Knowledge, attitude and practice towards sunscreen use among undergraduate medical students in a tertiary care teaching hospital in south India: a cross-sectional study

Background: This study was done to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of medical undergraduate students toward the usage of sunscreen as protective measures against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the undergraduate medical students in a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India. A pre-designed and validated questionnaire containing 13 questions was used to assess knowledge, attitude and practice. The filled KAP questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 100 medical students participated in our study. The mean age of respondents was 19.9±0.73 years. Half of the study participants (50%) were aware of the association between long term sun exposure and skin cancer. Only 17.5% of students were aware of the correct quantity of sunscreen to be used for effective sun protection.65% of respondents did not apply the sunscreen product 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Only 40% of students could name at least 1 ingredient in sunscreen. Reapplication rates were 39.1% among respondents. Conclusions: This study indicated that the awareness and level of knowledge of sunscreen use is not adequate among the medical personnel, thus requiring health education programs to emphasize the importance of regular and correct sunscreen use. It is imperative that the medical students are adequately informed regarding sunscreen benefits and skin cancer prevention as they form the future healthcare system.

Effect of Garcinia binucao crude leaf extract supplementation on lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster chronically exposed to alcohol

Background@#Consumption and abuse of alcohol remains a significant cause of concern worldwide. Furthermore, there is evidence of the association between chronic alcohol use and reduced life expectancy. @*Objectives@#To study the effects of Garcinia binucao extract (GBE) supplementation on lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster, in the presence or absence of chronic alcohol exposure.@*Methods@#D. melanogaster was mass cultured and given GBE supplementation in high (1 mg/mL) and low (200 µg/mL) sublethal doses. D. melanogaster flies were divided into groups - with and without chronic alcohol exposure, and their respective lifespans were monitored. @*Results@#In D. melanogaster without alcohol exposure, mean lifespan was highest in the control flies (38.15 days), followed by high-dose GBE (34.42 days), low-dose GBE (33.24 days), and DMSO (22.29 days). In D. melanogaster chronically exposed to alcohol, the longest mean lifespan was observed in flies treated with high-dose GBE (33.80 days), followed by low-dose GBE (33.63 days), the DMSO group (30.30), and the control group (29.65 days), but the differences were not statistically significant. Comparing groups with and without chronic alcohol exposure, the mean lifespan of the control group chronically exposed to alcohol significantly decreased by 9.51 days (p < 0.05). In GBE treatment groups, mean lifespan significantly decreased by 0.82 days in high-dose set-up (p < 0.05), and significantly increased by 0.39 days in the low-dose set-up (p < 0.05) upon chronic alcohol exposure. @*Conclusion@#Garcinia binucao extract supplementation ameliorated the observed reduction in lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster chronically exposed to alcohol.

Influence of Soil and Foliar Application of Nutrients on Growth and Yield of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L)

Aims: This study aims to scrutinize the intricacies of nutrient management to optimize the cultivation of black gram (Vigna mungo L.) during the Rabi season of 2022-2023 in Coimbatore. The primary objectives include evaluating the efficacy of various treatments, such as recommended doses of inorganic fertilizer (RDF), rhizobium, and Phosphobacteria microbial inoculants as soil applicants, as well as TNAU Pulse Wonder, nano urea, and DAP as foliar sprays.Study Design: A meticulous Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications was employed to explore diverse treatments. This design allowed for a systematic investigation into the impact of different nutrient management strategies on the growth and yield of black grams.Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Coimbatore, and the Rabi season of 2022-2023 was chosen for its duration. The experimental setup was established at the research farm under the auspices of the Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences.Methodology: A total of ten treatments were tested, including various combinations of RDF (25:50:25), rhizobial culture, phosphobacteria, TNAU Pulse Wonder, nano urea, and DAP. Plant growth metrics, such as plant height and leaf count, were measured at 60 days after sowing (DAS). Yield attributes, including pod count, seeds per pod, and test weight, were also evaluated. Economic scrutiny included the calculation of the cost of cultivation, gross return, net income, and benefit-cost ratio.Results: Treatment T7, consisting of 75% RDF, rhizobial culture, phosphobacteria, and 1% TNAU Pulse Wonder, demonstrated substantial efficacy in enhancing plant growth metrics. At 60 DAS, this treatment exhibited an appreciable increase in plant height (39.89 cm) and leaf count (15.33). Moreover, T7 positively impacted crucial yield attributes, with elevated pod count (24.33), seeds per pod (9.33), and test weight (4.98 g). Economic scrutiny identified T7 as the epitome of economic viability, featuring a cost of cultivation at 30,240 INR, gross return of 125,587.80 INR, net income of 95,347.80 INR, and a commendable benefit-cost ratio of 4.15.Conclusion: These findings underscore the profound significance of strategic nutrient management paradigms for fostering sustainable and economically robust black gram cultivation. The identified treatment T7 stands out as a promising approach to optimize yields and economic returns in black gram cultivation, offering valuable insights for future agricultural practices.

Influence of Cropping System and Nutrient Management Practices on the Yield, and Economics of Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum]

The Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of cropping systems and nutrient management practices on the yield, and economics of pearl millet in the School of Agricultural Science, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, India). The experiments were laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with two factors (Cropping system and Nutrient management) and three replications for two consecutive seasons in 2022-23. The study comprised three cropping system treatments namely C1 – Sole Pearl millet cropping, C2 - Pearl millet + Black gram intercropping (1:1), C3 – Pearl millet + Cowpea intercropping (1:1) along with four nutrient management treatments viz., N1 - 100% Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) @80:40:40 kg of N, P2O5, and K2O/ha., N2– 75% RDF + Azospirillum @2kg/ha and Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) @2kg/ha, N3 – 75% RDF + Soil application of Azospirillum (2kg/ha) and PSB (2kg/ha) + Foliar spray of 2% urea @ 15 and 35 days after transplanting (DAT), N4 – 75% RDF + Soil application of Azospirillum (2kg/ha) and PSB (2kg/ha) + Foliar spray of Panchagavya3% @ 15 and 35 DAT. The results of the experiment revealed that the intercropping of black gram or cowpea in pearl millet proves to be beneficial and advantageous in terms of, grain yield and returns per rupee invested, rather than going for the sole cropping of pearl millet. On the other hand, reduced application of inorganic recommended dose of fertilizers by 25% with the inclusion of biofertilizers like Azospirillum and phosphate solubilizing bacteria, along with the foliar application of 2% urea or 3% Panchagavya will be an economically viable and environmentally sustainable nutrient management practice for improving the yield of pearl millet.

Study on Different Sources of Organic Manures in Comparison with RDF on Growth and Yield of Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2022 at Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Division of Agronomy, Coimbatore, to study the different sources of organic manures in comparison with RDF on growth and yield of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with eight treatments and replicated thrice. The treatment consisted of T1 - Absolute control, T2 - RDF 100% (Inorganic), T3 - Vermicompost 100% on N equivalent basis, T4 - Farmyard manure 100% on N equivalent basis, T5 - Farmyard manure 50% + Vermicompost 50%, T6 - RDF 50% + Farmyard manure 50%, T7 - RDF 50% + Vermicompost 50%, T8 - RDF 50% + Farmyard manure 25% + Vermicompost 25%. Therefore from this experiment the results concluded that application of RDF 100% (Inorganic) significantly recorded maximum plant height (228.76 cm), total dry matter production (13485 kg ha-1), leaf area index (LAI) (5.80), chlorophyll content (SPAD) (37.89), grain yield (3770 kg ha-1) and straw yield (6600 kg ha-1) respectively.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Irrigated Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.)

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of integrated nutrient management on the growth and yield of irrigated black gram. Pulses are also known as food legumes and they are second only to cereals in terms of production and consumption in India. A field experiment was carried out at Research Farm of Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu during rabi season, (2022-2023) to Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on growth and yield of irrigated blackgram crop with seven treatments and three replications under Randomized block design (RBD). The results indicated that the treatment with 50% RDF + 25% farmyard manure (FYM) + 25% Vermicompost (T7) performed well among all the treatments and recorded higher plant height (36.73cm), total dry matter production (2325 kg ha-1), grain yield (930 kg ha-1), stover yield ( 1395 kg ha-1), number of pods (20.65). The net return (25892 Rs ha-1) and B:C ratio (1.88) was recorded higher in 100% RDF.

Baby Corn Yield Performance on Silty Clay Loam Soil as Impacted by Organic Nutrient Management Practises of Coimbatore

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2022 in the farm of Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore to study the effect on organic nutrient management on yield and economic returns of baby corn which was grown in silty clay loam soil. Among all the treatment 12.5 t FYM + groundnut cake equivalent to 60 kg fertilizer N provided much better outcomes in terms of yield attributing character and cob yield followed by vermi-compost equivalent to N in 12.5 t FYM + groundnut cake equivalent to 60 Kg fertilizer N. B:C ratio was found higher in 60-30-30 kg NPK through fertilizer alone.

Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty with a nonspherical humeral head and inlay glenoid: 90-day complication profile in the inpatient versus outpatient setting

Background@#Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) with a nonspherical humeral head component and inlay glenoid is a successful bone-preserving treatment for glenohumeral arthritis. This study aimed to describe the 90-day complication profile of TSA with this prosthesis and compare major and minor complication and readmission rates between inpatient- and outpatient-procedure patients. @*Methods@#A retrospective review was performed of a consecutive cohort of patients undergoing TSA with a nonspherical humeral head and inlay glenoid in the inpatient and outpatient settings by a single surgeon between 2017 and 2022. Age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and 90-day complication and readmission rates were compared between inpatient and outpatient groups. @*Results@#One hundred eighteen TSAs in 111 patients were identified. Mean age was 64.9 years (range, 39–90) and 65% of patients were male. Ninety-four (80%) and 24 (20%) patients underwent outpatient and inpatient procedures, respectively. Four complications (3.4%) were recorded: axillary nerve stretch injury, isolated ipsilateral arm deep venous thrombosis (DVT), ipsilateral arm DVT with pulmonary embolism requiring readmission, and gastrointestinal bleed requiring readmission. There were no reoperations or other complications. Outpatients were younger with lower ASA and CCI scores than inpatients; however, there was no difference in complications (1/24 vs. 3/94, P=1.00) or readmissions (1/24 vs. 1/94, P=0.37) between these two groups. @*Conclusions@#TSA with a nonspherical humeral head and inlay glenoid can be performed safely in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Rates of early complications and readmissions were low with no difference according to surgical setting.Level of evidence: IV.

A Statistical Analysis and Comparison of the spread of Swine Flu and COVID-19 in India

@#Introduction: The world is currently experiencing the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) [COVID-19], however, this is not a new phenomenon; it occurred in 2009-2010 in the form of novel influenza A. (H1N1). The H1N1 virus primarily afflicted people between the ages of 26 and 50, but SARS-CoV-2 primarily afflicted those over the age of 60, increasing the number of deaths owing to their weakened immunity. The report provides a case study of the impact of H1N1 and SARS-CoV-2 in India. Methods: Data is obtained from The Hindustan Times newspaper, GoI press releases and World Health Organization (WHO) reports. Results: The incidence rate was initially low and it was only by the 10-15th week that it started increasing. There is an initial upward trend before levelling out followed by a second wave and third wave. COVID-19 exhibited a steeper growth, where the steps taken by the Government were ineffective leading to higher death cases. Kerala was affected due to the travellers returning from the Middle East, while Maharashtra and Delhi saw large incidence rates due to the migrant influx and communal gathering. Conclusion: The most effective and practical approach is to test the symptomatic patients and aggressive testing to contain the transmission. Awareness campaigns to educate the public about social distancing and personal hygiene is more practical. There is still scope of improvement with regards to the public health care support, preparedness and response. Lockdown measures could have been avoided if the initial screening was conducted properly.

Effects of nerve cells and adhesion molecules on nerve conduit for peripheral nerve regeneration

BACKGROUND: For peripheral nerve regeneration, recent attentions have been paid to the nerve conduits made by tissue-engineering technique. Three major elements of tissue-engineering are cells, molecules, and scaffolds. METHODS: In this study, the attachments of nerve cells, including Schwann cells, on the nerve conduit and the effects of both growth factor and adhesion molecule on these attachments were investigated. RESULTS: The attachment of rapidly-proliferating cells, C6 cells and HS683 cells, on nerve conduit was better than that of slowly-proliferating cells, PC12 cells and Schwann cells, however, the treatment of nerve growth factor improved the attachment of slowly-proliferating cells. In addition, the attachment of Schwann cells on nerve conduit coated with fibronectin was as good as that of Schwann cells treated with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). CONCLUSIONS: Growth factor changes nerve cell morphology and affects cell cycle time. And nerve growth factor or fibronectin treatment is indispensable for Schwann cell to be used for implantation in artificial nerve conduits.

Stereotactic radiotherapy of the prostate: fractionation and utilization in the United States

PURPOSE: To analyze the utilization and fractionation of extreme hypofractionation via stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in the treatment of prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data was analyzed on men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer between 2004–2012 and treated with definitive-intent radiation therapy, as captured in the National Cancer Database. This database is a hospital-based registry that collects an estimated 70% of all diagnosed malignancies in the United States. RESULTS: There were 299,186 patients identified, of which 4,962 (1.7%) were identified as receiving SBRT as primary treatment. Of those men, 2,082 had low risk disease (42.0%), 2,201 had intermediate risk disease (44.4%), and 679 had high risk disease (13.7%). The relative utilization of SBRT increased from 0.1% in 2004 to 4.0% in 2012. Initially SBRT was more commonly used in academic programs, though as time progressed there was a shift to favor an increased absolute number of men treated in the community setting. Delivery of five separate treatments was the most commonly utilized fractionation pattern, with 4,635 patients (91.3%) receiving this number of treatments. The most common dosing pattern was 725 cGy × 5 fractions (49.6%) followed by 700 cGy × 5 fractions (21.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Extreme hypofractionation via SBRT is slowly increasing acceptance. Currently 700-725 cGy × 5 fractions appears to be the most commonly employed scheme. As further long-term data regarding the safety and efficacy emerges, the relative utilization of this modality is expected to continue to increase.

Comparative effect of cane syrup and natural honey on abdominal viscera of growing male and female rats.

The high intake of refined sugars, mainly fructose has been implicated in the epidemiology of metabolic diseases in adults and children. With an aim to determine whether honey can substitute refined sugars without adverse effect, the long-term effects of natural honey and cane syrup have been compared on visceral morphology in growing rats fed from neonatal age. Honey increased the caecum and pancreas weights in male rats, which could enhance enzymatic activities of pancreas and digestive functions by intestinal microflora of caecum. Unlike honey, cane syrup caused fatty degenerations in the liver of both male and female rats. Honey enhanced intestinal villi growth, and did not cause pathology in the rodents’ abdominal viscera, suggesting potential nutritional benefit as substitution for refined sugars in animal feed.

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis catheter placement: is omentectomy necessary?

There are different methods of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis [CAPD] catheter placement. Open surgical technique is a widely followed method. The complication rate following catheter placement varies and catheter blockage due to omental plugging is one of the main reasons. To analyze the need for routine omentectomy during CAPD catheter placement. This was a retrospective analysis of 58 CAPD catheter placements performed between July 2002 and June 2007. Tenckhoff double cuffed catheter was used in all. The postoperative complications were analyzed. There were 44 males and 14 females. The mean age was 51 years ranging from 15 to 76 years. Of these, 40 [69%] patients underwent omentectomy [group A] and 18 [31%] did not [group B]. Laparoscopic and open techniques were performed in 5 and 53 patients, respectively. Omentectomy was not performed in 13 patients with open technique and all the five in the laparoscopic group. One patient in group A developed hemoperitoneum which was treated conservatively. None from group A developed catheter blockage, whereas five [27.8%] from group B developed catheter blockage postoperatively. The median time interval between the primary procedure and development of catheter blockage was 45 days [ranged from 14 to 150 days]. Omentectomy during CAPD catheter placement prevents catheter blockage and secondary interventions

Cystic artery pseudoaneurysm after laparoscopic cholecystectomy presenting as haemobilia: a case report.

Cystic artery pseudoaneurysm which developed following a cholecystectomy and resulting in upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a rare entity, with only three cases described in the literature. We report the case of a 26-year old man who presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding approximately three months after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Emergency abdominal angiogram revealed a cystic artery stump pseudoaneurysm, with no evidence of active contrast extravasation. The pseudoaneurysm was coil embolised and the patient had no further bleeding episodes. In this situation an angiogram and embolisation rather than surgery is the preferred mode of management both in terms of diagnosis and treatment. The presence of a dilated cystic artery stump on angiogram following cholecystectomy is an "ominous sign", even in the absence of active extravasation of contrast.

Aciclovir resistance among Indian strains of Herpes simplex virus as determined using a dye uptake assay.

Resistance to aciclovir (ACV) among Herpes simplex virus (HSV) isolates is increasingly being reported in the literature particularly in immunocompromised patients. However, there is only limited data available from India despite widespread use of ACV in our hospital. A cross-sectional study was hence conducted to determine the aciclovir (ACV) susceptibility of HSV 1 and 2 isolates using a dye uptake (DU) assay. This study showed a 3.0% prevalence of ACV resistance among HSV-1 strains (2/66, median IC 50 0.098 microg/mL) while in HSV-2 strains, it was 7.8% (5/64, median IC 50 0.195 microg/mL). The IC 50 for the HSV-1 and HSV-2 strains resistant to ACV was greater than or equal to 6.25 microg/mL.

Mini Mental State Examination and the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination: Effect of education and norms for a multicultural population.

OBJECTIVE: To derive population norms on the Malayalam adaptation of Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (M-ACE) and the inclusive Malayalam mini mental state examination (M-MMSE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Education-stratified norms were obtained on randomly selected cognitively unimpaired community elders (n = 519). RESULTS: Valid data on norms was available on 488 subjects (age 68.5 +/- 7.1 and education 7.9 +/- 5.4). Education and age, but not gender had a significant effect on both M-ACE and M-MMSE. When compared to the effect of age, the effect of education was sevenfold more on the M-ACE and ninefold more on the M-MMSE. The mean composite score on the M-ACE (and the M-MMSE) was 42.8 +/- 9.8 (14.9 +/- 3.1) for those with 0 (n = 72), 55.9 +/- 12.5 (19.7 +/- 4.1) with 1-4 (n = 96), 62.6 +/- 11.4 (21.9 +/- 3.7) with 5-8 (n = 81), 77 +/- 10.2 (25.7 +/- 2.4) with 9-12 (n = 136) and 83.4 +/- 7.2 (26.7 +/- 1.6) with> 12 (n = 103) years of formal education. CONCLUSIONS: Education has the most potent effect on performance on both M-ACE and M-MMSE in the Indian cohort. Education-stratified scores on the M-ACE and the M-MMSE, will provide a more appropriate means of establishing the cognitive status of patients. It is also our feeling that these cut-off scores will be useful across India.

A hospital based study on the prevalence of conjunctivitis due to Chlamydia trachomatis.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Very few studies have been done in India to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis causing conjunctivitis using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. Hence the prevalence of primary conjunctivitis due to C. trachomatis among individuals attending ophthalmic hospitals in Chennai was determined and compared with our earlier results. METHODS: A total of 328 conjunctival swabs from 255 (both eyes 73 and one eye 182) patients were investigated by fluorescent antibody test (FAT) on direct smears, culture and PCRs for cryptic plasmid and major outer membrane protein (MOMPI) gene of C. trachomatis. An infant with ophthalmia neonatorum was also included. RESULTS: Among these 328 specimens processed, 16 (4.9%) from 12 (4.7%) patients were positive by cryptic plasmid PCR. Among these, 3 from 2 patients were positive by FAT (direct smear), culture and PCR for MOMP 1 gene. Both eyes of the infant with ophthalmia neonatorum were positive by all the methods. The sensitivity of FAT and culture (18.8%) was lower compared to PCR. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: A significant decrease in the prevalence of adult chlamydial conjunctivitis has occurred in the 10-year period among patients reporting to the ophthalmic hospitals in Chennai. PCR using cryptic plasmid primers was found to be the most sensitive method to detect C. trachomatis in patients with conjunctivitis.

Prevalence of hyperglycemia among patients taking atypical antipsychotics seen at the UP-Philippine General Hospital

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of hyperglycemia among patients taking anti-psychotics in a hospital setting. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-one patients seen at the out patient department and admitted to the in-patient service of UP-PGH, who were taking atypical anti-psychotics such as amisulpiride, clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone, were screened for hyperglycemia using serum fasting glucose. RESULTS: None of the twenty-one patients taking any of the atypical anti-psychotics tested positive for hyperglycemia. CONCLUSION: Hyperglycemia was not prevalent among this sample of patients taking atypical anti-psychotics.

Recomendação de procedimentos da Sociedade Americana de Fisiologia do Exercício (ASEP) I: avaliação precisa da força e potência muscular / Procedures recommendation I: accurate assessment of muscular strength and power

Este manuscrito visa a ajudar o leitor a coletar dados válidos e confiáveis para quantificar a força e a potência muscular. Vários inconvenientes e desvantagens de testes específicos, assim como recomendações para praticantes também são apresentadas. O conteúdo é dividido em seções, abrangendo modos de exercício isométrico, isotônico, testes de campo e isocinéticos. Inerentes a esses modos estão ambas as ações musculares concêntricas e excêntricas, assim como as atividades de cadeia cinética aberta e fechada. Para o teste isométrico, as contrações devem ocorrer com uma duração de quatro a cinco segundos com um período de transição de um segundo no início da contração. Ao menos um minuto de descanso deve ser oferecido entre as contrações. Para cada músculo testado, em cada posição, no mínimo três contrações devem ser executadas, embora outras possam ser executadas se julgadas necessárias pelo examinador. Para o teste isotônico, o teste de 1-RM deve ser executado. Após o aquecimento geral, o indivíduo deve executar uma série de aquecimento específico de 8 repetições a aproximadamente 50% da 1-RM estimada, seguida por outra série de três repetições a 70% da 1-RM estimada. Os levantamentos subseqüentes são repetições simples com cargas progressivamente mais pesadas até a fadiga. Repete-se até que a 1-RM seja determinada com o nível desejado de precisão. O intervalo de descanso entre as séries não deve ser menor que um e maior que cinco minutos. O número ótimo de repetições simples varia de três a cinco. Os dados e diretrizes dos seguintes testes de campo também são fornecidos: salto vertical, supino, Teste ciclístico anaeróbico de Wingate (WAT), e o Teste Margaria de corrida em escada (Teste de potência de Margaria). Para o teste isocinético, são fornecidos detalhes sobre o pico de torque, trabalho, potência, endurance e estimativa dos percentuais dos tipos de fibra.

The content of this manuscript is intended to assist the reader in collecting valid and reliable data for quantifying muscular strength and power. Various drawbacks and pitfalls of specific tests, as well as recommendations for the practitioner are also provided. The content is divided into sections covering isometric, isotonic, field tests, and isokinetic modes of exercise. Inherent in these modes are both concentric and eccentric muscle actions as well as both open and closed kinetic chain activities. For Isometric testing, contractions should occur over a four to five seconds duration with a one second transition period at the start of the contraction. At least one minute of rest should be provided between contractions. For each muscle tested at each position, at least three contractions should be performed although more may be performed if deemed necessary by the tester. For isotonic testing, the 1-RM test should be performed. After the general warm-up, the subject should perform a specific warm-up set of 8 repetitions at approximately 50% of the estimated 1-RM followed by another set of 3 repetitions at 70% of the estimated 1-RM. Subsequent lifts are single repetitions of progressively heavier weights until failure. Repeat until the 1-RM is determined to the desired level of precision. The rest interval between sets should be not less than one and not more than five minutes. The optimal number of single repetitions ranges fADM three to five. Data and guidelines of the following field tests are also provided; vertical jump, bench press, Wingate anaerobic cycle test (WAT), and the Margaria stair-run test. For isokinetic testing, details are provided for testing peak torque, work, power, endurance, and estimation of fiber type percentages.