Force-Time Characteristics of Repeated Bouts of Depth Jumps and the Effects of Compression Garments.

No studies have reported ground reaction force (GRF) profiles of the repeated depth jump (DJ) protocols commonly used to study exercise-induced muscle damage. Furthermore, while compression garments (CG) may accelerate recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage, any effects on the repeated bout effect are unknown. Therefore, we investigated the GRF profiles of 2 repeated bouts of damage-inducing DJs and the effects of wearing CG for recovery. Nonresistance-trained males randomly received CG (n = 9) or placebo (n = 8) for 72 hours recovery, following 20 × 20 m sprints and 10 × 10 DJs from 0.6 m. Exercise was repeated after 14 days. Using a 3-way (set × bout × group) design, changes in GRF were assessed with analysis of variance and statistical parametric mapping. Jump height, reactive strength, peak, and mean propulsive forces declined between sets (P < .001). Vertical stiffness, contact time, force at zero velocity, and propulsive duration increased (P < .05). According to statistical parametric mapping, braking (17%-25% of the movement) and propulsive forces (58%-81%) declined (P < .05). During the repeated bout, peak propulsive force and duration increased (P < .05), while mean propulsive force (P < .05) and GRF from 59% to 73% declined (P < .001). A repeated bout of DJs differed in propulsive GRF, without changes to the eccentric phase, or effects from CG.

The effect of medical grade compression garments on the repeated-bout effect in non-resistance-trained men.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? What are the effects of compression garments on recovery from unaccustomed damaging exercise and subsequent protective adaptations? What is the main finding and its importance? Compression did not influence recovery, but was associated with blunted protective adaptations for isokinetic performance, which were completely absent at high velocities. Based on these findings, the use of compression garments for recovery would not be recommended following unaccustomed exercise, particularly if the maintenance of high-velocity performance following exercise-induced muscle damage is desirable. ABSTRACT: Whilst compression garments (CG) may enhance recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), many recovery strategies can attenuate adaptative responses. Therefore, the effects of CG on recovery from EIMD, and the rapid protective adaptations known as the repeated bout effect (RBE) were investigated. Thirty-four non-resistance-trained males (18-45 years) randomly received class II medical-grade CG or placebo for 72 h following eccentrically-focused lower-body exercise, in a double-blind, randomised controlled trial. Indices of EIMD were assessed at baseline, 0, 24, 48 and 72 h post-exercise, before exercise and testing were repeated after 14 days. Results were analysed using a three-way (time × condition × bout) linear mixed-effects model. Exercise impaired isometric and isokinetic strength, with soreness and thigh circumference elevated for 72 h (P < 0.001). Compression did not enhance recovery (P > 0.05), despite small to moderate effect sizes (ES, reported alongside 90% confidence intervals) for isokinetic strength (ES from 0.2 [-0.41, 0.82] to 0.65 [0.03, 1.28]). All variables recovered faster after the repeated bout (P < 0.005). However, RBE for peak isokinetic force was impaired in CG at 60° s-1 (group × bout interaction: χ2  = 4.24, P = 0.0395; ES = -0.56 [-1.18, 0.07]) and completely absent at 120° s-1 (χ2  = 16.2, P < 0.001, ES = -0.96 [-1.61, -0.32]) and 180° s-1 (χ2  = 10.4, P = 0.001, ES = -0.72 [-1.35, -0.09]). Compression blunted RBE at higher isokinetic velocities without improving recovery in non-resistance-trained males, potentially contraindicating their use following unaccustomed exercise in this population.

Compression Garments for Recovery from Muscle Damage: Evidence and Implications of Dose Responses.

ABSTRACT: The use of compression garments (CG) has been associated with improved recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage. The mechanisms responsible are not well established, and no consensus exists regarding the effects of compression pressure (i.e., the "dose"), which until recently was seldom reported. With the increasing prevalence of studies reporting directly measured pressures, the present review aims to consolidate current evidence on optimal pressures for recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage. In addition, recent findings suggesting that custom-fitted garments provide greater precision and experimental control are discussed. Finally, biochemical data from human trials are presented to support a theoretical mechanism by which CG enhance recovery, with recommendations for future research. The effects of compression on adaptation remain unexplored. More studies are required to investigate the relationship between compression pressure and the recovery of performance and physiological outcomes. Furthermore, improved mechanistic understanding may help elucidate the optimal conditions by which CG enhance recovery.

Custom-Fitted Compression Garments Enhance Recovery From Muscle Damage in Rugby Players.

ABSTRACT: Brown, F, Jeffries, O, Gissane, C, Howatson, G, van Someren, K, Pedlar, C, Myers, T, and Hill, JA. Custom-fitted compression garments enhance recovery from muscle damage in rugby players. J Strength Cond Res 36(1): 212-219, 2022-to evaluate the effects of custom-fitted compression garments (CG) on recovery from muscle damage in rugby players. Forty-five players were tested for lower-body strength, power, and indices of muscle damage before completing a damaging protocol (20 × 20-m sprints with 5-m deceleration, 100 drop jumps). Players were randomly assigned to wear either custom-fitted (CF, n = 13), or standard-sized CG (SSG, n = 16), or to receive sham ultrasound therapy (CON, n = 16) immediately after exercise. Players were retested immediately, then after 24 and 48 hours. Strength recovery was significantly different between groups (F = 2.7, p = 0.02), with only CF recovering to baseline values by 48 hours (p = 0.973). Time × condition effects were also apparent for creatine kinase activity (χ2 = 30.4, p < 0.001) and midthigh girth (F = 3.7, p = 0.005), with faster recovery apparent in CF compared with both CON and SSG (p < 0.05). Custom-fitted CG improved strength recovery and indices of muscle damage in rugby players, compared with controls and standard-sized garments. Athletes and coaches would be advised to use appropriately fitted CG to enhance strength recovery after damaging exercise.

The effect of custom-fitted compression garments worn overnight for recovery from judo training in elite athletes.

This study investigated the effects of custom-fitted compression garments (CG) worn during recovery over a multi-day training camp in elite judo players (judoka). A single blind, placebo-controlled study was carried out in 11 elite judoka, using a two-way crossover design. Two three-day training camps were completed in CG and placebo conditions in a random order. Changes in performance and physiological markers were compared between conditions. Judoka were assessed before training for (maximal) isometric knee extension and grip strength, countermovement jump performance and bench-press velocity, alongside soreness, limb circumferences, plasma creatine kinase activity (CK) and perceived bruising. Measurements were repeated after 12, 36 and 43 h of training, whereupon judoka rated the effectiveness of each intervention. Knee extension and bench-press performance demonstrated significant familiarization (p < 0.001), and were excluded from subsequent analysis. Jump performance was unaffected by training (p > 0.05). Grip strength declined throughout training (p < 0.001), with peak decrements of -9.7% indicating mild muscle damage. Increases in bruising, CK and soreness demonstrated highly variable, if significant (p < 0.001) responses. Although CG were perceived as significantly more effective than placebo for recovery (p = 0.046), no effects were observed for any other outcome (p > 0.05). Compression conferred no statistically significant impact upon recovery markers in elite judoka throughout training. Muscle damage responses were inconsistent in this population. Individual athletes would be advised to monitor habitually-used performance measures while using CG to ascertain whether perceptual benefits translate into enhanced recovery.HighlightsCompression garments were perceived as more effective for recovery than placebo by elite judoka.However, no measures of performance or muscle damage were enhanced by CG.Randori was associated with inconsistent muscle damage responses in elite judoka, while lower-body performance was not impaired.Individual athletes would be advised to monitor habitually-used performance measures while using CG to ascertain whether perceptual benefits translate into enhanced recovery.

Exposure to challenging behaviour and staff psychological well-being: The importance of psychological flexibility and organisational support in special education settings.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The present study examines the levels of psychological distress (anxiety, depression, stress) and burnout and their relationship to challenging behaviour, amongst staff working in a special education setting. It further examines the relationships between psychological distress and burnout and psychological flexibility, role clarity and workplace support. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: This was a cross-sectional survey of staff (N = 145) self-report data on exposure to challenging behaviour (CB), and contingent emotional reactions as well as psychological distress, burnout, perceived organisational support and psychological flexibility. OUTCOME AND RESULTS: Results revealed high levels of psychological distress and burnout amongst special education staff, which correlated with lower levels of psychological flexibility, negative emotional reactions to CB, role-clarity, perceived organisational support and job satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Results suggest that prevalence of psychological distress and burnout amongst staff in ID settings is high. Also that organisational and individual psychological factors have a role in this relationship. Results provide initial support for the need for psychological interventions for staff dealing with CB within a multi-tiered support model. Future research suggestions are provided, and clinical and organisational implications are discussed in terms of increasing staff well-being. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: The paper primarily reveals high prevalence of psychological distress and burnout amongst ID staff in relation to their exposure to CB. The study also presents initial evidence that organisational and psychological factors (psychological flexibility) influence the latter relations and provides the basis for further research and exploration. Lastly, it highlights the need of proactive and reactive psychological interventions for staff dealing with CB within a multi-tiered support model and provides initial evidence for the potential employment of contextual behavioural science interventions.

Efficacy of Repeated Cold Water Immersion on Recovery After a Simulated Rugby Union Protocol.

Barber, S, Pattison, J, Brown, F, and Hill, J. Efficacy of repeated cold water immersion on recovery after a simulated rugby union protocol. J Strength Cond Res 34(12): 3523-3529, 2020-Training and athletic competition frequently results in exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of repeated cold water immersion (CWI) on recovery after a simulated rugby union match. Sixteen male, club-level rugby players were matched for body mass and randomly assigned to either a CWI group or control (CON) group. After the simulated rugby match, the CWI group underwent 2 × 5-minute immersions at a temperature of 10° C separated by 2.5 minutes seated at room temperature, whereas the CON group remained seated for 15 minutes. Creatine kinase (CK), perceived muscle soreness, counter movement jump (CMJ), and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the knee extensors were measured pre-exercise, postexercise, 24 and 48 hours after exercise. Large effect sizes were observed for muscle soreness at 24 and 48 hours after exercise with lower soreness values observed in the CWI group. Large effect sizes were observed for CMJ at all time points and at 24 and 48 hours post for MVIC with improved recovery of muscle function observed in the CWI group compared with the CON group. Last, a moderate effect size was observed for CK immediately after exercise, followed by large effect sizes at 24 and 48 hours after exercise, with CK concentration blunted in the CWI group. Overall, these findings provide some support for the use of CWI to enhance recovery from EIMD after a simulated rugby union match.

Modifications to the nutrition for sport knowledge questionnaire (NSQK) and abridged nutrition for sport knowledge questionnaire (ANSKQ).

New evidence and feedback from colleagues have led to modifications to the Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire (NSKQ) and Abridged Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire (ANSKQ). The changes predominately affect questions regarding the nutrient content of foods, protein recommendations and the legality of supplements. Some English language edits have also been made.

Efficacy of Compression Garments on Recovery From a Simulated Rugby Protocol.

Upton, CM, Brown, FC, and Hill, JA. Efficacy of compression garments on recovery from a simulated rugby protocol. J Strength Cond Res 31(11): 2977-2982, 2017-The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of lower limb compression garments on recovery in club-level rugby players. Nineteen participants (age, 20.3 ± 1.7 years, height, 184.2 ± 7.5 cm, and body mass, 89.5 ± 9.9 kg) completed a rugby-specific, muscle-damaging protocol before being assigned to a compression garment group (n = 10) or a SHAM ("recovery" drink) treatment (n = 9). The compression group wore the garments for 48 hours after exercise, whereas SHAM consumed a sweetened, low energy drink within an hour of protocol completion. Perceived muscle soreness (PMS), creatine kinase (CK), maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), and countermovement jump (CMJ) height were measured at baseline, post, 24, and 48 hours after exercise. Perceived muscle soreness was significantly lower in the compression group compared with the SHAM group at both 24 and 48 hours after exercise (p ≤ 0.05). The compression group was also subject to lower CK values than SHAM, as demonstrated by a significant time by group effect (p ≤ 0.05). There was no significant group effect for MVIC or CMJ (p > 0.05). Wearing compression garments after a rugby-specific, muscle-damaging protocol seems to reduce PMS and circulating concentrations of CK, suggesting improved recovery from muscle-damaging exercise.

Compression Garments and Recovery from Exercise: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Adequate recovery from exercise is essential to maintain performance throughout training and competition. While compression garments (CG) have been demonstrated to accelerate recovery, the literature is clouded by conflicting results and uncertainty over the optimal conditions of use. OBJECTIVES: A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effects of CG on the recovery of strength, power and endurance performance following an initial bout of resistance, running, or non-load-bearing endurance (metabolic) exercise. METHODS: Change-score data were extracted from 23 peer-reviewed studies on healthy participants. Recovery was quantified by converting into standardized mean effect sizes (ES) [±95% confidence interval (CI)]. The effects of time (0-2, 2-8, 24, >24 h), pressure (<15 vs. ≥15 mmHg) and training status (trained vs. untrained) were also assessed. RESULTS: CG demonstrated small, very likely benefits [p < 0.001, ES = 0.38 (95% CI 0.25, 0.51)], which were not influenced by pressure (p = 0.06) or training status (p = 0.64). Strength recovery was subject to greater benefits than other outcomes [p < 0.001, ES = 0.62 (95% CI 0.39, 0.84)], displaying large, very likely benefits at 2-8 h [p < 0.001, ES = 1.14 (95% CI 0.72, 1.56)] and >24 h [p < 0.001, ES = 1.03 (95% CI 0.48, 1.57)]. Recovery from using CG was greatest following resistance exercise [p < 0.001, ES = 0.49 (95% CI 0.37, 0.61)], demonstrating the largest, very likely benefits at >24 h [p < 0.001, ES = 1.33 (95% CI 0.80, 1.85)]. Recovery from metabolic exercise (p = 0.01) was significant, although large, very likely benefits emerged only for cycling performance at 24 h post-exercise [p = 0.01, ES = 1.05 (95% CI 0.25, 1.85)]. CONCLUSION: The largest benefits resulting from CG were for strength recovery from 2 to 8 h and >24 h. Considering exercise modality, compression most effectively enhanced recovery from resistance exercise, particularly at time points >24 h. The use of CG would also be recommended to enhance next-day cycling performance. The benefits of CG in relation to applied pressures and participant training status are unclear and limited by the paucity of reported data.

Telemetry-derived heart rate variability responses to a physical stressor.

Analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) responses to an orthostatic challenge can be used to investigate autonomic control of heart rate, an index of cardiovascular function. HRV is typically assessed using the electrocardiogram (ECG), which can be impractical for use with large population-based studies. PURPOSE: To assess the validity and reliability of telemetry-derived HRV responses to an orthostatic challenge. METHODS: Twenty healthy adults (26 + 5 years, 45% male) were tested on three separate mornings. Following 20-min supine rest, R-R intervals were recorded using a telemetric device during three conditions: BASE, TILT and RECOVERY. ECG was simultaneously used on 1 day for validity comparison. Measures of HRV included the following: standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), the root-mean-square of successive differences (RMSSD) and the low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) spectral power. RESULTS: For all parameters, there was excellent agreement between devices for BASE (r = 0·96-0·99), TILT (r = 0·89-1·00) and RECOVERY (r = 0·96-1·00). For the telemetric device, between-day intraclass coefficient values for RMSDD, SDNN and HF were all above the 0·75 criterion for each condition, indicating excellent between-day reliability. For each condition, the reliability coefficient, expressed as a percentage of the mean (RC%), was marginally lower (greater reliability) for RMSDD (RC% 11-13) and SDNN (RC% 10-12) compared to HF (RC% 12-17). However, SDNN did not significantly respond to the orthostatic challenge. CONCLUSION: Telemetric HRV, particularly RMSDD and HF, can be used to provide a sensitive, valid and reliable assessment of autonomic control of heart rate.

Positive behavioural support in schools for children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities whose behaviour challenges: An exploration of the economic case.

Decision-makers with limited budgets want to know the economic consequences of their decisions. Is there an economic case for positive behavioural support (PBS)? A small before-after study assessing the impact of PBS on challenging behaviours and positive social and communication skills in children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities and behaviours that challenge was followed by an evaluation of costs. Results were compared with the costs of alternative packages of care currently available in England obtained from a Delphi exercise conducted alongside the study. Children and adolescents supported with PBS showed improvement in challenging behaviours and social and communication skills, at a total weekly cost of GBP 1909 (and GBP 1951 including carer-related costs). PBS in schools for children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities and behaviours that challenge may help to support them in the community with potential improvements in outcomes and also cost advantages.

Reliability of oscillometric central blood pressure and wave reflection readings: effects of posture and fasting.

OBJECTIVE: Oscillometric pulse wave analysis devices have recently emerged, presenting suitable options for investigating central hemodynamic properties in clinical practice. This study sought to examine whether the between-day reliability of central SBP (cSBP) and systemic arterial wave reflection (augmentation index, AIx) readings exceed the criterion for acceptable reliability or are affected by posture (supine and seated) and fasting state. METHODS: Twenty healthy adults (50% female, 27.9 years, 24.2 kg/m) were tested on six different mornings: 3 days fasted and 3 days nonfasted. On each occasion, participants were tested in supine and seated postures. Oscillometric pressure waveforms were recorded on left upper arm. RESULTS: For cSBP, there was nonsignificant main effect for fasting state (P = 0.819) but there was a main effect for posture (P = 0.002). Conversely, for AIx, there was nonsignificant main effect for posture (P = 0.537) but there was a large main effect for fasting state (P = < 0.001). The criterion intraclass correlation coefficient value of 0.75 was exceeded for both variables when participants were assessed under the combined supine-fasted condition. For cSBP, the reliability coefficient was lowest (best) when supine fasted (6.8 mmHg) and greatest (worst) when seated nonfasted (8.6 mmHg). For AIx, the reliability coefficient was lower for the supine (11.4-11.7%) compared with the seated (14.0-15.2%) posture. CONCLUSION: Findings from this study suggest that oscillometric assessments of central hemodynamic variables exceed the criterion for acceptable reliability and are most reliable when participants are evaluated while supine and fasted.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with a learning disabled young person experiencing anxious and obsessive thoughts.

This case study describes how the ACT model was adapted to treat anxious and obsessive thoughts in a young person with moderate/severe learning disabilities. Using mindfulness and ACT-based experiential activities, the client learned to notice her thoughts and distance herself from their literal content. The negative impact that the client's anxious thoughts had on her life was reduced and she was able to return to a part-time college course. The article describes how the client engaged with some ACT-based activities, such as mindfulness and defusion exercises. The outcome suggests that the experiential, activity-based nature of ACT may offer a more accessible intervention model for learning disabled people than traditional CBT models based on verbal reasoning skills. However, the intervention also required considerable individual adaptation and it is likely that this will be the case in work with people with learning disabilities.

Teaching children generalized imitation skills: a case report.

Generalized imitation plays an important role in the acquisition of new skills, in particular language and communication. In this case report a multiple exemplar training procedure, with an errorless learning phase, was used to teach Ben, a 13-year-old child with severe intellectual disabilities, to imitate behaviours modelled by an adult instructor. After exposure to seven multiple exemplars, Ben learned to imitate novel actions to criterion (i.e. generalized imitation). These skills were maintained at 90 percent at 6 week and 18 week follow-up. In line with earlier research, this article provides some further support for the finding that multiple exemplar training can facilitate the reliable emergence of generalized imitation skills. Topographically similar behaviours during the learning phase can be difficult to discriminate and hence can slow the learning process. Future research could explore how generalized imitation supports the development of basic communication and activity skills.