 0.197, p = .037 respectively). There were no significant correlations related to the healthy diet pattern. ANOVA results did indicate significant differences in cIMT means (average cIMT and maximum region cIMT) when highest intakes of fruits and vegetables were compared with lowest intakes (average cIMT, (F (1,30) 4.54, p = .041; maximum region cIMT, (F (1,30) 5.41, p = .027). Average cIMT was 0.729mm vs 0.853mm respectively for highest vs lowest fruit and vegetable intake. Maximum region cIMT was 0.864mm vs 1.023mm when comparing highest vs lowest fruit and vegetable consumers. Conclusion -- Results of this study are similar to other studies that have indicated a relationship between diet and CVD/cIMT. Dietary intakes in the present study were assessed with an easy to use, self-administered rapid food screener. This is an important aspect of the study considering previous studies have used lengthier, complicated, time intensive tools. Because the rapid food screener can be self-administered and is inexpensive it may be used as an indicator of CVD /cIMT risk by health promotion professionals and even individuals themselves.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Objectives: To determine the time course of dexamethasone sodium phosphate (Dex-P) iontophoresis delivery to underlying tissues using microdialysis. Background: The efficacy of iontophoresis at delivering Dex-P through the skin is unknown in humans because of the lack of minimally invasive measurement techniques. Methods: Sixty-four healthy male participants (age = 24.4 ± 3.3 yrs, height = 71.8 ± 2.5 in, weight = 181.8 ± 26.1 lbs) were randomly assigned into one of six groups: 1) 1 mA current, 1 mm probes depth ; 2) 1 mA current, 4 mm probes depth; 3) 2 mA current, 1 mm probes depth; 4) 2 mA current, 4 mm probes depth; 5) in vivo retrodialysis; and 6) skin perfusion flowmetry. Microdialysis probes assess the combined recovery (Dextotal) of Dex-P, dexamethasone (Dex) and its metabolite. In vivo calibration of the microdialysis probes occurred via retrodialysis. Laser Doppler flowmetry assessed skin perfusion. Results: There was no difference of Dextotal between current intensities (P = 0.99) but a greater amount of Dextotal was recovered by the 1 mm probe (P < 0.0001) compared to the 4 mm probe. Peak means for the 1 and 2 mA at 1 mm were 10.8 ± 8.1 and 7.7 ± 5.5 μg/ml and at 4mm being 2.0 ± 0.8 and 1.3 ± 0.9 μg/ml, respectively. Skin perfusion rapidly increased during both current intensity treatments, but significantly decreased before the conclusion of the 1 mA treatment (P < 0.0001). Peak skin perfusion was 741.4 ± 408.7% and 711.6 ± 260.8% baseline for 1 and 2 mA intensities, respectively. Conclusion: Iontophoresis delivery of Dex-P was successful measured in vivo through human skin. Significant concentrations of Dextotal were found regardless of current intensity. Though current induced vasodilation occurred, it did not significantly affect the tissue accumulation of Dextotal.

Background: PostureScreen Mobile® is an app created to quickly screen posture using front and side-view photographs. There is currently a lack of evidence that establishes PostureScreen Mobile® (PSM) as a valid measure of posture. Therefore, the purpose of this preliminary study was to document the validity and reliability of PostureScreen Mobile® in assessing static standing posture. Methods: This study was an experimental trial in which the posture of 50 male participants was assessed a total of six times using two different methods: PostureScreen Mobile® and Vicon 3D motion analysis system (VIC). Postural deviations, as measured during six trials of PSM assessments (3 trials with and 3 trials without anatomical markers), were compared to the postural deviations as measured using the VIC as the criterion measure. Measurement of lateral displacement on the x-axis (shift) and rotation on the y-axis (tilt) were made of the head, shoulders, and hips in the frontal plane. Measurement of forward/rearward displacement on the Z-axis (shift) of the head, shoulders, hips, and knees were made in the sagittal plane. Validity was evaluated by comparing the PSM measurements of shift and tilt of each body part to that of the VIC. Reliability was evaluated by comparing the variance of PSM measurements to the variance of VIC measurements. The statistical model employed the Bayesian framework and consisted of the scaled product of the likelihood of the data given the parameters and prior probability densities for each of the parameters. Results: PSM tended to overestimate VIC postural tilt and shift measurements in the frontal plane and underestimate VIC postural shift measurements in the sagittal plane. Use of anatomical markers did not universally improve postural measurements with PSM, and in most cases, the variance of postural measurements using PSM exceeded that of VIC. The patterns in the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) suggest high trial-to-trial variation in posture. Conclusions: We conclude that until research further establishes the validity and reliability of the PSM app, it should not be used in research or clinical applications when accurate postural assessments are necessary or when serial measurements of posture will be performed. We suggest that the PSM be used by health and fitness professionals as a screening tool, as described by the manufacturer. Due to the suspected trial-to-trial variation in posture, we question the usefulness of a single postural assessment.

Purpose: The present investigation was conducted to assess the relationship between television viewing time and cardiorespiratory fitness. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Intermountain West. Participants: 302 middle-aged women. Method: TV viewing was assessed using a questionnaire. Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured using a maximal graded treadmill test. Physical activity (PA) was evaluated using Actigraph accelerometers worn over seven consecutive days, while body fat percentage (BF%) was measured using air displacement plethysmography (Bod Pod). Results: (Mean ± SD) age: 40.2 ± 3.0 years. VO2max of the frequent (≥ 3hrs/day) TV group (32.6 ± 6.4) was significantly lower than both the moderate (1-2 hrs/day) (36.2 ± 7.2) and infrequent (<1hr/day) (36.5 ± 6.5) TV groups (F = 8.0, P = 0.0004). The infrequent and moderate groups did not differ significantly from each other. Differences in age, education, BMI, and season of assessment had no influence on the relationship when controlled individually. Adjusting for differences in physical activity (F = 4.2, P = 0.0157) weakened the relationship by 59.4%, and adjusting for differences in BF% (F = 5.0, P = 0.0071) weakened the association by 58.5%, but in both cases, the relationships remained significant. After controlling for both PA and BF% simultaneously (F = 2.9, P = 0.0572), the relationship was weakened by 80.7% and was only borderline significant. Conclusion: Frequent female TV viewers have significantly lower cardiorespiratory fitness levels than moderate or infrequent viewers. This association appears to be largely a function of differences in both PA and BF%.