Effects of Training With Different Hang-Power-Clean Intensities on the Maximum Dynamic Strength, Vertical Jump, and Sprint Performance of Female Handball Players.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of 7 weeks of training with different hang-power-clean (HPC) intensities on the maximum dynamic strength, vertical jump, and sprint performance of female handball players. METHODS: Professional handball athletes with at least 1 year of HPC experience volunteered to participate. The athletes were balanced by position and randomly assigned to a group with HPC at 90% (HPC90%) or 50% (HPC50%) of HPC 1-repetition maximum (1RM). The training volume was equalized between groups. Pretraining and posttraining assessments included 1RM HPC, jump height in the squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ), and sprint speeds at 5, 20, and 30 m. RESULTS: From pretraining to posttraining, both groups significantly increased (P ≤ .05) 1RM HPC, although a small effect size was observed in favor of HPC90%. HPC90% and HPC50% did not induce significant changes (P > .05) in the SJ and CMJ height, although for the SJ, a small effect size was observed in favor of HPC90%. Both groups induced a significant improvement (P ≤ .05) in 5-, 20-, and 30-m sprint speeds, although for all speeds, small to moderate effect sizes were observed in favor of HPC90%. CONCLUSIONS: Both training groups induced significant improvements in 1RM HPC and sprint speeds, whereas no significant changes were observed in vertical jumps. In addition, based mainly on the effect sizes, the HPC90% group was more effective for increasing 1RM HPC, SJ, and sprint speeds than the HPC50% group.

Are Anthropometric Measures, Range of Motion, or Movement Control Tests Associated with Lumbopelvic Flexion during Barbell Back Squats?

Background: Resistance training with the barbell back squat (BBS) exercise is practiced in sports, recreation, and rehabilitation. Although extensively debated, it is commonly believed and recommended that maintaining a neutral lumbopelvic alignment during BBS is an important technical aspect that might reduce the risk of injury. There is limited knowledge of how objectively measurable factors affect the extent to which the lumbopelvic region moves into flexion during a BBS. Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the association among anthropometric measurements, range of motion in the hips and ankle joints, lumbopelvic movement control tests, and flexion of the lumbopelvic region during execution of the BBS. Study design: Observational, cross sectional. Methods: Eighteen experienced powerlifters and Olympic weightlifters were included and measurements of lumbopelvic movements were collected with inertial measurement units during BBS performed at 70 % of 1RM. Examination of anthropometric properties, range of motion in the hip and ankle joints, and lumbopelvic movement control tests were collected as independent variables. Linear regression analysis was used to investigate which independent variables were associated with lumbopelvic flexion during a BBS. Results: The linear regression showed that a higher range of motion in ankle dorsiflexion could statistically significantly explain an increased amplitude of lumbopelvic flexion during the BBS. Anthropometrics, range of motion of the hips, and performance in lumbopelvic movement control tests did not show any statistically significant associations. Conclusions: The results suggest that strength and conditioning professionals and clinicians who instruct and assess lifting technique in the BBS and/or use the BBS to assess performance or as an intervention should recognize that a higher range of motion in the ankle joints might affect lumbopelvic flexion during the BBS. In practice, the value of an individual assessment of lifting technique focusing on the goal of the movement should be emphasized. Level of Evidence: 3.

Comparative Analysis of the Kinematic Characteristics of Lunge-Style and Squat-Style Jerk Techniques in Elite Weightlifters.

This study aimed to discuss the differences in technical characteristics between the lunge-style and squat-style jerk techniques and to reveal the adaptability of these techniques for individual weightlifters. A total of 52 attempts by 32 male weightlifters were selected, and the video data were digitized manually using the SIMI Motion 7.50 three-dimensional analysis system. The technical characteristics of the lunge split and squat jerk were fundamentally consistent during the pre-squat, force exertion, and inertia ascent phases. The primary differences between the lunge split and squat jerk techniques were observed during the squatting and support phases, including the vertical descent velocity of the barbell at the end of the squat shoulder-locking phase and the stability angles in the sagittal and coronal axes. The vertical velocity of the barbell at the end of the squat shoulder-locking phase was significantly greater in the squat style (-0.41 ± 0.17 vs. -0.88 ± 0.14) compared to the lunge style (t = 6.393, p < 0.05). The stability angle on the sagittal axis at the end of the squat-supporting phase in the lunge style was significantly greater (46.99 ± 3.23 vs. 13.64 ± 0.51) than that of the squat style (t = 45.639, p < 0.05).

Biomechanical analysis of the snatch technique for elite and varsity weightlifters.

Understanding the importance of movement asymmetries and variations in technique proficiency across different level of weightlifters is crucial. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in joint kinematics, muscle activation, and barbell parameters between elite and varsity weightlifters during the snatch utilizing integrated 3D motion capture and EMG systems. In addition, it analyzes symmetries in joint kinematics and muscle activation in both groups. Ten female participants, comprising 5 elite and 5 varsity weightlifters, along with thirteen male participants, consisting of 6 elite and 7 varsity weightlifters during snatch were measured. Several asymmetries in posture and muscle activation were identified in both elite and varsity weightlifters. In addition, elite weightlifters exhibited significantly more flexed knees than varsity counterparts (p < 0.05) at the conclusion of the second pull and at the highest position of the barbell. Furthermore, significantly lower activity in gluteus maximus was detected in elite weightlifter at the highest point of the barbell than in the varsity groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, elite males achieved a lower maximum height for the barbell compared to varsity males (p = 0.006). Furthermore, elite females demonstrated less horizontal displacement (D2x) (p = 0.005) than varsity counterparts. Varsity women presented significantly lower horizontal velocity (p = 0.003) at the conclusion of the second pull than varsity counterparts. Despite several asymmetries detected, those may not be critical factors in achieving a successful snatch lift, given that all weightlifters successfully completed the lift. However, variations in posture and muscle activation may still be associated with improvements in technique proficiency across different levels of weightlifters.

Online-delivered resistance exercise intervention among racially diverse breast cancer survivors: Feasibility, acceptability, and exploratory outcomes of B-REP.

PURPOSE: The aims are to determine the feasibility of an online-delivered resistance exercise program among racially diverse breast cancer survivors and to conduct an exploratory analysis of the intervention on muscular strength, physical activity levels, health-related quality of life, and self-efficacy. METHODS: A 2-arm randomized controlled trial study design with assessments at pre- and post-intervention was used. Participants (n = 52) were recruited from clinics at the host institution and randomized to either intervention (n = 28) or minimal contact control (MCC) conditions (n = 24). All participants received a 12-week individualized resistance exercise prescription based on their baseline functional strength assessment. Intervention participants exercised one-on-one once per week over Zoom with an exercise trainer. MCC participants received no supervision. Descriptive statistics were used to determine feasibility and acceptability (primary outcomes). Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to examine exploratory outcomes. RESULTS: The intervention demonstrated high rates for feasibility outcomes of enrollment (80.0%) and post-intervention assessment completion (92.9%). Acceptability outcomes were high for session attendance (98.0%) and satisfaction (Mscore = 4.87 out of 5, SD = .18). The intervention group increased upper- (p < .01) and lower- (p < .02) body strength compared to MCC condition. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention was feasible, acceptable, and demonstrated increases in muscular strength. Limitations include a small sample recruited from one cancer center. Future research is needed to determine longitudinal impacts of resistance exercise on survivorship outcomes. Online-delivered resistance exercise shows promising efficacy among racially diverse breast cancer survivors. CLINICALTRIALS: gov registration: NCT04562233 on September 18, 2020.

Whole body resistance training on functional outcomes of patients with Stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease: A systematic review.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) causes skeletal muscle wasting, resulting in reduced function and inability to live independently. This systematic review critically appraised the scientific literature regarding the effects of full-body resistance training on clinically-relevant functional capacity measures in CKD. The study population included studies of people with Stage 4 or 5 CKD and a mean age of 40+ years old. Eight databases were searched for eligible studies: Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and AGELINE. MeSH terms and keyword combinations were used for screening following the PRISMA conduct. Inclusion criteria were based on PICO principles and no date of publication filter was applied. The intervention was training 2 days/week of structured resistance exercises using major upper and lower muscle groups. Minimum intervention period was 7 weeks. Comparison groups maintained their habitual activity without structured exercise training. Outcome measures of interest were: 6-min walk test, grip strength, timed up-and-go test, and sit-to-stand. Eight randomized controlled trials and one nonequivalent comparison-group study fulfilled the inclusion criteria and underwent data extraction. All studies were of hemodialysis patients. The evidence indicates that full-body resistance exercise significantly improved grip strength, timed up and go and sit to stand tests; metrics associated with enhanced quality and quantity of life.

From Sweat to Strain: An Epidemiological Analysis of Training-Related Injuries in CrossFit®.

Purpose: This study aims to conduct an epidemiological investigation into the types and causes of injuries during CrossFit® training in Germany. Patients and Methods: Voluntary athletes from various German CrossFit® gyms participated, providing personal information, training habits, and details on injuries through a standardized questionnaire. Results: The study involved 308 participants, with an equal sex split, a peak age of 20-40, and a BMI of 24.3 ± 3.3 kg/m2. Most participants trained for over two years (49.4%), primarily in supervised groups. Motivations for engaging in CrossFit® included health prevention (33.1%), athletic training (32.8%), and work-life balance support (17%). Injuries were reported by 28.6% of participants, with 61.4% experiencing single injuries. The majority of injuries (55.3%) occurred during the middle of workouts. Injury types included wounds (23.3%), contusions, sprains, or strains (cumulative 30.8%), and fractures (2.9%). Almost all injured individuals (96.5%) had a time-loss injury, with a return to sport ranging from a day to over three months. Treatments varied, with 50.6% not requiring medical intervention, 34.1% undergoing physiotherapy, 21.2% receiving medication and 8.2% needing surgery. Barbell exercises, notably Snatch and Clean, were main exercises with association to injuries, accounting for 36.3%. The Box Jump stood out as the exercise with the highest isolated injury prevalence (14.3%). Notable injury causes included falls during Pull-Ups and lumbar disc herniation linked to Deadlifts. Following injuries, 45.8% of participants made training adjustments. Conclusion: This study provides an epidemiological investigation into the types and causes of injuries during CrossFit® training in Germany. The shoulder and knee joint exhibited the highest injury prevalence. Barbell exercises, box jumps, and bar pull-ups were identified as major exercises with association to injuries. Prevention through technical training and the incorporation of soft boxes could reduce the risk of injuries in CrossFit®.

This study looks at the types and causes of injuries during CrossFit^® training in Germany. A total of 308 CrossFit^® athletes took part, with an equal number of men and women, mostly aged 20-40, and an average BMI of 24.3 ± 3.3 kg/m². Most had trained for over two years, often in supervised groups, and were motivated by health, fitness, and balancing work and life. About 28.6% of participants reported injuries, mostly single injuries happening in the middle of workouts. The types of injuries included cuts, bruises, sprains, strains, and fractures, with the shoulder and knee being the most commonly affected areas. Notably, exercises involving barbells like the Snatch and Clean caused a significant number (36.3%) of injuries, followed by Box Jumps (14.3%) and bar pull-ups. Causes of injuries included falls during pull-ups and back injuries from Deadlifts. After getting injured, nearly half of the participants changed their training routines. Treatments varied, with some not needing medical help and others undergoing physiotherapy, taking medication, or having surgery. The findings suggest that focusing on proper technique and using softer equipment, like softer landing surfaces for Box Jumps, could help reduce the risk of injuries in CrossFit^® training.

Effect of different resistance increments during warm-up on the snatch performance of male weightlifters.

This study investigated the effect of different resistance increments during warm-up on snatch performance of male weightlifters. Nine male college weightlifters were recruited. The 3 warm-up protocols were performed every 7 days with a randomized order: 1. Power snatch exercise with 10 % resistance increment (50 %, 60 %, 70 %, and 80 % of one-repetition maximum); 2. Power snatch exercise with 15 % resistance increment (50 %, 65 %, and 80 % of one-repetition maximum); 3. Self-selected resistance increment. Participants were tested based on 85 % maximum weight snatch after warm-up. Snatch performance was measured using peak vertical ground reaction force. Postural stability was measured using center-of-pressure displacement. Activation of seven shoulder, back, and leg muscles was measured using electromyography on the dominant side. In snatch performance, the 10 % increment protocol had a significantly higher peak vertical ground reaction force during the second-pull phase than the 15 % increment (d = 0.92, p < 0.05) and self-selected (d = 1.32, p < 0.05) protocols. In postural stability, no significant differences in center-of-pressure displacement among the three protocols were observed. For muscle activation, the 10 % increment protocol resulted in significantly higher activation of shoulder (d = 1.2-2.2, p < 0.05) during the second-pull phase than the other two protocols and higher activation of hip muscles (d = 1.73, p < 0.05) than self-selected protocol. To conclude, a warm-up protocol combining slow progression is preferable in improving power output during snatch in male weightlifters, probably through facilitating the activation of proximal limb muscles. It can enhance training quality while potentially reducing the risk of sports injuries.

Intuitive tracking: Blending competing approaches to exercise and eating.

Under the conditions of neo-liberal individual responsibilisation, self-tracking has become the predominant model of health management. More recently, though, intuition-based approaches to exercise and eating are also gaining traction. These two approaches are often located in opposition. While self-tracking uses datafication and calculability to structure health decisions, intuitive approaches encourage abandonment of rules and restrictions around exercise and food in favour of corporeal self-awareness and attunement to sensation. Although navigating these competing approaches is a common experience for all populations, the tensions between them are felt particularly acutely by people with complex health histories, such as eating disorders (EDs). In this article, we draw on mixed-methods longitudinal data, analysed using phenomenological analysis, to propose a novel framework - 'intuitive tracking'-which moves beyond understandings of self-tracking as the antithesis of intuitive engagement with exercise and health. Drawing on longitudinal interviews and photo elicitation with 19 women who are in recovery from EDs and using weightlifting as a tool to support their recovery, we demonstrate how attentiveness to bodily and emotional cues is successfully combined with an emphasis on monitoring health behaviours to support wellbeing. We conclude that theoretical understandings of self-tracking can and should make space for intuition-led decision-making.

Postural control during the back squat at different load intensities in powerlifters and weightlifters.

BACKGROUND: The movement of the barbell has been detected as success factor for the snatch and the clean and jerk events. As the barbell's movement has been shown to be related to the athlete's body movement, we hypothesized that the latter could be a success factor also for the back squat (BS) event. Hence, this study aimed to investigate postural control during the execution of the BS at different load intensities in powerlifters and weightlifters. METHODS: Seventeen powerlifters and weightlifters were enrolled and the one-repetition maximum (1-RM) of the BS of each participant was measured. Afterwards, the assessment of postural control during the execution of the BS at different load intensities (i.e. 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%) of the 1-RM of each participant was carried out through a posturographic platform to measure the displacement of the centre of pressure (CoP). The following parameters were considered: sway path length (SPL), sway ellipse surface (SES), length/surface (LFS ratio), sway mean speed (SMS), CoP coordinates along X and Y planes. RESULTS: We found a significant increase in SPL and LFS ratio, and a significant decrease in SMS as the load intensity increased. In detail, we detected a significant difference in: (a) SPL between the BS at 60% and 80%, 60% and 90%, 60% and 100%; between the BS at 70% and 90%, 70% and 100%; between the BS at 80% and 100%; and between the BS at 90% and 100%; (b) SMS between the BS at 60% and 80%, 60% and 90%; (c) LFS ratio between the BS at 60% and 90%, 60% and 100%. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that powerlifters and weightlifters adopt different postural control strategies depending on the load intensity when performing the BS. Our findings showed that higher effort could affect postural control during the BS. Thus, postural control could be considered a success factor for the BS.

Identification of doping suspicions through artificial intelligence-powered analysis on athlete's performance passport in female weightlifting.

Introduction: Doping remains a persistent concern in sports, compromising fair competition. The Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) has been a standard anti-doping measure, but confounding factors challenge its effectiveness. Our study introduces an artificial intelligence-driven approach for identifying potential doping suspicious, utilizing the Athlete's Performance Passport (APP), which integrates both demographic profiles and performance data, among elite female weightlifters. Methods: Analyzing publicly available performance data in female weightlifting from 1998 to 2020, along with demographic information, encompassing 17,058 entities, we categorized weightlifters by age, body weight (BW) class, and performance levels. Documented anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs) cases were also retained. We employed AI-powered algorithms, including XGBoost, Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), and an Ensemble model, which integrates XGBoost and MLP, to identify doping suspicions based on the dataset we obtained. Results: Our findings suggest a potential doping inclination in female weightlifters in their mid-twenties, and the sanctioned prevalence was the highest in the top 1% performance level and then decreased thereafter. Performance profiles and sanction trends across age groups and BW classes reveal consistently superior performances in sanctioned cases. The Ensemble model showcased impressive predictive performance, achieving a 53.8% prediction rate among the weightlifters sanctioned in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympics. This demonstrated the practical application of the Athlete's Performance Passport (APP) in identifying potential doping suspicions. Discussion: Our study pioneers an AI-driven APP approach in anti-doping, offering a proactive and efficient methodology. The APP, coupled with advanced AI algorithms, holds promise in revolutionizing the efficiency and objectivity of doping tests, providing a novel avenue for enhancing anti-doping measures in elite female weightlifting and potentially extending to diverse sports. We also address the limitation of a constrained set of APPs, advocating for the development of a more accessible and enriched APP system for robust anti-doping practices.

Association between wearable device usage and engagement of strength activity among people with and without disabilities.

There is a lack of literature examining the engagement in strength activities of people with disabilities (PWD) using and not using wearable devices. The objectives of the current study were to determine the prevalence of strength activity engagement among wearable device users with disabilities, and to compare strength activity engagement between wearable device users and non-users with and without disabilities. Wearable device users and non-users with and without disabilities from eight states of the CDC's 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance were included in the analysis. Linear regression was used to examine the association between wearable device use and disability status and the interaction term for frequency of strength activity per week, while logistic regression was used to determine the association between the two variables and the interaction term for strength activity engagement and meeting strength activity guidelines. 7055 wearable device users and non-users with and without disabilities were included in the analysis. No interaction effects were found between wearable device use and disability status. In unadjusted logistic regressions, wearable device users were more likely to engage in strength activity (OR = 1.16, 95% CI [1.16, 2.20]) and meet strength activity guidelines (OR = 1.50, 95% CI [1.07, 2.09]), whereas PWDs were less likely to engage in strength activity (OR = 0.57, 95% CI [0.44, 0.75]) and meet strength activity guidelines (OR = 0.72, 95% CI [0.53, 0.98]). The use of wearable devices could lead to engagement in strength activity. However, further research is needed to determine its effectiveness in PWD.

Wearable devices can be used to track physical activity and strength activity engagement.Wearable device users were more likely to engage in vigorous activity and meet the vigorous activity guidelines of two times per week to obtain health-related benefits.People with disabilities were less likely to engage in strength activity and less likely to meet the strength activity guidelines of two times per week.Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of using wearable devices to promote engagement in strength activity and their use in rehabilitation settings.There is potential use of wearable devices in promoting strength activity engagement among people with disabilities and in rehabilitation setting, but there is a need to determine how people with disabilities use wearable devices in rehabilitation setting.

La mujer cubana en el levantamiento de pesas: una perspectiva metodológica

Uno de los deportes que más versatilidad representa es el levantamiento de pesas, pues su práctica no solo se reduce al deporte competitivo, sino es una actividad física que desarrolla la capacidad de fuerza, en el resto de los deportes. Esto constituye una realidad que se concreta en el rendimiento deportivo, sin embargo, las féminas que lo practican no cuentan con un tratamiento ajustado a su género, por lo que el objetivo de este trabajo consistió en determinar qué nivel de conocimientos poseen los entrenadores de levantamiento de pesas en Santiago de Cuba, para distribuir las cargas en el equipo femenino de este deporte. Para lograr este propósito, se implementaron métodos del nivel empírico como la observación científica aplicada a las +sesiones de entrenamiento y la encuesta a los entrenadores que atienden a estas atletas. Como resultado del diagnóstico, se declaró que existe un significativo desconocimiento sobre cómo distribuir las cargas en estas pesistas y se carece de una metodología para incrementar este conocimiento y mejorar los resultados competitivos del género femenino, en esta categoría.

Um dos esportes mais versáteis é o levantamento de peso, pois sua prática não se limita apenas ao esporte competitivo, mas é uma atividade física que desenvolve a capacidade de força em outros esportes. Essa é uma realidade que se reflete no desempenho esportivo, no entanto, as mulheres que o praticam não têm um tratamento ajustado ao seu gênero, por isso o objetivo deste estudo foi determinar qual o nível de conhecimento que os treinadores de halterofilismo em Santiago de Cuba têm para distribuir as cargas na equipe feminina desse esporte. Para atingir esse objetivo, foram utilizados métodos empíricos, como a observação científica aplicada às sessões de treinamento e uma pesquisa com os técnicos que treinam essas atletas. Como resultado do diagnóstico, constatou-se que há uma significativa falta de conhecimento sobre como distribuir as cargas nessas levantadoras de peso e que falta uma metodologia para aumentar esse conhecimento e melhorar os resultados competitivos do gênero feminino nessa categoria.

One of the sports that represents the most versatility is weightlifting, since its practice is not only reduced to competitive sports, but is a physical activity that develops strength capacity in the rest of the sports. This constitutes a reality that is reflected in sports performance, however, the women who practice it do not have treatment adjusted to their gender, so the objective of this work was to determine what level of knowledge lifting coaches have of weights in Santiago de Cuba, to distribute the loads in the women's team of this sport. To achieve this purpose, empirical level methods were implemented such as scientific observation applied to training sessions and surveys of coaches who care for these athletes. As a result of the diagnosis, it was declared that there is a significant lack of knowledge about how to distribute the loads in these weightlifters and there is a lack of a methodology to increase this knowledge and improve the competitive results of the female gender, in this category.

The effects of anti-doping measures on sports performance in weightlifting.

BACKGROUND: Evaluating anti-doping measures is essential to optimise their effectiveness. Comparing sporting results that have a higher doping prevalence, such as weightlifting, before and after the implementation of anti-doping measures may serve as an effectiveness indicator. METHODS: The results of the most successful weightlifters of both sexes in two time periods, 2009-2015 and 2016-2022 were analysed. The Sinclair Total (ST) to compare the relative strength of weightlifters from different weight categories was calculated. RESULTS: A significant decrease in the ST during 2016-2022 (p < 0.001) in athletes of all ages and both sexes overall was reported. When analysed by age, there was a decrease in ST in juniors and seniors of both sexes (p = 0.010 and p < 0.001, respectively), but not in youth. There was a decrease in the ST in senior men (p < 0.001), junior women (p < 0.001) and senior women (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In elite weightlifting, adult athletic results declined during 2016-2022, which may partly be explained by the implementation of new methods to detect long-term anabolic androgenic steroid metabolites as well as other policies. This may highlight the effectiveness of these methods both in the prevention and detection of anti-doping rule violations.

Jefferson fracture as sport injury in weight-lifting athlete: A rare case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Cervical spine fractures are rare in sports, but their potentially grave consequences mean that they must be given special attention. The aim of this study was to present the case of a recreational athlete with a fracture of C1 resulting from weightlifting. CASE PRESENTATION: Young, recreational athlete came with severe neck pain right after weightlifting. There was no neurologic deficits occurred. X ray and CT scan examination showed complete fracture of the right posterior and anterior arch of C1 and disruptions of the right transverse foramen and ligament. MRI revealed no sign of impingement or compromised canal. Patient was then treated conservatively with sternal occipital mandibular immobilizer (SOMI) brace for 4 weeks. Thereafter, the neck pain resolved gradually. No neurologic deterioration occurred. At time of brace removal, patient was free of pain with normal motoric and sensory function. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Our case was the first report of a Jefferson fracture caused by a direct injury mechanism due to the weightlifting sport. The type III Jefferson fracture produced by this contrary injury mechanism showed that with adequate force, another spectrum of injury mechanisms may be created. CONCLUSION: With adequate assessment and proper patient selection, Jefferson fracture can be treated effectively by SOMI brace with excellent functional outcomes.

Weightlifting Induced Spinal Accessory Nerve Palsy and Winged Scapula: A Case Report.

Winged scapula is a rare musculoskeletal condition with numerous etiologies including spinal accessory nerve (SAN) palsy. Sport activities are rarely implicated with few scattered case reports. We report a case of an 18-year-old bodybuilder who suffered SAN palsy secondary to weightlifting exercises. Physical examination revealed winged scapula with painful mobility of the shoulder. A scapular magnetic resonance imaging scan and electromyography of the trapezius muscle were performed and confirmed the diagnosis of SAN palsy. Through this case, we review the literature of common and rare causes of SAN palsy and outline accepted treatment options.

Avocational exposure associations with ALS risk, survival, and phenotype: A Michigan-based case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: Environmental exposures strongly influence ALS risk and identification is needed to reduce ALS burden. Participation in hobbies and exercise may alter ALS risk and phenotype, warranting an assessment to understand their contribution to the ALS exposome. METHODS: Participants with ALS and healthy controls were recruited from University of Michigan and self-completed a survey to ascertain hobbies, exercise, and avocational exposures. Exposure variables were associated with ALS risk, survival, onset segment, and onset age. RESULTS: ALS (n = 400) and control (n = 287) participants self-reported avocational activities. Cases were slightly older (median age 63.0 vs. 61.1 years, p = 0.019) and had a lower educational attainment (p < 0.001) compared to controls; otherwise, demographics were well balanced. Risks associating with ALS after multiple comparison correction included golfing (odds ratio (OR) 3.48, padjusted = 0.004), recreational dancing (OR 2.00, padjusted = 0.040), performing gardening or yard work (OR 1.71, padjusted = 0.040) five years prior to ALS and personal (OR 1.76, padjusted = 0.047) or family (OR 2.21, padjusted = 0.040) participation in woodworking, and personal participation in hunting and shooting (OR 1.89, padjusted = 0.040). No exposures associated with ALS survival and onset. Those reporting swimming (3.86 years, padjusted = 0.016) and weightlifting (3.83 years, padjusted = 0.020) exercise 5 years prior to ALS onset had an earlier onset age. DISCUSSION: The identified exposures in this study may represent important modifiable ALS factors that influence ALS phenotype. Thus, exposures related to hobbies and exercise should be captured in studies examining the ALS exposome.

Sleep pathology and use of anabolic androgen steroids among male weightlifters in Norway.

Use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) causes drastic changes in hormonal milieu and is associated with a range of medical and psychological consequences. Sleep pathology is a common side-effect of AAS use but few have studied these relations. This study examined the relationship between AAS use, psychological distress and sleep quality, and how phases of heavy use and abstinence influence sleep. The Pittsburgh-Sleep-Quality-Index (PSQI) and Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS) were used to assess sleep quality, and psychological distress was measured with the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL). Participants comprised men who have previous or current long-term use of AAS (n = 68) and non-using weightlifting controls (WLC) (n = 58), where a subgroup of participants (n = 22) was monitored over ~ 6 months during phases of AAS use and withdrawal. Group differences on PSQI and JSS were evaluated with Kruskal-Wallis H tests, and the mediating role of psychological distress was evaluated using structural equation modeling. Linear mixed models were used to assess the role of AAS use and withdrawal on sleep quality. Among the AAS group, 66% reported sleep problems as a side effect, and 38% had used sleep medication. PSQI scores showed significantly lower sleep quality in the AAS group compared to WLC (p < 0.001) on all subscales except "sleep latency". Furthermore, sleep quality was significantly poorer during withdrawal-phases than periods with AAS use (p < .001). Our findings provide key insight into sleep disturbances among men who use AAS, suggesting a link between sleep disturbances and hormone levels that deviate from physiologically normal levels in both directions.

Effects of Low-Load, High-Repetition Resistance Training on Maximum Muscle Strength and Muscle Damage in Elite Weightlifters: A Preliminary Study.

This study aimed to assess the impact of different resistance training (RT) loads and repetition on muscle damage, intramuscular anabolic signaling, and maximal muscle strength (MMS) in weightlifters. Eighteen male weightlifters were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of supervised RT regimes: high-load, low-repetition (HL), low-load, high-repetition (LH), and combination of HL and LH (COMBI). All groups exhibited a significant increase in skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and growth hormone levels, which ultimately contributed to improvement in MMS as indicated by 1-repetition maximum in the back squat and back muscle strength. Notably, while there were no significant changes in the mTOR protein, the phosphorylation of phosphorylation of p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (p70S6K1), eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), and eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2), which are involved in muscle cell growth, was significantly affected by the different training regimens. More importantly, LH-RT led to a significant reduction in muscle damage markers, creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), suggesting reduced recovery time and fatigue. Our results demonstrated that the LH-RT paradigm could be a viable alternative for weightlifters to enhance MMS and muscle hypertrophy similar to HL-RT, while reducing RT-induced muscle damage, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of exercise performance.

Effects of Expertise on Muscle Activity during the Hang Power Clean and Hang Power Snatch Compared to Snatch and Clean Pulls - An Explorative Analysis.

The purpose was to compare the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the Hang Power Clean (HPC) and Hang Power Snatch (HPS) with the Hang Clean Pull (HCP) and Hang Snatch Pull (HSP). Additionally, the influence of weightlifting expertise (beginner, advanced and elite) on EMG activity was analyzed. Twenty-seven weightlifters (beginner: n = 11, age: 23.9 ± 3.2 years, bodyweight: 75.7 ± 10.5 kg; advanced: n = 10, age: 24.8 ± 4.5 years, bodyweight: 69.4 ± 13.9 kg; elite: n = 6, age: 25.5 ± 5.2 years, bodyweight: 75.5 ± 12.5 kg) participated in this study. Participants performed two repetitions of HPC, HPS, HCP, and HSP at 50%, 70%, and 90% 1RM, respectively. The EMG activity of vastus lateralis (VL), gluteus maximus (GM), erector spinae (ES), rectus abdominis (RA) and trapezius (TZ) was recorded and normalized to the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of each muscle. There were significant differences in RA and ES EMG activity at 70% and 90% 1RM during HPC compared to HCP in the beginner group (p < 0.05, Hedges g = 0.50-1.06). Significant greater ES activity was observed in the beginner, advanced, and elite groups (p < 0.05, g = 0.27-0.98) during the HPS when compared to the HSP at 50-90% 1RM. TZ muscle activity was significantly greater at 50% and 70% 1RM in the HCP compared to the HPC in the elite group (p < 0.05, g = 0.61-1.08), while the beginner group reached significance only at 50% 1RM favoring HPC (p < 0.05, g = 0.38). Moreover, the EMG activity of the TZ during the HSP and HPS was significantly different only at 50% 1RM in the elite group and favored HSP (p < 0.05, g = 0.27). No differences were observed between the levels of weightlifting expertise. Based upon the results of this study, the overall pattern of EMG activity of the predominant muscles involved in HPC/HPS and the corresponding weightlifting pulling derivatives, apart from the stabilizing muscle (RA and ES), is similar at higher intensities (>70% 1RM) and expertise does not influence muscle activity.