Physical Fitness of Police Cadets: Baseline Characteristics and Changes during A 16-Week Academy

Police academies traditionally emphasize the importance of being physically fit. The purpose of this research was to determine cadet baseline physical fitness characteristics and assess effectiveness of a 16-week training program. Sixty-eight cadets (61 men, 7 women) volunteered to have baseline physical fitness characteristics assessed, and 55 cadets (49 men, 6 women) completed further testing at weeks 8 and 16. The testing comprised hand grip (strength), arm crank (upper-body power), 30 seconds Wingate (lower body power), sum of skinfolds and percentage body fat (body composition), 40-yard dash (sprint speed), 1 repetition maximum bench press (strength), T-test (agility), and sit-and-reach (flexibility). In addition, cadets completed standardized state testing (push-ups, sit-ups, vertical jump, and half-mile shuttle run). The training program consisted of 1 hour sessions, 3 d·wk, including aerobic, plyometrics, body weight, and resistance exercise. Significant changes were found in agility (p \u3c 0.01), upper-body and lower-body peak power (p ≤ 0.05), sit-ups (p \u3c 0.01), push-ups (p ≤ 0.05) across the first 8 weeks, and in agility (p ≤ 0.05), lower-body peak power (p ≤ 0.05), sit-ups (p \u3c 0.01), push-ups (p ≤ 0.05), half-mile shuttle run (p \u3c 0.01) across the full 16 weeks. However, none of the variables showed significant change across the second half of the program (weeks 8-16). A number of individual parameters of physical fitness showed evidence of improvement in the first 8 weeks, whereas none of the variables showed significant improvement in the second 8 weeks. This suggests modifications could be made to increase overall effectiveness of cadet physical training specifically after the 8-week mark

Intertester reliability of brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation using upper and lower arm occlusion in healthy subjects

The assessment of endothelial function as brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilatation is a widely used technique that determines the effect of risk factor intervention and may have the potential to predict the clinical benefit of antiatherogenic therapy. Previous studies suggest that flow-mediated dilation is greater using the upper-arm occlusion technique, but no data are available to compare intertester reliability between technicians. This study was undertaken to compare the amount of hyperemia between upper and lower occlusion techniques and to determine reproducibility between testers. Nineteen healthy adults, ages 25 to 50, were included in the study. Brachial artery vasodilatation was measured 1 and 3 minutes post cuff deflation and was compared with the baseline and expressed as a percent change. There was a tester effect in the percent change in diameter across all measurements. The results of this study reveal inconsistencies between testers when using a blood pressure cuff to induce hyperemia for the assessment of endothelial function through brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation. However, upper arm as compared to lower arm blood pressure cuff occlusion results in significantly greater hyperemia and vasodilatation, even though there was a difference in measurements between testers

Effects of Six Weeks of Balance and Strength Training on Measures of Dynamic Balance of Older Adults

Purpose: Reliable tools on measuring outcomes of service-learning (SL) are scarce. This study aimed to develop and test a service-learning assessment tool to measure students’ perceived self-efficacy on program planning related competencies (SL-SEPP) and an overall SL impact scale. Methods: Students in a core Master of Public Health (MPH) course on program planning participated in the study (n=44). Course-based SL projects were incorporated into the learning process. Data from the baseline survey were used to assess the reliability of the 12-item SL-SEPP, and data from the posttest survey were used to assess the 5-item overall SL impact scale at the end of the course. Results: Data showed satisfactory reliability scores, with Cronbach alpha of .87 for the SL-SEPP and .84 for the overall impact scale. Even with this relatively small sample size, preliminary analyses showed that the SL-SEPP was sensitive to detect meaningful changes of self-efficacy scores after the course. Conclusion: This study provides needed pilot data supporting the reliabilities of the SL-SEPP tool. The study has implications for researchers and educators to apply or adapt this tool to assess student self-efficacy outcomes on program planning competencies

Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (Epoc) Following Multiple Effort Sprint and Moderate Aerobic Exercise

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 30-second all-out sprint interval exercise (SIE) vs. moderate aerobic exercise (MA) on excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). Six recreationally-trained males (age=23.3 +/- 1.4 yrs, weight=81.8 +/- 9.9 kg, height=180.8 +/- 6.3 cm) completed a sprint interval exercise session consisting of three repeated 30-second Wingate cycling tests separated by four minutes (duration similar to 11minutes) as well as a moderate aerobic exercise session consisting of 30-minute cycling at 60% heart rate reserve (HRR) in a random counterbalanced design. Baseline oxygen consumption (VO2) was determined by an average VO2 from the final five minutes of a 30-minute supine rest period prior to each trial. Following each protocol, VO2 was measured for 30 minutes or until baseline measures were reached. EPOC was determined by subtracting baseline VO2 from post-exercise VO2 measurements. Energy expenditure (kJ) was determined by multiplying kJ per liter of oxygen by the average VO2 during recovery. EPOC values were significantly higher in SIE (7.5 +/- 1.3 L) than MA (1.8 +/- 0.7 L). SIE produced a higher recovery caloric expenditure (156.9 kJ) compared to MA (41.0 kJ) and remained significantly elevated (p=.024) over resting levels during the entire recovery period (30 minutes) compared to MA (6 minutes, p=.003). The energy required to recover from three repeated maximal effort 30-second Wingate cycling tests was greater than 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise. Future studies should examine the chronic effects of maximal effort sprint training protocol on cardiovascular fitness and body composition

Povećana potrošnja kisika nakon vježbanja (epoc) zabilježena nakon višekratnih sprintova i umjerene aerobne aktivnosti

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 30-second all out sprint interval exercise (SIE) vs. moderate aerobic exercise (MA) on excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). Six recreationally-trained males (age=23.3±1.4 yrs, weight=81.8±9.9 kg, height=180.8±6.3cm) completed a sprint interval exercise session consisting of three repeated 30-second Wingate cycling tests separated by four minutes (duration~11minutes) as well as a moderate aerobic exercise session consisting of 30-minute cycling at 60% heart rate reserve (HRR) in a random counterbalanced design. Baseline oxygen consumption (VO2) was determined by an average VO2 from the final five minutes of a 30-minute supine rest period prior to each trial. Following each protocol, VO2 was measured for 30-minutes or until baseline measures were reached. EPOC was determined by subtracting baseline VO2 from post-exercise VO2 measurements. Energy expenditure (kJ) was determined by multiplying kJ per liter of oxygen by the average VO2 during recovery. EPOC values were significantly higher in SIE (7.5±1.3 L) than MA (1.8±0.7 L). SIE produced a higher recovery caloric expenditure (156.9 kJ) compared to MA (41.0 kJ) and remained significantly elevated (p=.024) over resting levels during the entire recovery period (30 minutes) compared to MA (6 minutes, p=.003). The energy required to recover from three repeated maximal effort 30-second Wingate cycling tests was greater than 30-minutes of moderate aerobic exercise. Future studies should examine the chronic effects of maximal effort sprint training protocol on cardiovascular fitness and body composition.Cilj je ovog istraživanja bio utvrditi učinke maksimalnog intervalnog sprintanja po 30 sekunda (SIE) i usporediti ih s umjerenim aerobnim treniranjem (MA) na povišenu potrošnju kisika nakon vježbanja. Šest muškaraca rekreativaca (23.3±1.4 godina, 81.8 ± 9.9 kg i 180.8 ± 6.3 cm) je, u slučajnom uravnoteženom nacrtu eksperimenta, provelo intervalni sprinterski trening koji se sastojao od tri ponavljanja Wingate testa (30 sekunda) na biciklu sa odmorima po 4 minute (ukupno trajanje zadatka približno 11 minuta) te umjereni aerobni trening koji se sastojao od 30 minuta bicikliranja intenzitetom od 60% rezerve srčane frekvencije. Početni primitak kisika (VO2) je bio utvrđen kao prosječna vrijednost VO2 zabilježena u zadnjih 5 minuta 30-minutnog odmora u ležećem položaju koji se primjenjivao prije svakog eksperimentalnog protokola. Nakon svakog protokola, VO2 je bio mjeren tijekom 30 minuta ili do trenutka kada se VO2 spustio na početnu vrijednost. EPOC je utvrđen oduzimanjem početne vrijednosti VO2 od vrijednosti VO2 zabilježenih nakon eksperimentalnih protokola. Energetska potrošnja (kJ) je bila utvrđena množenjem potrošenih kJ po litri kisika sa prosječnim VO2 tijekom oporavka. Vrijednosti EPOC-a bile su značajno više u sprinterskoj grupi (SIE 7,5±1,3 l) u odnosu na vrijednosti u grupi MA (1,8±0,7). Sprinterski zadatak je proizveo višu kalorijsku potrošnju tijekom oporavka (156,9 kJ) u usporedbi s umjerenim aerobnim zadatkom MA (41,0 kJ) te je ona ostala značajno povišena (p=0,024) u odnosu na razinu u mirovanju tijekom cijelog perioda oporavka (30 minuta) za razliku od MA (6 minuta, p=0,003). Potrebna energija za oporavak nakon 3 ponovljena maksimalna Wingate testa od 30 sekunda bila je viša nego nakon 30 minuta umjerene aerobne aktivnosti. Buduća istraživanja trebala bi ispitati kronične učinke protokola maksimalnih sprinterskih napora na kardiovaskularni fitnes i sastav tijela

A comparison of cytokine responses during prolonged cycling in normal and hot environmental conditions

Ludmila M Cosio-Lima, Bhargav V Desai, Petra B Schuler, Lesley Keck, Logan ScheelerDepartment of Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science, University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL, USAPurpose: Components of immune function are affected by physical activity in an adverse environment. The purpose of this study was to compare plasma differences in inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), in addition to the stress hormone cortisol, during prolonged cycling under normal and hot environmental conditions in elite cyclists.Methods and design: Six trained elite male cyclists (27 ± 8 years; 75.5 ± 4 kg; maximum oxygen uptake [VO2max] = 66 ± 6 mL/kg/min, mean ± SD). The cyclists biked for 2.5 h at their prescribed 60% maximum exercise workload (Wmax) or 75% VO2max either in an environmental chamber set at 15°C and 40% relative humidity (NEUTRAL) or at 35°C and 40% relative humidity (HOT). The cyclists were given 4 mL of water/kg body weight every 15 min under both conditions.Results: Total cortisol concentrations were elevated (P < 0.05) immediately postexercise and 12 h postexercise in both the NEUTRAL and HOT conditions. TNF-α concentrations were only significantly (P = 0.045) elevated postexercise in HOT conditions. During the HOT conditions, a significant (P = 0.006 and 0.007, respectively) difference in IL-6 was seen immediately after and 12 h postexercise. During the NEUTRAL condition, IL-6 was only significantly elevated postexercise (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Heat exposure during a long bout of exercise is sufficient to elicit stress response in elite cyclists. However, the degree of release of anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory cytokines might be related to several factors that include the athlete’s fitness level, hydration status, exercise intensity, and length of exposure to hot environments.Keywords: cytokines, inflammation, heat, exercise, performance&nbsp

Ground Reaction Force Comparison Between Barefoot and Shod Single Leg Landing at Varied Heights

Background: Landing is a common movement that occurs in many sports. Barefoot research has gained popularity in examining how shoes alter natural movements. However, it is unknown how a single leg landing under barefoot conditions, as well as landing height, affects ground reaction forces (GRF). Objective: The purpose of this research was to examine the differences in GRF during a single leg landing under barefoot and shod conditions from various heights. Methods: Sixteen female Division II collegiate athletes, 8 basketball (age: 19.88 ± 0.64 yrs; height: 1.77 ± 0.09 m; mass: 75.76 ± 12.97 kg) and 8 volleyball (age: 20.00 ± 1.07 yrs; height: 1.74 ± 0.08 m; mass: 72.41 ± 5.41 kg), performed single leg landings from 12, 18, 24, and 30 inches barefoot and shod. An AMTI AccuGait force plate was used to record GRF. A 2 (condition) x 4 (box height) x 2 (sport) repeated measures ANOVA was performed to determine any GRF differences. Results: There were no significant three way or two-way interactions (p 0.05). There was also no main effect for sport (p 0.05). There were main effects for footwear and box height (p = 0.000) where shod (2295.121 ± 66.025 N) had greater impact than barefoot (2090.233 ± 62.684 N). Conclusions: Single leg barefoot landings resulted in less vertical GRF than shod landings. This could be due to increased flexion at the joints which aids in force absorption

U.S. Coast Guard Academy Injury and Risk Factor Study

Purpose: Injury rates and injury risk factors were examined for the first time among cadets undergoing Summer Warfare Annual Basic (SWAB) training at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA). Methods: Participants were 778 men and 286 women from four years of SWAB training. Before SWAB training, the subjects were administered a Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) (2-minute maximal effort sit-ups and 1.5 mile run) and functional movement screening (FMS) test. Height and weight were measured and, gender, age and ethnicity were obtained from administrative records. Training-related injuries were compiled from student medical records. The diagnosis, body part location, disposition, and limited duty days were recorded for each clinic visit. Results: During the 8 weeks of SWAB training, 23.8% of the women and 18.4% of the men were injured at least once. Compared to the men, the odds of an overall injury among women was 1.39 (95% confidence interval= 1.00-1.92). The odds of an overuse injury among women was 1.72 (95%confidence interval= 1.21-2.43) times higher than the men and the number of limited duty days for overuse injuries was also higher among the women (p <0.01). Independent risk factors for injuries among both men and women included lower aerobic fitness and lower functional movement screening scores. Conclusions: Female USCGA cadets were at higher risk of injuries, especially overusetype injuries. Specific factors that put cadets at higher injury risk included lower aerobic capacity and inefficient movement strategies. Future injury studies should focus on females, aerobic fitness, and movement strategies. Prevention strategies should be tested to reduce injuries to limit lost training time

Endurance exercise prevents metabolic distress-induced senescence in the hippocampus

Purpose Metabolic disorder such as obesity and type 2 diabetes caused by excess caloric intake is associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Endurance exercise (EXE) has been suggested to exert neuroprotective effects against the metabolic distress. However, the exact underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for the exercise-induced neuroprotection have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated whether EXE-induced neuroprotection is associated with cellular senescence, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress using a mouse model of obesity induced by a high-fat/high-fructose diet. Methods C57BL/6 female mice (10 wk old) were randomly divided to three groups: normal chow diet group (CON, n = 11), high-fat diet/high-fructose (HFD/HF) group (n = 11), and high-fat diet/high-fructose + endurance exercise (HFD/HF + EXE) group (n = 11). HFD/HF + EXE mice performed treadmill running exercise for 60 min·d⁻¹, 5 d·wk⁻¹ for 12 wk. Results Our data showed that EXE ameliorated HFD/HF-induced weight gain, fasting blood glucose levels, and visceral fat gain. More importantly, HFD/HF diet promoted cellular senescence, whereas EXE reversed it, evidenced by a reduction in the levels of p53, p21, p16, beta-galactosidase (SA-β-gal), and lipofuscin. Furthermore, EXE prevented HFD/HF-induced neuroinflammation (e.g., tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β) by inhibiting toll-like receptor 2 downstream signaling cascades (e.g., tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated factor 6, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and c-Jun) in parallel with reduced reactive glial cells. This anti-inflammatory effect of EXE was associated with the reversion of HFD/HF-induced cellular oxidative stress. Conclusion Our study provides novel evidence that EXE-induced antisenescence against metabolic distress in the hippocampus may be a key neuroprotective mechanism, preventing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.Journal ArticlePublishe