The purpose of this study was to test the effect of prenatal yoga on hip mobility. The secondary aim was to determine the relationship between hip mobility and additional pregnancy outcomes. Hip mobility (hip internal and external range of motion and hip flexor muscle length), pregnancy symptoms, anxiety (State Trait Anxiety Inventory Survey), and depression (and Perinatal/Postnatal Depression Scale Survey), were measured in pregnant women at baseline. All participants (N=20) were then randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. The intervention was a 6-week prenatal yoga program. At the end of six weeks, all baseline assessments were repeated. After delivery, the participants completed a survey on their birth outcomes. The prenatal yoga intervention did not have an impact on hip mobility, even when controlling for maternal parity. There was a trending negative correlation between hip mobility and gestation age at delivery (r=-0.385, p=0.085). After six weeks of yoga, the intervention group showed an improvement in anxiety (although not statistically significant) with a mean anxiety score of 36.8 (SD = 7.00). In contrast, the control group's score increased slightly to 37.9 (SD = 11.49, [t(15.3) = 1.71, p-value = 0.107]. After six weeks of yoga, the intervention group's depression score decreased to 6.1 (SD = 5.74) whereas the control group's score rose to 6.9 (SD = 3.70), [t(16.8) = 1.26, p-value = 0.226]; however, these data also did not achieve statistical significance as this pilot study was underpowered to detect differences in outcomes of interest. This study suggests that a larger sample size is needed, and the positive impact of prenatal yoga is worthy of future studies.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a leading global health burden, with risk factors often emerging during college years. Traditional assessment methods like Body Mass Index (BMI) have significant limitations in predicting health outcomes. This study evaluated the relationship between Fitness-Fatness Index (FFI) and cardiovascular outcomes in college-aged students compared to traditional measures. A correlational-predictive non-experimental survey was conducted with 218 healthy, non-smoking young adults (109 male, 109 female; age 20.8±2.9 years). Participants underwent comprehensive anthropometric assessments, body composition analysis, aerobic fitness tests, and cardiovascular measurements, including brachial/central blood pressure and arterial stiffness parameters. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that metabolic equivalents (METS) were the strongest predictor of arterial stiffness parameters, with the highest beta coefficients for augmentation pressure (β=-0.407, p=0.002), augmentation index (β=-0.398, p<0.001), and pulse wave velocity (β=-0.234, p=0.006). The waist-to-height ratio was the strongest predictor of adjusted brachial systolic blood pressure (β=0.159, p=0.016), while FFI was the strongest predictor of central diastolic blood pressure (β=-0.306, p<0.001). These findings indicate cardiorespiratory fitness is a key determinant of arterial stiffness in college-aged individuals, challenging the hypothesis that FFI would outperform traditional measures. Incorporating both METS and FFI may provide more comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment in this population.

Postural instability and impairments in dynamic balance are common in aging populations and are often linked to asymmetries between the supportive and non-supportive limbs. This study investigated the effects of a four-week unilateral posterior-chain resistance training program targeting the non-supportive leg on dynamic and static balance measures in middle-aged, recreationally active adults. Twenty-seven participants (ages 40-56) performed Single-Leg Romanian Deadlifts (SLRD) twice weekly, following a progressive overload model. Balance performance was evaluated using the Y Balance Test (YBT) and the Tetrax posturography at three time points: PRE (familiarization), PRE1 (before intervention), and POST (post-intervention). Initial analysis of the supportive versus non-supportive classification showed no statistically significant improvements in either the trained (non-supportive) leg or the supportive one. However, when analyzed based on left versus right leg performance, the results revealed significant improvements in posterolateral reach in both limbs, indicating direction-specific adaptations and potential bilateral transfer effects. Posterolateral reach improved significantly in both the left leg (p = 0.008, η2 = 0.170) and right leg (p = 0.022, η2 = 0.137), with no change in static balance. The observed gains in dynamic balance across legs suggest that unilateral posterior-chain training may improve specific components of balance, regardless of limb dominance. Findings support the idea that unilateral posterior-chain exercises can act as perturbation-like stimuli, encouraging neuromuscular adaptations that enhance overall dynamic balance. Additionally, they also highlight the importance of clear methodological approaches to limb classification when analyzing training effects in balance research.

Monitoring an athlete's physiology during a competitive season is important to determine the effectiveness of sport and strength and conditioning practices. The purpose of this study was to measure body composition and athletic performance across a competitive season in collegiate volleyball players. Sixteen female NCAA Division III volleyball players (age- 19.9 ± 1.4 years, height- 1.7 ± 0.1 m, mass- 72.6 ± 10.5 kg) participated in the study. Data was collected during three weeks of the season: preseason (T1), midseason (T2), and postseason (T3). Body composition measurements via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), vertical jump height, hemoglobin, and subjective measurements of perceived athletic performance and energy levels (1-10 scale) were measured at each timepoint. Data was analyzed using one-way repeated measures analysis of variance. There were no significant differences between jump heights (p = 0.378), hemoglobin (p = 0.144), subjective performance (p = 0.472), or energy levels across the season (p > 0.329). DXA results revealed a significant increase in overall bone mineral density (BMD) (p < 0.001). Segmental analysis revealed that left leg BMD significantly increased (p = 0.037). Lean body mass significantly increased (p = 0.012) while fat mass significantly decreased (p < 0.001) from T1 to T3. The results suggest that repetitive jumping during practices and games can have favorable impacts on body composition. Coaches, sport scientists and nutritionists can use this information to optimize adaptations for VB players while improving performance and reducing the risk of injury during a competitive season.

Figure skaters typically have higher bone mineral density (BMD) than the general population. However, the current literature is limited to cross-sectional studies. The objective of this study was to determine two-year changes in volumetric BMD, bone microarchitecture, and estimated bone strength in elite national and development level Canadian figure skaters. Eleven female figure skaters aged 14+ years were recruited for this longitudinal study. Measurements occurred annually. High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) scans of the radius and tibia underwent three-dimensional image registration. Total (Tt), cortical (Ct) and trabecular (Tb) volumetric BMD (mg HA/cm3), trabecular thickness (TbTh, mm) and cortical thickness (CtTh, mm) were determined. Finite element analysis estimated bone strength. Linear mixed effects models with subject random intercept and time×level interaction evaluated the influence of TtBMD over two-years. Eleven figure skaters completed baseline and one-year data collection, and nine completed the two-year study. All skaters were included in our models and were either national (n=5, 18.6–28.1 years) or development (n=6; 14.4–17.7 years) athletes. Significant time-by-level status (development or national) interactions indicated increases over time in development level athletes only for TtBMD, CtBMD, CtTh and bone strength at the radius and TtBMD, TbBMD, TbTh and bone strength at the tibia (p<0.01 for all). Bone outcomes did not change significantly over the two years in national level figure skaters. Changes in bone density, microarchitecture and strength were only observed in the younger, development level athletes. Given the differences in age between development and national level figure skaters, these results are understandable.

This study aimed to assess the acute physiological responses to a single bout of rope climbing high-intensity interval training (RC-HIIT) and compare the responses between sexes as no data currently exists on this training modality. Following an overnight fast, body composition was assessed, and resting measurements were recorded. Participants then completed an exercise protocol consisting of 10 rounds of maximal effort rope climbing using a 30:60 second work:rest ratio. Gas analysis and heart rate (HR) were recorded continuously. Blood lactate (BLa) was measured following the final work interval. Participants remained seated for 25 minutes post-exercise to assess V̇O2 recovery. 22 recreationally active participants (11M/11F, 24 ± 7 yrs, 171.5 ± 7.9 cm, 69.9 ± 12.1 kg, 18.9 ± 6.0% body fat) completed the study. Combined average HR during exercise was 141 ± 19 bpm (74.0 ± 10.4% age predicted maximal HR (APMHR)) and peak HR reached 172 ± 17 bpm (90.3 ± 8.8% APMHR). Average exercise V̇O2 was 18.8 ml/kg/min with peak V̇O2 values of 27.2 ml/kg/min. Energy expenditure during exercise was 99 ± 28 kcal. Post-exercise BLa was 9.8 ± 3.1 mmol. PACES scores indicated high enjoyment with this modality (101.5 ± 15.9). Average exercise V̇O2, peak V̇O2, energy expenditure, and post-exercise BLa were greater in males than females (p < 0.05). No sex differences were observed for HR responses or exercise enjoyment. A 15-minute RC-HIIT bout induces HR responses indicative of moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise in both sexes with greater physiological responses in males compared to females.

Fitness and rehabilitation professionals commonly use yoga training for improving balance, flexibility, and mental health in populations of all ages. However, little is known about how chair yoga, a specific form of yoga, would impact physical and mental health in older adults. The purpose of this case series was to explore the feasibility and benefits of an 8-week chair yoga class for older adults in an independent living facility. Four participants (ages 77–92 years) performed chair yoga interventions once a week for 8 weeks. Interventions included, but were not limited to, 10 minutes of warm-up including breathwork and range of motion, 10–15 minutes of peak movements including forward folds, bicycles, bird dog, squats, and boat pose, and 5–10 minutes of cool down including backbends, camel, seated cross, gentle spinal flexion and extension, and breathwork. Participants were tested prior to the start and re-tested at the end of 8 weeks. Outcome measures included the Tinetti Balance and Gait Assessment and the short form health survey (SF-36). Improvements were made for all participants in the Tinetti and all except one participant improved on one or more of the SF-36 subscales. Chair yoga training was feasible for four older adults with comorbidities and may have additional benefits for functional mobility and strength. Further research studies with larger sample sizes are needed to continue exploring the benefits of this understudied intervention for older adults.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a KN95 mask on the performance, physiological response, and perception of high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Twenty college-aged participants (Male: 10, Female: 10) completed a two-visit, crossover, counterbalanced study. The HIIT workout included four 1-minute “all-out” intervals at 3.5% of body mass with 4-minute rest intervals, performed with or without a KN95 mask. Following HIIT, participants remained on the cycle ergometer for a 15-minute recovery period. For each interval, peak power and average power were recorded. Throughout the HIIT workout and recovery, heart rate, blood lactate, muscle oxygenation, perceived exertion, and perceived recovery were measured. All data were assessed using trial×time ANOVAs with post hoc pairwise comparisons. Alpha level was set to p<0.05. All data are presented as mean±standard deviation. No significant interactions were noted for peak power (p=0.432), average power (p=0.674), blood lactate (p=0.533), perceived exertion (p=0.221), perceived recovery (p=0.333), or muscle oxygenation (p=0.991). A significant main effect of trial was noted for heart rate during recovery, with higher heart rate during the masked trial compared to control. A KN95 mask did not affect performance, physiological response, or perception during HIIT, though it led to elevated heart rate during recovery. These results suggest KN95 masks may not impair HIIT performance but can influence short-term post-exercise heart rate recovery.

Rowing requires strength, endurance, and technique, where stroke efficiency depends on body mechanics, movement sequencing, and stroke rate, which impact speed transfer. This cross-sectional study investigates the role of kinematic differences in stroke mechanics as a key component of performance analysis in Olympic and Traditional rowing. Thirteen elite national-level female rowers (age: 26.9 ± 5.1 years; body mass: 60.6 ± 6.9 kg; height: 166.7 ± 6.7 cm) performed three stroke-rate conditions on two ergometer setups: an Olympic rowing ergometer and a modified ergometer with a static seat replicating Traditional rowing. The stroke rates included 18 spm (120 s), 24 spm (100 s), and 30 spm (60 s), with 2-minute rest intervals between sets. Kinematic data, including leg and trunk angles at the catch and finish, as well as leg, trunk, and arm velocities, were captured using an automated analysis system. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant interactions between rowing modality and stroke rate for leg catch angle (η2=0.254; p=0.05), trunk finish angle (η2=0.352; p=0.013), leg velocity (η2=0.624; p<0.001), trunk velocity (η2=0.665; p<0.001), and arm velocity (η2=0.348; p=0.014). These findings emphasize distinct biomechanical patterns between modalities, which are crucial for technical optimization and individualized training. Performance analysis of angles and velocities provides valuable insights into improving rowing efficiency and addressing technical deficiencies in each modality.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is second in occurrence among neurodegenerative disorders after Alzheimer's disease and significantly impacts gait and mobility. This research tested the effect of the NewGait rehabilitative device in PD impaired individuals. Twenty individuals with PD participated in this study. Walking gait for three conditions were analyzed: Normal, wearing NewGait and Post-NewGait. Standard spatial and temporal analysis measures as well as nonlinear measures from recurrence quantification were compared to determine any effects of the device on walking gait. NewGait was perceived to be both comfortable to wear as well as resulted in increased ease of movement. Step width was increased while wearing NewGait while step length was unchanged. No differences were found in temporal measures: cadence, stride time and double support time. Wearing NewGait resulted in a slight, but not significant decrease in walking velocity compared to Normal. Post-NewGait gait velocity was increased compared to wearing NewGait. Based only on these standard linear spatiotemporal measures, NewGait is somewhat intrusive for gait Parkinsonian individuals, resulting in a less effective gait. The recurrence-based analysis however, found that compared to Normal, Determinism and Laminarity was increased while wearing NewGait and Post-NewGait. Entropy was also increased while wearing NewGait and there was a tendency towards increased Entropy while walking after wearing NewGait. These results suggest NewGait allows for greater predictability and complexity of the gait pattern with increased dynamic stability than walking without NewGait. Therefore, there is potential for longer-term beneficial effects of NewGait in rehabilitation of Parkinsonian gait.