Extending the Applicability of Iso-inertial Eccentric Training

Background: Eccentric (ECC) training has been widely studied because it has the potential to produce high forces, which can enhance gains in strength and muscle hypertrophy. In light of this potential, a disconnect exists between laboratory studies on ECC training and what is commonly performed by exercisers. Purpose: The goal of this thesis was to extend the applicability and accessibility of ECC focused training by furthering the knowledge of ECC training performed with common equipment using practical, easy to perform protocols. Study One: Study one compared supramaximal to submaximal ECC training. Results indicated that when training to volitional fatigue, there was no difference in muscle hypertrophy between submaximal and supramaximal ECC training, and submaximal ECC training sessions were perceived to be easier. These results advance the understanding of high vs. low intensity training for muscle hypertrophy and suggest that submaximal ECC training may be an effective alternative strategy to supramaximal ECC training. Study Two: Study two investigated approaches to manipulate the level of involvement of the ECC phase of contractions in conventional lifts. Findings indicated that when comparing CON only to conventional training, or CON with an emphasized (longer) ECC phase, all increased CON strength compared to control, but only the CON with an emphasized ECC increased muscle hypertrophy compared to control. This study provides evidence that emphasizing the ECC phase of a lift is an effective way to enhance muscle hypertrophy without sacrificing CON strength increases. Study Three: The purpose was to explore the interplay of contraction type and intensity on iso-inertial and isokinetic strength and muscle hypertrophy. The main finding of this study was that across both training contraction types, high intensity training was superior to low intensity for increasing both iso-inertial and isokinetic strength. Additionally, ECC was more effective for muscle hypertrophy than CON, regardless of training intensity. Together, these findings highlight the specific response of training intensity and contraction type and add knowledge regarding the transferability of strength across modalities. Conclusion: The findings of this thesis verify the effectiveness of iso-inertial ECC training, advancing both the theoretical understanding, and the practical implementation of these protocols

Anthropometric and physiological predictors of flat-water 1000 m kayak performance in young adolescents and the effectiveness of a high volume training camp.

Our purpose was to determine the relationship of anthropometric and physiological variables with 1000m flat-water kayak (K1000) performance. A secondary purpose was to determine the effectiveness of a high volume training camp. High performance young adolescent kayakers (n=13, 8 males, 5 females, 15±1 yrs) participated in this study. Testing before and after the 3-4 week training camp included anthropometric measurements (height, sitting height, arm span, and body mass), strength (1-RM: bench press and bench pull), flexibility (sit and reach), and an incremental kayak ergometer test to determine peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and anaerobic threshold, and an open water K1000 time trial. K1000 time was significantly correlated with height (r=-0.81; p\u3c0.01), sitting height (r=-0.85; p\u3c0.01), arm span (r=-0.87; p\u3c0.01), bench press (r=-0.92; p\u3c0.01), bench pull (r=-0.85; p\u3c0.01), VO2peak (r=-0.87; p\u3c0.01) and anaerobic threshold (r=-0.83; p\u3c0.05). Following the training camp there were no significant differences in body mass, strength, and VO2 peak, however, anaerobic threshold (33.6±6.2 to 42.3±8.8 ml•kg-1•min-1, p=0.001) and K1000 (302±44 to 289±31 sec, p=0.007) significantly improved. The results of this study suggest that K1000 performance in young adolescent kayakers appears to require a high aerobic and strength contribution and that a high volume training camp is effective for improving anaerobic threshold and performance

Changes in Fat Mass Following Creatine Supplementation and Resistance Training in Adults ≥50 Years of Age: A Meta-Analysis

Aging is associated with an increase in fat mass which increases the risk for disease, morbidity and premature mortality. Creatine supplementation in combination with resistance training has been shown to increase lean tissue mass in adults ≥50 years of age; however, the synergetic effects of creatine and resistance training on fat mass in this population are unclear. Creatine metabolism plays an important role in adipose tissue bioenergetics and energy expenditure. Thus, the combination of creatine supplementation and resistance training may decrease fat mass more than resistance training alone. The purpose of this review is two-fold: (1) to perform meta-analyses on studies involving creatine supplementation during resistance training on fat mass in adults ≥50 years of age, and (2) to discuss possible mechanistic actions of creatine on reducing fat mass. Nineteen studies were included in our meta-analysis with 609 participants. Results from the meta-analyses showed that adults ≥50 years of age who supplemented with creatine during resistance training experienced a greater reduction in body fat percentage (0.55%, p = 0.04) compared to those on placebo during resistance training. Despite no statistical difference (p = 0.13), adults supplementing with creatine lost ~0.5 kg more fat mass compared to those on placebo. Interestingly, there are studies which have linked mechanism(s) explaining how creatine may influence fat mass, and these data are also discussed