Andrew J. Galpin

Effect of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid on resting and exercise-induced inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers: a randomized, placebo controlled, cross-over study.

BackgroundThe purpose of the present investigation was to determine the effects of EPA/DHA supplementation on resting and exercise-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in exercise-trained men. Fourteen men supplemented with 2224 mg EPA+2208 mg DHA and a placebo for 6 weeks in a random order, double blind cross-over design (with an 8 week washout) prior to performing a 60 minute treadmill climb using a weighted pack. Blood was collected pre and post exercise and analyzed for a variety of oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers. Blood lactate, muscle soreness, and creatine kinase activity were also measured.ResultsTreatment with EPA/DHA resulted in a significant increase in blood levels of both EPA (18 ± 2 μmol·L-1 vs. 143 ± 23 μmol·L-1; p < 0.0001) and DHA (67 ± 4 μmol·L-1 vs. 157 ± 13 μmol·L-1; p < 0.0001), while no differences were noted for placebo. Resting levels of CRP and TNF-α were lower with EPA/DHA compared to placebo (p < 0.05). Resting oxidative stress markers were not different (p > 0.05). There was a mild increase in oxidative stress in response to exercise (XO and H2O2) (p < 0.05). No interaction effects were noted. However, a condition effect was noted for CRP and TNF-α, with lower values with the EPA/DHA condition.ConclusionEPA/DHA supplementation increases blood levels of these fatty acids and results in decreased resting levels of inflammatory biomarkers in exercise-trained men, but does not appear necessary for exercise-induced attenuation in either inflammation or oxidative stress. This may be due to the finding that trained men exhibit a minimal increase in both inflammation and oxidative stress in response to moderate duration (60 minute) aerobic exercise.

Myocellular Basis for Tapering in Competitive Distance Runners

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 3-wk taper on the physiology of competitive distance runners. We studied seven collegiate distance runners (20+/-1 yr, 66+/-1 kg) before and after a 3-wk taper. The primary measures included 8-km cross-country race performance, gastrocnemius single muscle fiber size and function (peak force, shortening velocity, and power), baseline and exercise-induced gene expression 4 h after a standardized 8-km run, citrate synthase activity, and maximal and submaximal cardiovascular physiology (oxygen consumption, ventilation, heart rate, and respiratory exchange ratio). Race performance improved by 3% following taper (P<0.05). Myosin heavy chain (MHC) IIa fiber diameter (+7%, P<0.05), peak force (+11%, P=0.06), and absolute power (+9%, P<0.05) increased following taper. In addition to the MHC IIa adaptations, taper elicited a distinct postexercise gene response. Specifically, the induction of MuRF-1 was attenuated following taper, whereas MRF4, HSP 72, and MT-2A displayed an exaggerated response (P<0.05). No changes were observed in MHC I size or function, baseline gene expression, citrate synthase activity, or cardiovascular function. Our findings show that tapered training in competitive runners promoted MHC IIa fiber remodeling and an altered transcriptional response following the same exercise perturbation, with no adverse affects on aerobic fitness. Together, these results provide a myocellular basis for distance runners to taper in preparation for peak performance.

Effects of Different Footwear on Vertical Jump and Landing Parameters

Abstract LaPorta, JW, Brown, LE, Coburn, JW, Galpin, AJ, Tufano, JJ, Cazas, VL, and Tan, JG. Effects of different footwear on vertical jump and landing parameters. J Strength Cond Res 27(3): 733–737, 2013—Little is known about the effects of different footwear on anaerobic performance variables. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different footwear on vertical jumping and landing parameters. Ten men and 10 women participated. After a dynamic warm-up, subjects performed a vertical jump (VJ), depth drop (DD), and Bosco test on a force plate in 3 different conditions, on 3 separate days: bare feet (BF), minimalist footwear (MF), and tennis shoes (TS). Bare feet had greater relative peak power (relPP) in the VJ (men: BF, 59.87 ± 5.09 W⋅kg−1; MF, 58.39 ± 5.69 W·kg−1; TS, 57.70 ± 6.54 W·kg−1; women: BF, 45.26 ± 4.10 W·kg−1; MF, 45.06 ± 3.53 W·kg−1; TS, 44.77 ± 4.55 W·kg−1), while for men, jump height (JH) was also greater in BF and MF (BF, 44.5 ± 4.46 cm; MF, 43.47 ± 5.5 cm; TS, 41.47 ± 14.45 cm). Results of the Bosco test revealed average relPP was greatest in BF compared with MF and TS (men: BF, 19.70 ± 3.01 W·kg−1; MF, 19.28 ± 3.00 W·kg−1; TS, 18.93 ± 3.33 W·kg−1; women: BF, 14.68 ± 1.41 W·kg−1; MF, 13.97 ± 1.56 W·kg−1; TS 13.62 ± 1.67 W·kg−1), while for JH, BF and MF were greater than TS (men: BF, 28.62 ± 5.0 cm; MF, 27.78 ± 5.09 cm; TS, 26.54 ± 5.1 cm; women: BF, 18.60 ± 1.97 cm; MF, 17.86 ± 6.35 cm; TS, 17.35 ± 2.47 cm). No differences in relative impact force were seen during the DD between conditions. Therefore, athletes and coaches interested in enhancing single and multiple VJs might consider either BF or minimalist shoes.

A 4-Week Choice Foot Speed and Choice Reaction Training Program Improves Agility in Previously Non-Agility Trained, but Active Men and Women

Galpin, AJ, Li, Y, Lohnes, C, and Schilling, BK. A 4-week choice foot speed and reaction training program improves agility in previously non-agility-trained, but active, men and women. J Strength Cond Res 22(6): 1901-1907, 2008-Computerized agility training (CAT) products are frequently suggested to improve agility. However, these claims often are made without unbiased scientific support. Therefore, the purpose of this study was (a) to determine the reliability and effectiveness of a 4-week CAT training program on foot speed (FS) and choice reaction (REACT), and (b) to assess whether training on the CAT would facilitate the improvement of a separate change-of-direction (COD) test in non-agility-trained, but active, men and women. Twenty-three participants (15 men, 8 women) pre- and posttested on FS, REACT, and COD drills. Eleven of those participants (7 men, 4 women) engaged in 4 weeks of training on the FS and REACT drills (EX). The remaining 12 (8 men, 4 women) did not participate in the training and served as controls (CON). Coefficients of variation indicate strong precision for FS (6.9%) and REACT (2.6%). Test-retest reliability, as analyzed by intraclass correlations (ICC), were high for both FS and REACT (0.89). Significant test-by-group interactions were observed for all three tests: FS (p = 0.004), REACT (p = 0.011), and COD (p = 0.049). Post hoc analysis indicated that EX increased foot contacts for the FS drill (p = 0.006), whereas REACT and COD demonstrated decreases in time to completion (p = 0.013 and 0.038, respectively). The CON group did not improve on any of the tests. This study indicates that the chosen CAT is an accurate and reliable tool for measuring foot speed and reaction time. These data justify the use of this CAT in analyzing foot speed and reaction time. Altogether, 4 weeks of foot speed and reaction training on the chosen CAT produced improvements in overall agility in non-agility-trained, but active, men and women. These data warrant the integration of such a device into the training program of untrained athletes attempting to improve agility.

An Examination of Muscle Activation and Power Characteristics While Performing the Deadlift Exercise With Straight and Hexagonal Barbells

Abstract Camara, KD, Coburn, JW, Dunnick, DD, Brown, LE, Galpin, AJ, and Costa, PB. An examination of muscle activation and power characteristics while performing the deadlift exercise with straight and hexagonal barbells. J Strength Cond Res 30(5): 1183–1188, 2016—The deadlift exercise is commonly performed to develop strength and power, and to train the lower-body and erector spinae muscle groups. However, little is known about the acute training effects of a hexagonal barbell vs. a straight barbell when performing deadlifts. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the hexagonal barbell in comparison with the straight barbell by analyzing electromyography (EMG) from the vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, and erector spinae, as well as peak force, peak power, and peak velocity using a force plate. Twenty men with deadlifting experience volunteered to participate in the study. All participants completed a 1 repetition maximum (1RM) test with each barbell on 2 separate occasions. Three repetitions at 65 and 85% 1RM were performed with each barbell on a third visit. The results revealed that there was no significant difference for 1RM values between the straight and hexagonal barbells (mean ± SD in kg = 181.4 ± 27.3 vs. 181.1 ± 27.6, respectively) (p > 0.05). Significantly greater normalized EMG values were found from the vastus lateralis for both the concentric (1.199 ± 0.22) and eccentric (0.879 ± 0.31) phases of the hexagonal-barbell deadlift than those of the straight-barbell deadlift (0.968 ± 0.22 and 0.559 ± 1.26), whereas the straight-barbell deadlift led to significantly greater EMG values from the bicep femoris during the concentric phase (0.835 ± 0.19) and the erector spinae (0.753 ± 0.28) during the eccentric phase than the corresponding values for the hexagonal-barbell deadlift (0.723 ± 0.20 and 0.614 ± 0.21) (p ⩽ 0.05). In addition, the hexagonal-barbell deadlift demonstrated significantly greater peak force (2,553.20 ± 371.52 N), peak power (1,871.15 ± 451.61 W), and peak velocity (0.805 ± 0.165) values than those of the straight-barbell deadlift (2,509.90 ± 364.95 N, 1,639.70 ± 361.94 W, and 0.725 ± 0.138 m·s−1, respectively) (p ⩽ 0.05). These results suggest that the barbells led to different patterns of muscle activation and that the hexagonal barbell may be more effective at developing maximal force, power, and velocity.

Influence of rest intervals after assisted jumping on bodyweight vertical jump performance.

Abstract Cazas, VL, Brown, LE, Coburn, JW, Galpin, AJ, Tufano, JJ, LaPorta, JW, and Du Bois, AM. Influence of rest intervals after assisted jumping on bodyweight vertical jump performance. J Strength Cond Res 27(1): 64–68, 2013—Assisted jumping (an overspeed concept) is a method used to improve vertical jump performance. However, research is lacking on the optimal program design to maximize performance outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of rest intervals after assisted jumping on bodyweight (BW) vertical jumps. Twenty healthy recreationally trained men (age: 22.85 ± 1.84 years; height: 179.44 ± 5.99 cm; mass: 81.73 ± 9.51 kg) attended 5 sessions. For all sessions, subjects performed the same dynamic warm-up and then executed 1 set of 5 consecutive assisted jumps at 30% BW reduction. They then rested for 30 seconds (C30), 1 minute (C1), 2 minutes (C2), or 4 minutes (C4), followed by 3 BW jumps with no assistance. Baseline (CB) jump height was measured without preceding assisted jumps. Analyses of variance revealed a main effect for takeoff velocity, with 1 and 4 minutes being greater than baseline (C1: 3.36 ± 0.40 m·s−1; C4: 3.27 ± 0.41 m·s−1; CB: 3.13 ± 0.32 m·s−1). Relative peak power also demonstrated a main effect, with 1 minute being greater than all other conditions (C1: 75.22 ± 10.83 W·kg−1). Jump height and relative ground reaction force demonstrated no differences between conditions. These results indicate overspeed jumping acutely enhances explosive BW jumping velocity and power. This acute performance enhancement is probably a result of increased motor neuron excitability and motor unit synchronization.

Three‐dimensional printing of human skeletal muscle cells: An interdisciplinary approach for studying biological systems

Interdisciplinary exploration is vital to education in the 21st century. This manuscript outlines an innovative laboratory‐based teaching method that combines elements of biochemistry/molecular biology, kinesiology/health science, computer science, and manufacturing engineering to give students the ability to better conceptualize complex biological systems. Here, we utilize technology available at most universities to print three‐dimensional (3D) scale models of actual human muscle cells (myofibers) out of bioplastic materials. The same methodological approach could be applied to nearly any cell type or molecular structure. This advancement is significant because historically, two‐dimensional (2D) myocellular images have proven insufficient for detailed analysis of organelle organization and morphology. 3D imaging fills this void by providing accurate and quantifiable myofiber structural data. Manipulating tangible 3D models combats 2D limitation and gives students new perspectives and alternative learning experiences that may assist their understanding. This approach also exposes learners to 1) human muscle cell extraction and isolation, 2) targeted fluorescence labeling, 3) confocal microscopy, 4) image processing (via open‐source software), and 5) 3D printing bioplastic scale‐models (×500 larger than the actual cells). Creating these physical models may further students interest in the invisible world of molecular and cellular biology. Furthermore, this interdisciplinary laboratory project gives instructors of all biological disciplines a new teaching tool to foster integrative thinking.

Effects of traditional vs. alternating whole-body strength training on squat performance.

Abstract Ciccone, AB, Brown, LE, Coburn, JW, and Galpin, AJ. Effects of traditional vs. alternating whole-body strength training on squat performance. J Strength Cond Res 28(9): 2569–2577, 2014—Traditional strength training with 80% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) uses 2- to 5-minute rest periods between sets. These long rest periods minimize decreases in volume and intensity but result in long workouts. Performing upper-body exercises during lower-body rest intervals may decrease workout duration but may affect workout performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of traditional vs. alternating whole-body strength training on squat performance. Twenty male (24 ± 2 years) volunteers performed 2 workouts. The traditional set (TS) workout consisted of 4 sets of squats (SQ) at 80% of 1RM on a force plate with 3-minute rest between sets. The alternating set (AS) workout also consisted of 4 sets of SQ at 80% of 1RM but with bench press, and bench pull exercises performed between squat sets 1, 2 and 3 with between-exercise rest of 50 seconds, resulting in approximately 3-minute rest between squat sets. Sets 1–3 were performed for 4 repetitions, whereas set 4 was performed to concentric failure. Total number of completed repetitions of the fourth squat set to failure was recorded. Peak ground reaction force (GRF), peak power (PP), and average power (AP) of every squat repetition were recorded and averaged for each set. There was no significant interaction for GRF, PP, or AP. However, volume-equated AP was greater during the TS condition (989 ± 183) than the AS condition (937 ± 176). During the fourth squat set, the TS condition resulted in more repetitions to failure (7.5 ± 2.2) than the AS condition (6.5 ± 2.2). Therefore, individuals who aim to optimize squat AP should refrain from performing more than 3 ASs per exercise. Likewise, those who aim to maximize squat repetitions to failure should refrain from performing upper-body multijoint exercises during squat rest intervals.

The effects of a transcontinental flight on markers of coagulation and fibrinolysis in healthy men after vigorous physical activity

ABSTRACT Purpose: Athletes and military service members are known to undergo strenuous exercise and sometimes have to take long haul flights soon afterwards; however, its combined effect on many physiological functions is relatively unknown. Therefore, we examined the combined effects of a full-body muscle-damaging workout and transcontinental flight on coagulation and fibrinolysis in healthy, resistance trained men. We also determined the efficacy of a full-body compression garment in limiting their coagulation responses. Materials and Methods: Nineteen healthy, resistance trained men flew from Connecticut (CT) to California (CA), performed a full-body muscle-damaging workout and then flew back to CT. Ten participants wore full-body compression garments (FCG) for the duration of both flights and during all other portions of the study except during workouts and blood draws, when they wore loose clothing. Nine controls wore loose clothing (CON) throughout the study. Blood samples were collected at 16 h and 3 h before the initial flight from CT, immediately after landing in CA, immediately before and immediately after the full-body workout in CA, immediately after landing in CT, and at 29 h after landing in CT. Plasma markers of coagulation included activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin fragment 1+2 (PTF 1+2) and thrombin ant-thrombin (TAT). Markers of the fibrinolytic system included the tissue plasmigen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and D-Dimer. Results: Both FCG and CON groups exhibited a faster aPTT after the full-body workout compared to all other time points.  Thrombin generation markers, TAT and PTF 1+2, increased significantly after the full-body workout and immediately after landing in CT. Additionally, tPA increased after the full-body workout, while PAI-1 increased before the flight to CA, after the full-body workout, and just after landing in CT. The D-Dimer significantly increased after the full-body workout and at 29 h post-flight in both groups. Between groups, aPTT was significantly faster and TAT elevated with the CON group at 29 h post-flight. Also, PAI-1 demonstrated higher concentrations immediately after landing in CT for the CON group. Conclusion: A full-body muscle-damaging workout in conjunction with a trans-continental flight activated the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems. Additionally, wearing a full-body compression garment may limit coagulation following a workout through the recovery period.

Resting extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 expression following a continuum of chronic resistance exercise training paradigms

ABSTRACT Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) moderates skeletal muscle growth; however, chronic responses of this protein to unique resistance exercise (RE) paradigms are yet to be explored. The purpose of this investigation was to describe the long-term response of ERK1/2 following circuit weight training (CWT), recreationally weight training (WT), powerlifting (PL) and weightlifting (WL). Independent t-tests were used to determine differences in trained groups compared to sedentary controls. Total ERK1/2 content was lower in PL and WL compared to their controls (p ≤ 0.05). Specific trained groups displayed large (WL: pERK/total-ERK; d = 1.25) and moderate (CWT: total ERK1/2; d = 0.54) effect sizes for altered kinase expression compared to controls. The results indicate ERK1/2 expression is down-regulated after chronic RE in well-trained weightlifters and powerlifters. Lower expression of this protein may be a method in which anabolism is tightly regulated after many years of high-intensity RE.