Relationships between balance and physical fitness variables in firefighter recruits

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 667-677
Author(s):  
Rudi A. Marciniak ◽  
Kyle T. Ebersole ◽  
David J. Cornell
Keyword(s):  
Aerobic Capacity ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Fat Free Mass ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Balance Ability ◽  
Lower Body Strength

BACKGROUND: Research has suggested that balance ability contributes to musculoskeletal injury (MSKI) rates in firefighters. Though the Y-Balance Test (YBT) can predict injury, it is unclear what physical measures inform YBT performance in firefighters. Thus, there is a lack of knowledge regarding best practice for improving balance in firefighters. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between the YBT and fitness measures, including body composition, aerobic capacity, functional total-body power, upper and lower-body strength, and movement efficiency, among firefighters. METHODS: Dynamic balance (YBT), body mass index (BMI), body-fat percentage (BF%), fat free mass (FFM), aerobic capacity (VO2max), stair climb (SC), upper (1RMbench) and lower-body (1RMsquat) strength, and Fusionetics™ Movement Efficiency Screen (ME) measures were collected among 35 firefighter recruits. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to examine relationships between YBT and the performance measures. RESULTS: Dynamic balance ability in firefighter recruits is significantly (p < 0.05) related to BMI, lower-body strength, and movement quality, but not with aerobic capacity, stair climb performance, and upper body strength. CONCLUSIONS: Greater YBT performance in firefighter recruits is associated with lower BMI, greater functional movement, and greater lower-body strength. Future research is warranted to incorporate these elements into balance training programs for firefighter recruits.

scholarly journals The relationship between second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D), muscle strength and body composition to bone mineral density in young women

Kinesiology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 238-245
Author(s):  
Hamid Arazi ◽  
Ehsan Eghbali
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Strength ◽  
The Relationship

2D:4D ratio is determined by balance between androgens and estrogens. Low level estrogen reduces bone mineral density (BMD) and incurs negative changes to bone microarchitecture, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and, as a consequence, fracture risk in women. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between 2D:4D, muscle strength and body composition to BMD in young women. One hundred twenty-seven young women (age range 24-36 years) voluntarily participated in this study. Lengths of the second (index) and fourth (ring) fingers, upper and lower body strength and body composition (body mass index, BMI; waist to hip ratio, WHR) and body fat percentage were estimated. Also, blood levels of calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) were evaluated and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device was used to measure BMD in the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN). The results showed that digit ratios, upper body and lower body muscle strength, BMI and fat percentage had a positive relationship with LS and FN BMD (LS BMD: r=.47, r=.56, r=.46, r=.34, r=.28, p≤.001, respectively; FN BMD: r=.34, r=.49, r=.51, r=.45, r=.27, p≤.001, respectively). In addition, there was no significant relationship between WHR and BMD of LS and FN (p˃.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed the upper body strength was a stronger determinant of LS BMD and the lower body strength was a stronger determinant of FN BMD. Based on the results, the researchers concluded that upper and lower body strength, 2D:4D ratios and BMI were important determinants of young women’s BMD. Also, it seemed that some of these factors may be able to help predicting the osteoporosis potential in young women

Associations of Maternal Prepregnancy Body Mass Index and Gestational Weight Gain With Physical Fitness in Childhood

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 165-171
Author(s):  
Konstantinos D. Tambalis ◽  
Stamatis Mourtakos ◽  
Labros S. Sidossis
Keyword(s):  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Gestational Weight ◽  
Prepregnancy Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Fitness Tests ◽  
Upper Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Strength

Purpose: To investigate the potential associations of maternal prepregnancy body mass index (mppBMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) with physical fitness in children. Methods: A random sample of 5125 children and their mothers was evaluated. The mothers provided data contained in their medical booklets and pregnancy ultrasound records. The data from 5 physical fitness tests (eg, 20-m shuttle run, 30-m sprint, vertical jump, standing long jump, and small ball throw) were used to assess children’s cardiorespiratory fitness, speed, explosive power, and lower and upper body strength, respectively. Results: MppBMI was inversely associated with cardiorespiratory fitness (b = −0.02), lower body strength (b = −1.01), upper body strength (b = −0.07), and speed (b = 0.04). Also, GWG was unfavorably associated with cardiorespiratory fitness (b = −0.02), lower body strength (b = −1.12), upper body strength (b = −0.03), and speed (b = 0.03), after adjusting for sex, birth weight, and children’s BMI (all P values < .05). Children of mothers with an mppBMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and excess GWG had almost 30% and 20% increased odds for low performances in physical fitness tests than those of mothers with an mppBMI < 25 kg/m2 and adequate GWG, respectively. Conclusions: Antenatal factors such as increased mppBMI and excess GWG could play an unfavorable role in the future health of the offspring.

Age and Task Differences in Functional Fitness in Older Women: Comparisons With Senior Fitness Test Normative and Criterion-Referenced Data

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane E. Adamo ◽  
Susan Ann Talley ◽  
Allon Goldberg
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Fitness Test ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Physical Abilities ◽  
Lower Body Strength ◽  
Criterion Referenced ◽  
Independent Functioning

Age-related changes in physical abilities, such as strength and flexibility, contribute to functional losses. However, older individuals may be unaware of what specific physical abilities compromise independent functioning. Three groups of women, aged 60 to 69, 70 to 79, and 80 to 92 years, were administered the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) to determine age differences in physical abilities and risk for functional losses. The oldest group showed significant differences in lower body strength, aerobic endurance, and agility and dynamic balance when compared with the other groups who performed similarly. Across all groups, a faster rate of decline was found for lower body strength (50.6%) and dynamic balance and agility (45.7%) than upper body strength (21.3%) and aerobic endurance (33.6%). Criterion-referenced (CR) fitness standards suggested that 45% of the individuals were at risk for loss of independent functioning. This study highlights age-related differences in physical abilities and the risk for the loss of independence in later life.

Decreased Serum Levels of C-Terminal Agrin in Postmenopausal Women Following Resistance Training

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darryn S. Willoughby ◽  
Kaitlan N. Beretich ◽  
Marcus Chen ◽  
LesLee K. Funderburk
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Resistance Training ◽  
Neuromuscular Junction ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Serum Estradiol ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Lower Body Strength

Elevated circulating C-terminal agrin fragment (CAF) is a marker of neuromuscular junction degradation and sarcopenia. This study sought to determine if resistance training (RT) impacted the serum levels of CAF in perimenopausal (PERI-M) and postmenopausal (POST-M) women. A total of 35 women, either PERI-M or POST-M, participated in 10 weeks of RT. Body composition, muscle strength, and serum estradiol and CAF were determined before and after the RT. The data were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance (p ≤ .05). Upper body and lower body strength was significantly increased, by 81% and 73% and 86% and 79% for the PERI-M and POST-M participants, respectively; however, there were no significant changes in body composition. Estradiol was significantly less for the POST-M participants at pretraining compared with the PERI-M participants. CAF moderately increased by 22% for the PERI-M participants in response to RT, whereas it significantly decreased by 49% for the POST-M participants. Ten weeks of RT reduced the circulating CAF in the POST-M women and might play a role in attenuating degenerative neuromuscular junction changes.

scholarly journals Physical capacity of New South Wales ambulance paramedics

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
J R Hunter ◽  
A J Macquarrie ◽  
S C Sheridan
Keyword(s):  
Injury Risk ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Physical Capacity ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Strength

AbstractBackgroundParamedics are among the most frequently injured health professionals in Australia. A lack of physical capacity may contribute to injury risk in this occupational population.AimsThis study sought to describe and compare the physical fitness of male and female paramedics across age groups to ascertain differences in physical capacity.MethodsA group of regional Australian paramedics (n = 140; 78 males; mean ± SD 37.4 ± 9.9 years; body mass index 28.1 ± 4.9 kg/m2) underwent a fitness assessment. Measures included upper, lower and core-body muscular strength and flexibility. Outcomes were compared between genders and across age groups using two-way between-groups analysis of variance.ResultsMale paramedics had greater upper body strength (P < 0.05; push-ups) mean (95% CI): 22.6 (19.4–25.9) versus 18.7 (15.2–22.3); similar lower body strength (single-leg wall squat): 39.0 (32.6–45.3) s versus 36.7 (27.1–46.3) s; greater core strength (P < 0.05; prone plank hold): 87.9 (77.6–98.3) s versus 73.8 (63.7–83.8) s; similar upper body flexibility (back scratch): −4.0 (−6.7 to −1.3) cm versus −0.3 (−2.2 to 1.7) cm; and similar lower body flexibility (sit and reach): 20.4 (18.2–22.6) cm versus 26.1 (23.5–28.7) cm to female paramedics. Core, upper and lower body strength all decreased with age (P < 0.05).ConclusionsCore, upper and lower body strength and upper body flexibility were poorer for older compared to younger regional paramedics in New South Wales, Australia. Future research should investigate whether these outcomes are associated with occupational injury risk. This information would assist in the design of injury prevention interventions for paramedics such as tailored workplace exercise programs.

scholarly journals Performance of (Instrumental) Activities of Daily Living and Physical Capacity in Spanish Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 435
Author(s):  
Laura Delgado-Lobete ◽  
Rebeca Montes-Montes ◽  
Carlos Freire ◽  
María del Mar Ferradás
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Manual Dexterity ◽  
Daily Functioning ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Strength

Performance in basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL; IADL) is an essential indicator of daily functioning and health of people with intellectual disabilities (ID). The aims of this pilot study were to describe the profile of ADL and IADL performance in Spanish adults with ID, and to examine its association with functional physical skills. The Waisman Activities of Daily Living Scale for adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities (W-ADL) scale was administered to the caregivers of twenty adults with ID (mean age = 41.0, SD = 10.1; women = 75.0%). In addition, dynamic balance and maximum walking speed (MWS), lower-body strength, aerobic capacity and manual dexterity of participants were individualized assessed. The results showed that 40% of adults with ID were completely independent in ADL, but all participants reported activity limitations in at least one IADL. Dynamic balance and MWS, lower-body strength and manual dexterity showed significant and moderate-to-strong correlations with daily functioning (r = 0.495–0.814; p < 0.05). Linear regression analysis indicated that lower-body strength and manual dexterity significantly predicted activity performance in adults with ID (adjusted R2 = 0.816, p = 0.004–0.016). This study highlights the need to support the performance of both ADL and IADL and to promote physical fitness in Spanish community-based care centers for adults with ID.

scholarly journals The anthropometric and physical qualities of women’s rugby league Super League and international players; identifying differences in playing position and standard

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean Scantlebury ◽  
Sam McCormack ◽  
Thomas Sawczuk ◽  
Stacey Emmonds ◽  
Neil Collins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aerobic Capacity ◽  
Mixed Models ◽  
Rugby League ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Jump Height ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Power ◽  
Super League

Participation in women's rugby league has been growing since the foundation of the English women's rugby league Super League in 2017. However, the evidence base to inform women's rugby league remains sparse. This study provides the largest quantification of anthropometric and physical qualities of women's rugby league players to date, identifying differences between positions (forwards & backs) and playing standard (Women's Super League [WSL] vs. International). The height, weight, body composition, lower body strength, jump height, speed and aerobic capacity of 207 players were quantified during the pre-season period. Linear mixed models and effects sizes were used to determine differences between positions and standards. Forwards were significantly (p < 0.05) heavier (forwards: 82.5 ± 14.8kg; backs: 67.7 ± 9.2kg) and have a greater body fat % (forwards: 37.7 ± 6.9%; backs: 30.4 ± 6.3%) than backs. Backs had significantly greater lower body power measured via jump height (forwards: 23.5 ± 4.4cm; backs: 27.6 ± 4.9cm), speed over 10m (forwards: 2.12 ± 0.14s; backs: 1.98 ± 0.11s), 20m (forwards: 3.71 ± 0.27s; backs: 3.46 ± 0.20s), 30m (forwards: 5.29 ± 0.41s; backs: 4.90 ± 0.33s), 40m (forwards: 6.91 ± 0.61s; backs: 6.33 ± 0.46s) and aerobic capacity (forwards: 453.4 ± 258.8m; backs: 665.0 ± 298.2m) than forwards. Additionally, international players were found to have greater anthropometric and physical qualities in comparison to their WSL counterparts. This study adds to the limited evidence base surrounding the anthropometric and physical qualities of elite women’s rugby league players. Comparative values for anthropometric and physical qualities are provided which practitioners may use to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of players, informing training programs to prepare players for the demands of women's rugby league.

scholarly journals Fitness in Older African American Population

2004 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 92-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Marzilli ◽  
Petra B. Schuler ◽  
Kristin F. Willhoit ◽  
Melissa F. Stepp
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
African American ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
African American Adults ◽  
Maximal Amount ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Strength

With the rapid growth of the number of Americans aged 65 or older resulting in expectations of doubling the number of the population in that age bracket, health professionals and fitness experts will be called upon to develop and implement methods for keeping this population as healthy as possible for as long as possible, and to aid these individuals with retaining their quality of life. This study examined whether incorporating a low-cost, community-based strength and flexibility program would improve performancebased measures of strength, flexibility, and endurance in older (57 to 82 yr.; M = 68 yr., SD = 5 yr.) African-American adults. Evaluated components were upper body strength (maximal amount of weighted arm curls), lower body strength (maximal amount of chair-ups), upper body flexibility (backscratch), lower body flexibility (modified sit-and-reach), and aerobic endurance (maximal distance covered in 6 minutes). Twenty African-American adults (5 male and 15 female) volunteered to participate in five weeks of strength and flexibility training (twice per week, 60 min. per session). Posttest results showed performance improvements for all five measured parameters, with significant improvements found for upper- and lower- body strength and lower body flexibility. Additionally, the structure of this exercise program resulted in adherence rates of more than 80%. In light of these findings, it is important that the design of strength and flexibility programs for older adults be implemented through the collaboration of health professionals and fitness experts; it is with this multifaceted approach to aging that an improvement in quality of life in later years can be achieved successfully.

scholarly journals Comparing periodised protocols for the maintenance of strength and power in resistance-trained women

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kok Lian Yee
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Power Training ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Upper Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Strength ◽  
Training Programmes

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to compare the effects of daily undulating periodisation (DUP) and session undulating periodisation (SUP) for maintaining strength and power over a 3-wk period in a group of resistance-trained women.  DUP comprised one session each of strength and power training while DUP combined both strength and power training within each session.  Both training programmes were equalised for training volume and intensity.  Methods: Sixteen resistance-trained women were pre-tested for body mass, mid-arm and mid-thigh girths, one-repetition maximum (1 RM) dynamic squat (SQ) and bench press (BP), and  power during countermovement jumps (CMJ) and bench press throws (BPT). The 1 RM SQ and BP data were used to assign the participants into groups for twice a week training.  Results:  A two-way (group x time) analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures for time found no significant changes in body mass, mid-arm girth, 1 RM BP and SQ, and BPT and CMJ power for both groups.  However, significant changes in mid-thigh girth were found (F1, 13 = 5.733, p = 0.032). Pooled BP data indicated improved upper body strength (BP: F1, 13 = 6.346, p = 0.025) and decreased CMJ power (p = 0.016).  Conclusions:  Both DUP and SUP programmes increased upper-body strength and maintained lower-body strength adequately across a 3-wk phase probably because the participants were weaker in the upper-body and the lower-body had a reduced capacity for strength adaptations and improvements.

scholarly journals Effects of Resistance Training and Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on Muscular Strength in Female Collegiate Softball Players

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Raja Nurul Jannat Raja Hussain ◽  
Maisarah Shari
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Resistance Training ◽  
Muscular Strength ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Lower Body Strength

Strength and conditioning coaches frequently use traditional resistance training (TRT) to build strength. However, in recent years, whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) was used in elite athletes to increase muscle strength. This study aimed to assess the effect of two different types of training on muscular strength. Sixty female collegiate players (Age = 23.52±1.89 years, Height = 156.20±1.71cm; Mass = 53.21±3.17kg) participated in this study and were randomly assigned to three training groups. All groups trained as usual for eight weeks, except for the first group, which received additional TRT. The second group received additional electrical stimulation training, and the third group did not receive any additional training following the regular softball bat swing training. Muscular strength (upper and lower body) was assessed by a 3RM bench press and a 3RM squat test before and after the eight-week programme. The primary findings indicate that after eight weeks of training, upper body and lower body strength increased significantly in both the TRT and WB-EMS groups (p = 0.000 and p = 0.000, respectively) in comparison to the control group. However, the t value indicated that the TRT group improved both upper body strength (20.18) and lower body strength (29.18) more than the WB-EMS group (upper body = 6.18; lower body = 6.47). The findings demonstrate the efficacy of both training modalities for increasing muscular strength and suggest that TRT be prioritised over whole-body electrical stimulation training for increasing muscular strength in collegiate softball players.

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