Behara, B and Jacobson, BH. Acute effects of deep tissue foam rolling and dynamic stretching on muscular strength, power, and flexibility in Division I linemen. J Strength Cond Res 31(4): 888-892, 2017-A recent strategy to increase sports performance is a self-massage technique called myofascial release using foam rollers. Myofascial restrictions are believed to be brought on by injuries, muscle imbalances, overrecruitment, and/or inflammation, all of which can decrease sports performance. The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effects of a single-bout of lower extremity self-myofascial release using a custom deep tissue roller (DTR) and a dynamic stretch protocol. Subjects consisted of NCAA Division 1 offensive linemen (n = 14) at a Midwestern university. All players were briefed on the objectives of the study and subsequently signed an approved IRB consent document. A randomized crossover design was used to assess each dependent variable (vertical jump [VJ] power and velocity, knee isometric torque, and hip range of motion was assessed before and after: [a] no treatment, [b] deep tissue foam rolling, and [c] dynamic stretching). Results of repeated-measures analysis of variance yielded no pretest to posttest significant differences (p > 0.05) among the groups for VJ peak power (p = 0.45), VJ average power (p = 0.16), VJ peak velocity (p = 0.25), VJ average velocity (p = 0.23), peak knee extension torque (p = 0.63), average knee extension torque (p = 0.11), peak knee flexion torque (p = 0.63), or average knee flexion torque (p = 0.22). However, hip flexibility was statistically significant when tested after both dynamic stretching and foam rolling (p = 0.0001). Although no changes in strength or power was evident, increased flexibility after DTR may be used interchangeably with traditional stretching exercises.

The purpose of this study was to determine nutrition knowledge and behavior of division IA college athletes and to compare such knowledge and behavior with data from a similar survey conducted in 1992. Surveys with distribution instructions and statements of confidentiality were sent randomly to strength and conditioning coordinators (SCCs) at 16 universities. Survey results indicated that women (60.6%) received more nutrition information than men (49.5). SCCs and athletic trainers were the primary nutrition sources for men, whereas university classes and nutritionists were primary for women. Much information was obtained from arguable sources such as magazines, family members, and coaches. Only 3, 11.7, and 29.5% correctly identified recommended percents of total calorie intake for protein, fat, and carbohydrates, respectively. Thirty-seven percent correctly identified the role of vitamins and 54.4% for protein. Creatine and vitamin/mineral supplements were the most common for men and women, respectively. Despite previous recommendations regarding nutrition education of high-level athletes, diminutive changes have occurred in the past 6 years.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of T' ai Chi Chuan training on lateral stability, kinesthetic sense, and strength of voluntary knee extension. Subjects consisted of 24 naive volunteers (12 men and 12 women) between the ages of 20 and 45 years. Pre- and 12-week posttests included lateral body stability, kinesthetic sense in the glenohumeral joint for 30 degrees, 45 degrees, and 60 degrees, and strength of knee extension. After pretest data collection, 12 subjects performed T'ai Chi Chuan three times per week for 12 weeks, learning 108 forms of T'ai Chi Chuan. A 2 x 2 analysis of variance was used to estimate significance of group differences on all of the dependent variables. Significant group differences were found in lateral body stability, kinesthetic sense at 60 degrees, and strength of the dominant knee extensor. No significant differences between the T'ai Chi and the control group were found for kinesthetic sense at 30 degrees and 45 degrees rotation of the glenohumeral joint. Film analysis indicated that the two lesser angles were not as common in the T'ai Chi training as the greater angle (60 degrees) and thus may be less practiced. It appears that T'ai Chi Chuan presents a low-stress method to enhance stability, selected kinesthetic sense, and strength of knee extension.

Total and lifestyle-related medical care costs for employees of a major corporation participating in a worksite health promotion (WHP) program over a three-year period were compared with the costs for non-participants in a cross-sectional study. The study population consisted of 8,334 active employees based in the Cincinnati headquarters of The Procter & Gamble Company. Adjusting for age and gender, participants (n = 3,993) had significantly lower health care costs (29% lower total and 36% lower lifestyle-related costs) when compared with non-participants (n = 4,341) in the third year of the program. Similarly, in the third year of the program, participants had significantly lower inpatient costs, fewer hospital admissions, and fewer hospital days of care when compared with non-participants. No significant differences in costs were found between participants and non-participants during the first two years of the WHP program. Conclusions drawn from this study are that long-term participation in a WHP that includes high-risk screening and intensive one-on-one counseling results in lower total and lifestyle-related health care costs, as well as lower utilization of hospital services.