Ro Di Brezzo

Early adaptations to eccentric and high-velocity training on strength and functional performance in community-dwelling older adults.

Abstract Leszczak, TJ, Olson, JM, Stafford, J, and Di Brezzo, R. Early adaptations to eccentric and high-velocity training on strength and functional performance in community-dwelling older adults. J Strength Cond Res 27(2): 442–448, 2013—The authors examined whether an eccentric training program or a high-velocity training program was more beneficial in regards to function and strength. Nineteen community-dwelling older adults, between the ages of 65 and 89 years, from a local senior center participated in the 8-week exercise program. All participants were randomly assigned to either an eccentric or a high-velocity training group. A doubly multivariate analysis of variance with 1 between-subjects factor and repeated measures was used to examine group and time differences. This analysis revealed that no differences existed between the groups (p > 0.05). However, there were within-group differences for both the high-velocity and the eccentric groups. For both groups, walking speed, 8-ft up-and-go time, chair stand, leg extension strength, leg curl strength, and leg press strength increased from preintervention to postintervention (p < 0.05). This suggests that a high-velocity training program provides similar results as an eccentric training program but with less total work. The eccentric training group trained at a higher percentage of their 1RM and tested with higher loads, which may suggest that a longer exercise program would show the eccentric training group to be stronger and more functional. Fitness practitioners dealing with an older adult population should focus on training with all types of training velocities. Not only are these types of training modalities safe for this population but they also can improve their ability to perform activities of daily living.

Thermic effect of food, exercise, and total energy expenditure in active females

OBJECTIVES Exercise and the thermic effect of food contribute to total energy expenditure and overall maintenance of health. The aim of this study was to determine the interaction between TEF and exercise on TEE based on meal protein content. DESIGN A randomized, repeated measures study. METHODS Ten active females, of normal body weight, participated. Preliminary maximal aerobic capacity (VO₂max) was determined. Three additional testing sessions consisted of performing a 30-min bout of exercise at 60% VO₂max after consumption of a high (45% total kcal) or low (15% total kcal) protein meal, or fasted. RESULTS Repeated measures ANOVA indicated a significant main effect for the feeding protocols (α=.05). The high protein meal elicited a 30.39% and 98.15% greater increase in TEF compared to the low protein meal (p=.006) and fasted state (p<.001), respectively. The low protein meal resulted in 94.34% greater TEF compared to fasted (p<.001). Combined with exercise, high protein meal TEF was significantly greater compared to fasted (p=.010) but was not significantly greater than the low protein meal (p=.122). Significant differences were not found between the low protein meals with exercise compared to fasted conditions (p=.094). CONCLUSIONS Findings of this study provide insight on increased TEE under acute high protein feeding conditions as compared to a low protein meal and fasted state. Combined with exercise, potential for further increases in TEE exists as a result of TEF.

Physical and emotional abuse and motor development: a preliminary investigation.

Mothers of 212 children aged 2 to 12 yr. responded to a problem checklist. Significantly more children reported as maltreated were said to have learning difficulties than comparison children; language delays and poor motor coordination were also noted. Such children would benefit from the formal assessment and remediation of problems in motor development.

Meaning making in long-term care: what do certified nursing assistants think?

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) provide up to 80% of the direct care to older adults in long-term care facilities. CNAs are perceived as being at the bottom of the hierarchy among healthcare professionals often negatively affecting their job satisfaction. However, many CNAs persevere in providing quality care and even reporting high levels of job satisfaction. The aim of the present investigation was to identify primary themes that may help CNAs make meaning of their chosen career; thus potentially partially explaining increases in job satisfaction among this group. Focus groups were conducted with CNAs at three long-term care facilities. Four themes emerged from the data: CNA work is good or special; CNA as relationship builder; CNA as expert; CNA as team member. These themes reflect the perceptions that these CNAs held in regard to themselves and their relationships to others in the work environment and, when present, can contribute to intrinsic job satisfaction. Our meaning-making themes support the premise that CNAs do not passively accept the evaluations of others but instead actively frame identities that validate their importance to residents and the institution.