The Effects on Acute Power Production Enhancement and Maintenance due to Pre-workout Supplementation in Recreationally trained College Aged Males.

Introduction: The current research in power production has shown the use of pre-workout supplements to increase peak power production, but the current research has not yet been able to delve in to the effectiveness of pre-workout supplementation on maintaining power production. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects on acute power production enhancement and maintenance due to supplementation in recreationally trained college aged individuals. Methods: Data was collected from 13 recreationally trained, college-aged males in a double-blind crossover study. After a familiarization sessions subjects participated in three testing sessions utilizing a cross over double blind design (Supplement, Placebo+Caffeine and Placebo). Subjects arrived and ingested their beverage and after waiting 20 minutes performed a warm up and then vertical jump testing (5 jumps). Subjects then performed ten bike sprints utilizing a Monark ergo bike, with each subject’s resistance being 7.5% of their body weight in kg. Each sprint last 5 seconds with a 55 second recovery. Subjects then performed another round of vertical jumps utilizing a Vertec. Blood lactate samples were taken both before the Wingate protocol and after. Each subject’s perceived level of energy, focus, fatigue and anxiety/restlessness was self reported on a visual analog scale (VAS) once upon arrival, 20 minutes after ingestion of the treatment, and after the completion of the Wingate protocol. Results: Age: 23.3+4.2 (years), Height, 69+2.9 (inches); Weight, 199.6+33.9 (pounds); Body Fat, 21.6+8.9 (%); Fat Free Mass, 155.2+23.5 (pounds); and Reach, 87.2+4.5 (inches). The supplement treatment resulted in the highest average maximum (Supp: 783.1+155.7, PL+Caff: 769.8+166.5, PL: 778.2+165.8) and mean (Supp: 705+143.7, PL+Caff: 694.6+157.2, PL: 702.1+153.6) power outputs during the Wingate protocol. The results from the lactate test were F (1, 36) = 121.942 p\u3c0.0001, post hoc utilizing LSD resulted in significance (P=0.029), in that the placebo + caffeine treatment showed an higher increase in pre to post Wingate lactate compared to the other two treatments. VAS results showed the supplement treatment resulted in a higher average level of perceived energy and focus, as well as a lower average level of perceived fatigue both 20 minutes after ingestion of the treatments and after the Wingate bike test compared to the subject’s arrival for testing. Discussion: The results suggest the pre-workout supplement, Assault Black, may increase an individual’s average maximum and average mean power production during acute, high intensity physical activity. The results also suggest the supplement provides an increase in an individual’s average feeling of energy and focus as well as lowers the individual’s average level of fatigue. Even though the increases are not statistical significant during this acute study, these increases in performance, even though small, can possibly accumulate over time, adding up to larger performance increases with time

AN EXAMINATION OF THE EFFECTS OF BILATERAL AND UNILATERAL VERY SHORT-TERM DCER TRAINING ON STRENGTH AND NEUROMUSCULAR RESPONSES WITHIN THE LOWER LIMB BILATERAL DEFICIT

The very short-term resistance training (VST) model, utilizing only 2-3 training sessions, has been used to examine early phase skeletal muscle, neural, and performance adaptations. The VST model has previously been used to examine these early phase adaptations in bilateral and unilateral, isometric, isokinetic, and dynamic muscle actions in the limbs of the upper- and lower-body. The bilateral deficit (BLD) is a phenomenon in which the sum of the forces produced unilaterally is greater than the force produced bilaterally during maximal contraction of the limbs. The appearance of a bilateral deficit has been be related to various factors; including training status and mode of training (bilateral versus reciprocal muscle actions). No previous study, however, has examined the effects of VST on the BLD. The VST model has potential implications for examining acute changes in strength and neuromuscular responses of the trained muscles. These adaptations, however, may be specific to unilateral or bilateral training. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to: 1) examine one repetition maximum (1RM) strength and neuromuscular responses (EMG AMP, EMG MPF, MMG AMP, MMG MPF) during the measurement of bilateral and unilateral leg extension exercise before and after dynamic constant external resistance (DCER) VST; 2) examine the magnitude of the BLD; 3) examine the effect of bilateral versus unilateral training on the BLD; and 4) use the neuromuscular responses measured bilaterally and unilaterally to infer about the motor unit activation strategies that may underlie the BLD and changes in 1RM strength. Twenty-four (14 males, 10 females) subjects (mean ± SD age: 23.0 ± 3.2 yr; height: 174.7 ± 8.5 cm; body mass: 75.4 ± 14.1 kg) with no resistance training experience within the last three months were randomly assigned to either the bilateral (BL) training group or the unilateral (UL) training group. The subjects completed a total of seven visits, consisting of a familiarization, pre-test visit, three training visits, and one post-test visit. The pre-test visit was used to record the subject’s electromyographic (EMG) and mechanomyographic (MMG) responses from the right and left vastus lateralis (VL) during bilateral and unilateral seated maximum isometric voluntary contractions (MVIC) and 1RM. Visits four through six were the training sessions, with each subject preforming 5 sets of 6 repetitions utilizing 65% of the 1RM for resistance where the BL group trained both limbs (right and left) at the same time and the UL group trained both limbs separately. Visit seven was the post-test and the same testing procedures as the pre-test visit were followed. Statistical analyses consisted of four-way and three-way mixed model ANOVAs, with follow up three-, two- and one-way repeated measures and/or mixed model ANOVAs, Bonferroni corrected paired, and independent samples t-tests when appropriate. An alpha level of P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all ANOVAs. The BL group demonstrated a significant increase (p = 0.006; 6.8%) in BL1RM pre- to post-test, but no change in unilateral summed (US1RM = right + left limb; p = 0.726) 1RM strength. The UL group demonstrated an 8.7% increase in BL strength collapsed across testing mode (BL1RM and US1RM) (p = 0.0001) and UL strength (p = 0.0001) collapsed across limb (UL left + UL right/2) from pre- to post-test. The BL group had a significant (p = 0.001) increase in the BI (indicating a decrease in the BLD) from pre- to post-test, but there was no significant change for the UL group. The BL group demonstrated a significant (p = 0.029) decrease in the EMG mean power frequency (MPF) measurement pre- to post-test, however the UL group showed no change. The unilateral movement, collapsed across limbs (unilateral left and unilateral right) also showed a significant (p = 0.022) decrease in the MMG MPF measurement pre- to post-test, whereas the BL movement showed no change. These findings indicated that BL and UL DCER training increased strength after 3 training sessions. The bilateral DCER training resulted in bilateral, but not unilateral strength increases and unilateral DCER training resulting in both bilateral and unilateral strength increases. However, bilateral training was the only mode of training that significantly decreased the BLD

Examination of How the Body Composition of a Female, Collegiate Softball Player Changes Over the Course of a Season and Relationships to Position on the Field.

Body composition is an important metric for general health and athletic performance. Currently there is a lack of research linking body composition to performance in collegiate Softball. Purpose: To examine how the body composition of collegiate softball players changes over the course of a season. Methods: The body composition of 18 female collegiate softball players was collected using a BodPod (COSMED USA, INC, Concord, CA). The subjects were tested on four occasions; September, November, January and March. The subjects body fat % (BF%), lean body mass (LBM) and total body weight (BW) where collected and tracked during the course of the study. Results: Height was 66.9±2.34 inches (height for position 66.1±2.37” and 67.8±2.11” for battery). Difference of mean BF% from the first to fourth test was 0.30%±2.94 (Team), -0.05%±2.41 (Field) and 0.66%±3.49 (Battery). Difference of mean BW, from the first to fourth test was 2.46±6.14lbs. (Team), 1.16±4.53lbs. (Field) and 3.76±7.47lbs. (Battery). The difference of mean LBM from the first to fourth test was 1.33±2.37lbs. (Team), 0.88±3.03lbs. (Field) and 1.79±1.52lbs. (Battery). RMANOVA found a significance difference in BW over the four time points in relation to class (P=.014) and position (P=.042). LBM also shown a significant effect the Battery position and the freshman class. Discussion: This data shows that the body composition of female, collegiate softball players does change over the course of a season. There was a significant relationship to change based on the players’ position as well as a significant relationship based on the players’ class. Further research is needed to examine the effects of body composition on the performance of female athletes.https://encompass.eku.edu/swps_graduategallery/1022/thumbnail.jp

Examination of how the body composition of a female, collegiate softball player changes over the course of a season and relationships to position on the field.

Introduction: Body composition is an important metric for general health and athletic performance. Currently there is a lack of research linking body composition to performance in collegiate Softball. Purpose: To examine how the body composition of collegiate softball players changes over the course of a season. Methods: The body composition of 18 female collegiate softball players was collected using a BodPod (COSMED USA, INC, Concord, CA). The subjects were tested on three occasions; September, November, and January. The subjects body fat % (BF%), lean body mass (LBM) and total body weight (BW) where collected and tracked during the course of the study. Results: Height was 66.9±2.34 (height for position 66.1±2.37” and 67.8±2.11” for battery). Difference of mean BF% from the first to third test was 0.84%+2.39 (team), 0.63%+1.12 (field) and 1.06%+2.32 (battery). Difference of mean BW, from the first to third test was 3.83+6.26lbs. (team), 1.81+2.76lbs. (field) and 5.85+6.39lbs. (battery). The difference of mean LBM from the first to third test was 1.54+3.5lbs. (team), 0.39+4.08lbs. (field) and 2.7+2.54lbs. (battery). RMANOVA found a significance difference in BF% over the three time points (p=.018). Time was also shown to have a significance effect on BW by class, however not by position. Discussion: This data shows that the body composition of female, collegiate softball players does change over the course of a season. There was no significant relationship to change based on the players’ position, but a significant relationship based on the players’ class was observed

Effects of Supplementation of a Preworkout on Power Maintenance in Lower Body and Upper Body Tasks

The current research shows how the use of a pre-workout, performance-enhancing supplement may improve peak power production acutely, but little for prolonged effects. Purpose: to investigate the effects of supplementation on power production and maintenance upper and lower body tasks. Methods: 23 males (22.9 ± 3.6 yrs, 175.6 ± 6.5 cm, 86.9 ± 15.1 kg, 19.1 ± 8.4 BF%) were familiarized with testing protocol and maximal bench press performances were attained. (109.1 ± 34.0kg) Utilizing a double blind crossover design, subjects completed three trials of: five countermovement vertical jumps, before and after a high-intensity cycle sprint protocol, which consisted of ten maximal, 5 second cycle ergometer sprints, utilizing 7.5% of the subject’s body weight as resistance, with 55 sec of recovery between each sprint. Twenty minutes prior to each trial, the subjects ingested, in a randomized order, Assault Black [Supp], Placebo+300 mg Caffeine [PL+Caff] or a Placebo [PL]). Peak power (PP), mean power (MP) and minimum power (MNP) were recorded for each sprint. Subjects performed a velocity bench press test, utilizing 80% of their predetermined 1RM for 10 sets of 3 repetitions for maximal speed, with one-minute rest between each set. Maximal velocity from each set was recorded. Bike sprint and bench press data were normalized to the placebo trial for analysis. Blood lactate [bLa-] was measured immediately prior to each testing session, within 2 minutes of the completion of the last cycle sprint and following the bench press test. Results: Wingate testing showed no significant differences through the testing sessions. In the bench press, peak velocity was higher with both the Supp and PL+Caff treatments compared with placebo group (1.09±.17 Supp, 1.10±.16 PL+caff, and 1±0 PL, pConclusions: Supplementation with Assault Black or placebo with caffeine showed positive benefits in performance, specifically in velocity for the bench press

Examination of Relationships Among Body Composition and In-Season Offensive Performance in Collegiate Softball Players

In sports performance assessments, body composition can often be over emphasized by coaches and peers. Currently, there are limited data examining the relationship among measures of body composition and performance in collegiate softball players. Purpose: This study examined the relationships among body composition and athlete performance metrics from a single competitive season in collegiate softball players. Methods: Female student athletes from a Division I, collegiate softball team (n = 13, Age 20.1±1.1 years, Height 169.7±5.3 cm, Body Mass 74.9±10.9 kg, Body Fat%, 27.2±7.3, Fat Free Mass, 53.5±4.6 kg) were analyzed for body composition utilizing a Bod Pod (COSMED USA, INC., Concord, CA). The relationships among measures of body composition (fat free mass percentage (FFM%), body fat percentage (BF%), and body mass (BM) and the athlete’s offensive performance metrics from the 2015 season were examined using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients (p ≤ 0.05). Offensive performance metrics examined included slugging percentage (SLG%), batting average (BA), on base percentage (OBP), number of hits (H), number of homeruns (HR), runs batting in (RBI), and total bases (TB). Results: There were no statistically significant (p \u3e 0.05) relationships among the body composition measures and offensive performance metrics. The strongest relationships were between FFM% and H (r= 0.47); BM and AVG (r= -0.42); BM and H (r= -0.48); BF% and H (r= -0.51); BF% and TB (r= -0.41). Conclusions: In this sample of collegiate softball players, body composition was not significantly related to offensive performance metrics. Although increased body composition measurements in BM and BF% were shown to have a negative relationship with offensive performance metrics, and increases in FFM% were shown to have an a positive relationship with offensive performance metrics, none of these relationships were statistically significant. Future research should examine this trend beyond one season of offensive performance metrics. It would also be beneficial to examine the body composition relationships and changes based on the athlete’s position and track changes in body composition throughout the athlete’s collegiate career to examine how these changes may affect in-season performance metrics

Examination of Relationships Among Body Composition and In-Season Offensive Performance in Collegiate Softball Players

In sports performance assessments, body composition can often be over emphasized by coaches and peers. Currently, there are limited data examining the relationship among measures of body composition and performance in collegiate softball players. Purpose: This study examined the relationships among body composition and athlete performance metrics from a single competitive season in collegiate softball players. Methods: Female student athletes from a Division I, collegiate softball team (n = 13, Age 20.1±1.1 years, Height 169.7±5.3 cm, Body Mass 74.9±10.9 kg, Body Fat%, 27.2±7.3, Fat Free Mass, 53.5±4.6 kg) were analyzed for body composition utilizing a Bod Pod (COSMED USA, INC., Concord, CA). The relationships among measures of body composition (fat free mass percentage (FFM%), body fat percentage (BF%), and body mass (BM) and the athlete’s offensive performance metrics from the 2015 season were examined using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients (p ≤ 0.05). Offensive performance metrics examined included slugging percentage (SLG%), batting average (BA), on base percentage (OBP), number of hits (H), number of homeruns (HR), runs batting in (RBI), and total bases (TB). Results: There were no statistically significant (p \u3e 0.05) relationships among the body composition measures and offensive performance metrics. The strongest relationships were between FFM% and H (r= 0.47); BM and AVG (r= -0.42); BM and H (r= -0.48); BF% and H (r= -0.51); BF% and TB (r= -0.41). Conclusions: In this sample of collegiate softball players, body composition was not significantly related to offensive performance metrics. Although increased body composition measurements in BM and BF% were shown to have a negative relationship with offensive performance metrics, and increases in FFM% were shown to have an a positive relationship with offensive performance metrics, none of these relationships were statistically significant. Future research should examine this trend beyond one season of offensive performance metrics. It would also be beneficial to examine the body composition relationships and changes based on the athlete’s position and track changes in body composition throughout the athlete’s collegiate career to examine how these changes may affect in-season performance metrics.https://encompass.eku.edu/swps_facultygallery/1016/thumbnail.jp

Effects of supplementation of a pre-workout on power maintenance in lower body and upper body tasks in women

© 2019 by the authors. Currently there is a lack of research into how women respond to pre-workout supplementation. The effects of supplements on exercise performance in women, specifically to power, must be performed. This study investigated the effects of supplementation on power production and maintenance during a high-intensity cycle ergometry sprint performance, vertical jump performance, and bench press performance in women. It also investigated the effects of supplementation on power production and the maintenance of upper and lower body tasks in women. A total of 23 females (22.9 ± 3.6 years, 175.6 ± 6.5 cm, 86.9 ± 15.1 kg, 19.1 ± 8.4 body fat percentage (BF%) (mean ± std. dev.)) were familiarized with the testing protocol and maximal bench press performances were attained (49.5 ± 15.4 kg). Utilizing a double-blind crossover design, subjects completed three trials of: Five countermovement vertical jumps, a high-intensity cycle sprint protocol, which consisted of 10 maximal, five second cycle ergometer sprints. Subjects performed a velocity bench press test, utilizing 80% of their predetermined one repetition maximum (1RM) for 10 sets of three repetitions for maximal speed. For 20 min prior to each trial, the subjects ingested, in a randomized order, a pre-workout supplement (Supp), placebo+150 mg caffeine (Caff), or a placebo (PL). Peak power (PP), mean power (MP), and minimum power (MNP) were recorded for each sprint. Maximal velocity from each set was also recorded. Bike sprint and bench press data were normalized to the placebo trial for analysis. Blood lactate (bLa-) was measured immediately prior to each testing session, within 2 min of the completion of the last cycle sprint and following the bench press test. Bike sprint and bench press testing showed no significant differences through the testing sessions, but did significantly decline over test battery (p \u3c 0.05). Vertical jump performance and lactate levels were not significantly different. Supplementation with a pre-workout supplement or placebo with caffeine 20 min prior to participation showed no positive benefits to performance in female participants

Effects of Supplementation of a Pre-workout on Power Maintenance in Lower Body and Upper Body Tasks in Women

Currently there is a lack of research into how women respond to pre-workout supplementation. The effects of supplements on exercise performance in women, specifically to power, must be performed. This study investigated the effects of supplementation on power production and maintenance during a high-intensity cycle ergometry sprint performance, vertical jump performance, and bench press performance in women. It also investigated the effects of supplementation on power production and the maintenance of upper and lower body tasks in women. A total of 23 females (22.9 ± 3.6 years, 175.6 ± 6.5 cm, 86.9 ± 15.1 kg, 19.1 ± 8.4 body fat percentage (BF%) (mean ± std. dev.)) were familiarized with the testing protocol and maximal bench press performances were attained (49.5 ± 15.4 kg). Utilizing a double-blind crossover design, subjects completed three trials of: Five countermovement vertical jumps, a high-intensity cycle sprint protocol, which consisted of 10 maximal, five second cycle ergometer sprints. Subjects performed a velocity bench press test, utilizing 80% of their predetermined one repetition maximum (1RM) for 10 sets of three repetitions for maximal speed. For 20 min prior to each trial, the subjects ingested, in a randomized order, a pre-workout supplement (Supp), placebo+150 mg caffeine (Caff), or a placebo (PL). Peak power (PP), mean power (MP), and minimum power (MNP) were recorded for each sprint. Maximal velocity from each set was also recorded. Bike sprint and bench press data were normalized to the placebo trial for analysis. Blood lactate (bLa−) was measured immediately prior to each testing session, within 2 min of the completion of the last cycle sprint and following the bench press test. Bike sprint and bench press testing showed no significant differences through the testing sessions, but did significantly decline over test battery (p < 0.05). Vertical jump performance and lactate levels were not significantly different. Supplementation with a pre-workout supplement or placebo with caffeine 20 min prior to participation showed no positive benefits to performance in female participants