Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disorder and one of the leading causes of disability in elderly. Tai Chi is seen to be effective in relieving symptoms of OA knee joint. The main aim of this study is to design a Tai Chi program and a strength training program for the elderly with knee OA and to compare the effects of these programs on the range of motion, gait, pain and balance. 20 participants age 55 and over were divided into two groups (Tai Chi and Strength training) based on predetermined criteria. Both the groups showed improvement in WOMAC scores, balance and strength following Tai Chi and strength training intervention for 2 months.

The primary purpose of this thesis was to understand the relationship between the variation in athlete segment lengths (trunk, thigh, shank) and front squat depth as represented by maximum thigh segment rotation angle within the recommended guidelines. A validated segmental anthropometric model was used to simulate the effects of progressively altering thigh and trunk lengths on front squat depth. Both the thigh and trunk lengths were independently progressed through +/- 3 standard deviations, using the anthropometry collected from 41 athletes. This was done for simulated subjects of short (1.65 m for male and 1.55 m for females), average (1.82 m for male and 1.70 m for female), and tall (2.01 m for male and 1.87 m for females) statures. As thigh length increased, the ability to perform a full front squat (to a thigh depth of 180 degrees relative to the right horizontal) decreased. Conversely, as trunk length decreased, the ability to perform a full front squat decreased. The model was modified to progressively alter the thigh-to-trunk ratio from 0.8 to 1.2 for individuals of short, average and tall statures. Effects were similar for all heights for both males and females. Individuals with a thigh-to-trunk ratio above 1 were simulated to not be able to achieve a full front squat. This effect was greater in tall individuals, followed by average and then short. The ankle flexibility measured from the 41 athletes was run in simulations to determine its effects on front squat depth. For 25 of the athletes, the ankle flexibility did not allow their knees to pass the vertical plane of the toes. Flexibility constraints were removed from the model and the knees were moved to the vertical plane of the toes, 5 cm past, and 10 cm past. When the knees were allowed to move to the vertical projection of the toes, 8 athletes could not achieve a full front squat. When the knees were allowed to move 5 cm past the vertical projection of the toes, all athletes were predicted to be able to achieve a full front squat. When ankle flexibility was factored into the model, the results predicted that 16 athletes could not achieve a full front squat. The effects of ankle flexibility on front squat depth appeared to be influenced by the thigh-to-trunk ratio. Of the eight participants predicted not to be able to achieve a full front squat when the knees were allowed to reach the vertical projection of the toes, five had the largest thigh-to-trunk ratios. Athletes with a thigh-to-trunk ratio of 1 or greater may physically not be able to complete a full front squat according to the NSCA guidelines. It is however, more likely that the thigh-to-trunk ratio, which may limit the ability to achieve a full front squat, is significantly less than 1 when a trunk angle greater than 60 degrees is used. Furthermore, anterior knee translation initiated through rotation of the shank appears to be a strategy to maintain equilibrium at the end ranges of the front squat movement. It appears plausible that horizontal knee motion up to 5 cm past the vertical projection of the toes may allow athletes with large thigh-to-trunk ratios to reach full front squat depth and perhaps reduce loading on the low back. Additionally, ankle inflexibility may limit front squat depth.

Research has shown that lower limb asymmetries can negatively impact performance and risk of injury. However, there is little research on the effects of lower limb asymmetry on running performance, nor the effects of strength training on lower limb asymmetry in runners. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between jumping ability and asymmetry and long distance running performance, as well as to determine the performance effects a strength training program has on collegiate runners. Data from athlete monitoring of 10 collegiate distance runners and 6 sprinters were analyzed. Athletes (Distance Runners n = 10, Sprinters n = 6) performed static and countermovement jumps at two testing sessions separated by 21 weeks, during which, they participated in a block-periodized strength training program. The athletes were capable of maintaining a minimal amount of kinetic asymmetry during the jump tests and there were no statistically significant correlations between jump height, jump asymmetry, and cross-country race times. After the strength training intervention, the female distance runners significantly improved static jump height (p value = 0.045), countermovement jump height (p value = 0.015), countermovement jump asymmetry percentage (p value = 0.006), and body fat percentage (p value = 0.002). Although there were no other statistically significant changes, there were promising trends in many of the performance variables. These results indicate that there are potential benefits associated with strength training, and coaches should incorporate it into the overall programming for collegiate runners for injury prevention and enhanced performance.

Complex training (CT; alternating between heavy and lighter load resistance exercises with similar movement patterns within an exercise session) is a form of training that may potentially bring about a state of postactivation potentiation, resulting in increased dynamic power (P max) and rate of force development during the lighter load exercise. Such a method may be more effective than either modality, independently for developing strength. The purpose of this research was to compare the effects of resistance training (RT), plyometric training (PT), and CT on lower body strength and anthropometrics. Thirty recreationally trained college-aged men were trained using 1 of 3 methods: resistance, plyometric, or complex twice weekly for 6 weeks. The participants were tested pre, mid, and post to assess back squat strength, Romanian dead lift (RDL) strength, standing calf raise (SCR) strength, quadriceps girth, triceps surae girth, body mass, and body fat percentage. Diet was not controlled during this study. Statistical measures revealed a significant increase for squat strength (p = 0.000), RDL strength (p = 0.000), and SCR strength (p = 0.000) for all groups pre to post, with no differences between groups. There was also a main effect for time for girth measures of the quadricepsmuscle group (p = 0.001), the triceps surae muscle group (p = 0.001), and body mass (p = 0.001; post hoc revealed no significant difference). There were main effects for time and group × time interactions for fat-free mass % (RT: p = 0.031; PT: p = 0.000). The results suggest that CT mirrors benefits seen with traditional RT or PT. Moreover, CT revealed no decrement in strength and anthropometric values and appears to be a viable training modality.

Glycine-arginine-alpha-ketoisocaproic acid calcium (GAKIC) is an amino acid combination postulated to improve dynamic performance of skeletal muscle during acute, anaerobic exercise in healthy individuals. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the ergogenic effects of GAKIC ingestion on resistance training performance in both trained male and female participants. Methods: Utilizing a double-blinded, crossover design, male participants completed a lower body leg press resistance exercise protocol and female participants completed a lower body leg extension resistance exercise protocol once using 10.2 g GAKIC and the other with a placebo. Results: A significant increase in TLV after GAKIC supplementation was observed in both male and female participants performing a lower body resistance exercise. No significant differences were found in lower body 1RM, HR, BLa, and Glucose between conditions in both groups. Conclusion: We concluded with the specific exercise protocols that were implemented, GAKIC increased TLV in the lower body exercises.

Athletes of American football need the ability to stop, start, and reach top speed in an efficient manner. Football players on the defensive side of the ball require the skill of stopping a backward run and accelerating to a forward run. This action is termed the break. Football players receive year-round training in an effort to improve performance. Yet, many times, these athletes may not focus specifically on the muscular systems that are unique to the position they play. The law of specificity states that the more specific the training is for the action required, the more beneficial the outcome. This study utilized seventeen defensive players of a Division IA football team and compared the effect of two training programs on acceleration during the break. The first program was a standard conditioning program (SCP) for football players. The second program was the SCP combined with three ballistic-plyometric drills (BPD) designed to improve the acceleration of the break. The groups were pre tested and divided into either the SCP or the BPD using a matched pair ABBA procedure by position, from fastest to slowest. After six-weeks of training, the BPD group made a 24.9% (p<0.05) improvement in acceleration from 11.14 ± 0.43 m•sec2 to 13.78 ± 0.44 m•sec2. While the SCP group pre tested at 11.9 ± 0.41 m•sec2 and post tested at 12.42 ± 0.34 m•sec2 for a 6.3% change that was not statistically significant. We conclude that the addition of three specific ballistic-plyometric drills to a SCP will improve acceleration out of a break in American football players.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of six- and twelve-second time intervals of eccentric strength training among college males. Thirty-eight students were used in two experimental groups and one control group. Subjects in the two experimental groups trained three days a week for seven consecutive weeks and were required to perform two sets -of eccentric exercise with three repetitions in each set for either six- or twelve-second intervals, depending upon the experimental group assignment. Results indicated that there was a significant differ ence between the experimental groups' mean strength gain and that of the control group. There was no significant difference between the two experimental groups.

BACKGROUND: Exercise is an established treatment to alleviate pain and improve function among adults with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). However, long-term adherence to exercise is poor and effective approaches to support adherence are limited. The objective of this dissertation was to 'gain a new look' into long-term exercise adherence. With study #1, the experiences of participants in the Boston Overcoming Osteoarthritis through Strength Training (BOOST) study, were explored to identify participants' experiences, feelings and perspectives with exercise over 2-years and factors that influenced adherence to a prescribed exercise program after 2 years. With study #2, we examined if kinesiophobia: i) was associated with physical performance measures, ii) improved after a 6-week exercise program and iii) change was associated with change in pain and function among adults with KOA. METHODS: Participants of both studies completed a 6-week exercise program. For study #1 all participants received an automated telephone reminder to continue with their exercises and complete their logs, in addition, those randomized into the intervention group received a motivational computer adaptive telephone program. Participants were purposively sampled and in-depth interviews were conducted at the 2-year assessment. For study #2, data analysis was conducted prior to randomization with a sample of participants who completed the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) questionnaire. Additional data included stair negotiation, 5 and 10 time sit-to-stand, and timed-up-and go tests. RESULTS: Study #1: Three themes were identified describing beliefs about exercise: i) monitoring, ii) knowledge of how to manage exercise behaviors, and iii) benefits of exercise. Those who reported high-adherence exhibited self-determination and self-efficacy, those who reported low-adherence expressed ambivalence about the benefits of exercise and a desire for more social support. Participants valued monitoring by peers and instructors during the exercise class and telephone technology. Study #2: Higher TSK was associated with slower stair and 5 time sit-to-stand times. TSK decreased after the exercise class but did not attain statistical significance. Change in TSK was associated with change in self-report physical function. CONCLUSIONS: Future research on the use of telephone technology and importance of self-determination and kinesiophobia on exercise adherence among adults with KOA is warranted.

There is conflict between recognized Strength and Conditioning professionals and organizations regarding the most effective methods of teaching the power clean weight training exercise. The area of greatest conflict is related to the effectiveness of whether to specifically introduce and segmentally practice the Double Knee Bend technique or not. Sixty collegiate football players with novice power clean experience were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) a group in which the double knee bend technique was taught and practiced segmentally (DKB); (2) a group which was instructed in the same way as the DKB group except that the double knee bend was not specifically taught or practiced segmentally(NDKB), and (3) a control group (CG) which was exposed to an orientation session similar to the first two groups, but was not specifically instructed in the power clean technique. Subjects in all three groups were video taped performing the power clean with a standardized weight both prior to and following a seven week training session. Each video taped trial was randomly assigned to an expert reviewer for qualitative analysis in a blind review. Reviewers rated the three upward movement phases as well as the total upward movement phase of the lift using a published check list and rated the performance from one to five with five being the best technique. The result of the ANOVA and a Scheefe test showed that the two treatment groups both demonstrated significant improvement pre to post test in the power clean technique p<0.01. The control group did not significantly improve over the course of the same training period. In comparing the two treatment groups, the between groups analysis (DKB) and (NDKB) were not significantly different. These results suggest that the double knee technique does not need to be specifically taught or segmentally practiced in order to improve power clean technique among college football players with novice power clean experience. / Ed. D.

It has been observed that the normal process of aging is associated with a decline in muscle strength and mass. It has also been observed that total body potassium and intracellular water (ICW) decrease with age, reflecting a loss of body cell mass (BCM), 60% of which is the skeletal muscle. It is generally accepted that traditional high-intensity strength training (ST) regimens can not only attenuate, but in some cases, reverse some of these aging-related changes. Periodization, a nontraditional approach to strength training, has been demonstrated to stimulate more rapid increases in muscle strength than traditional approaches in young adults; however, it has not been comprehensively evaluated in postmenopausal women. Investigators have consistently reported an increase in muscle strength in older adults undergoing both short- and long-term traditional ST programs. It is fairly well accepted that early increases in muscle strength are attributable to neurologic adaptations. There has been less consistency in the literature regarding the timing and nature of changes in muscle quality and mass with ST. Although several investigators have reported increased muscle protein synthesis rates as early as 2 weeks after ST initiation in older adults, the majority of published reports support the notion that significant NET gains in intracellular protein, and thus, gains in muscle mass/volume/hypertrophy do not occur before 9-10 weeks. Changes in intracellular water, which would be expected to occur with changes in intracellular protein, have not been studied during short-term ST interventions in older adults. Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) has been validated as a field technique to accurately measure ICW (and BCM) changes in HIV infected individuals. The primary aim of the current study was to determine if muscle strength would increase in postmenopausal women undergoing a novel (periodized) ST intervention of 10 weeks duration. A secondary aim was to determine if BIS would detect a change in ICW in the study subjects from baseline to study conclusion. Study participants were eleven, healthy postmenopausal women between the ages of 60 and 74 (mean age: 65 ± 4.4 y) who had not engaged in ST in the six months preceding the study. ICW and muscle strength were assessed at baseline and at study conclusion. The ST program was conducted twice a week for 10 weeks at the Senior Center in Blacksburg, VA. Participants performed seven different exercises incorporating upper body and lower body muscle groups. The women performed one set of 8-12 repetitions at an intensity of 80% of one repetition maximum (1 RM) the first week, progressing to 2 sets of 8-12 repetitions at the same intensity during the second week. The remaining weeks consisted of three sets of 8-12 repetitions, performed at an intensity of 80%, 75%, and 70% of their current 1 RM, respectively. One RM was reassessed every other week. The major result from this study was that muscle strength of all trained muscle groups increased in postmenopausal women undergoing 10 weeks of pyramid ST (P<0.05). In addition, the pyramid ST protocol utilized in this study was well-tolerated and resulted in no injuries in any of the older women in the study, indicating that this approach may be used safely in this population. Mean ICW measured by the field method BIS did not change over the course of the study. This result was consistent with other published data reporting no changes in lean body mass or muscle volume/area by more sophisticated techniques. / Master of Science