Joseph M. Berning

Anabolic steroid usage in athletics: facts, fiction, and public relations.

Anecdotal evidence suggests the widespread usage of anabolic steroids among athletes (20–90%), particularly at the professional and elite amateur levels. In contrast, scientific studies indicate that usage is rare and no higher than 6%. Conclusions from scientific studies suggest that anabolic steroid usage declines progressively from high school to college and beyond; however, anecdotal evidence claims the opposite trend. In this clash between “hard” scientific data vs. “soft” anecdotal information, it is natural that professionals would gravitate toward scientifically based conclusions. However, in the case of anabolic steroids (a stigmatized and illegal substance), should word-of-mouth testimony from individuals closest to the issues—those who have participated in and coached sports, those who have served as drug-testing overseers, and journalists who relentlessly track leads and verify sources—be set aside as irrelevant? Not if a complete picture is to emerge. In this review, hard scientific evidence is placed on the table side-by-side with soft anecdotal evidence, without weighting or bias. The purpose is to allow the opportunity for each to illuminate the other and, in so doing, potentially bring us a step closer to determining the true extent of anabolic steroid usage in athletics.

A preliminary investigation of the biomechanical and perceptual influence of chain resistance on the performance of the snatch.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the addition of chains to a barbell during the performance of the snatch would invoke differences in execution compared with lifting a conventional barbell without chains. Additionally, subjects were asked whether they perceived that the addition of chains had effects on their performance, and, if so, what those effects were. Four male and 3 female competitive weightlifters who regularly used chains as part of their training programs participated in the study. They were compared lifting 80% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) using conventional barbells with 80% of 1RM, 5% of which was accounted for by chains. The same procedure was used with 85% of 1RM. Variables examined included maximum vertical displacement of the bar, maximum bar velocity, rate of force production of the bar, and vertical ground reaction forces for the first pull, unweighting, and second pull phases of the lift. Results indicated that there were no statistically significant differences between the chain vs. no-chain conditions at either 80% or 85% of 1RM. In contrast, 100% of the subjects stated that they perceived that the addition of chains made them work harder during the snatch. They suggested that the chains forced them to pull harder throughout the lift and that oscillation of the chains required their shoulders, abdominals, and back to work harder to stabilize the bar in the catch phase. Although statistical results indicate that chains have no influence on the snatch technique, chains may have a psychological impact and possibly invoke a physiological training response by increasing strength of muscles required to stabilize the bar during the catch phase if used over time.

Effect of functional isometric squats on vertical jump in trained and untrained men.

Berning, JM, Adams, KJ, DeBeliso, M, Sevene-Adams, PG, Harris, C, and Stamford, BA. Effect of functional isometric squats on vertical jump in trained and untrained men. J Strength Cond Res 24(9): 2285-2289, 2010-Functional isometrics (FIs) combine dynamic and isometric muscle actions and may hyperstimulate the nervous system leading to an enhanced postactivation potentiation (PAP) and improved subsequent performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of an FI squat on the countermovement vertical jump (CMVJ) in resistance trained and untrained men. Thirteen trained men (age: 22.8 ± 3.2 years, mass: 90.0 ± 16.3 kg, and height: 178.9 ± 7.1 cm) and 8 untrained men (age: 28.5 ± 5.9 years, mass: 101.5 ± 23.0 kg, and height: 177.0 ± 4.8 cm) participated. On separate days, subjects performed CMVJs after 2 different warm-up conditions. The warm-up conditions consisted of either 5 minutes of low-intensity cycling or 5 minutes of low-intensity cycling plus a 3-second FI squat with 150% of their 1 repetition maximum (1RM). A 2 × 3 repeated-measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc revealed that when comparing the 2 warm-up conditions in the trained subjects, a significant increase (p < 0.05) in CMVJ occurred at 4 minutes (2.4 cm, +5.1%) post-FI squat. This increase was maintained when subjects were retested at 5 minutes post (2.6 cm, + 5.5%). No significant difference in CMVJ was detected in the untrained group (p = 0.49). Results support the addition of an FI squat performed at 150% of 1RM to a low-intensity cycling warm-up to enhance PAP in resistance trained but not in untrained men as measured by CMVJ. Practically, adding functional isometrics to a warm-up scheme may significantly enhance acute, short-term power output in resistance trained men.

Metabolic demands of "junkyard" training: pushing and pulling a motor vehicle.

Junkyard training involves heavy, cumbersome implements and nontraditional movement patterns for unique training of athletes. This study assessed the metabolic demands of pushing and pulling a 1,960-kg motor vehicle (MV) 400 m in an all-out maximal effort. Six male, strength-trained athletes (29 ± 5 years; 89 ± 12 kg) completed 3 sessions. Sessions 1 and 2 were randomly assigned and entailed either pushing or pulling the MV. Oxygen consumption (&OV0312;O2) and heart rate (HR) were measured continuously. Blood lactate was sampled immediately prior to and 5 minutes after sessions 1 and 2. Vertical jump was assessed immediately prior to and after sessions 1 and 2. During session 3 a treadmill &OV0312;O2max test was conducted. No significant differences (p > 0.05) in &OV0312;O2, HR, or blood lactate occurred between pushing and pulling efforts. &OV0312;O2 and HR peaked in the first 100 m, and from 100 m on, vehicle. &OV0312;O2 and HR averaged 65% and 96% of treadmill maximum values (&OV0312;O2max = 50.3 ml·kg-1·min-1; HRmax = 194 b·min-1). Blood lactate response from the push and pull averaged 15.6 mmol·L-1, representing 131% of the maximal treadmill running value. Vertical jump decreased significantly pre to post in both conditions (mean = −10.1 cm, 17%). All subjects experienced dizziness and nausea. In conclusion, a 400-m MV push or pull is an exhausting training technique that requires a very high anaerobic energy output and should be considered an advanced form of training. Strength coaches must be aware of the ultra-high metabolic and neuromuscular stresses that can be imposed by this type of training and take these factors into consideration when plotting individualized training and recovery strategies.

The Seated Medicine Ball Throw as a Test of Upper Body Power in Older Adults

Harris, C, Wattles, AP, DeBeliso, M, Sevene-Adams, PG, Berning, JM, and Adams, KJ. The seated medicine ball throw as a test of upper body power in older adults. J Strength Cond Res 25(8): 2344-2348, 2011—Practitioners training the older adult may benefit from a low-cost, easy-to-administer field test of upper body power. This study evaluated validity and reliability of the seated medicine ball throw (SMBT) in older adults. Subjects (n = 33; age 72.4 ± 5.2 years) completed 6 trials of an SMBT in each of 2 testing days and 2 ball masses (1.5 and 3.0 kg). Subjects also completed 6 trials of an explosive push-up (EPU) on a force plate over 2 testing days. Validity was assessed via a Pearson Product-Moment correlation (PPM) between SMBT and EPU maximal vertical force. Reliability of the SMBT was determined using PPMs (r), Intraclass correlation (ICC, R) and Bland-Altman plots (BAPs). For validity, the association between the SMBT and the EPU revealed a PPM of r = 0.641 and r = 0.614 for the 1.5- and 3.0-kg medicine balls, respectively. Test-retest reliability of the 1.5- and 3.0-kg SMBT was r = 0.967 and r = 0.958, respectively. The ICC values of the 1.5- and 3.0-kg SMBT were R = 0.994 and 0.989, respectively. The BAPs revealed 94% of the differences between day 1 and 2 scores were within the 95% confidence interval of the mean difference. Test-retest reliability for the EPU was r = 0.944, R = 0.969. The BAPs showed 94% of the differences between day 1 and 2 scores were within the 95% confidence interval of the mean difference, for both medicine ball throws. In conclusion, for the older adult, the SMBT appears to be highly reliable test of upper body power. Its validity relative to the maximal force exerted during the EPU is modest. The SMBT is an inexpensive, safe, and repeatable measure of upper body power for the older adult.

Anabolic Androgenic Steroids: Use and Perceived Use in Nonathlete College Students.

Objective: The authors investigated the use and perceived use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) among nonathlete college students. Participants: The authors surveyed a sample of 485 nonathlete college students at a major metropolitan university. Methods: They administered a survey on use and perceived use of AAS to the students. Results: Forty-two participants (9%) reported using AAS (37 men, 5 women). Seniors were the most likely to use AAS (36%), and freshman the least likely (7%). Thirty-four percent of nonusers and 41% of users indicated they knew between 1 and 5 AAS users. Of the total sample, 36% perceived that 5% to 10% of nonathlete college students used AAS. Reasons for AAS use were because friends were using (7%), a desire to enhance physical appearance (45%), and a desire to increase physical performance (48%). Conclusions: These findings may have significant implications in planning strategic preventive educational programs, and health educators should target incoming college freshmen with the intent of dissuading AAS use.

Physiological and Psychophysical Comparison Between a Lifting Task With Identical Weight but Different Coupling Factors

Adams, KJ, DeBeliso, M, Sevene-Adams, PG, Berning, JM, Miller, T, and Tollerud, DJ. Physiological and psychophysical comparison between a lifting task with identical weight but different coupling factors. J Strength Cond Res 24(2): 307-312, 2010-The objective of the revised NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) lifting equation is to prevent or reduce lifting-related injuries. The coupling component of the equation relates to quality of the grip (i.e., hand-to-object interface) and can be rated good, fair, or poor. Good coupling is theorized to reduce lifting stress, whereas poor coupling is theorized to increase lifting stress. This study compared the physiological and psychophysical stress between a lifting task with identical weight but different coupling factors. Subjects (n = 21; 26 ± 6 years; 177.8 ± 7.8 cm; 73.9 ± 10.7 kg) transferred a milk crate or bag of dog food each weighing 12.5 kg back and forth from the floor to a table for 2, paced, 5-minute work bouts. Steady-state metabolic data were used to compare the lifting tasks. Results showed significantly higher oxygen consumption, caloric cost, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion during the lifting task using the milk crate vs. the bag of dog food (p < 0.05). No difference in respiratory exchange ratio was observed (p > 0.05). In conclusion, a significantly higher metabolic cost and perceived exertion was observed when subjects performed a paced two-handed lifting task with good coupling factors than when using an object with poor coupling factors. When lifting stress is measured by metabolic cost and perceived exertion, these results are in contrast to expectations that a poor quality grip (i.e., poor coupling) would increase stress of a lifting task. Results of this study may help the work-place practitioner make decisions related to the use of the revised NIOSH lifting equation in the design and pacing of lifting-related tasks. Improved decision making may benefit productivity and enhance injury prevention in the workplace.

Hand grip strength and gender: Allometric normalization in older adults and implications for the NIOSH lifting equation

Background Many countries are experiencing an aging workforce with women workers making up a growing proportion. Workplaces often require employees to complete lifting tasks that require the ability of the hand to grasp an implement (coupling). The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has developed an equation for manual lifting tasks hoping to minimize the potential for a workplace back-injury related to a lifting task. The NIOSH lifting equation relies upon stress variables including a coupling factor. However, little is known regarding grip strength as related to the NIOSH lifting equation coupling factor. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in grip strength due to gender in older adults. Methods The participant’s (68–88 years) maximal grip (MG) strength measures were collected for each hand with a hand grip dynamometer (kg). MG scores were converted to Newtons (N), normalized to body mass, and allometrically scaled. Measures of MG were than compared between genders with an independent t-test. Results The hand grip measures of MG (kg) [male: 30.3 ± 5.6, female: 10.6 ± 3.3], MG (kg) / body mass (kg) [male: 0.35 ± 0.06, female: 0.16 ± 0.04], MG (N) / (body mass (kg))0.67 [male: 15.1 ± 2.5, female: 6.2 ± 1.7], and MG (N) / (body height (m))1.84 [male: 103.6 ± 18.6, female: 42.6 ± 10.6] were all significantly lower (p < 0.0001) for women than men. Regardless of how grip strength was reported, there is a strong difference in grip strength between genders in this sample. The NIOSH lifting equation does not account for varying grip strength due to aging and gender differences. Conclusions It is recommended that grip strength variability be accounted for in the coupling factor of the NIOSH lifting equation.

A Comparison of Resisted and Assisted Sprint Training in Collegiate Sprinters: 3703 Board #150 June 3 9

Sprint time (ST) is the product of stride length (SL) and stride rate (SR). Increases in either of these variables results in speed improvement. Purpose: To compare resisted (RST) and assisted sprint training (AST) on sprint performance. Methods: Twenty (10 male, 10 female) collegiate sprinters and hurdlers were randomly divided into two training groups: RST (age: 21.81.8yrs, height: 1.730.10m, mass: 69.512.8kg) and AST (age: 22.22.4yrs, height: 1.760.10m, mass: 69.19.9kg). Each group trained 3 days/week for 6 weeks. The RST group used a combination of weighted sled pulls, uphill sprinting and depth jumps. The AST group combined downhill running, towing, sprint ladders and single leg bounds. Prior to and following the training interventions SL and ST (10 meter sprint time) were recorded at sprint distances of 30m, 60m, and 120m during the last 10 meters of each sprint distance. Pre-post training ST and SL were compared within training groups at each sprint distance using paired t-tests. Additionally, a gain score was calculated by taking the difference between the post and pre test scores. The gain scores for SL and ST were compared between training groups via independent t-tests at each sprint distance. Results: For the RST 30m, ST (1.180.08s vs 1.140.08s, p<0.01) and SL (2.060.08m vs. 2.091.14m, p<0.01) were significantly improved. For the AST, 30m ST (1.190.08s vs. 1.180.08s, p<0.01) and SL (2.100.13m i Corresponding Author: Mark DeBeliso Department of Kinesiology and Outdoor Recreation, Southern Utah University, 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720, 435 – 586 – 7812, markdebeliso@suu.edu Murray, J., Harris, C., Adams, K. J., Joseph Berning, J., DeBeliso, M. A COMPARISON OF RESISTED AND ASSISTED SPRINT TRAINING IN COLLEGIATE SPRINTERS European Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science Volume 3 │ Issue 7 │ 2017 25 vs. 2.110.13, p=0.04) were significantly improved. No improvements in ST or SL were detected for either the RST or AST groups at the 60m sprint distance. For the RST 120m, ST (1.130.07s vs. 1.120.08s, p<0.01) was significantly improved. For the AST 120m, ST (1.120.07s vs. 1.110.07s, p<0.01) and SL (2.300.08 vs. 2.330.08, p<0.01) were significantly improved. At the 30M interval, the RST demonstrated significant improvements in SL and ST as compared to the AST (p<0.01). However, at the 120M interval, the AST demonstrated a significant improvement in SL as compared to the RST (p<0.01). Conclusion: Within the parameters of this study, RST and AST methods have proven effective at improving sprint performance. It appears that RST protocols may be of greatest benefit for improving sprint performance at shorter distances, while AST protocols may be of greater benefit at longer sprinting distances.

Accuracy of physical self-description among chronic exercisers and non-exercisers

This study addressed the role of chronic exercise to enhance physical self-description as measured by self-estimated percent body fat. Accuracy of physical self-description was determined in normal-weight, regularly exercising and non-exercising males with similar body mass index (BMI)’s and females with similar BMI’s (n=42 males and 45 females of which 23 males and 23 females met criteria to be considered chronic exercisers). Statistical analyses were conducted to determine the degree of agreement between self-estimated percent body fat and actual laboratory measurements (hydrostatic weighing). Three statistical techniques were employed: Pearson correlation coefficients, Bland and Altman plots, and regression analysis. Agreement between measured and self-estimated percent body fat was superior for males and females who exercised chronically, compared to non-exercisers. The clinical implications are as follows. Satisfaction with one’s body can be influenced by several factors, including self-perceived body composition. Dissatisfaction can contribute to maladaptive and destructive weight management behaviors. The present study suggests that regular exercise provides a basis for more positive weight management behaviors by enhancing the accuracy of self-assessed body composition.