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Objectives: This study examined older adults' experiences of participating in the Ballistic Exercise of the Lower Limb (BELL) trial, involving 12-weeks of group-based hardstyle kettlebell training., Methods: In the BELL trial, 28 insufficiently active older adults (15 women, 13 men, 59-79 years) completed six weeks of face-to-face group training, and six weeks of home-based training. In-depth semi-structured interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and inductively coded, with themes constructed from patterns of shared meaning., Results: Four higher-order themes were developed that reflect older adults' experiences participating in a group-exercise program of hardstyle kettlebell training. These included: (1) "It's one of the best things we've done"-enjoying the physical and psychosocial benefits, (2) "It's improved it tremendously!"-change in a long-term health condition, (3) "It put me on a better course"-overcoming challenges, and (4) "I wasn't just a number"-feeling part of a group/community., Discussion: Findings highlight the perceived physical and psychological benefits of older adults participating in hardstyle group kettlebell training, and the value attributed to being part of an age-matched community of like-minded people engaged in group exercise. Implications for program design and delivery, and future research, are discussed., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

This study proposes a minimal modeling magnetic, angular rate and gravity (MARG) methodology for assessing spatiotemporal and kinematic measures of functional fitness exercises. Thirteen healthy persons performed repetitions of the squat, box squat, sandbag pickup, shuffle-walk, and bear crawl. Sagittal plane hip, knee, and ankle range of motion (ROM) and stride length, stride time, and stance time measures were compared for the MARG method and an optical motion capture (OMC) system. The root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and Bland-Altman plots and limits of agreement were used to assess agreement between methods. Hip and knee ROM showed good to excellent agreement with the OMC system during the squat, box squat, and sandbag pickup (RMSE: 4.4-9.8°), while ankle ROM agreement ranged from good to unacceptable (RMSE: 2.7-7.2°). Unacceptable hip and knee ROM agreement was observed for the shuffle-walk and bear crawl (RMSE: 3.3-8.6°). The stride length, stride time, and stance time showed good to excellent agreement between methods (MAPE: (3.2 ± 2.8)%-(8.2 ± 7.9)%). Although the proposed MARG-based method is a valid means of assessing spatiotemporal and kinematic measures during various exercises, further development is required to assess the joint kinematics of small ROM, high velocity movements.

Purpose/objectives: To describe the physical activity (PA) promotion practices, beliefs, and barriers of Australasian oncology nurses and gain preliminary insight into how PA promotion practices may be affected by the demographics of the nurses.
., Design: Cross-sectional survey.
., Setting: Australia and New Zealand.
., Sample: 119 registered oncology nurses.
., Methods: Self-reported online survey completed once per participant.
., Main Research Variables: Questions assessed the PA promotion beliefs (e.g., primary healthcare professionals responsible for PA promotion, treatment stage), PA benefits (e.g., primary benefits, evidence base), and PA promotion barriers of oncology nurses.
., Findings: Oncology nurses believed they were the major providers of PA advice to their patients. They promoted PA prior to, during, and post-treatment. The three most commonly cited benefits of PA for their patients were improved quality of life, mental health, and activities of daily living. Lack of time, lack of adequate support structures, and risk to patient were the most common barriers to PA promotion. Relatively few significant differences in the oncology nurses' PA promotion practices, beliefs, and barriers were observed based on hospital location or years of experience.
., Conclusions: Despite numerous barriers, Australasian oncology nurses wish to promote PA to their patients with cancer across multiple treatment stages because they believe PA is beneficial for their patients.
., Implications for Nursing: Hospitals may need to better support oncology nurses in promoting PA to their patients and provide better referral pathways to exercise physiologists and physiotherapists.

Our aim was to synthesise the existing empirical literature and theoretical perspectives on the physical activity (PA) promotion practices and determinants of cancer clinicians and health professionals. We conducted a narrative review of theory and evidence to develop practice recommendations for improving the promotion of PA to cancer patients. Surveyed health professionals were aware of many benefits of PA for their cancer patients, although only ~40 % promoted PA to selected cancer patients. Walking was the most commonly promoted form of PA, with this promoted to assist patients control their weight and cardiovascular health risk. Barriers to promotion of PA included lack of time and knowledge of PA and behaviour change skills. Health professionals appear interested in promoting PA to their cancer patients, yet encounter several barriers. Further research is warranted to assist health professionals improve their PA promotion. An adapted reflective-impulsive model of social behaviour shows promise for assisting health professionals overcome barriers and provides an evidence-based theoretical framework for improving communication with patients. Universities, hospitals and/or health-care accreditation organisations also have important roles to play in assisting health professionals improve their promotion of PA to patients.

Men with prostate cancer experience many side effects and symptoms that may be improved by a physically active lifestyle. It was hypothesized that older men with prostate cancer who were physically active would report significantly higher levels of quality of life (QOL) as assessed by the WHOQOL-BREF and the WHOQOL-OLD. Of the 348 prostate cancer survivors who were invited to participate in the present postal survey, 137 men returned the questionnaires. Those who were physically active had significantly lower prostate specific antigen (PSA) scores and higher social participation than those insufficiently active. These findings offer some support for the benefits of physical activity (PA) within the prostate cancer population in managing the adverse side effects of their treatments on aspects of their QOL. Future research should more closely examine what types of PA best promote improvements in varying aspects of QOL and psychological well-being for prostate cancer survivors.

This study sought to explore the lived experiences of physically active prostate cancer survivors on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), who exercise individually. Three older men (74-88 years old) with prostate cancer, using ADT continuously for at least 12 months and regularly exercising for at least 6 months, participated in this qualitative pilot study, informed by interpretive phenomenology. Data were gathered using individual semi-structured interviews, audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Coherent stories were drawn from each transcript and analyzed using iterative and interpretive methods. van Manen's lifeworld existentials provided a framework for interpreting across the research text. Three notions emerged: Getting started, Having a routine and Being with music. Together they reveal what drew the participants to exercising regularly despite the challenges associated with their cancer and treatments. This study provides insights into the benefits of, and what it means for, older men with prostate cancer to regularly exercise individually. These findings may assist cancer clinicians and other allied health professionals to be more attuned to prostate cancer survivors' lived experiences when undergoing ADT, allowing clinicians to better promote regular exercise to their patients as a foundational component of living well.

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to examine the perceptions of older men with prostate cancer regarding their quality of life and physical activity post-diagnosis, and the potential benefits and risks associated with being physically active. A secondary aim was to gain some preliminary insight into how these perceptions may differ as a function of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)., Methods: Two focus groups were conducted, consisting of six ADT and eight non-ADT men, respectively. The probe questions used assessed the link between quality of life and physical activity as well as the benefits and risks associated with physical activity. Data were transcribed verbatim and themes identified using a general inductive thematic approach., Results: The primary themes identified were sexual health, 'plumbing' and non-urogenital side-effects, return to and increased levels of physical activity post-diagnosis, physical health/function and psychological benefits of physical activity as well as over-doing it and age-related risks of excessive physical activity. However, not all themes were present in both the ADT and the non-ADT sub-groups., Conclusions: These results further highlight the link between physical activity and quality of life in prostate cancer survivors and how they use physical activity as a part of their survivorship process. Of particular interest was how several men on ADT used resistance training to counteract ADT-related side-effects affecting their masculinity. As the evidence for physical activity for prostate cancer survivorship is increasing, cancer clinicians and service providers should consider ways to better assist these men, especially those on ADT become more active., (Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Objectives: To examine the effect that physical activity delivered via two different versions of the Green Prescription (a primary care physical activity scripting program) had on depressive symptomatology and general mental health functioning over a 12-month period in non-depressed, low-active, community-dwelling older adults., Method: Two hundred and twenty-five participants from the Healthy Steps study took part in the present study. Healthy Steps participants were randomized to receive either the standard time-based or a modified pedometer-based Green Prescription. Depression, mental health functioning and physical activity were measured at baseline, post-intervention (3 months post-baseline) and at the 9-month follow-up period., Results: At post-intervention, a positive association was found between increases in leisure-time physical activity and total walking physical activity and a decrease in depressive symptomatology (within the non-depressed range of the GDS-15) and an increase in perceived mental health functioning, regardless of intervention allocation. These improvements were also evident at the follow-up period for participants in both intervention allocation groups., Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the standard time-based Green Prescription and a modified pedometer-based Green Prescription are both effective in maintaining and improving mental health in non-depressed, previously low-active older adults.

Background. Disrupted circadian rhythm commonly reported in cancer survivors is closely associated with cancer related fatigue, sleep disturbances and compromised quality of life. As more cancer survivors request non-pharmacological treatment strategies for the management of their chronic sleep-related symptoms, there is a need for meta-analyses of various interventions such as exercise on sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances. Methods. A search for RCT's was conducted in April 2020 and updated in July 2023 using relevant keywords for cancer, sleep, circadian rhythm and exercise interventions on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro and CINAHL. Results. Thirty-six studies were included for qualitative analysis and 26, for meta-analysis. Thirty-five studies analyzed sleep outcomes, while five analyzed circadian rhythm. RCT's studying the effect of aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, combined aerobic and resistance exercise, physical activity, yoga, or tai chi were included. Meta-analysis results showed significant exercise-related improvements on sleep quality assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality index (PSQI) (SMD D -0.50 [-0.87, -0.13], pD0:008), wake after sleep onset (WASO) (SMD D -0.29 [-0.53, -0.05], pD0:02) and circadian rhythm, assessed by salivary cortisol levels (MDD-0.09 (95% CI [-0.13 to -0.06]) mg/dL, p<0:001). Results of the meta-analysis indicated that exercise had no significant effect on sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency, total sleep time and circadian rhythm assessed by accelerometry values. Conclusion. While some sleep and circadian rhythm outcomes (PSQI, WASO and salivary cortisol) exhibited significant improvements, it is still somewhat unclear what exercise prescriptions would optimize different sleep and circadian rhythm outcomes across a variety of groups of cancer survivors. Implication. As exercise does not exacerbate cancer-related circadian rhythm and sleep disturbances, and may actually produce some significant benefits, this meta-analysis provides further evidence for cancer survivors to perform regular exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effects of strength-training tapers of different intensities but equal volume reductions on neuromuscular performance. Methods: Eleven strength-trained men (21.3 [3.3] y, 92.3 [17.6] kg, relative 1-repetition-maximum deadlift 1.9 [0.2] times bodyweight) completed a crossover study. Specifically, two 4-wk strength-training blocks were followed by a taper week with reduced volume (∼70%) involving either increased (5.9%) or decreased (−8.5%) intensity. Testing occurred pretraining (T1), posttraining (T2), and posttaper (T3). Salivary testosterone and cortisol, plasma creatine kinase, a Daily Analysis of Life Demands in Athletes questionnaire, countermovement jump (CMJ), isometric midthigh pull, and isometric bench press were measured. Results: CMJ height improved significantly over time (P <.001), with significant increases from T1 (38.0 [5.5] cm) to both T2 (39.3 [5.3] cm; P =.010) and T3 (40.0 [5.3] cm; P =.001) and from T2 to T3 (P =.002). CMJ flight time:contraction time increased significantly over time (P =.004), with significant increases from T1 (0.747 [0.162]) to T2 (0.791 [0.163]; P =.012). Isometric midthigh-pull relative peak force improved significantly over time (P =.033), with significant increases from T1 (34.7 [5.0] N/kg) to T2 (35.9 [4.8] N/kg; P =.013). No significant changes were found between tapers. However, the higher-intensity taper produced small effect-size increases at T3 vs T1 for isometric midthigh-pull relative peak force, CMJ height, and flight time:contraction time, while the lower-intensity taper only produced small effect-size improvements at T3 vs T1 for CMJ height. Conclusions: A strength-training taper with volume reductions had a positive effect on power, with a tendency for the higher-intensity taper to produce more favorable changes in strength and power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research into the kettlebell swing has increased in the last decade. There has been a paucity of literature assessing an individual's ability to perform the kettlebell swing exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of the one and five repetition maximum (1RM and 5RM) kettlebell swing. Materials & Methods: Twenty four recreational resistance-trained participants performed an isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) and two familiarization sessions followed by three test sessions for each RM load approximately one week apart, using a custom-built plate-loaded kettlebell. On each test occasion, subjects completed a series of warm-up sets followed by 3-4 progressively heavier kettlebell swings to a standardized height until 1RM or 5RM was reached. Test-retest reliability was calculated using the intra-class correlation (ICC) and typical error was represented as the coefficient of variation (CV%) with 90% confidence limits (90% CL). The smallest worthwhile change (SWC%) representing the smallest change of practical importance, was calculated as 0.2 × between-subject standard deviation. The relationship of kettlebell swing performance and maximum strength was determined by Pearson correlation with ±90% CL between the absolute peak force recorded during IMTP and 1RM or 5RM. Results: Results demonstrated a high test-retest reliability for both the 1RM (ICC = 0.97, 90% CL [0.95-0.99]; CV = 2.7%, 90% CL [2.2-3.7%]) and 5RM (ICC = 0.98, 90% CL [0.96-0.99]; CV = 2.4%, 90% CL [1.9-3.3%]), respectively. The CV% was lower than the SWC for both the 1RM (SWC = 2.8%, 90% CL [1.9-3.5]) and 5RM (SWC = 2.9%, 90% CL [1.9-3.6]) kettlebell swing. The correlation between IMTP absolute peak force and the 1RM (r = 0.69, 90% CL 0.43-0.83) was large and very large for the 5RM (r = 0.75, 90% CL [0.55-0.87]). Conclusions: These results demonstrate the stability of 1RM and 5RM kettlebell swing performance after two familiarization sessions. Practitioners can be confident that changes in kettlebell swing 1RM and 5RM performance of >3.6 kg represent a practically important difference, which is the upper limit of the 90% CL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To describe the physical activity (PA) promotion practices, beliefs, and barriers of Indian nurses working with cancer survivors, and to gain preliminary insights into how their educational qualification might affect PA promotion practices. Methods. A validated questionnaire was used to obtain the data (N D388). Sub-group comparisons were performed based on nursing qualification i.e., Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc) and General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) using Mann-Whitney U test and chi square analysis for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Results. The nurses believed that oncologists (47%) followed by physiotherapists (28.9%) were primarily responsible for providing information regarding PA to cancer survivors. The most common period in which the nurses' promoted PA was post treatment (31.7%), although very few nurses (13.3%) promoted PA across more than one of the three treatment periods. Nurses felt that PA had many benefits for cancer survivors; improved mental health (87.7%) and HRQoL (81.1%). Lack of knowledge (42.2%) and lack of time (41.6%) were the most frequently cited barriers. The comparisons based on educational qualification did not typically reveal many significant differences. Conclusion. Indian nurses both BSc andGNMqualified, wish to promote PA to cancer survivors despite numerous barriers, across various stages of treatment and believe PA is beneficial to the survivors in the process of recovery. Overcoming these barriers might aid in better promotion of PA to cancer survivors. Implication for cancer survivors. Nurses working in a tertiary care hospital in India are willing to promote PA amongst cancer survivors but require more training and support in this area of practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While chronic exercise training has been demonstrated to be an effective non-pharmacological treatment for chronic low back pain (CLBP), there has been a relative lack of evidence or clinical guidelines for whether a posterior chain resistance training programme provides any benefits over general exercise (GE). Objectives: To determine if chronic posterior chain resistance training (PCRT), defined as exercise programmes of ≥6 weeks duration focused on the thoracic, lumbar and hip extensor musculature, is more effective than GE in improving pain, level of disability, muscular strength and the number of adverse events in recreationally active and sedentary individuals with CLBP. Methods: Four electronic databases were systematically searched from 25 September 2019 until 30 August 2020. Using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools checklist for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), articles were critically appraised and compared against the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Standardized mean difference (SMD), risk difference (RD) and confidence interval (CI) were calculated using Review Manager 5.3. Results: Eight articles were included, with a total of 408 participants (203 PCRT, 205 GE). Both PCRT and GE were effective in improving a number of CLBP-related outcomes, but these effects were often significantly greater in PCRT than GE, especially with greater training durations (i.e. 12–16 weeks compared to 6–8 weeks). Specifically, when compared to GE, PCRT demonstrated a greater reduction in pain (SMD = − 0.61 (95% CI − 1.21 to 0.00), p = 0.05; I2 = 74%) and level of disability (SMD = − 0.53 (95% CI − 0.97 to − 0.09), p = 0.02; I2 = 52%), as well as a greater increase in muscle strength (SMD = 0.67 (95% CI 0.21 to 1.13), p = 0.004; I2 = 0%). No differences in the number of adverse events were reported between PCRT and GE (RD = − 0.02 (95% CI − 0.10 to 0.05), p = 0.57; I2 = 72%). Conclusion: Results of the meta-analysis indicated that 12–16 weeks of PCRT had a statistically significantly greater effect than GE on pain, level of disability and muscular strength, with no significant difference in the number of adverse events for recreationally active and sedentary patients with CLBP. Clinicians should strongly consider utilizing PCRT interventions for 12–16 weeks with patients with CLBP to maximize their improvements in pain, disability and muscle strength. Future research should focus on comparing the efficacy and adverse events associated with specific PCRT exercise training and movement patterns (i.e. deadlift, hip lift) in treating this population. Trial registration: PROSPERO CRD42020155700. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This mixed-methods, quasi-experimental pilot study examined whether the Nintendo Wii Sports (NWS) active video game (exergame) system could significantly improve the functional ability, physical activity levels, and quality of life of 34 older adults (4 men and 30 women, 83 ± 8 yr) living in 2 residential aged-care (RAC) centers. Change score analyses indicated the intervention group had significantly greater increases in bicep curl muscular endurance, physical activity levels, and psychological quality of life than the control group (p < .05). Analysis of the quotes underlying the 3 themes (feeling silly, feeling good; having fun; and something to look forward to) suggested that intervention group participants developed a sense of empowerment and achievement after some initial reluctance and anxiousness. They felt that the games were fun and provided an avenue for greater socialization. These results add some further support to the utilization of NWS exergames in the RAC context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The original article [1] contained an error whereby the symbol '☼' originally included in and below Tables 2–5 did not display properly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study sought to better understand the psychometric properties of the SARC-F, by examining the baseline and training-related relationships between the five SARC-F items and objective measures of muscle function. Each of the five items of the SARC-F are scored from 0 to 2, with total score of four or more indicative of likely sarcopenia. Methods: This manuscript describes a sub-study of a larger step-wedge, randomised controlled 24-week progressive resistance and balance training (PRBT) program trial for Australian community dwelling older adults accessing government supported aged care. Muscle function was assessed using handgrip strength, isometric knee extension, 5-time repeated chair stand and walking speed over 4 m. Associations within and between SARC-F categories and muscle function were assessed using multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and multinomial regression, respectively. Results: Significant associations were identified at baseline between SARC-F total score and measures of lower-body muscle function (r = − 0.62 to 0.57; p ≤ 0.002) in 245 older adults. MCA analysis indicated the first three dimensions of the SARC-F data explained 48.5% of the cumulative variance. The initial dimension represented overall sarcopenia diagnosis, Dimension 2 the ability to displace the body vertically, and Dimension 3 walking ability and falls status. The majority of the 168 older adults who completed the PRBT program reported no change in their SARC-F diagnosis or individual item scores (56.5–79.2%). However, significant associations were obtained between training-related changes in SARC-F total and item scores and changes in walking speed and chair stand test performance (r = − 0.30 to 0.33; p < 0.001 and relative risk ratio = 0.40–2.24; p < 0.05, respectively). MCA analysis of the change score data indicated that the first two dimensions explained 32.2% of the cumulative variance, with these dimensions representing whether a change occurred and the direction of change, respectively. Discussion: The results advance our comprehension of the psychometric properties on the SARC-F, particularly its potential use in assessing changes in muscle function. Older adults’ perception of their baseline and training-related changes in their function, as self-reported by the SARC-F, closely matched objectively measured muscle function tests. This is important as there may be a lack of concordance between self-reported and clinician-measured assessments of older adults’ muscle function. However, the SARC-F has a relative lack of sensitivity to detecting training-related changes, even over a period of 24 weeks. Conclusions: Results of this study may provide clinicians and researchers a greater understanding of how they may use the SARC-F and its potential limitations. Future studies may wish to further examine the SARC-F’s sensitivity of change, perhaps by adding a few additional items or an additional category of performance to each item. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There is little literature comparing contrast training programs typically performed by team-sport athletes within a competitive phase. We compared the effects of two contrast training programs on a range of measures in high-level rugby union players during the competition season. Methods: The programs consisted of a higher volume-load (strength-power) or lower volume-load (speed-power) resistance training; each included a tapering of loading (higher force early in the week, higher velocity later in the week) and was performed twice a week for 4 wk. Eighteen players were assessed for peak power during a bodyweight countermovement jump (BWCMJ), bodyweight squat jump (BWSJ), 50 kg countermovement jump (50CMJ), 50 kg squat jump (50SJ), broad jump (BJ), and reactive strength index (RSI; jump height divided by contact time during a depth jump). Players were then randomized to either training group and were reassessed following the intervention. Inferences were based on uncertainty in outcomes relative to thresholds for standardized changes. Results: There were small between-group differences in favor of strength-power training for mean changes in the 50CMJ (8%; 90% confidence limits, ±8%), 50SJ (8%; ±10%), and BJ (2%; ±3%). Differences between groups for BWCMJ, BWSJ, and reactive strength index were unclear. For most measures there were smaller individual differences in changes with strength-power training. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that high-level rugby union athletes should be exposed to higher volume-load contrast training which includes one heavy lifting session each week for larger and more uniform adaptation to occur in explosive power throughout a competitive phase of the season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dancing is a mode of physical activity that may allow older adults to improve their physical function, health, and well-being. However, no reviews on the physical benefits of dancing for healthy older adults have been published in the scientific literature. Using relevant databases and keywords, 15 training and 3 cross-sectional studies that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Grade B-level evidence indicated that older adults can significantly improve their aerobic power, lower body muscle endurance, strength and flexibility, balance, agility, and gait through dancing. Grade C evidence suggested that dancing might improve older adults' lower body bone-mineral content and muscle power, as well as reduce the prevalence of falls and cardiovascular health risks. Further research is, however, needed to determine the efficacy of different forms of dance, the relative effectiveness of these forms of dance compared with other exercise modes, and how best to engage older adults in dance participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The feasibility and benefits of a 24-week targeted progressive supervised resistance and weight-bearing exercise programme (Group Aged Care Exercise + GAIT (GrACE + GAIT)) in the residential aged care (RAC) setting was investigated as very little peer-reviewed research has been conducted in relation to exercise programmes of this duration in this cohort. Methods. A quasi-experimental study design consisting of two groups (control and exercise) explored a 24-week targeted progressive supervised resistance and weight-bearing exercise programme (GrACE + GAIT) in two RAC facilities in Northern New South Wales, Australia. A total of 42 adults consented to participate from a total of 68 eligible residents (61.7%). The primary outcome measures were feasibility and sustainability of the exercise programme via intervention uptake, session adherence, attrition, acceptability and adverse events. Secondary measures included gait speed and the spatio-temporal parameters of gait, handgrip muscle strength and sit to stand performance. Results. Twenty-three residents participated in the exercise intervention (mean (SD) 85.4 (8.1) years, 15 females) and 19 in the control group (87.4 (6.6) years 13 females). Exercise adherence was 79.3%, with 65% of exercise participants attending ≥70% of the sessions; 100% of those originally enrolled completed the programme and strongly agreed with the programme acceptability. Zero exercise-related adverse events were reported. ANCOVA results indicated that post-intervention gait speed significantly increased (p < 0.001) with an 18.8% increase in gait speed (m/s). Discussion. The GrACE + GAIT programme was shown to be feasible and significantly improve adults living in RAC facilities gait speed, handgrip strength and sit to stand performance. These results suggest that the GrACE + GAIT programme is suitable for use in the RAC sector and that it has the potential to reduce disability and improve function and quality of life of the residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This study aimed to investigate reasons for ceasing participation in aqua-based exercise among older adults with osteoarthritis ( OA). Methods Eleven adults over 60 years of age with OA participated in one of two focus groups, during which they discussed barriers to aqua-based exercise and the potential benefits of this exercise mode. Each focus group was audiotaped, transcribed and then analysed using the general inductive thematic approach. The investigators reached a consensus on all coding categories and then identified themes. Results Key barriers identified were: a lack of suitable classes; insufficient instructor knowledge, which often led to increased pain; cold water and the changing facilities. Key perceived benefits included increased physical ability in water and social interaction. Conclusions A greater understanding of reasons for ceasing participation in aqua-based exercise among older adults with OA may help facilitate development of suitable exercise programs that minimise barriers for this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research which compared the effects a seven week strongman resistance training and traditional resistance training program had on body composition, strength and power measures in 30 rugby players. They found that there were no major differences between players from either training program and that strongman training was as effective as traditional resistance training in improving body composition, muscle function and performance.

INTRODUCTION: Most exercise studies for older adults have been university- or hospital-based. Little is known about the benefits and factors influencing long-term participation in community-based exercise programmes, especially in New Zealand. AIM: To quantify the objective benefits, participant perceptions and retention rates of a New Zealand community-based exercise programme for adults (60 years or older). METHODS: Study 1 involved assessing the benefits of 12 weeks' training on a convenience sample of 62 older adults commencing the never2old Active Ageing programme. Study 2 assessed the perceptions of 150 current participants on a variety of programme components that could act as barriers or facilitators to continued engagement. Study 3 assessed the retention rates of 264 participants in the programme over a two-year period. RESULTS: Significant improvements in many physical functional scores were observed in Study 1 (5-30 percentile points; p<0.05). Questionnaire responses from participants in Study 2 indicated many perceived benefits (positive responses from 67-95% on various questions) and that core components of the programme were rated very highly (64-99% on various components). Retention rates were high, with Study 3 finding 57% of participants still engaging in the programme at the end of the two-year period. DISCUSSION: A community-based exercise programme for older adults can improve many objective and subjective measures of physical fitness and functional performance and have good retention rates. General practitioners and other allied health professionals in New Zealand should consider promoting programmes, such as the never2old Active Ageing programme, to their older patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is the second in our three part series examining how a variety of biomechanical principles and concepts have direct relevance to the prescription of resistance training for the general and athletic populations as well as for musculoskeletal injury rehabilitation. In this paper, we considered different neuromuscular characteristics of resistance exercise. We started by defining the causes of motion, discussing force and Newton's second law of linear motion. This led to discussion of impulse, and how its relationship with momentum can be used to study force-time curves recorded from different ground-based resistance exercises. This enables the sports biomechanist to derive movement velocity, which enables study of the relationship between force and velocity, and we concluded that as the force required to cause movement increases the velocity of movement must decrease. This relationship is critical because it enables strength and conditioning coaches and exercise professionals to manipulate resistance-training loads to maximise training gains for sports performance. We described representative force-time curves from basic human movements to provide a foundation for discussion about how different resistance-training gains can be achieved. This focused on exercise technique, including use of the stretch-shortening cycle, magnitude of load, ballistic resistance exercise, and elastic band and chain resistance (although elements of this will receive greater attention in our final article). Finally, we defined and explained the concept of mechanical work and power output, examining the effect that load has on power output by considering the load-power relationships of different common resistance exercises. We hope that exercise professionals will benefit from this knowledge of applied resistance training biomechanics. Specifically, we feel that the take home message of this article is that resistance exercise load and technique can be manipulated to maximise resistance-training gains, and that this can be particularly useful for athletes trying to improve sporting performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goals of this narrative review are to provide a brief overview of the muscle and tendon adaptations to eccentric resistance exercise and address the applications of this form of training to aid rehabilitative interventions and enhance sports performance. This work is centered on the author contributions to the Special Issue entitled "Eccentric Exercise: Adaptations and Applications for Health and Performance". The major themes from the contributing authors include the need to place greater attention on eccentric exercise mode selection based on training goals and individual fitness level, optimal approaches to implementing eccentric resistance exercise for therapeutic purposes, factors that affect the use of eccentric exercise across the lifespan, and general recommendations to integrate eccentric exercise in athletic training regimens. The authors propose that movement velocity and the absorption or recovery of kinetic energy are critical components of eccentric exercise programming. Regarding the therapeutic use of eccentric resistance training, patient-level factors regarding condition severity, fitness level, and stage of rehabilitation should govern the plan of care. In athletic populations, use of eccentric exercise may improve movement competency and promote improved safety and performance of sport-specific tasks. Eccentric resistance training is a viable option for youth, young adults, and older adults when the exercise prescription appropriately addresses program goals, exercise tolerability, and compliance. Despite the benefits of eccentric exercise, several key questions remain unanswered regarding its application underscoring the need for further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which describes the results of a survey of strength and conditioning practices of strongman competitors. The survey comprised 3 main areas of enquiry which includes exercise selection, training protocols and organization and strongman event training. Results show that strongman competitors incorporate a wide variety of strength and conditioning practices that are focused on increasing muscular size and the development of maximal strength and power into the exercise.

Older adults' reduced performance in functional activities of daily living (ADL) such as gait, sit to stand or stair climbing may reflect age-related declines in muscular power more so than strength. Therefore, this review was conducted to determine if power training is effective in improving the functional ability of older adults, and if so, if it was more effective than strength training. The review was performed using Medline (PubMed), CINAHL, Sports Discus, ProQuest 5000 International and Google Scholar with the keywords "power training", "older adult" and "elder" and all derivatives. Of the 12 eligible studies identified, nine also included a strength training group. Virtually all studies reported significant increases in strength and power for the strength and power training groups. Significant improvements in functional performance were observed for the power training groups in 10 of the 12 studies and in the strength training group in four of the nine studies that also examined the effect of strength training. These results demonstrate that strength and power training can both significantly improve functional performance in older adults, and suggest that power training may be more effective than strength training in this regard. Future research in this area should involve larger sample sizes of older men and women with varying levels of pre-training strength, power and functional ability and: 1) compare the relative efficacy of strength and power training; 2) determine if the optimal training prescription differs somewhat for each functional task; and 3) examine changes in quality of life and falls rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article looks at a study which examined the effect of technique, volume, and load on total-repetition and single-repetition kinetics and kinematics. Results indicate that volume, load, and technique have an important influence on the determination of mechanical responses in kinetic and kinematic exercises.

The article reports on the study that explores the relationship between the kinematics and kinetics of a single-leg horizontal drop jump (SLDJ) to sprint performance. The study indicates that the SLDJ could account for a high level of variance in sprint time. It also suggests that additional research into the kinetic determinants of jumping and sprinting may allow an individualized exercise prescription for improving certain aspects of sprinting.

Abstract: Sequeira G, Keogh JW, Kavanagh JJ. Resistance training can improve fine manual dexterity in essential tremor patients: a preliminary study. Objective: To determine if a short-term resistance training (RT) program of the upper limb can improve strength, fine manual dexterity, and quality of life in individuals with essential tremor (ET). Design: Single group, dual pretest-posttest intervention study. Setting: General community. Participants: Participants (N=6; mean age ± SD, 74±7y) clinically diagnosed as having ET (mean years diagnosed ± SD, 19±7y) were recruited into the study. Intervention: A 6-week RT program involving unilateral dumbbell bicep curls, wrist flexion, and wrist extension exercises twice a week. Main Outcome Measures: Upper limb strength determined from five-repetition maximum; fine manual dexterity determined from the Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT) for the hand of the most affected limb, the hand of the least affected limb, both hands, and a bilateral assembly task; and quality of life determined from the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey and the ET specific Quality of Life in Essential Tremor questionnaire. Results: The RT program resulted in significant increases in 4 of the 6 upper limb strength measures. Significant improvements in the PPT were observed for the single hand components of this test. PPT performance improved immediately after RT when using the most affected limb, but these changes took longer to be observed for the least affected limb. Conclusions: Overall, fine manual dexterity improved in ET patients after a simple RT program. The findings of this preliminary study provide clear evidence that RT is worthy of further investigation as a therapy for improving functionality in ET patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The sport of strongman is becoming increasingly popular, catering for females, lightweight, and Masters competitors, with strongman exercises also being used by strength and conditioning coaches for a range of athletic groups. Thus, a systematic review was conducted to examine researchers' current understanding of the biomechanics of strongman exercises, with a view to improve strongman athlete performance, provide biomechanical evidence supporting the transferability of strongman exercises to strength and conditioning/rehabilitation programs, and identify gaps in the current knowledge of the biomechanics of strongman exercises. Methods: A two-level search term strategy was used to search five databases for studies relevant to strongman exercises and biomechanics. Results: Eleven articles adherent to the inclusion criteria were returned from the search. The studies provided preliminary biomechanical analysis of various strongman exercises including the key biomechanical performance determinants of the farmer's walk, heavy sled pull, and tire flip. Higher performing athletes in the farmer's walk and heavy sled pull were characterized by a greater stride length and stride rate and reduced ground contact time, while higher performing athletes in the tire flip were characterized by a reduced second pull phase time when compared with lower performing athletes. Qualitative comparison of carrying/walking, pulling and static lifting strongman, traditional weight training exercises (TWTE), and common everyday activities (CEA), like loaded carriage and resisted sprinting, were discussed to further researchers' understanding of the determinants of various strongman exercises and their applications to strength and conditioning practice. A lack of basic quantitative biomechanical data of the yoke walk, unilateral load carriage, vehicle pull, atlas stone lift and tire flip, and biomechanical performance determinants of the log lift were identified. Conclusions: This review has demonstrated the likely applicability and benefit of current and future strongman exercise biomechanics research to strongman athletes and coaches, strength and conditioning coaches considering using strongman exercises in a training program, and tactical operators (e.g., military, army) and other manual labor occupations. Future research may provide a greater understanding of the biomechanical determinants of performance, potential training adaptations, and risks expected when performing and/or incorporating strongman exercises into strength and conditioning or injury rehabilitation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on aspects related to association between powerlifting competition and accessory exercises utilized in training. Topics discussed include weakness trageting and competitive movements, measurements of standard deviations, recruitment of weaker participants, and accessory movements.