Search

Exercise-based preventive training programs are designed to improve movement patterns associated with lower extremity injury risk; however, the impact of these programs on general physical fitness has not been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to compare fitness scores between participants in a preventive training program and a control group. 1068 freshmen from a US Service Academy were cluster-randomized into either the intervention or control group during 6 weeks of summer training. The intervention group performed a preventive training program, specifically the Dynamic Integrated Movement Enhancement (DIME), which is designed to improve lower extremity movement patterns. The control group performed the Army Preparation Drill (PD), a warm-up designed to prepare Soldiers for training. Main outcome measures were the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) raw and scaled (for age and sex) scores. Independent t-tests were used to assess between-group differences. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to control for the influence of confounding variables. DIME group participants completed the APFT 2- mile run 20 seconds faster compared to the PD group (p<0.001) which corresponded with significantly higher scaled scores (p<0.001). APFT push-up scores were significantly higher in the DIME group (p=0.041) but there were no significant differences in APFT sit-up scores. The DIME group had significantly higher total APFT scores compared to the PD group (p<0.001). Similar results were observed in multivariable models after controlling for sex and BMI. Committing time to the implementation of a preventive training program does not appear to negatively affect fitness test s [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which was aimed to compare lower extremity (LE) muscle activation and passive range of motion (PROM) between subjects who display visual medial knee displacement (MKD) during a single leg squat (SLS) and those who do not. The study included 40 physically active adults. The study findings indicate that MKD during a SLS seems to be influenced by decreased coactivation of the gluteal to the hip adductor muscles and restricted dorsiflexion.

The article compares isolated resistance training with an integrated regimen including exercise types such as muscle endurance, vertical jumping, and agility. Subjects in isolated or integrated training groups were evaluated before and after the training period on performance and neuromuscular control tests, including jump landing, push-ups and sit-ups, and sit-and-reach. The results indicate that the integrated method produced grater performance and movement ability.