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The COVID–19 pandemic has impacted undergraduate and graduate student research. With the uncertainty right now, it is a challenge for faculty to offer clear guidance for how students can proceed with their research and capstone projects. In this brief editorial, we offer suggestions for moving student research forward during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We implemented a team-based activity in our exercise physiology teaching laboratory that was inspired from Abbott et al.'s classic 1952 Journal of Physiology paper titled "The physiological cost of negative work." Abbott et al. connected two bicycles via one chain. One person cycled forward (muscle shortening contractions, positive work) while the other resisted the reverse moving pedals (muscle lengthening contractions, negative work), and the cost of work was compared. This study was the first to link human whole body energetics with isolated muscle force-velocity characteristics. The laboratory activity for our students (n = 35) was designed to reenact Abbott et al.'s experiment, integrate previously learned techniques, and illustrate differences in physiological responses to muscle shortening and lengthening contractions. Students (11-12 students/laboratory section) were split into two teams (positive work vs. negative work). One student from each team volunteered to cycle against the other for ~10 min. The remaining students in each team were tasked with measuring: 1) O2 consumption, 2) heart rate, 3) blood lactate, and 4) perceived exertion. Students discovered that O2 consumption during negative work was about one-half that of positive work and all other physiological parameters were also substantially lower. Muscle lengthening contractions were discussed and applied to rehabilitation and sport training. The majority of students (>90%) agreed or strongly agreed that they stayed engaged during the activity and it improved their understanding of exercise physiology. All students recommended the activity be performed again. This activity was engaging, emphasized teamwork, yielded clear results, was well received, and preserved the history of classic physiological experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In physiological education, blended course formats (integration of face-to-face and online instruction) can facilitate increased student learning, performance, and satisfaction in classroom settings. There is limited evidence on the effectiveness of using blending course formats in laboratory settings. We evaluated the impact of blended learning on student performance and perceptions in an undergraduate exercise physiology laboratory. Using a randomized, crossover design, four laboratory topics were delivered in either a blended or traditional format. For blended laboratories, content was offloaded to self-paced video demonstrations (~15 min). Laboratory section 1 (n = 16) completed blended laboratories for 1) neuromuscular power and 2) blood lactate, whereas section 2 (n = 17) completed blended laboratories for 1) maximal O2 consumption and 2) muscle electromyography. Both sections completed the same assignments (scored in a blinded manner using a standardized rubric) and practicum exams (evaluated by two independent investigators). Pre- and postcourse surveys were used to assess student perceptions. Most students (~79%) watched videos for both blended laboratories. Assignment scores did not differ between blended and traditional laboratories (P = 0.62) or between sections (P = 0.91). Practicum scores did not differ between sections (both P > 0.05). At the end of the course, students' perceived value of the blended format increased (P < 0.01) and a greater percentage of students agreed that learning key foundational content through video demonstrations before class greatly enhanced their learning of course material compared with a pre-assigned reading (94% vs. 78%, P < 0.01). Blended exercise physiology laboratories provided an alternative method for delivering content that was favorably perceived by students and did not compromise student performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facilitating physical activity during the workday may help desk-bound workers reduce risks associated with sedentary behavior. We 1) evaluated the efficacy of a cycling workstation to increase energy expenditure while performing a typing task and 2) fabricated a power measurement system to determine the accuracy and reliability of an exercise cycle. Ten individuals performed 10 min trials of sitting while typing (SITtype) and pedaling while typing (PEDtype). Expired gases were recorded and typing performance was assessed. Metabolic cost during PEDtype was ∼2.5× greater compared to SITtype (255 ± 14 vs. 100 ± 11 kcal h−1, P < 0.01). Typing time and number of typing errors did not differ between PEDtype and SITtype (7.7 ± 1.5 vs. 7.6 ± 1.6 min, P = 0.51, 3.3 ± 4.6 vs. 3.8 ± 2.7 errors, P = 0.80). The exercise cycle overestimated power by 14–138% compared to actual power but actual power was reliable (r = 0.998, P < 0.01). A cycling workstation can facilitate physical activity without compromising typing performance. The exercise cycle's inaccuracy could be misleading to users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on research which was conducted to describe the design and construction of a novel eccentric arm cycle ergometer (ECarm ergometer) for training the upper body and to compare the ECarm to traditional concentric arm cycling (CCarm). Researchers designed the ergometer with the frame and flywheel of a Monark 891E cycle ergometer. They found that the ergometer was simple to use, was adjustable, allowed for a range of eccentric powers and that maximum oxygen consumption measured during use of the EECarm was lower than during the use of the CCarm.

The article reports on research which was conducted to investigate the effect locomotor muscle fatigue had on joint-specific power production during cycling. Researchers evaluated 10 cyclists who performed cycling time trials to evaluate changes in maximal cycling. They found that exercise-induced changes in maximal cycling power manifested with differential power loss at each joint action with ankle plantarfiexion and knee flexion exhibiting relatively greater fatigue than knee extension and hip extension and concluded that fatigue caused by cycling does not alter submaximal joint-specific powers.

The article offers information on the study conducted by researchers including Steven J. Elmer, Paul R. Barratt, and James C. Martin on submaximal and maximal cycling. It states that power production during submaximal cycling is dominated by knee extension, whereas maximal cycling is dominated by hip extension. The study aimed at determining the level of power produced by ankle, knee, and hip joint actions during cycling. It also analyzed the connection between relative joint-specific powers and net cycling powers.

The article presents a study which examines the level of power absorption of the ankle, knee and hip joint actions during eccentric cycling (ECCc,y,c) and the changes in the power produced by joint actions during concentric cycling (CONc,y,c). The study was participated by 19 cyclists who performed single leg CONc,y,c before and 24 hours after performing ECCc,y,c. The study measured joint-specific powers with the use of inverse dynamics and averaged over complete crank revolutions and over extension and flexion phases. Results indicate that eccentric knee extensor activity is the principal power-absorbing joint actions during ECCc,y,c and is followed by eccentric hip extensor activity.

Abstract: Despite numerous reports on isometric force depression, few reports have quantified force depression during active muscle shortening (dynamic force depression). The purpose of this investigation was to determine the influence of shortening history on isometric force following active shortening, force during isokinetic shortening, and velocity during isotonic shortening. The soleus muscles of four cats were subjected to a series of isokinetic contractions at three shortening velocities and isotonic contractions under three loads. Muscle excursions initiated from three different muscle lengths but terminated at a constant length. Isometric force produced subsequent to active shortening, and force or shortening velocity produced at a specific muscle length during shortening, were compared across all three conditions. Results indicated that shortening history altered isometric force by up to 5%, force during isokinetic shortening up to 30% and shortening velocity during isotonic contractions by up to 63%. Furthermore, there was a load by excursion interaction during isotonic contractions such that excursion had the most influence on shortening velocity when the loads were the greatest. There was not a velocity by excursion interaction during isokinetic contractions. Isokinetic and isotonic power–velocity relationships displayed a downward shift in power as excursions increased. Thus, to discuss force depression based on differences in isometric force subsequent to active shortening may underestimate its importance during dynamic contractions. The presence of dynamic force depression should be realized in sport performance, motor control modeling and when controlling paralyzed limbs through artificial stimulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background : Previous investigators have reported that long term eccentric cycling increases muscle size and strength in a variety of populations. The joint-specific strategies used to absorb power during eccentric cycling, however, have not been identified. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the extent to which ankle, knee, and hip joint actions absorb power during eccentric cycling. Methods : Eight active males resisted the reverse moving pedals of an isokinetic eccentric ergometer (60rpm) while targeting 20% of their maximum concentric cycling power. Pedal reaction forces and joint kinematics were recorded with an instrumented pedal and instrumented spatial linkage system, respectively. Joint powers were calculated using inverse dynamics; averaged over complete crank revolutions and over extension and flexion phases; and differences were assessed with a one-way ANOVA. Findings : Ankle, knee, and hip joint actions absorbed 10 (SD 3)%, 58 (SD 8)%, and 29 (SD 9)% of the total power, respectively, with 3 (SD 1)% transferred across the hip. The main power absorbing actions were eccentric knee extension (−139 (SD 21) watts), eccentric hip extension (−51 (SD 31) watts), and eccentric hip flexion (−25 (SD 6) watts). Interpretation : Eccentric cycling was performed with a combination of knee and hip joint actions which is consistent with submaximal concentric cycling. These data support and extend previous work that eccentric cycling improves knee extensor function and hip extensor muscle cross sectional area. Such information may allow clinicians to take even greater advantage of eccentric cycling as a rehabilitation modality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: Lower-body aerobic exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR) offers a unique approach for stimulating improvements in muscular function and aerobic capacity. While there are more than 40 reports documenting acute and chronic responses to lower-body aerobic exercise with BFR, responses to upper-body aerobic exercise with BFR are not clearly established. Purpose: We evaluated acute physiological and perceptual responses to arm cranking with and without BFR. Methods: Participants (N = 10) completed 4 arm cranking (6 × 2 min exercise, 1 min recovery) conditions: low-intensity at 40%VO2peak (LI), low-intensity at 40%VO2peak with BFR at 50% of arterial occlusion pressure (BFR50), low-intensity at 40%VO2peak with BFR at 70% of arterial occlusion pressure (BFR70), and high-intensity at 80%VO2peak (HI) while tissue oxygenation, cardiorespiratory, and perceptual responses were assessed. Results: During exercise, tissue saturation for BFR50 (54 ± 6%), BFR70 (55 ± 6%), and HI (54 ± 8%) decreased compared to LI (61 ± 5%, all P < 0.01) and changes in deoxyhemoglobin for BFR50 (11 ± 4), BFR70 (15 ± 6), and HI (16 ± 10) increased compared to LI (4 ± 2, all P < 0.01). During recovery intervals, tissue saturation for BFR50 and BFR70 decreased further and deoxyhemoglobin for BFR50 and BFR70 increased further (all P < 0.04). Heart rate for BFR70 and HI increased by 9 ± 9 and 50 ± 15b/min, respectively, compared to LI (both P < 0.02). BFR50 (8 ± 2, 1.0 ± 1.0) and BFR70 (10 ± 2, 2.1 ± 1.4) elicited greater arm-specific perceived exertion (6–20 scale) and pain (0–10 scale) compared to LI (7 ± 1, 0.2 ± 0.5, all P < 0.05) and pain for BFR70 did not differ from HI (1.7 ± 1.9). Conclusion: Arm cranking with BFR decreased tissue saturation and increased deoxyhemoglobin without causing excessive cardiorespiratory strain and pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the classical paper "The physiological cost of negative work" by Bernard Abbott and colleagues which was published in 1952. Topics discussed include the use of an ergometer to compare the cost of performing muscle lengthening contractions and muscle shortening contractions, absorption of mechanical work during the regular stretching of active muscles, and the link between human whole-body energetics and muscle-velocity characteristics.

Introduction: Previous investigators have developed prediction equations to estimate arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) for blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise. Most equations have not been validated and are designed for use with expensive cuff systems. Thus, their implementation is limited for practitioners. Purpose: To develop and validate an equation to predict AOP in the lower limbs when applying an 18 cm wide thigh sphygmomanometer (SPHYG18cm). Methods: Healthy adults (n = 143) underwent measures of thigh circumference (TC), skinfold thickness (ST), and estimated muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) along with brachial and femoral systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure. Lower-limb AOP was assessed in a seated position at the posterior tibial artery (Doppler ultrasound) using a SPHYG18cm. Hierarchical linear regression models were used to determine predictors of AOP. The best set of predictors was used to construct a prediction equation to estimate AOP. Performance of the equation was evaluated and internally validated using bootstrap resampling. Results: Models containing measures of either TC or thigh composition (ST and CSA) paired with brachial blood pressures explained the most variability in AOP (54%) with brachial SBP accounting for majority of explained variability. A prediction equation including TC, brachial SBP, and age showed good predictability (R2 = 0.54, RMSE = 7.18 mmHg) and excellent calibration. Mean difference between observed and predicted values was 0.0 mmHg and 95% Limits of Agreement were ± 18.35 mmHg. Internal validation revealed small differences between apparent and optimism adjusted performance measures, suggesting good generalizability. Conclusion: This prediction equation for use with a SPHYG18cm provided a valid way to estimate lower-limb AOP without expensive equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise has emerged as a method of increasing muscle size and strength with low intensity resistance training. While the cuff pressures used during BFR are typically a percentage of resting arterial occlusion pressure (AOP), the impact these cuff pressures have on blood flow during lower body exercise is unknown.Purpose: To determine how various cuff pressures impact blood flow and tissue perfusion during exercise.Methods: Eleven healthy male participants completed four sets of knee extension (30 reps per set at 30% max torque) with 0%, 60%, 80%, and 100% of arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) was applied to the proximal portion of the thigh. Femoral artery blood flow, tissue oxygenation, and central hemodynamics were continuously recorded before, during, and after exercise. Electromyography (EMG) amplitude was recorded from the vastus lateralis during exercise.Results: Blood flow increased during exercise compared to rest across all cuff pressures (p < 0.001), however compared to 0%, the absolute blood flow was reduced by 34 ± 17%, 45 ± 22%, and 72 ± 19% for 60, 80, and 100% AOP, respectively. Furthermore, each cuff pressure resulted in similar relative changes in blood flow before, during, and after exercise. During exercise, tissue saturation index (TSI) decreased as cuff pressure increased (p ≤ 0.005) with the exception of 80 to 100% AOP. Deoxyhemoglobin increased (p ≤ 0.001) with cuff pressure.Conclusion: Our data indicate that while BFR knee extension elicits an absolute hyperemic response at cuff pressures up to 100% resting AOP, the relative reductions in blood flow are consistent across rest, exercise and recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isometric strength loss following damaging eccentric exercise (Edam) has been widely studied but changes in functional (maximal power, Pmax) and perceptual (rating of perceived exertion, RPE) responses have received less attention. Our objective was to establish the time course of alterations in Pmax and RPE following Edam. Eight trained cyclists performed 5 minutes of eccentric cycling with their right leg (damage) and concentric cycling with their left leg (control). Single-leg Pmax was assessed with inertial load cycling. RPE in response to a standard submaximal cycling task was assessed with a Borg scale. Measures were assessed at 7 time points (pre, 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 hrs post). Repeated measures ANOVA indicated a significant main effect for time. Pmax decreased (0-72 hrs post) and RPE increased (0-96 hrs post) in the damaged leg (p<0.05). In two cyclists, we also examined power produced at the ankle, knee, and hip. We observed that knee power decreased by 177 watts whereas hip power increased by 111 watts at 120 hrs post (preliminary data). Thus, although Pmax and RPE recovered, that recovery was partially due to compensation by other less damaged muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demonstrating how science relates to human health is an important step for generating K–12 student interest in health-related careers. Science outreach is often performed in urban areas; however, ~20% of K–12 schools are in rural areas. Michigan Technological University is located in Michigan’s upper peninsula, which accounts for 30% of the state’s land mass but only 3% of the total population. Our goal was to create a science outreach program for reaching K–12 students in our rural region. We assembled a team of undergraduate and graduate students, staff, and faculty to implement science outreach with K–12 students. Specifically, we leveraged existing national and international science outreach events [Physiology Friday, Physiology Understanding (PhUn) Week, National Biomechanics Day] to offer hands-on physiology and biomechanics activities during the year. Between 2016 and 2019, we connected with 31 K–12 schools and impacted 327 elementary (19%), 351 middle school (21%), and 1,018 high school (60%) students (total impact 1,696). Over 90% of the outreach visits took place at the K–12 schools. The hands-on activities were delivered by more than 85 undergraduate and graduate students and 10 faculty. Together, the supportive culture and resources within the department (e.g., outreach coordinator, participation from students and faculty, grant funding) were key to developing the program. We recommend starting with a single outreach event, working as a team, and being flexible with K–12 schools. The program also provided service-learning and professional development opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and faculty. Our robust science outreach program promoted “PhUn” all year-round with rural K–12 students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose After total knee arthroplasty (TKA), persistent quadriceps muscle atrophy and weakness impairs physical function. Blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise is emerging as a potential method to improve muscle size and strength in clinical populations with orthopedic limitations. There are no randomized controlled studies documenting BFR exercise after TKA. This case report describes the use of home-based BFR exercise to increase quadriceps size, strength, and physical function after TKA. Case Description A 59-year-old man (6 months post-TKA) performed body weight and walking exercises with BFR 5×/wk for 8 weeks. Blood flow in the TKA leg was restricted using a thigh cuff inflated to 50% of limb occlusion pressure. Lean leg mass, vastus lateralis thickness, knee extensor strength, and physical function were measured at baseline (6 months post-TKA), posttraining (8 months post-TKA), and long-term follow-up (14 months post-TKA). Outcomes After training, lean leg mass, vastus lateralis thickness, and knee extensor strength in the TKA leg increased by 4%, 14%, and 55%, respectively. Compared with baseline, posttraining knee extensor strength symmetry (TKA/uninvolved leg) increased from 64% to 98%. The patient's performance improved for the 30-second chair stand, 40-m fast walk, and 6-minute walk tests. Increased quadriceps and physical function were maintained at the long-term follow-up. Discussion With enhanced quadriceps and physical function, the patient resumed independent physical activity. Muscle and strength gains surpassed those typically reported after TKA. Outcomes suggest that home-based BFR exercise was feasible, safe, and effective. BFR exercise after TKA is promising and warrants further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quadriceps atrophy and weakness can persist for years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). We evaluated the effectiveness of a home-based blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise program to increase quadriceps size and strength several years after ACLR. Nine adults with ACLR (5±2 yrs post-surgery, ≤90% symmetry in quadriceps size and strength) and nine uninjured controls volunteered. ACLR participants exercised at home for 25 min, 5×/wk for 4 wks (single-leg knee extension, bodyweight half-squats, walking). Blood flow in only the involved leg was restricted using a thigh cuff inflated to 50% of limb occlusion pressure. Rectus femoris and vastus lateralis thickness and knee extensor strength were measured before and after training. Baseline and post-training symmetry (involved leg/uninvolved leg) indices were compared to uninjured controls. Rectus femoris and vastus lateralis thickness and knee extensor strength in the involved leg increased by 11±5%, 10±6%, and 20±14%, respectively (all P<0.01). Compared to baseline, post-training knee extensor strength symmetry increased from 88±4 to 99±5% (P<0.01) and did not differ from uninjured controls (99±5%, P=0.95). Implementation of BFR exercise at home was feasible, safe and effective. Results extend upon early post-operative application of BFR exercise for ACLR recovery and demonstrate that BFR can improve quadriceps function long after ACLR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing hands-on activities that engage and excite K-12 students is critical for stimulating interest in science-based careers. We created an activity for high school students that required them to integrate biology and physics concepts to experience how humans and animals maneuver through their environments (i.e., turning). Understanding how turning works is important because it accounts for up to 50% of daily walking steps and is needed for survival when animals elude predators and capture prey. For this activity, student groups used 2 × 4 lumber, wood screws, and a power drill to build an apparatus that, when connected to the body, altered rotational inertia (object's resistance to change in angular motion, I = mass × radius2). Students navigated through a slalom course with the apparatus (increased radius and rotational inertia) and without the apparatus (mass-matched control). Times to complete the course were compared between trials to determine the influence of rotational inertia on turning performance. Students compiled their data, graphed their results, and found that increased rotational inertia decreased turning performance. Results were connected to sports, rehabilitation, and dinosaur evolution. This activity was implemented during local, regional, national, and international outreach events and adapted for use in undergraduate courses as well (total impact, 250 students). At the end of the activity, students were able to 1) describe whether their results supported their hypothesis; 2) explain how radius influences rotational inertia and turning performance; and 3) apply results to real-world examples. Students and teachers appreciated this "outside-the-box" activity with an engineering twist and found it entertaining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR) is emerging as an effective modality for improving muscular function in clinical and athletic populations. Selection of cuff pressure is critical because it should maximize metabolic stress without completely occluding blood flow or compromising user safety. It is unknown how cuff pressures determined at rest influence blood flow hemodynamics during exercise.Purpose: We evaluated changes in blood flow and tissue perfusion before, during, and after exercise with BFR.Methods: Ten males performed rhythmic handgrip exercise (30 contractions, 30% MVC) at 0%, 60%, 80%, 100%, and 120% of limb occlusion pressure (LOP). Brachial artery blood flow and tissue saturation were assessed using Doppler ultrasound and near-infrared spectroscopy, respectively.Results: At rest blood flow generally decreased with increased pressure (0% > 60% ≈ 80% > 100% ≈ 120% LOP). During 60% and 80% LOP conditions, blood flow increased during exercise from rest and decreased after exercise (all P < 0.05). Compared to 0% LOP, relative blood flow at 60% and 80% LOP decreased by 22-47% at rest, 22-48% during exercise, and 52-71% after exercise (all P < 0.05). Increased LOP decreased tissue saturation during exercise with BFR (P < 0.05). Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and cardiac output did not differ across LOP.Conclusion: At pressures below LOP the cardiovascular system overcame the external pressure and increased blood flow to exercising muscles. Relative reductions in blood flow at rest were similar to those during exercise. Thus, the relative occlusion measured at rest approximated the degree of occlusion during exercise. Moderate cuff pressures increased metabolic stress without completely occluding blood flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During upper-body tasks, use of the lower body is important for minimizing physiological strain and maximizing performance. The lower body has an integral role during standing upper-body tasks, however, it is less clear if it is also important during seated upper-body tasks. We determined the extent to which the lower body influenced seated arm cranking performance. Eleven males performed incremental (40 + 20 W · 3 min-1) and short-duration maximal effort (5 s, 120 rpm) arm cranking trials with and without lower-body restriction. The lower body was restricted by securing the legs to the seat and suspending them off the floor. Upper-body peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) and maximal power were determined. At the end of the incremental protocol, lower-body restriction reduced VO2peak by 14 ± 12 % (P < 0.01) compared to normal arm cranking. At greater submaximal stages (60-100 % isotime) heart rate, ventilation, RER, and arm-specific exertion increased to a greater extent (all P < 0.05) with lower-body restriction. During short duration maximal arm cranking, lower-body restriction decreased maximal power by 23 ± 9 % (P < 0.01). Results indicated that lower-body restriction limited aerobic capacity, increased physiological strain during high-intensity submaximal exercise, and compromised maximal power generating capacity. These results imply that use of the lower body is critical when performing seated arm cranking. Our findings have implications for exercise testing, training and rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Eccentric leg cycling (cycle ergometry adapted to impose muscle lengthening contractions) offers an effective exercise for restoring lower-body muscular function, maintaining health, and improving performance in clinical and athletic populations.Purpose: We extended this model to the upper body and evaluated the effectiveness of a 7-week eccentric arm cycling (ECCarm) intervention to improve upper-body muscular function. We also explored whether ECCarm would alter arterial function.Methods: Participants performed ECCarm (n = 9) or concentric arm cycling (CONarm; n = 8) 3×/week while training intensity increased (5-20 min, 60-70% upper-body peak heart rate). Maximum elbow extensor strength, upper-body concentric power, and peripheral and central arterial stiffness were assessed before and after training.Results: During training, heart rates and perceived exertion did not differ between groups (~68% upper-body peak heart rate, ~12 Borg units, both P > 0.05), whereas power during ECCarm was ~2× that for CONarm (122 ± 43 vs. 59 ± 20 W, P < 0.01). Muscle soreness for ECCarm was greater than CONarm (P = 0.02), however, soreness was minimal for both groups (<0.50 cm). Following training, ECCarm exhibited greater changes in elbow extensor strength (16 ± 10 vs. 1 ± 9%, P = 0.01) and upper-body power (6 ± 8 vs. -3 ± 7%, P < 0.01) compared to CONarm. Peripheral and central arterial stiffness did not change for either group (both P > 0.05).Conclusion: Upper-body eccentric exercise improved dynamic muscular function while training at low exertion levels. Results occurred with minimal soreness and without compromising arterial function. ECCarm findings parallel eccentric leg cycling findings and indicate that eccentric cycle ergometry offers a robust model for enhancing upper-body muscular function. ECCarm could have applications in rehabilitation and sport training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous investigators have reported velocity-dependent strength loss for single-joint actions following acute eccentric exercise. The extent to which velocity influences recovery of multi-joint function is not well documented. Our main purpose was to compare alterations in maximal cycling power produced across a range of pedaling rates following eccentric exercise. An additional purpose was to determine the extent to which changes in rating of perceived exertion (RPE) associated with submaximal cycling reflect changes in maximal cycling power. Eighteen cyclists performed baseline trials of maximal and submaximal single-leg concentric cycling immediately before and 24 and 48 h after acute submaximal single-leg eccentric (151 ± 32 W, 487 ± 107 s) and concentric (148 ± 21 W, 488 ± 79 s) cycling trials. Maximum cycling power (apex of power-pedaling rate relationship; P (max)) was assessed using inertial-load cycling, and powers produced at 65, 110 and 155 rpm were also analyzed. Compared to baseline, P (max) was reduced (11-13%) at 24-48 h in the eccentric leg (P < 0.001). Power produced at 65, 110 and 155 rpm was reduced by similar relative magnitudes (11-15%) at 24-48 h in the eccentric leg. RPE increased (15-18%) at 24-48 h in the eccentric leg (P < 0.001). Magnitudes of relative changes in RPE did not differ from those for P (max). There were no alterations in the concentric leg. Our results indicated a global, rather than velocity-specific, reduction in neuromuscular function. Such a global reduction does not support the notion of fiber-type specific damage from eccentric exercise. The similar relative changes in RPE and P (max) suggest that increased exertion may reflect the need to recruit additional motor units to produce the same submaximal power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, physical activity levels have decreased by ~30% and sitting time has increased by ~30%. Recent call to actions by the ACSM and Physiological Society have urged widespread promotion and implementation of physical activity to keep communities healthy. PURPOSE: To leverage Exercise is Medicine on Campus (EIM-OC) and promote healthy living behaviors in our rural community during the pandemic. Specifically, we aimed to: 1) assess current levels of physical activity in the community, 2) increase public awareness about staying physically active during the pandemic and 3) offer a community physical activity program. METHODS: A team of kinesiology and biology students (n=10) led our EIM-OC initiative. Levels of physical activity in the community were assessed through an online survey. Public awareness about physical activity was promoted through an infographic, virtual town hall, and discussion with health care providers. A 10-wk physical activity program was delivered through ZOOM and social media and included live workouts (3x/wk) consisting of home-based activities (e.g., aerobic exercise, resistance exercise using common household items, yoga). RESULTS: Twenty-nine adults (51±17yrs, 28±6BMI) completed the survey. Majority of adults (72%) reported they were less physically active during the pandemic and 45% indicated that they had been encouraged by a health professional to remain active. Our message of staying physically active during the pandemic was communicated through website, email, radio, newspaper, social media, and state health department. More than 35 guided workouts (30-60 min) were delivered to healthy adults and those with reduced mobility. The physical activity program was also expanded to create a University-wide physical education course (50 students, 1 credit). CONCLUSIONS: Adults in our rural community reported they were moving less and not well informed about the importance of physically activity during the pandemic. As local health departments are currently overburdened with managing COVID-19, it is imperative for exercise specialists to help facilitate and communicate the importance of physical activity. EIM-OC provided a robust platform for us to deliver critical physical activity resources and keep our community active during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]