WIRE Collection:

Modeling longitudinal changes in maximal-intensity exercise performance in young male rowing athletes.

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Modeling longitudinal changes in maximal-intensity exercise performance in young male rowing athletes. Authors: Mikulic, Pavle; Blazina, Tomislav; Nevill, Alan M.; Markovic, Goran Abstract: The purpose of the current study was to examine the effect of age and body size upon maximal-intensity exercise performance in young rowing athletes. Male participants (n = 171) aged 12-18 years were assessed using an "all-out" 30-s rowing ergometer test, and reassessed after 12 months. The highest rate of performance development, which amounts to [mean(SD)] +34%(23%) and +32%(23%) for mean and maximal power output, respectively, is observed between the ages of 12 and 13, while this rate of development gradually declines as the athletes mature through adolescence. Performance increases with body size, and mass, stature and chronological age all proved to be significant (all p < .05) explanatory variables of mean power output, with respective exponents [mean(SE)] of 0.56(0.08), 1.84(0.30) and 0.07(0.01), and of maximal power output, with respective exponents of 0.54(0.09), 1.76(0.32) and 0.06(0.01). These findings may help coaches better understand the progression of rowing performance during adolescence.

The reproducibility of 31-phosphorus MRS measures of muscle energetics at 3 Tesla in trained men.

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The reproducibility of 31-phosphorus MRS measures of muscle energetics at 3 Tesla in trained men. Authors: Edwards, Lindsay M; Tyler, Damian J; Kemp, Graham J; Dwyer, Renee M; Johnson, Andrew; Holloway, Cameron J; Nevill, Alan M.; Clarke, Kieran Abstract: Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) provides an exceptional opportunity for the study of in vivo metabolism. MRS is widely used to measure phosphorus metabolites in trained muscle, although there are no published data regarding its reproducibility in this specialized cohort. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the reproducibility of (31)P-MRS in trained skeletal muscle.

Congratulations to team GB, but why should we be so surprised? Olympic medal count can be predicted using logit regression models that include 'home advantage'.

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Congratulations to team GB, but why should we be so surprised? Olympic medal count can be predicted using logit regression models that include 'home advantage'. Authors: Nevill, Alan M.; Balmer, Nigel J; Winter, Edward M

Modelling handgrip strength in the presence of confounding variables: results from the Allied Dunbar National Fitness Survey.

Sun, 01 Oct 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Modelling handgrip strength in the presence of confounding variables: results from the Allied Dunbar National Fitness Survey. Authors: Nevill, Alan M.; Holder, R L Abstract: Differences in handgrip strength, caused by risk factors such as physical inactivity, will be influenced by 'confounding' variables, e.g. age, body size. The aims of the study were to identify the confounding variables associated with handgrip strength and to assess the benefit that physical activity plays in maintaining grip strength within a population, having adjusted for differences in these confounding variables. The most appropriate linear body size dimension associated with grip strength was height rather than demispan. Non-linear associations with age and body mass were also identified. Handgrip strength peaked in the age group 25 - 34 years for male subjects and in the age group 35 - 44 years for female subjects. Similarly, handgrip strength increased with body mass until it peaked at a body mass of approximately 100 kg for male and 90 kg for female subjects; thereafter a rapid decline in grip strength was observed. Differences in handgrip strength were found to be significantly associated with levels of physical activity even having controlled for differences in age and body size (height, mass and percentage body fat), but the observed association was not linear. The level of physical activity necessary to maintain an optimal level of handgrip strength was found to be a balance of moderate or vigorous occasions of physical activity.