Barbara L. Warren

Predicting plantar fasciitis in runners

Ninety-one runners were studied to determine whether specific variables were indicative of runners who had suffered with plantar fasciitis either presently or formerly vs runners who had never suffered with plantar fasciitis. Each runner was asked to complete a running history, was subjected to several anatomical measurements, and was asked to run on a treadmill in both a barefoot and shoe condition at a speed of 3.35 mps (8 min mile pace). Factor coefficients were used in a discriminant function analysis which revealed that, when group membership was predicted, 63% of the runners could be correctly assigned to their group. Considering that 76% of the control group was correctly predicted, it was concluded that the predictor variables were able to correctly predict membership of the control group, but not able to correctly predict the presently or formerly injured sufferers of plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis in runners. Treatment and prevention.

SummaryPlantar fasciitis is a common overuse injury found in runners. The plantar fascia, which is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the longitudinal arch, becomes irritated, inflamed or torn by repetitive stresses placed upon it. Commonly cited predisposers of plantar fasciitis are excessive pronation, a flat or cavus foot, tight Achilles tendon, type of training shoes worn, and errors in the training routine. Once the plantar fascia becomes irritated a myriad of conservative measures may be used, including everything from rest, ice and elevation to steroid injections and, if all else fails, surgery. In most cases conservative treatment of one kind or another will alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. However, it is essential to determine and correct the cause of the problem in order for the runner to resume normal activity levels. Controlling anatomical/ biomechanical inefficiencies of the feet, stretching and strengthening exercises for the lower extremity, proper training shoes, and reasonable training routines will alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis in a large percentage of sufferers. To prevent the injury, runners should be aware of the potential overuse injury and take precautionary measures, e.g. seek a biomechanical/anatomical evaluation from a qualified practitioner. The practitioner can then offer suggestions as to the specific steps the runner should follow to prevent the injury condition.

Anatomical factors associated with predicting plantar fasciitis in long distance runners

The purpose of this study was to identify anatomical variables associated with plantar-fasciitis sufferers. Selected anatomical variables which were chosen for measurement were leg length, pronation of the subtalar joint, plantar and dorsiflexion ability, and arch height of the foot, as well as the variables height, weight, age, and miles run per week. The means and standard deviations revealed that leg-length inequality, pronation of the subtalar joint, and arch height were not good indicators of plantar-fasciitis sufferers. According to the discriminant-function analysis in which 64% of the subjects were assigned to the appropriate group, plantar flexion, dorsiflexion, and height were good predictors of the recovered and non-recovered sufferers, but could predict no more than 50% of the present sufferers. Therefore, a set of predictor variables was not found for the prediction of plantar-fasciitis sufferers.

Relationship of soccer heading to computerized neurocognitive performance and symptoms among female and male youth soccer players

Primary objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between soccer heading and computerized neurocognitive performance and symptoms in female and male youth soccer players. Research design: Cross-sectional and prospective design. Methods and procedures: A total of 63 (27 females, 36 males) youth soccer players aged 13–18 years (M = 15.89, SD = 1.17) participated in the study. Participants completed the Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACT) and symptom report. Main outcomes: Computerized neurocognitive performance (e.g., verbal and visual memory, motor processing, and reaction time) and symptoms. Results: There were no differences in neurocognitive performance or symptoms among low-, moderate-, and high-exposure header groups. The current sample outperformed the 10th percentile norms for neurocognitive and symptom scores. Males headed the ball more frequently and reported lower verbal and visual memory and motor processing speed scores than females. Conclusion: The current findings did not support a relationship between soccer heading and computerized neurocognitive performance and symptoms. The researchers suggest that any purported effects of soccer heading in youth are subtle and may affect only a small number of athletes. The reported sex differences in heading exposure warrant further attention.

EFFECTIVENESS OF A PERSONALIZED FITNESS MODULE ON KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND CARDIOVASCULAR ENDURANCE OF FIFTH-GRADE STUDENTS: 'HEART SMART'

The effectiveness of a Personalized Fitness Module was compared to a Traditional Fitness Unit, both of which were designed to develop knowledge, behavioral skills, fitness and positive attitudes. 95 students in Grade 5 and from intact physical education/health classes within two public schools participated in a seven-week cardiovascular fitness program. The experimental group of 48 participated in the personalized and noncompetitive fitness module. The control group of 47 participated in the traditional unit, a teacher-centered fitness module. Students received a total of 14 55-min. lessons over seven weeks. Pre- and posttest measurements included the Superkids-Superfit Knowledge Test, the Childrens Attitudes Toward Physical Activity Inventory, and the one-mile run/walk. Data were analyzed using group mean gain scores on eight dependent variables (knowledge, six subscales of attitude, and one-mile run/walk) followed by a multivariate analysis of variance. A significant difference between groups led to a discriminant function analysis as a post hoc test. Findings indicated that the use of the personalized unit can substantially improve one-mile run/walk time. The use of modules of this type in health and physical education programs may promote life-long exercise patterns and fitness.

An adequate interset rest period for strength recovery during a common isokinetic test.

Abstract Blazquez, IN, Warren, BL, O’Hanlon, AM, and Silvestri, LR. An adequate interset rest period for strength recovery during a common isokinetic test. J Strength Cond Res 27(7): 1981–1987, 2013—Isokinetic testing is used in rehabilitation settings on a regular basis; yet, there is a lack of consistency in rest period usage among protocols. Furthermore, the allotment of rest periods has been arbitrary (e.g., 30, 60, 90 seconds or more). This investigation examines the work:rest ratio as an effective method of standardizing rest periods in isokinetic testing. The purpose of this study was to establish an adequate rest period that would allow reproducibility of strength during a common isokinetic strength test. Twenty-seven healthy college-aged men (age, 23 ± 3.8 years; body weight, 79.54 ± 11.09 kg) were tested on 5 separate occasions: 2 familiarization sessions and 3 experimental sessions. Each subject performed a knee extension/flexion isokinetic strength protocol (Cybex NORM; Lumex, Inc., Ronkonkoma, NY, USA) to determine peak torque by performing 5 maximal reciprocal repetitions at each ascending velocity of 60, 180, and 300°·s−1. Work:rest ratios of 1:3, 1:8, and 1:12 were counterbalanced between sets. A 3 × 3 repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. A significance level of &agr; ⩽ 0.05 was used for all tests. There was no significant difference in either knee extension or knee flexion peak torque when comparing work:rest ratios. These findings suggest that a 1:3 work:rest ratio is sufficient during a common isokinetic strength test.

Rest period effect on peak torque in female collegiate and recreational athletes

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of rest period on peak torque in females. Thirty college-aged females (n = 15 collegiate athletes and n = 15 recreational athletes) performed three practice sessions and four experimental sessions using a knee flexion/extension protocol on a CYBEX NORM isokinetic dynamometer. Each session began with a five minute warmup on a cycle ergometer after which the subjects performed four maximal repetitions of knee extension at five isokinetic velocities, 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300°·sec -1 with randomly assigned rest periods of 15, 60, 180, or 300 seconds between velocity sets while knee flexion was held constant at 300°·sec -1 . Peak torque was recorded for each trial. Data were analyzed using a 4 (rest) x 5 (velocity) repeated measures ANOVA (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in peak torque between any of the rest periods. It was concluded that in females a 60 second rest is adequate for muscle recovery when executing four maximal repetitions.

Comparison of physiologic and performance variables in male and female cross‐country runners during a competitive season

Five men and five women from a university cross‐country team were tested during the first 2 weeks and at the conclusion of a 7‐week cross‐country season. Maximal and submaximal cardiorespiratory responses, body composition, and performance variables were compared for seasonal and gender differences by analysis of variance and analysis of covariance. Male runners had significantly less (p ≤0.05) body fat, more fat‐free body (FFB) mass, a larger cardiorespiratory capacity, and ran more economically and faster than female runners. The difference in cardiorespiratory capacity and performance may have been due to a larger FFB (muscularity) and the increased training volume practiced by the male runners. Several gender but no seasonal differences were observed during a running economy test (214 m·min−1). A difference in oxygen uptake (VO2; ml·min−1‐kg BW−1) during the running economy test between male and female runners was unexpected and may have been due to fatigue in the female runners since their late seaso...

The Status of Exercise Programs in Louisiana Senior Centers

Physical activities have been successful in the rehabilitative process by tending to reduce or retard chronic conditions. The purpose of this study was to assess the status of exercise programs in senior centers in Louisiana. Data were collected from 58 of the 75 senior centers (77%). Results indicated that almost half of the senior centers did not have exercise programs. The most frequently indicated problems/ barriers preventing centers from implementing effective exercise programs were (1) lack offunds to pay personnel, (2) no qualified person to conduct an exercise program, (3) difficulty in motivating participants, and (4) lack of equipment or available space.

Effect of ascending vs. descending velocity order on peak torque during isokinetic testing in males

The vast majority of previous research with isokinetic machines has used only ascending or random velocity sets during testing. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect velocity order (ascending vs. descending order) had on peak torque of knee extension during isokinetic testing and to examine the differences in peak torque in collegiate and recreational athletes. Thirty healthy, college aged males (15 collegiat e athletes (CA): mean Age 20.27 yrs, Ht 178.99 cm, Mass 85.00 kgs and 15 recreational athletes (RA): Age 21.2 yrs, Ht 183.39 cm, Mass 89.06 kgs) performed two familiarization trials and four randomly assigned experimental trials. Subjects performed four knee extension repetitions at five velocities in eithe r ascending (60, 120, 180, 240, and 300 � /sec) or descending (300, 240, 180, 120, 60 � /sec) order. There was no significant ( p < 0.05) difference between the order of velocities and peak torque or between CA and RA groups. Although not statistically significant, RA produced greater peak torque than CA. This may be a result of numerous RAs in this study being former collegiate athletes. In conclusion, the order of velocities may not be pertinent when establishing a protocol for testing peak torque of the knee extensors in healthy college-aged males.