Mobility - ACSM
Conclusion of the Study on HRV Recovery
The first study to investigate Heart Rate Variability (HRV) recovery outside of a laboratory setting using wearable technology.
Findings suggest there is no significant suppression in HRV following acute exhaustive exercise.
Future studies are needed to explore the effects of menstrual cycle phases on HRV recovery metrics.
Fluctuating progesterone levels are known to influence HRV.
Study on Pitch Angle During Rowing and Stroke Rate Effects
Authors: YiChao Du, ZhiQiang Liang, Wei Wang, YongXin Xu
Affiliation: ShangHai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.
Background
Improvement of stroke rates (SR) is crucial for enhancing rowing velocity.
The relationship between SR variation, boat running stability, and rower performance is under-researched.
Purpose
Examine the relationship between boat running stability and rower performance at varying stroke rates during water rowing.
Methods
Two elite rowers performed a 500-meter rowing test at stroke rates of 20 SR, 24 SR, 28 SR, and 36 SR.
Measurements taken: Roll angle, pitch angle, yaw angle, power output using the rowing biomechanical system (Powerline, UK).
Statistical analysis included Pearson’s chi-squared test and multiple linear regression.
Results
Significant changes induced by stroke rate on:
Roll angle (r = 0.19, P < 0.01)
Pitch angle (r = 0.42, P < 0.01)
Yaw angle (r = 0.34, P < 0.01)
Pitch angle correlated with power output (r = 0.30, P < 0.01).
Yaw angle also correlated with power output (r = 0.55, P < 0.01).
Increasing pitch angle is positively correlated with higher power output (b = 8.97, t = 4.57, P < 0.001).
Conclusion
Boat running stability decreases significantly with higher stroke rates.
Pitch angle and yaw angle at high stroke rates significantly affect boat stability and rower performance.
Recommendations for coaches and rowers to mitigate impacts of higher stroke rates on boat stability.
Effect of Combined Balance and Plyometric Training on Elite Badminton Players
Authors: Limingfei Zhou, Luyu Zhang, Meng Liu, Dapeng Bao
Affiliation: Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China.
Background
Badminton requires high-intensity movements like quick starts, stops, lunges, and changes of direction.
Combined training (CT) effectively improves multiple underlying domains contributing to dynamic balance.
Purpose
Investigate the impact of a combined balance and plyometric training program on dynamic postural controls in elite badminton players.
Methods
Sixteen elite male badminton players randomly assigned to:
Combined training (CT) group (n=8), which combined balance and plyometric training, performed 3 times a week for 6 weeks.
Plyometric training (PT) group (n=8), performing only plyometrics.
Measurements focused on stabilization time and center of pressure (COP) metrics, analyzed using two-way repeated-measure ANOVA.
Results
In PT group:
Significant decrease in N-TTS and D-TTS (p < 0.009).
In CT group:
Significant improvements in D-COPAP (p = 0.007), N-COPAP (p = 0.001), D-COPML (p = 0.015), N-COPML (p = 0.001), D-COPPL (p = 0.017).
Conclusion
The combined training method shows significant benefits for dynamic postural controls compared to plyometric training alone.
Future studies should confirm these results.
Mobility Characteristics Comparison in NCAA Division I Athletes
Authors: Katie Sell, Roger Gerland, Adam Gonzalez, Jamie Ghigiarelli, Gerald Mangine
Affiliations: Hofstra University, STARS, Kennesaw State University.
Purpose
To compare shoulder, hip, and ankle mobility across male and female NCAA Division I athletes, to develop normative ranges.
Methods
Data collected from 276 athletes across sports including tennis, cross country, baseball, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, and golf.
Mobility assessments included several range of motion (ROM) tests, sit-and-reach, thoracic rotation ROM, and pelvic tilt tests.
Statistical analysis included symmetry index and ANOVA.
Results
Significant differences in mobility measures across sexes and sports were noted.
Symmetry analysis revealed a main effect for sport (F = 8.2, p < 0.001, η2 p = 0.16).
Total shoulder internal rotation greater in female athletes (F = 12.8, p < 0.001, η2 p = 0.05).
Sit-and-reach test scores showed no significant differences across sport or sex.
Conclusions
This expands the limited normative data available for collegiate athletes, valuable for injury risk reduction and performance optimization.
Need for further research to define normative ranges and identify elevated injury risks based on mobility.
Effects of Compression Garments on Running Performance
Authors: Yew Cheo Ng, Govindasamy Balasekaran, FACSM, Hao Sheng Tai, Visvasuresh Victor Govindaswamy
Affiliations: Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Concordia University Chicago.
Introduction
Previous studies report mixed findings on the effects of compression garments (CG) on physiological responses during running.
Purpose
Investigate physiological changes in blood lactate (BL), heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and oxygen uptake (VO2) while running in DRSKIN compression garments.
Methods
10 healthy males participated, categorized into experimental (EP - DRSKIN) or control (CP - generic brand).
Participants underwent anthropometric measurements, completed the IPAQ and PAR-Q+, followed by graded exercise tests including VO2max testing.
Results
Significant differences observed with repeated measures ANOVA for:
VO2 [F(1.592, 14.326) = 180.588, p < 0.001]
BL [F(2.02, 18.21) = 10.66, p < 0.01]
RPE [F(1.265, 11.388) = 54.825, p < 0.001]
HR [F(1.781, 16.032) = 139.334, p < 0.001]
No significant differences among protocols for VO2, BL, or RPE.
Conclusion
DRSKIN compression tights might not enhance running performance compared to standard compression tights.
Suggests further investigation in field settings versus controlled laboratory environments.
Effect of Cold Water Immersion on Recovery in Soccer Players
Authors: Mengyuan Lin, Jibing Wang, Guoyan Zhang, Mingyu Wang, Jie Jin
Affiliation: Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of cold water immersion on sports performance and functional recovery during intensive soccer matches.
Methods
31 professional soccer players participated in a self-controlled study design across two stages of recovery procedures:
First stage: Conventional recovery methods only (stretching, massage, physiotherapy).
Second stage: Combined conventional recovery with cold water immersion post training/matches.
Evaluated indicators included sleep quality, fatigue, muscle soreness, total movement distance, and physical functions.
Results
Second stage showed significant improvements in sleep, fatigue, muscle soreness (p < 0.05).
Significantly better performance in distance metrics post second phase (p < 0.05).
No significant changes in 5-minute peak travel distance (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
Cold water immersion improves subjective sensations and performance recovery in soccer players during intensive fixtures.
Effectiveness of the Omni RPE Color Face Scale in Regulating Exercise Intensity
Authors: Peggy Boey, Govindasamy Balasekaran, FACSM, Ng Yew Cheo
Affiliation: Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
Purpose
Identify the efficacy of the Omni Rate of Perceived Exertion Color Face Scale (CFS) in self-regulating exercise intensity in outdoor settings.
Methods
26 participants underwent both indoor and outdoor sessions to regulate perceived exertion using the OMNI RPE and OMNI RPE CFS.
Indoor sessions involved graded submaximal treadmill tests, while outdoor sessions included regulated exercise during a modified soccer game.
Results
Heart Rate and RPE were recorded and analyzed in both settings.
Conclusion
The study reveals insights into how the OMNI RPE CFS can help young adults effectively manage their exercise intensity outdoors.