Initially, this research programme investigated training methods to improve strengthrelated material handling performance in the British Army. A widely used training programme was evaluated for its effectiveness in improving material handling, and found to provide some significant but small improvements. Modifications to the training programme, including the use of a large strength-training element, were devised based on prior research evidence. The modified training programme was evaluated and compared with the original programme, and shown to be significantly more effective at improving material handling. Any means to improve the effectiveness of strength training per se would further improve the effectiveness of the modified training programme. Consequently, a potential means to improve the effectiveness of strength training via postexercise nutritional supplementation was investigated. The encouraging but not statistically significant results suggested further research to evaluate the potential of the supplementation regimen and also to better illuminate the possible mechanisms. An evaluation of the hormonal and metabolic responses to varying combinations of resistance exercise and supplementation provided little additional evidence to support the effectiveness of the supplementation regimen. However, the likely mechanism of the effect that may exist was better identified as a direct effect of insulin or amino acid availability on muscle cell growth, rather than a reduction in circulating cortisol concentration.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:369339 |
| Date | January 2001 |
| Creators | Williams, Alun Gwyn |
| Publisher | University of Birmingham |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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