The interplay between written and spoken word in the Second Testament as background to the emergence of written gospels

Christianity is a faith rooted in the written and the spoken word. However, the precise relationship between the written and the spoken word in the period of Christian origins has been a matter of much debate. Past studies have viewed the written and the spoken word as belonging to differentiated social worlds and modes of thought (e.g., Ong 1982; Kelber 1983). In recent years a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between written and spoken words and worlds has begun to emerge (e.g., Byrskog 2002; Jaffee 2001; Kirk 2008). Following this trend, I attempt, in this essay, to draw a kind of "contour map" of the textual world of the Second Testament with respect to written and spoken words, tracing where and how references to written and spoken words occur and the interplay between them. To assist in charting this territory, I employ as a compass references to the uses of written and spoken word found in Greek and Roman sources. My focus, then, is on primary sources rather than studies of these sources in secondary literature. While I include the broad range of texts in the Second Testament, the cornerstone of my study is Luke-Acts. The goal of this exercise is to gain insight into the different ways written and spoken words were perceived, encountered, and experienced in early Christian communities, and to explore what insight this may offer into the emergence of written gospels. This is self-consciously only an initial exploration of the territory, intended to lay the groundwork for a larger and more comprehensive project.Issue title: Oral Tradition in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

The Effect of Prophylactic Knee Braces on Balance and Uninjured Knee Range of Motion

There has been numerous studies performed regarding the effectiveness of prophylactic knee braces (PKB) preventing knee injuries or the effect of PKB on injured knees, but minimal research is available on the effect of how PKB affect the functioning capacity of uninjured knees. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of two different types of PKB, hinged (HGB) and non-hinged (NHB), on uninjured preferred knee joint range of motion and dynamic balance in males and females. METHODS: Thirty subjects were recruited (male=15, female=15) with ages ranging from 18-28 years. Only participants with no history of any knee injuries or current knee problems were allowed to participate. Subjects were blinded to the purpose of the study, but were allowed practice trials for the dynamic balance test (Y-Balance test). Prior to experimental trials subjects were measured for body composition and knee brace size. All subjects underwent three experimental trials [HGB, NHB, and a no PKB control (CON)] on the same day in balanced cross-over design. During the treatment trials, the subjects wore the braces on their preferred leg. Each experimental trial was comprised of a test for dynamic balance and four tests for knee joint range of motion. Dynamic balance composite score, knee extension/flexion (°), and internal/external knee rotation (°) were compared between sex (M, F) and across PKB (HGB, NHB, CON) using an ANOVA (1 between, 1 within), α=0.05. Age and body composition differences between sex were examined using independent t-tests, α=0.05. RESULTS: M and F did not differ (p\u3e0.05) with regard to age, but did differ significantly (p\u3c0.05) in body mass, body stature, and percent body fat. For the sex main effect, when pooled across PKB (CON, HGB, NHG) M and F did not differ (p\u3e0.05) in knee flexion, internal knee rotation, right/left leg balance, but did differ significantly (p\u3c0.05) in knee extension (M=+0.8±1.8°, F=-0.6±2.4°) and external knee rotation (M=29.7±7.5°, F=35.9±9.7°). For the main effect for PKB, when pooled across sex external knee rotation and right/left leg balance did not differ (p\u3e0.05) between HGB, NHB, and CON, but both HGB and NHB differed significantly (p\u3c0.05) from CON for internal rotation (HGB=21.9±10.3°, NHB=22.5±9.8°, CON=24.8±10.0°), flexion (HGB=126.9±17.7°, NHB=125.7±15.9°, CON=139.0±6.8°), and extension (HGB=+0.7±1.4°, NHB=+=1.3±1.8°, CON=-1.7±2.2°). The sex x knee brace interaction was not significant (p\u3e0.05). CONCLUSION: PKB have no effect on dynamic balance, but appear to hinder the range of motion for most motions of the knee

Acute Responses to High Intensity Interval Exercise and Moderate Aerobic Exercise on Anaerobically and Aerobically Trained Athletes

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is emerging as the popular method of training recently for its ability to deliver an exercise that still elicits almost the same health benefits, when compared to traditional methods of training. Those who are trained possess higher lactate thresholds than those who are not trained. However, there is little research on males whom are trained as anaerobically or aerobically, and their differences on lactate or blood glucose recovery. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the acute effects of high intensity interval exercise and moderate aerobic exercise on lactic acid and blood glucose levels on athletes who are either anaerobically trained or aerobically trained. METHODS: Males (20± 2.774) of average cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max =35 ±5.95 ) participated in a high intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and a moderate aerobic trial in a balanced cross-over design in which the subject was randomized and assessed for changes in blood lactate levels and glucose levels during exercise. The HIIE is a 4 x 4 trial in which the subject pedaled on a cycle for four intervals of 4 minutes at 90-95% of maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max), interspersed with 3 minutes of active recovery at 60% VO2max. The subjects were assessed for blood lactate and blood glucose via finger stick prior to exercise, at minute 4, 13, 24, 32 and every 10 minutes post-exercise up to 30 minutes following the cessation of the exercise bout. The subjects also participated in a moderate aerobic trial at 60% of VO2max. The subjects were assessed for blood lactate and blood glucose via finger stick however time points are varied per subject due to variations in total work outputs. RESULTS: The main effect for recovery was not significant in lactate when comparing training status across both HIIE/Mod (Ana=5.7± 4.3, Aer=8.3± 4.7) (p=0.3470). The main effect for glucose was also not significant when comparing training status across both HIIE/Mod (Ana=93± 12.5, Aer=102.7± 12.5) (p=0.2350). The main effect for lactate when comparing training (Aer/Ana) across intensity (HIIE/Mod) was not significant (AnaHi=4.6± 1.2, AnaMod=6.9± 8.2, AerHi=5.7± 1.3, AerMod=10.9± 9.0) (p=0.5620). The main effect for glucose when comparing training (Aer/Ana) across intensity (HIIE/Mod) was also not significant (AnaGlucHi=93.5± 20.1, AnaGlucMod=92.5± 13.6, AerGlucHi=112.8± 20.1, AerGlucMod=92.6± 13.6) (p=0.2100) CONCLUSIONS: Although lactate nor glucose were statistically significant in this study, when comparing the values, anaerobically trained males buffered lactic acid more efficiently than those who are aerobically trained. This might suggest that those whom are anaerobically trained possess higher lactate threshold than those who are aerobically trained

The Effect of a Commercially Available Pre-Workout Supplement (The Bracket™) on Wingate Anaerobic Cycle Test Performance in Athletic Females

The Bracket™ is a proprietary blend, pre-workout supplement whose primary active ingredients consists mostly of a mixture of creatine, B-complex vitamins, and a glycerol/taurine combination. It has been third party tested for ingredient accuracy, and is also certified by NSF, meaning that it is certified for sports consumption. Previous research has been done on the ingredients within the supplement utilizing male demographics. However, there is limited research done on the pre-workout supplement as a whole. The little research done has showed no increases in any variables such as power output (relative/absolute) and/or rate of fatigue. Very little research has been done utilizing a female population, let alone athletic females. PURPOSE: To examine the effect of a commercially available pre-workout supplement (The Bracket™), in athletic females, on absolute peak power (APP), absolute mean power (AMP), relative peak power (RPP), relative mean power (RMP), rate of fatigue (FTR), absolute total work (ATW), and relative total work (RTW) utilizing the Wingate Anaerobic Cycle Test (WACT), a 30-s supra maximal exercise protocol. METHODS: Thirteen athletic females, ages 18-30, with no prior hamstrings or quadriceps injuries within the last years were recruited. All subjects underwent three experimental trials [treatment (TRT, supplement with Gatorade®), placebo (PLC, Gatorade®), and a control (CON, water)] in a single blind balanced crossover design. During the trials the subjects had to ingest one of the three liquids in an 8 ounce serving thirty minutes prior to engaging in the WACT. Each trial was performed approximately one week apart. The differences in the dependent variables between treatments were analyzed using an ANOVA (0 between, 1 within), α=0.05. RESULTS: No significant difference between trials were seen for APP (TRT=715 ± 126 W; PLC=71 6± 125 W; CON=696 ± 147 W) (p=0.2940), AMP (TRT=446 ± 94 W; PLC=436 ± 85 W; CON=441 ± 91 W)(p=0.3930), RPP (TRT=11.6 ±. 1.4 W·kg-1; PLC=11.6 ±. 1.5 W·kg-1; CON=11.3 ±. 1.5 W·kg-1)(p=0.2280), RMP (TRT=7.3 ±. 1.4 W·kg-1; PLC=7.1 ± 1.1 W·kg-1; CON=7.2 ±. 1.3 W·kg-1)(p=0.3920), FTR (TRT=62 ± 13%; PLC=61 ± 11%; CON=59 ± 11%) (p=0.1920), ATW (TRT=13368 ± 2798 J; PLC=13066 ± 2550 J; CON=13246 ± 2749 J)(p=0.4100), or RTW (TRT=218 ± 42 J·kg-1; PLC=212 ± 33 J·kg-1; CON= 215 ± 38 J·kg-1)(p=0.4080). CONCLUSION: Ingestion of (The Bracket™) prior to exercise does not affect performance on the WACT in athletic females

The Acute Effects of Self-Myofascial Release on Range of Motion and Fatigue Rate in the Lower Extremities

There has been a growing popularity in a technique similar to a massage that is easily accessible known as self-myofascial release, or more commonly as “foam rolling”. While research has been conducted to examine the effects on a smooth foam roller, little research has been conducted regarding a more aggressive form of deep tissue self-myofascial release on muscular strength and fatigability. PURPOSE: To examine the acute effect of deep tissue self-myofascial release on hip range of motion and fatigue rate of the quadriceps in uninjured individuals. METHODS: Nineteen males, ages 20-35, with no prior knee surgery/injury on their preferred leg regardless of current functional status were recruited. Subjects were allowed familiarity trials for goniometry of hip flexion/extension, self-myofascial release, and the isokinetic strength/fatigability test prior to exercise testing. All subjects underwent three experimental trials [self-myofascial release (SMR), static stretching (STS), no additional warm-up control (CON)] in a balanced crossover design. During the treatment trials, subjects were required to perform a 10 minute warm-up on a stationary rate independent cycle ergometer (50 W) followed by one of the treatments applied to the hamstrings and quadriceps of the preferred leg; SMR (1 set; 2 min), STS (4 sets; 30 secs). Subjects were required to perform the Thorstensson test, using a single-chair isokinetic dynamometer, which consisted of 50 voluntary maximal isokinetic leg extensions on their preferred leg where the rate of force production was controlled as 180°.sec-1. Measurement of hip flexion (HF) and extension (HE), absolute peak quadriceps force production (AF), relative peak quadriceps force production (RF), quadriceps fatigue rate (FR), and perceived local leg fatigue (PF) were recorded. One-way ANOVA with repeated measures was used to analyze for differences between trials (STS, SMR, CON), except for FR where a Friedman ANOVA was used, α=0.05. RESULTS: HF did differ significantly between the treatments (p\u3c0.05) where SMR (113.7±4.8°) and STS (114.7±4.9°) \u3e CON (106.2±5.0°). The treatments also differed significantly (p\u3c0.05) in HE, where SMR (19.7±3.3°) and STS (18.2±4.3°) \u3e CON (13.2±3.6°). AF did not differ significantly (p\u3e0.05) between the treatments (SMR=175.2±32.1 Nm, STS=180.9±35.6 Nm, CON=177.2±38.3 Nm), nor did RF (SMR=1.9±0.4 Nm/kg, STS=1.9±0.4 Nm/kg, CON=1.9±0.4). FR also did not differ (p\u3e0.05) between treatments (SMR=59.7±9.4%, STS=61.3±11.0%, CON=61.5±8.8%). PF was seen to be more frequently greater with most subjects in CON, but there were no significant difference (p\u3e0.05) between trials. CONCLUSION: While SMR had no effect on muscular strength and fatigability, SMR did have similar significant effect as static stretching on hip range of motion

Factors Associated with Diabetes Risk in South Texas College Students

International Journal of Exercise Science 7(2) : 110-118, 2014. South Texas has a high prevalence of diabetes and college students may be particularly at risk. While increased BMI, sedentary activity and depression have been associated with diabetes progression in the general population, it has not been established whether these factors contribute to increased diabetes risk in college students. The purpose of this study was to assess diabetes risk and determine whether depressive symptoms or physical activity patterns are associated with increased diabetes risk in college students. Sixty-nine college students were assessed for diabetes risk using the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) . Each participant completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) which included a sitting subscale, the Zung Self-Rated Depression Scale, and had anthropometric measures taken. Of the participants, 21.7% reported elevated risk (FINDRISC score 7-11), and 4.3% of participants had a moderate-to-high risk of developing diabetes (FINDRISC \u3e12). On average, the sample was overweight (BMI = 26.81±0.75 kg . m-2), and BMI was associated with diabetes risk (r = 0.626, p \u3c 0.001). While diabetes risk was not correlated with IPAQ total physical activity score (r = 0.019, p = 0.874), it was modestly correlated with time spent sitting (r = 0.295, p = 0.015). There was no association between self-reported depressive symptoms and diabetes risk (r =0.078, p = 0.525). Although diabetes risk was not associated with total activity and depressive symptoms, it was associated with time spent sitting and BMI. These results suggest that in this population, sitting less and reducing weight may help lower the risk of developing diabetes

Hand Cooling during Recovery from Exercise in the Heat: Cold Water Immersion vs. Dry Cold Negative Pressure

Areas of the body that are devoid of hair, such as the palms of our hands, efficiently dissipate heat through specialized blood vessels. Immersing the hands in cold water is said to benefit the process of heat exchange, but has been criticized for its ability induce cutaneous vasoconstriction. The use of dry cold negative pressure is proposed to bypass this reflex in order to increase constant heat dissipation. PURPOSE: To compare the effect of two different hand cooling modalities on core temperature when recovering from exercise in a hot environment. METHODS: Males (N=12, 21±2 yr, 64±15 kg, 174±6 cm) of average cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2Peak=37+3 ml.kg-1.min-1) participated in three heat trials (35.1±0.2°C, 42±1%RH,) where they exercised on a cycle ergometer at 65% VO2Peak until a desired core temperature (38.3°C), 95% of heart rate max, or until volitional maximum. During recovery from the heat trials, subjects underwent one of three hand cooling treatments for 10 min [cold water immersion (WTR), dry cold negative pressure (NEG), and a control with no hand cooling (CON)] in a balanced crossover design. In WTR trials subjects submerged one hand in cold (10°C) water, and in NEG the hand was placed in sealed cold (10°C) container (AVAcore CoreControl Pro) that provided negative pressure (-47 mm Hg). Heart rate (HR) and core temperature (rectal, Tre) were measured pre-/post-recovery cooling. Two way (cooling method x time) repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze recovery HR and Tre (α=0.05). RESULTS: The main effect for cooling method was not significant for both HR (WTR=117±12 bpm, NEG=113±9 bpm, CON=118±13 bpm)(p=0.1650) and Tre (WTR=37.7±0.3°C, NEG=37.8±0.2°C, CON=37.8±0.3°C)(p=0.3560) during recovery. As expected, the main effect for time was significant for both Tre (Pre=37.8±0.2°C, Post=37.6±0.2°C)(p=0.0040) and HR (Pre=135±13 bpm, Post=97±9 bpm)(p=0.0001) as both declined during recovery. The cooling method x time interaction (p=0.4280) did not demonstrate that Tre decreased differently between the three cooling modalities, but the cooling method x time interaction for HR was significant (p=0.0320) where the change in HR during recovery periods did differ significantly between the cooling modalities. The significant interaction was driven by the WTR treatment HR declining at a slightly quicker rate than NEG and CON. CONCLUSION: The use of WTR or NEG didn’t decrease Tre any more efficiently than CON, but recovery HR did decline at slightly greater rate in WTR compared to both NEG and CON. This could suggest that while WTR provided a similar Tre reduction as NEG and CON, it did so with a quicker reduction in heart work

The Effects of Ammonia Inhalants on Anaerobic Performance Following a Simulated American Football Game

Ammonia inhalants (AI) are anecdotally referred to as ergogenic aids in the realm of aggressive team/lifting sports. However, the efficacy of AI usage has yet to be established or reported to our knowledge. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to establish the effects of AI’s on anaerobic performance following a simulated American football game (SAFG) in a climate controlled setting (35.8 °C, 27.5% RH). METHODS: Ten apparently healthy anaerobically trained college-aged males participated dressed in American football apparel, excluding the helmet. Each subject participated in two trials, 136 minutes each, separated by a minimum of 48 hours (AI or control). Each SAFG consisted of a randomized counter-balanced series of sprints. The sprint protocol was made up of a total 12, 9, or 6 sprints, which were experienced each half of the SAFG in a randomized order. The individual sprints consisted of 5 second maximal effort sprints which were followed by 40 seconds of rest, simulating what one would expect in an American football game. The Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) was performed before and after each SAFG in a neutral temperature (21.3°C, 30.8% RH). Resistance for the 30-second WAnT was calculated at 10% of each respective subject’s weight in kilograms (kg). The AI condition was administered by capsule immediately before the final WAnT. Paired t-tests were used to examine differences in peak power change (ΔPP) and mean power change (ΔMP) from WAnTs performed pre-post-SAFG. α=0.05. RESULTS: The majority of our subjects elicited an increase in PP (9/10 subjects) and MP (8/10 subjects) during the AI condition. The ΔPP in the AI (134±85 W) trial was significantly greater that the control trial (59±108 W) (p≤.05). Likewise, ΔMP in the AI (35±53 W) was significantly greater than the control (-21±65 W) trial (p≤.01). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the intervention of AI following a bout of fatiguing work is successful in the in the generation of maximal power outputs as well as attenuating fatigue within the WAnT. Thereby, suggesting that when performing a WAnT, utilizing AI as an intervention can increase power output. Further research should be conducted in order to support the findings from the present investigation and possible applications

The Effect of Music Tempo on Heart Rate and Rating of Perceived Exertion During Submaximal Exercise

Many people listen to music during exercise, possibly attempting to dissociate from the activity. PURPOSE: To examine the effect of music tempo on time-to-target heart rate (THR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during submaximal exercise. METHODS: Eighteen college-age subjects were recruited (n=18). Prior to participation in the experimental trials, subjects were measured for mass, stature, and resting heart rate. Subjects then performed the Bruce Treadmill protocol on three different days to a target heart rate of 85% of predicted maximal heart rate (HRmax=220-age). Using a balanced crossover design over the three experimental trials, subjects performed one bout with fast tempo music (FST, ≥140 beats.min-1), one bout with slow tempo music (SLO, ≤85 beats.min-1), and one bout with no music (CON). THR was compared across music tempo (FST, SLO, CON) using an ANOVA with repeated measures, α=0.05. RPE at target heart rate was compared across music tempo using Friedman ANOVA by ranks, α=0.05. Adjustments to post-hoc analyses were made to maintain the experimentwise error rate at 0.05. RESULTS: THR did not differ between the experimental trials (FST=9.2±2.6 min; SLO=9.6±2.3min; CON=9.3±2.2min)(p=0.4820). RPE did differ significantly between the three experimental trials (p=0.041). Post-hoc analysis revealed specific differences between RPE at SLO (14.9±2.1) and FST (13.9±2.3), but neither SLO nor FST differed significantly from CON (14.5±2.5). CONCLUSION: The use of fast tempo music as a dissociative device while exercising does decrease RPE compared to slow tempo music, but does not change THR (i.e., submaximal heart rate). These findings are consistent with most previous research. However, the data suggest that exercising with no music at all yields a similar RPE response as exercising with fast tempo music

Heat Stress and Injury Prevention Practices During Summer High School Football Training in South Texas

Int J Exerc Sci 3(2) : 55-63, 2010. The purpose was to describe practice conditions influencing the risk of heat stress to athletes in summer football training in South Texas high schools, and to compare these conditions to ACSM recommendations for heat stress/injury risk reduction in this population. Thirty (N=30) high school summer football practices were observed. Wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) was measured before/after practices and practices were observed for: duration/ structure; athlete clothing; and rest break frequency/duration/content. Practices averaged 125+31 min and WBGT (pre- to post-practice) was 29.7+2.1°C to 31.2+2.2°C for morning, and 31.2+1.6°C to 28.9+1.2°C for evening practices. Most practices included contact (93%), and a majority were full-contact (53%). Most athletes wore full pads (83%) and medium/dark colored clothing (73%). Outside of scheduled breaks athletes removed helmets (63%), sat/knelt (63%), and had access to fluid (90%). Athletic trainers were present at 93% of the practices. A typical practice had 3 rest breaks, each lasting approximately 5 min. During breaks, athletes were provided fluid (93%), removed helmets (89%), and sat/knelt (76%), but were rarely provided shade (2%). While none of the practice sessions were conducted in conditions warranting the cancellation of outside activity (WBGT\u3e33.1°C), the environmental data confirms that this region presents athletes with a very high risk of heat stress/injury. While a majority of the schools were taking many of the precautionary measures recommended by ACSM, many of the guidelines were not being followed. Governing bodies of high school athletics need to encourage compliance with recommendations for the reduction of heat stress/injury in this population