Validity and reliability of the rear foot elevated split squat 5 repetition maximum to determine unilateral leg strength symmetry

The purpose of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of the Rear Foot Elevated Split Squat (RFESS) five repetition maximum (5RM) test as a field method for measuring unilateral leg strength symmetry. As a validated method of testing symmetry, the RFESS 5RM may be used by Strength and Conditioning coaches and sports medicine staff to measure the presence of imbalances with minimal equipment and time. 26 subjects (age = 23.8 ±4.6 years, mass = 88.1 ± 10.7 kg, height = 1.79 ± 0.1 m) with a minimum two years strength and conditioning experience were recruited. Following a familiarization session, subjects performed an incremental five repetition maximum (5RM) protocol on both legs, on two occasions where 3D motion and force data were collected. Moderate reliability of bar load symmetry was found between test and re-test conditions correlation (ICC = 0.73, 0.33-0.91) with no proportional bias between sessions. Validation of the exercise was analyzed using a correlation between asymmetries in mean set vertical ground reaction forces (vGRF) of the lead foot during the concentric phase, with bar load. When all maximal trials, from both test conditions, were analyzed, a most likely large positive correlation (0.57, 0.30 to 0.76) were found for mean set concentric lead foot vGRF. When a threshold level of load symmetry (96.54% - 103.46%) was applied, a most likely large positive correlation (r = 0.59, 0.14-0.84) between symmetry in lead foot vGRF was found in subjects who exceeded this limit. Conversely, analysis of subjects within the threshold produced unclear correlations. Findings of this study suggest the RFESS is a valid and reliable measure of unilateral leg strength symmetry. Practitioners are recommended to use this exercise to investigate the strength symmetry of athletes, but are guided to note that a threshold level of symmetry (96.54% - 103.46%) may be required to have been exceeded to indicate a true difference in vGRF production

Screening mammography in women aged 40–49: Is it time to change?

There is little doubt that significant benefits can accrue from carrying out screening mammography of women aged 40–49 in the setting of a highly quality assured service delivery. This will best be achieved using digital mammography to maximise detection rates and trained and high volume reading expert radiologists to apply economic cushions of optimising specificity as well as sensitivity in addition to utilising modern and accurate assessment and tissue sampling techniques that have evolved

Influence of static Jahn-Teller distortion on the magnetic excitation spectrum of PrO2: A synchrotron x-ray and neutron inelastic scattering study

A synchrotron x-ray diffraction study of the crystallographic structure of PrO2 in the Jahn-Teller distorted phase is reported. The distortion of the oxygen sublattice, which was previously ambiguous, is shown to be a chiral structure in which neighbouring oxygen chains have opposite chiralities. A temperature dependent study of the magnetic excitation spectrum, probed by neutron inelastic scattering, is also reported. Changes in the energies and relative intensities of the crystal field transitions provide an insight into the interplay between the static and dynamic Jahn-Teller effects.Comment: 7 pages, 6 figure

Is the rear foot elevated split squat unilateral? An investigation into the kinetic and kinematic demands

The purpose of the study was to determine the unilateral nature of the rear foot elevated split squat (RFESS). Specifically, the production of force by the rear leg was examined to better understand its role, if any, toward successful completion of the exercise. Male volunteers were recruited, (n = 26, age = 23.8 ±4.6 years, mass = 88.1 ±10.7kg, height = 1.79±0.1m), who were recreationally trained and engaged in a structured strength and conditioning program including both bilateral and unilateral exercise and had at least two years supervised training experience. Subjects participated in an incremental five repetition maximum protocol, following familiarisation. Kinetic data was recorded via two independent force plates, one integral to the floor and the second mounted on top of solid weightlifting blocks. Kinematic data was captured through three-dimensional motion analysis. A total of 715 repetitions were analysed, the mean contribution of the lead foot to total vertical force production was 84.36 ±3.6%. An almost certainly small positive correlation (rho = 0.25, CI 0.18, 0.33), was found between percentage of force produced by the lead foot, with increasing exercise intensity. A most likely trivial, non-significant correlation (rho = -0.01, CI -0.09,0.06) with rear foot force production, representing the mass of the rear leg. Data from this study does not indicate that the rear foot contributes to the kinetic demands of the exercise and therefore suggests that the RFESS is a valid unilateral exercise

A Kinetic and Kinematic Analysis of The Rear Foot Elevated Split Squat 5RM Test

The rear foot elevated split squat (RFESS) is a multi-joint, unilateral resistance exercise, commonly used in strength and conditioning McCurdy (2017). McCurdy, Langford et al. (2004) and McCurdy and Langford (2005) have previously reported the RFESS as a reliable measure of unilateral leg strength (1RM ICC, 0.97- 0.99). To further enhance the proposed frequency of use and reliability as both a single and multiple repetition test of leg strength, it is pertinent to quantify the kinetic and kinematic characteristics of the exercise. No study, to date, has yet analysed the intra-set differences in kinetic and kinematic parameters, in a multi-repetition test of leg strength. The aim of this study was to firstly quantify the kinetic and kinematic characteristics of the RFESS 5RM test protocol. Secondly to profile the intra-set differences between repetitions. 26 volunteers were recruited, with institutional ethical approval (age = 23.8 ±4.6 years, mass = 88.1 ±10.7kg, height = 1.79±0.1m), all subjects were engaged in a structured strength and conditioning program. Participants were required to undergo an incremental loading test until maximal load was achieved. Kinetic data was collected from the front and rear foot through two independent Kistler 9827C force plates at 1000Hz (Kistler Group, Winterthur, Switzerland), as depicted in figure 1. Kinematic data was captured through Qualysis Track Manager System at 250Hz (Qualysis AB, Gothenburg, Sweden) using 10 cameras (six ceiling mounted and four, floor mounted).Data was exported to a bespoke R code for this project. Magnitude based inferences were made on intra-set differences between repetitions for each of the kinetic and kinematic variables. The mean load lifted was 84kg ±16.8kg (0.96 ±0.18 kg/kg). The mean vertical displacement of the bar was 0.38 ± 0.06m, mean concentric velocity was 0.32 ±0.05m/s and peak concentric velocity was 0.49 ±0.11m/s. The mean vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) of the lead foot was 1432.54±200.87N, (1.66 ±0.20BW). The lead foot produced 83.53±4.03% of total vGRF There were unclear differences in all kinetic variables between all repetitions, except for peak (vGRF) of the lead foot only (1.90±0.28BW) of Repetition 5, which was very likely larger. Repetitions 1 and 2 were likely to very likely to have higher mean concentric velocities (MCV) than repetitions 4 and 5. The RFESS 5RM produces mean and peak concentric vGRF of 1.66±0.20 BW and 1.84±0.24BW, which approximately equals the values reported by (Ebben and Jensen, 2002) for a bilateral squat. The inconsistent inferential findings across the set suggest that the final repetition may be different to repetitions 1-4, generating the highest peak force, largest vertical displacement and slowest MCV. Such findings indicate that repetition 5 represents the maximal effort of that set and the maximal protocol. The RFESS 5RM is valid and reliable method of measuring unilateral leg strength. A multi-repetition protocol can be used to determine maximal strength, yet intra-set differences may not exist prior to completion of the final repetition. Practitioners should consider this information when evaluating the efforts of athletes during this exercise

A comparison of physiological differences between academy and semi-professional Rugby League players

Rugby League (RL) is an intermittent, collision, invasion game, played internationally at professional, semi-professional and amateur level. The physiological attributes required for RL performance include, aerobic and anaerobic power, speed, acceleration, momentum, change of direction speed (CODS), strength, power and technical skill. Professional clubs operating in the Super League, develop academy players, as a method of talent development. However, not all players make the transition to senior, professional status, frequently required to leave this environment and participate at the semi-professional level. This study sought to better understand the physiological differences between these two levels, affording a better understanding of the career transition faced by academy graduates. The variables of examination were unilateral leg strength, strength symmetry, linear and change of direction speed. It was hypothesised that there would be significant differences between all variables. Rugby league players (n = 50), recruited from three different clubs, were used to investigate the physiological differences in unilateral leg strength and speed, both linear and COD. Tests of unilateral leg strength (rear foot elevated split squat 5RM, Helme et al, ePUB) and speed (20m sprint, modified 5-0-5 test) were separated by 48 hours. A magnitude based decision approach was used to determine between group differences in all variables measured. Semi-professional players were significantly heavier (+7kg, p =0.03, possibly moderate difference) than academy players, but there was no difference in height. No significant differences between groups in unilateral leg strength, either in absolute load or relative to body mass, nor was there any difference in strength symmetry. Analysis of linear sprint speed identified no differences between academy and semi-professional players between 0 and 10m, of a 20m sprint, however, between 10and 20m academy players had a possibly moderately higher mean velocity (7.57m/s vs 7.7m/s, p =0.35). Despite the difference in body mass no significant differences in momentum was observed. There were no significant differences between either group for change of direction speed or change of direction deficit. Academy and Semi-professional players exhibit comparable qualities with respect to unilateral leg strength, speed and change of direction ability. Such findings suggest that a career transition from academy to semi-professional Rugby League is an appropriate step, from a physiological perspective. However anthropometrically, the differences in body mass between groups suggests that such progression may not be so advantageous. Whilst both groups have equitable abilities, semi-professional players can perform these tasks at a significantly larger body mass, which is beneficial in collision sports. It should be concluded then, that in the transition to exit academy rugby league environments players should be focused on a strategy to simultaneously develop speed and change of direction ability, whilst accumulating greater lean body mass

A Kinetic and Kinematic Analysis of The Rear Foot Elevated Split Squat Five Repetition Maximum Test

The rear foot elevated split squat (RFESS) is a multi-joint, unilateral resistance exercise, commonly used in strength and conditioning (McCurdy, 2017). McCurdy, Langford et al. (2004) and McCurdy and Langford (2005) have previously reported the RFESS as a reliable measure of unilateral leg strength (1RM ICC, 0.97- 0.99). To further enhance the proposed frequency of use and reliability as both a single and multiple repetition test of leg strength, it is pertinent to quantify the kinetic and kinematic characteristics of the exercise. No study, to date, has yet analysed the intra-set differences in kinetic and kinematic parameters, in a multi-repetition test of leg strength. The aim of this study was to firstly quantify the kinetic and kinematic characteristics of the RFESS 5RM test protocol. Secondly to profile the intra-set differences between repetitions. METHODS 26 volunteers were recruited, with institutional ethical approval (age = 23.8 ±4.6 years, mass = 88.1 ±10.7kg, height = 1.79±0.1m), all subjects were engaged in a structured strength and conditioning program. Participants were required to undergo an incremental loading test until maximal load was achieved. Kinetic data was collected from the front and rear foot through two independent Kistler 9827C force plates at 1000Hz (Kistler Group, Winterthur, Switzerland), as depicted in figure 1. Kinematic data was captured through Qualysis Track Manager System at 250Hz (Qualysis AB, Gothenburg, Sweden) using 10 cameras (six ceiling mounted and four, floor mounted).Data was exported to a bespoke R code for this project. Magnitude based inferences were made on intra-set differences between repetitions for each of the kinetic and kinematic variables. RESULTS The mean load lifted was 84kg ±16.8kg (0.96 ±0.18 kg/kg). The mean vertical displacement of the bar was 0.38 ± 0.06m, mean concentric velocity was 0.32 ±0.05m/s and peak concentric velocity was 0.49 ±0.11m/s. The mean vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) of the lead foot was 1432.54±200.87N, (1.66 ±0.20BW). The lead foot produced 83.53±4.03% of total vGRF There were unclear differences in all kinetic variables between all repetitions, except for peak (vGRF) of the lead foot only (1.90±0.28BW) of Repetition 5, which was very likely larger. Repetitions 1 and 2 were likely to very likely to have higher mean concentric velocities (MCV) than repetitions 4 and 5. Figure 1: Data collection procedures for the RFESS 5RM protocol DISCUSSION The RFESS 5RM produces mean and peak concentric vGRF of 1.66±0.20 BW and 1.84±0.24BW, which approximately equals the values reported by (Ebben and Jensen, 2002) for a bilateral squat. The inconsistent inferential findings across the set suggest that the final repetition may be different to repetitions 1-4, generating the highest peak force, largest vertical displacement and slowest MCV. Such findings indicate that repetition 5 represents the maximal effort of that set and the maximal protocol. CONCLUSION The RFESS 5RM is valid and reliable method of measuring unilateral leg strength. A multi-repetition protocol can be used to determine maximal strength, yet intra-set differences may not exist prior to completion of the final repetitio

The Validity and Reliability of the Rear Foot Elevated Split Squat 5RM to Determine Unilateral Leg Strength Symmetry

The purpose of this study was to examine the Rear foot elevated split squat (RFESS) five repetition maximum test as a valid and reliable field method for measuring unilateral leg strength symmetry. With institutional ethical approval, 26 subjects (age = 23.8 ±4.6 years, mass = 88.1 ±10.7kg, height = 1.79±0.1m) with a minimum two years strength and conditioning experience were recruited. Following a familiarisation, session subjects performed an incremental 5 repetition maximum (RM) protocol on both legs, on two occasions where 3D motion and force data were collected. excellent reliability was found (ICC = 0.93 CL 0.88-0.96) in the load achieved between tests (mean load =0.96 ±0.18 kg/kg). Moderate reliability of bar load symmetry was found between test and re-test conditions correlation (ICC = 0.73, 0.33-0.91) with no proportional bias between sessions. Validation of the exercise was measured using a Pearson correlation between asymmetries in vertical ground reaction forces of the lead foot and bar load. When all maximal trials, from both test conditions, were analysed, a most likely large positive correlation (0.57, 0.30 to 0.76) were found for mean lead foot vGRF. When a threshold level of load symmetry (96.54% - 103.46%) was applied, a most likely large positive correlation (r = 0.59, 0.14-0.84) between symmetry in lead foot vGRF was found in subjects who exceeded this limit. Findings of this study suggest the RFESS is a valid and reliable measure of unilateral leg strength symmetry. Practitioners are recommended to use this exercise to investigate the strength symmetry of athletes, but are guided to note that a threshold level of symmetry (96.54% - 103.46%) may be required to have been exceeded to indicate a true difference in vGRF productio

Magnetic and Metal-Insulator Transitions in beta-Na0.5CoO2 and gamma-K0.5CoO2 -NMR and Neutron Diffraction Studies-

Co-oxides beta-Na0.5CoO2 and gamma-K0.5CoO2 have been prepared by the Na de-intercalation from alpha-NaCoO2 and by the floating-zone method, respectively. It has been found that successive phase transitions take place at temperatures Tc1 and Tc2 in both systems. The appearance of the internal magnetic field at Tc1 with decreasing temperature T indicates that the antiferromagnetic order exists at T < Tc1, as in gamma-Na0.5CoO2. For beta-Na0.5CoO2, the transition temperatures and the NMR parameters determined from the data taken for magnetically ordered state are similar to those of gamma-Na0.5CoO2, indicating that the difference of the stacking ways of the CoO2 layers between these systems do not significantly affect their physical properties. For gamma-K0.5CoO2, the quantitative difference of the physical quantities are found from those of beta- and gamma-Na0.5CoO2. The difference between the values of Tci (i = 1 and 2) of these systems might be explained by considering the distance between CoO2 layers.Comment: 8 pages, 14 figures, 1 Tabl