"Heads Up" for Creatine Supplementation and its Potential Applications for Brain Health and Function.

There is emerging interest regarding the potential beneficial effects of creatine supplementation on indices of brain health and function. Creatine supplementation can increase brain creatine stores, which may help explain some of the positive effects on measures of cognition and memory, especially in aging adults or during times of metabolic stress (i.e., sleep deprivation). Furthermore, creatine has shown promise for improving health outcome measures associated with muscular dystrophy, traumatic brain injury (including concussions in children), depression, and anxiety. However, whether any sex- or age-related differences exist in regard to creatine and indices of brain health and function is relatively unknown. The purpose of this narrative review is to: (1) provide an up-to-date summary and discussion of the current body of research focusing on creatine and indices of brain health and function and (2) discuss possible sex- and age-related differences in response to creatine supplementation on brain bioenergetics, measures of brain health and function, and neurological diseases

The Influence of Sonographer Experience on Skeletal Muscle Image Acquisition and Analysis

The amount of experience with ultrasonography may influence measurement outcomes while images are acquired or analyzed. The purpose of this study was to identify the interrater reliability of ultrasound image acquisition and image analysis between experienced and novice sonographers and image analysts, respectively. Following a brief hands-on training session (2 h), the experienced and novice sonographers and analysts independently performed image acquisition and analyses on the biceps brachii, vastus lateralis, and medial gastrocnemius in a sample of healthy participants (n = 17). Test–retest reliability statistics were computed for muscle thickness (transverse and sagittal planes), muscle cross-sectional area, echo intensity and subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness. The results show that image analysis experience generally has a greater impact on measurement outcomes than image acquisition experience. Interrater reliability for measurements of muscle size during image acquisition was generally good–excellent (ICC2,1: 0.82–0.98), but poor–moderate for echo intensity (ICC2,1: 0.43–0.77). For image analyses, interrater reliability for measurements of muscle size for the vastus lateralis and biceps brachii was poor–moderate (ICC2,1: 0.48–0.70), but excellent for echo intensity (ICC2,1: 0.90–0.98). Our findings have important implications for laboratories and clinics where members possess varying levels of ultrasound experience

Test-Retest Reliability and the Learning Effect on Isokinetic Fatigue in Female Master’s Cyclists

Background: Isokinetic exercise is commonly used as a benchmark for strength and performance. Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to establish isokinetic fatigue test-retest reliability and examine the learning effect when testing without familiarization. Methods: 22 masters-aged [53±5 years), competitive female cyclists completed 3 separate 50-repetition knee flexion/extension tests on a Biodex, separated by one-week with no familiarization. Test-retest reliability [intra-class correlation [ICC]), 95% confidence intervals [CI), technical error of measurement [TEM) were calculated. Results: ICCs between trials exhibited excellent reliability during extension [.93–.97) and flexion [.93–.97) for all variables except time to peak torque [ICC=.35 and.45 for extension and flexion, respectively) and fatigue index [ICC=.47 for flexion). Relative TEM was minimal for extension between trial 1 and trial 2 [0.27%–0.97%) and between trial 2 and trial 3 [0.27%–1.45%) for all variables. Similar results were observed for flexion between trial 1 and trial 2 [0.87%–2.45%) and between trial 2 and trial 3 [0.54%–1.10%). No differences [Wilks Λ>.05) existed between trials, indicating no learning effect associated with the tests. Conclusions: There was strong test-retest reliability in masters-aged, female athletes and no learning effect was associated with the Biodex during a knee extension/flexion fatigue protocol

The Application of Creatine Supplementation in Medical Rehabilitation

Numerous health conditions affecting the musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, and nervous systems can result in physical dysfunction, impaired performance, muscle weakness, and disuse-induced atrophy. Due to its well-documented anabolic potential, creatine monohydrate has been investigated as a supplemental agent to mitigate the loss of muscle mass and function in a variety of acute and chronic conditions. A review of the literature was conducted to assess the current state of knowledge regarding the effects of creatine supplementation on rehabilitation from immobilization and injury, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiopulmonary disease, and other muscular disorders. Several of the findings are encouraging, showcasing creatine’s potential efficacy as a supplemental agent via preservation of muscle mass, strength, and physical function; however, the results are not consistent. For multiple diseases, only a few creatine studies with small sample sizes have been published, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. Rationale for discordant findings is further complicated by differences in disease pathologies, intervention protocols, creatine dosing and duration, and patient population. While creatine supplementation demonstrates promise as a therapeutic aid, more research is needed to fill gaps in knowledge within medical rehabilitation

Comparison of olympic and hexagonal barbells with midthigh pull, deadlift, and countermovement jump

Comparison of olympic and hexagonal barbells with midthigh pull, deadlift, and countermovement jump. J Strength Cond Res 31(1): 140-145, 2017-Those training for strength and power commonly use different bars and different lifts. The hexagonal barbell (HBar) and Olympic barbell (OBar) are frequently used training implements, and the midthigh pull (MTP) and deadlift (DL) are 2 popular exercises. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare force between an HBar and OBar for a MTP, DL, and countermovement jump (CMJ). Twenty resistance-Trained men (age = 24.05 ± 2.09 years, ht = 178.07 ± 7.05 cm, mass = 91.42 ± 14.44 kg) volunteered to participate and performed MTP and DL using both bars and a CMJ. Joint angles were recorded for all pulls and the bottom position of the CMJ. Peak ground reaction force (PGRF) was greater in the MTP (3,186.88 ± 543.53 N) than DL (2,501.15 ± 404.04 N) but not different between bars. Midthigh pull joint angles were more extended than DL, and the strongest correlations between isometric and dynamic performance were seen between DL PGRF and CMJ impulse (OBar r = 0.85; HBar r = 0.84). These findings are likely because of the different anatomical characteristics between the MTP and DL and the similarity in joint angles between the DL and CMJ. Therefore, the DL may be an optimal choice for athletes in jump-dependent sports, regardless of bar. Malyszek, KK, Harmon, RA, Dunnick, DD, Costa, PB, Coburn, JW, and Brown, LE

The Influence of Sonographer Experience on Skeletal Muscle Image Acquisition and Analysis

The amount of experience with ultrasonography may influence measurement outcomes while images are acquired or analyzed. The purpose of this study was to identify the interrater reliability of ultrasound image acquisition and image analysis between experienced and novice sonographers and image analysts, respectively. Following a brief hands-on training session (2 h), the experienced and novice sonographers and analysts independently performed image acquisition and analyses on the biceps brachii, vastus lateralis, and medial gastrocnemius in a sample of healthy participants (n = 17). Test–retest reliability statistics were computed for muscle thickness (transverse and sagittal planes), muscle cross-sectional area, echo intensity and subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness. The results show that image analysis experience generally has a greater impact on measurement outcomes than image acquisition experience. Interrater reliability for measurements of muscle size during image acquisition was generally good–excellent (ICC2,1: 0.82–0.98), but poor–moderate for echo intensity (ICC2,1: 0.43–0.77). For image analyses, interrater reliability for measurements of muscle size for the vastus lateralis and biceps brachii was poor–moderate (ICC2,1: 0.48–0.70), but excellent for echo intensity (ICC2,1: 0.90–0.98). Our findings have important implications for laboratories and clinics where members possess varying levels of ultrasound experience