Isokinetics and Exercise Science - Volume Pre-press, issue Pre-press
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Isokinetics and Exercise Science (IES) is an international journal devoted to the study of theoretical and applied aspects of human muscle performance. Since isokinetic dynamometry constitutes the major tool in this area, the journal takes a particular interest in exploring the considerable potential of this technology.
Isokinetics and Exercise Science publishes studies associated with the methodology of muscle performance especially with respect to the issues of reproducibility and validity of testing, description of normal and pathological mechanical parameters which are derivable from muscle testing, applications in basic research topics such as motor learning paradigms and electromyography. The journal also publishes studies on applications in clinical settings and technical aspects of the various measurement systems employed in human muscle performance research.
Isokinetics and Exercise Science welcomes submissions in the form of research papers, reviews, case studies and technical reports from professionals in the fields of sports medicine, orthopaedic and neurological rehabilitation and exercise physiology.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Core stability has been reported to be important for improving performance in athletes. However, the variety of measures used to assess core stability has made it difficult to compare results across studies. In addition, there is a lack of consensus on precise definitions of core and core stability, which is a barrier to research in this field. OBJECTIVE: The overall purpose of this review was to summarize the definitions of core and core stability and measurements of core stability used in previous studies on athletes. METHODS: We searched four electronic databases (PubMed/Medline,…SPORTDiscus, Web of Science and Science Direct) from their inception to October 2023. Studies evaluating core stability in athletes across all sports were included. We excluded case studies and case series, opinion pieces, letters to editors and studies not written in the English language. Two researchers independently assessed articles for inclusion and exclusion criteria and methodological quality. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-four studies were included, of which two were of high quality. The definitions of core and core stability varied widely, and ‘core’ was not defined in 108 studies and ‘core stability’ was not defined in 105 studies. The most used test protocol was the McGill test, which was used in 19 studies. CONCLUSIONS: There are multiple tests to measure core stability, and there is some confusion as to whether the measurement results represent core strength or core endurance. Future research papers should clarify the definitions of core and core stability, and consider core strength and core endurance separately.
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Abstract: BACKGROUND: Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a non-invasive method of assessing the autonomic nervous system response during exercise and fatigue. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze the validity and feasibility of the stress score index (SS) calculated from SDNN values during exercise. METHODS: 18 Men performed 2 running tests: 1) incremental exercise test; 2) 10-minute constant load test. Subjects underwent HRV analysis during the constant load test, before both tests, and afterward in a seated position at 3 intervals (0’–5’, 5’–10’, 10’–15’). The relationship between SDNN and SD2 was analyzed…before, during, and after the test. SS was calculated as 1/SD2*1000. The Bland-Altman test analyzed the reliability of ESS. The bias, limits of agreement (LoA), standard deviation of difference, intraclass correlation (ICC), and person coefficient were calculated. RESULTS: The bias was 0.15 ± 2.54 (UperLOA: 2.54; LowerLOA: - 2.23). In all conditions, SD2 and SDNN showed a positive linear relationship (r 2 = 0.986); SS and ESS were correlated; and SS and ESS described a positive linear relationship (r 2 = 0.993). CONCLUSIONS: The SS index calculation from SDNN is a reliable alternative during exercise.
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Abstract: BACKGROUND: Low muscle quantity commonly seen in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) is the key contributor of declined physical performance and increases the risk of morbidity and mortality. However, how to normalize muscle mass for operational criteria in this population remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To identify the clinically useful whole body lean tissue mass (LTM) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) indices pertinent to physical performance in patients undertaking HD. METHODS: Whole body LTM in 38 and ASM in 22 patients undergoing HD were measured by body composition monitor (BCM) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA),…respectively. Physical performance was assessed by handgrip strength, the incremental shuttle walk test, sit-to-stand tests, gait speed, Short Physical Performance Battery and Duke Activity Status Index. Besides crude LTM and ASM, the other muscle indices were utilized normalizing for height, height squared, weight, body mass index (BMI), fat mass and body fat%. RESULTS: Regardless of BCM or DXA being used, the relationships between different muscle mass indices and physical function were not consistent. While the most useful LTM index which was strongly associated with physical function involved adjustment for height, the strongest (and most useful) ASM index was normalization for BMI. CONCLUSION: The superiority of adjustment for BMI or height (height2 ) recommended by international sarcopenia consensus is also suitable for patients undergoing HD. Patients’ BMI or fat mass should be considered in estimating prevalence of sarcopenia and evaluating relationship between muscle mass and physical performance.
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Abstract: BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Football players often use quick change of direction, sudden acceleration and explosive movements. This is why chronic ankle instability is one of the most common conditions affecting this athlete population. This study investigates the effects of neuro-vestibular-ocular exercises and myofascial release on proprioception and performance in football players with chronic ankle instability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial included 60 football players aged 18–30. The players were randomly divided into two groups. The first group (NVOEG, n = 30) was included in the Neuro-Vestibular-ocular exercise training program,…while the myofascial release was applied to the second group (MRHOG, n = 30). Both protocols were applied for eight weeks. The participants’ Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) scores were assessed before and after the intervention. Proprioception was evaluated by using the joint position sense test. Additionally, kick speed (KS), 30-m sprint, zig-zag agility test (ZAT) and Landing error score system (LESS) tests were applied to evaluate their performance. RESULTS: Post-rehabilitation scores showed significant differences in proprioception and performance parameters compared to pre-scores in both groups. (p<0.05). Significant differences were observed between the NVOEG and MRHOG in the post-test scores, including CAIT for unstable and stable ankle, proprioception for unstable ankle, LESS, ZAT with ball performance, and 30-meter sprint test. CONCLUSIONS: The neuro-vulvular-ocular exercise training protocol had superior results in terms of proprioception and performance parameters in chronic ankle instability management for football players.
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Abstract: BACKGROUND: Maca extract may regulate oxidative stress and muscle damage after exhaustive endurance exercise (EEE); however, its impact on these physiological activities remains obscure. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of Maca extract supplementation on oxidative stress, muscle damage and aerobic capacity after EEE. METHODS: Twenty healthy men were assigned to Maca or placebo groups and received two doses per day for 12 weeks. Pre- and post-EEE tests assessed levels of oxidative stress and muscle damage. The EEE test also recorded metrics such as time to exhaustion, peak oxygen consumption, and maximal and average heart…rates. RESULTS: Post-exercise, there was no significant difference in oxidative stress markers between the Maca and placebo groups. However, the Maca group exhibited lower stress levels at both Post-4 and Post-24 in comparison to Post-0, while the placebo group only displayed a decrease at Post-4. Notably, Maca extract supplementation immediately increased catalase activity at Post-0. Though muscle damage markers did not significantly differ, the slope of CK elevation in the Maca group appeared lower than the Placebo group, suggesting Maca’s potential in preventing muscle damage. However, no differences were noted on aerobic capacity markers. CONCLUSIONS: Maca extract may have some beneficial effects on reducing oxidative stress and possibly muscle damage after EEE.
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Abstract: BACKGROUND: Isometric maximal voluntary force (IMVF) is essential for individuals’ health and physical performance. Therefore, there is a need for valid and reliable devices to assess IMVF. OBJECTIVE: To determine the validity and reliability of the Valkyria Trainer Balance® portable force platform in its isometric mode. METHODS: Fifty-eight physically healthy individuals (30 men and 28 women) participated in the study. A repeated measures design was used to compare the inter-day test-retest reliability of peak force. The validity of the Valkyria Trainer Balance® force platform was determined by comparing the peak force…with the ArtOficio® force platform. The analysis consisted of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and coefficient of variation (CV). A CV ⩽ 10% and ICC ⩾ 0.80 were considered acceptable reliability, while a ⩽ 5% and ICC ⩾ 0.90 were regarded as high reliability. RESULTS: CV the peak force showed high test-retest inter-day reliability (CV = 4.3% and ICC = 0.99). When comparing both force platforms, there was a 1.1% difference between the two devices. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that the Valkyria Trainer Balance® force platform is valid and reliable for assessing IMVF in physically healthy individuals.
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Keywords: Validation study, reproducibility of results, equipment and supplies, muscle contraction