The COVID-19 pandemic required an emergency shift to remote teaching. Despite their limited previous experience with online or hybrid teaching, our cohort of kinesiology faculty (n = 112) had high confidence in their ability to deliver quality educational experiences for their students during the pandemic. With support from their institutions, technology departments, and teaching and learning centers, faculty developed new skills and organizational strategies. To achieve this, 81% of faculty reported needing extra course preparation time to deliver high-quality remote teaching, with 51% needing up to 5 extra hours per week per course. There is a fraction of faculty from this study excited about the prospect of teaching online in the future. These newfound online teaching skills should be leveraged to modernize course offerings in kinesiology departments, supporting student recruitment, retention, and success.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The COVID-19 pandemic caused temporary and permanent changes to higher education, specifically kinesiology programs. This article highlights the resiliency of faculty in kinesiology programs, how they adapted, where they felt supported, and what they hope to bring with them into their future pedagogy practices.

Heat acclimation (HA) is the foremost method of preventing exertional heat illness during exercise in hot and humid environments. However, the prevalence of HA training and its associated knowledge is not currently known in recreational running populations. The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge of recreational runners toward HA. A survey consisting of 38 questions that required approximately 10–15 min to complete was disseminated to running clubs throughout the Southeastern United States. Questions were designed to collect data on participant demographics, yearly training habits, and HA knowledge. Recreational runners (N = 125) demonstrated a lack of knowledge toward proper HA training and its associated benefits. Participants largely received HA advice from their peers (31.2%) and reported no professional guidance in their training (79.2%). Finally, participants’ beliefs toward proper HA training differed among training groups with moderate and high groups perceiving greater frequency, miles/wk, and min/wk as appropriate for HA compared to the low group (p ≤ 0.05). Due to the warmer temperatures and higher relative humidity experienced in the southeastern, southwestern, and mid-Atlantic locations of the United States and throughout certain regions of the European Union, governing bodies in sport and exercise science should develop more educational initiatives to convey the importance and advantages of HA, especially when runners are training for major marathons that are typically held in the late spring and early fall seasons.

Restrictions due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic impacted the ability of faculty and students in exercise science to work in lab settings with human participants. The purpose of this study was to determine how exercise science faculty were impacted by COVID-19 restrictions with respect to access and use of exercise science lab and research facilities. Of the 100 surveyed participants categorized as requiring access to people and lab spaces (lab-based faculty), 61% (n = 61) reported decreased research productivity with 87% (n = 53) of those faculty in one or more of the following subdisciplines: exercise physiology, clinical exercise physiology, or biomechanics. Of all lab-based faculty, 40% (n = 40) participants reported having access to students and lab spaces and 55% (n = 55) indicated they were allowed to conduct in-person research. Of tenure-track lab-based faculty, 80% (n = 20) reported a decrease in research productivity, of which 60.0% (n = 12) identified as female. Among faculty with 5 or less years of teaching experience (n = 23), 69.6% (n = 16) reported a decrease in productivity, with 68.8% (n = 11) of those being female. All exercise science faculty surveyed reported issues with safety and social distancing, modified lab and research procedures, faculty workload, and research productivity. This information can be leveraged to create better infrastructure to support faculty and develop and implement strategies to reduce workload inequities.

Frailty syndrome is a geriatric syndrome associated with mobility impairment and loss of independence. Sit-to-stand (STS) power is a novel assessment of lower limb power and functional fitness in healthy older adults. Currently, the clinical implications of functional power in physical frailty are unknown. PURPOSE: To determine the relationships between STS power and measures of functional fitness and determine the sensitivity and specificity of STS power to predict frailty status in free-living older adults (N = 39; 81.4 ± 8.6 yrs). METHODS: Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) and frailty status was determined using the FRAIL scale. Peak STS power was measured using a linear transducer. Functional fitness was evaluated using grip strength, 5-time STS, 8-ft walk, timed up-and-go (TUG), and 6-minute walk (6 MW). Physical activity (PA) was assessed using accelerometery. Associations between peak STS power and fitness measures were determined using bivariate correlational analyses and group comparisons were made using ANOVA. Discriminant and ROC curve analyses were used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of peak STS power to predict frailty status (robust vs pre-frail or frail). Statistical significance was set to α ≤ .01. RESULTS: Peak power was moderately associated (p < .001) with 8-ft walk (r = .58) and strongly associated (p < .001) with TUG (r = -.68), 6 MW (r = .68), 5-time STS (r = -.70), and grip strength (r = .77). Seven-day PA was not related to peak STS power. Peak power was different (F (2, 36) = 7.10, p = .003, R2 = .28) among robust (10.44 ± 4.38 W/kg), pre-frail (6.46 ± 1.45 W/kg) and frail (6.72 ± 1.98 W/kg) groups with robust having greater peak power than pre-frail (p = .002) and frail (p = .006). After controlling for individuals with abnormal cognitive function (MMSE <24), peak STS power accounted for 38.94% of the variability between groups and correctly classified 91.94% of participants (robust vs pre-frail or frail; sensitivity = 100.00%; specificity = 78.60%; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Sit-to-stand power was significantly related to common measures of functional fitness and accurately predicted frailty status in free-living older adults. Functional power is a clinically relevant outcome in the assessment of frailty syndrome that should be further investigated.

Background: Activity monitors are used by people from all walks of life in the United States and elsewhere. Various companies boast their monitors can be used both on land and in the water, but the accuracy of these monitors when determining step count is unknown. This study is based on a pilot study published in 2019 by the same authors. Methods: Six popular water-resistant activity monitors were tested on 27 participants. Participants walked on a land treadmill for 3 minutes at a self-selected, comfortable walking speed while wearing 2 land/water activity monitors (one on each wrist) that were randomized across participants. This was repeated in the water on a HydroTrack (by HydroWorx) underwater treadmill. All walks were filmed so the actual step count could be determined for comparison with the counts from the monitors. Results: The accuracy of each monitor for step count on land and in the water was determined by comparing the monitor's calculation with the actual step count using correlation, mean step difference, Cohen's d calculation, paired t test for significance, and intraclass correlation. Relevance: This study provides further information regarding the accuracy of activity monitors in assessing step count on land and in the water. Continued research is recommended using a larger number of monitors, with individuals of varying ages and conditions.

Significant disruptions in higher education course delivery occurred during the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic. The implementation of emergency remote teaching (ERT) offered exercise science faculty a safe method to continue educating students in courses generally taught face-to-face. The purpose of this investigation was to explore faculty perceptions of their ERT efforts with respect to student successes, challenges, and faculty expectations. Through an electronic survey, participants (n = 112) from higher education institutions in 31 states and three Canadian provinces provided feedback on their perceptions of the student experience across 315 fall 2020 courses. Data analysis included a thematic analysis to identify themes and trends in participant responses. Faculty identified student adaptability, increased autonomy of learning, and maintenance of learning as successes. Also noted was the increased flexibility of alternative pedagogy methods. Participants perceived student challenges related to technology, time management, and well-being. Faculty perceived students expected increased accommodations and instructor responsiveness during fall 2020. While faculty and students were challenged to adapt during the global pandemic, the perceived ERT experiences during COVID-19 highlight the resiliency of higher education students and underscores changes needed by educational institutions to provide resources and training upon return to traditional education or in response to a future crisis.

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(6): 412-424, 2019. This study examined effects of caffeine (CAF) on power output (PO) selection and associated physiological responses during cycling at moderate and high intensities prescribed by RPE (0-10 scale). Participants (n = 9) (VO2peak: 55.4 ± 6.32 mL · kg-1 · min-1) cycled for 20 min at RPE4 and 20 min at RPE7 separated by 10 min recovery following caffeine (CAF) (6 mg · kg-1) and placebo (PLA) ingestion. PO, HR, serum lactate [La], VO2, VE, and RER were recorded every 5 min. Session RPE (S-RPE) was recorded following 10 min recovery. Repeated-measures ANOVA’s, 2 (trial) x 4 (time pt), showed significantly greater PO during RPE4 for CAF (130 ± 23 W) vs PLA (112 ± 26 W) and during RPE7 (CAF: 165 ± 37 vs PLA: 143 ± 41 W). Overall HR, VO2, and VE were significantly greater for CAF vs PLA during RPE7. RER for RPE4 and RPE7 were not significantly different (CAF vs PLA). Overall [La] was significantly greater for CAF during RPE4 (CAF: 2.32 ± 0.94 vs PLA: 1.73 ± 1.09) and RPE7 (CAF: 3.22 ± 1.44 vs PLA: 2.22 ± 1.49). Paired T-tests for S-RPE revealed no significant difference for RPE4 (CAF: 4.0 ± 0.5 vs PLA: 3.7 ± 0.5) or RPE7 (CAF: 7.1 ± 0.3 vs PLA: 6.9 ± 0.6) despite greater PO for CAF. Although individual responses varied, the current study indicates caffeine ingestion results in elevated self-selected PO with significant systematic changes in associated physiological responses particularly at a higher intensity (RPE7).

Aims: The purpose of this study was to observe the effects of eccentric endurance training (ET) on physical function in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to control (n = 15; 67.5 +/- 2.6 yrs) and ET (n = 15; 69.0 +/- 4.4 yrs) groups. The ET group completed 1 week of familiarization and 8 weeks of training on an eccentric step machine. Participants completed two, 5-15 minute sessions per week, with RPE-based intensity. Pre-, mid-, and post-training assessments were conducted for the 30-second sit-to-stand (30CST), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), single leg stance with eyes closed (SLS-EC), Functional Gait Assessment (FGA), Timed Up-and-Go (TUG), and maximal eccentric strength (MES). Results: Significant improvements in 30CST, BBS, FGA, and TUG performance were observed for the ET group only (p < .05). Conclusions: This study provides evidence that 8-weeks of progressive ET improves muscular fitness, gait characteristics, and overall physical function.

Runners typically only replace a small percentage of sweat losses incurred during runs even if fluid are readily available. This paradigm createsadditional importance on adequately rehydrating between exercise bouts. PURPOSE: This study examined the effect of environmental conditions on voluntary fluid intake during and after runs of the same intensity. METHODS: Male runners (n = 12) completed two, 1-h treadmill runs at 65% VO2 max in a temperate (18 °C WBGT) and hot environment (26 °C WBGT). Runners were provided access to 750 mL of chilled water during each run and with a variety of beverages for the following 24-h. Body mass, fluid intake, urine specific gravity (USG), and urine output were measured at ~12 and 24-h post-run. RESULTS: Runners lost 1.355 ± 0.263 and 1.943 ± 0.485 L of sweat following runs in temperate and hot environments, respectively. Fluid intake during and at 1-h post-run was greater following runs in the heat, but did not differ at 12-h (2.202 ± 0.600 vs 2.265 ± 0.673 L) or 24-h (3.602 ± 0.807 vs 3.742 ± 1.205 L). There were no differences (p > 0.05) in body mass at 12 (temperate = 77.9 ± 6.8; hot = 77.6 ± 6.7 kg) or 24 h (temperate = 78.2 ± 6.6; hot = 78.0 ± 6.7 kg). Runners replaced a lower percentage of sweat losses and displayed higher USG (p < 0.001) for hot (119 ± 34%; 1.027 ± 0.004) versus temperate (166 ± 51%; 1.018 ± 0.004) at 12-h while exhibiting repeatable rehydration efforts (ICC = 0.80). Ten runners replaced <140% of sweat losses (3 replaced < 90%) and all 10 exhibited USG levels > 1.025 at 12-h. CONCLUSIONS: Voluntary fluid intake met the demands for most runners under temperate conditions. However, runners did not modify fluid replacement despite greater sweat losses following a run in the heat. This thirst threshold could potentially reduce subsequent run performance if training bouts are separated by ≤ 12 h. USG values exceeding 1.025 were able to identify runners that failed to replace fluids adequately. Spot USG assessment could be beneficial in detecting chronic hypohydraters.

International Journal of Exercise Science 9(2): 149-158, 2016. This study examined the effects of a non-traditional training method, hypergravity training (HT), on anaerobic performance. Highly active men (n = 9) completed a 3 week HT protocol in which weighted vests were worn 8 h/day, 4+ days/week separate from training. Vest loads were 11.2 ± 0.6% of body mass during week one, and increased to 13.2 ± 0.7% (week 2), and 16.1 ± 0.4% (week 3). Performance testing included power clean 1-RM (PC), counter movement jumps, 4 continuous jumps, 36.6 m sprints (SP), a 137.2 m short shuttle run (SSR), and a 274.3 m long shuttle run (LSR). A 3 week non-hypergravity training period (NHT) proceeded HT. Baseline SP improved from 4.69 ± 0.29 s to 4.58 ± 0.22 s post-treatment, and regressed after NHT (4.69 ± 0.24 s) (p = 0.006, ES = 1.80). Improvements in SSR (p = 0.012, ES = 1.71) occurred from baseline (26.7 ± 1.5 s) to post-treatment (26.2 ± 1.4 s), followed by a return to near-baseline values (26.9 ± 1.8 s). Jumping tasks displayed similar trends, but no statistical differences and modest effect sizes (0.51 0.62) were found except for improved ground contact time during repeated jumps post-HT (ES = 2.26). PC and LSR performances did not improve. Three weeks of HT significantly enhanced short running task performances and decreased ground contact time between 4 continuous jumps. HT may be incorporated into training programs prior to key points in an athletic season without hindering the quality of regular training session activities.

Tactical athletes (TA) perform high intensity tasks while carrying considerable external loads. This study examined the effects of wearing an external load during daily living (ELDL) on high intensity TA tasks. Nine trained men (21 +/- 2 years; 180 +/- 1 cm; 91.1 +/- 4.4 kg) completed 3 weeks of ELDL which consisted of wearing a weighted vest equal to similar to 11%, 13%, and 16% body mass 4 days/week; 8 h/day during weeks 1, 2, and 3 of ELDL phase. Weight vests were not worn during training. A 3 week control phase (CON) commenced after ELDL. Four TA performance tasks were practiced during two familiarization sessions before experimental trials. The tasks included a 5 flight, 53 step stair climb, 44 m zig-zag sprint with 2 points of change in direction and kneeling on one knee, 2 x 25 m casualty drag (84 kg), and 8 x 25 yard shuttle run. All tasks were completed while wearing a 12 kg vest. Percentage change in performance from pre-to post-intervention were compared between ELDL and CON using dependent t-tests, and Cohen's D effect size was calculated for absolute change in performance for each task. All tasks displayed trends of robust improvement from baseline to post ELDL, followed by modest drops in performance during CON (p-value range = 0.03 to < 0.001; ES range 1.1-2.6). The addition of ELDL provides a transient enhancement of occupational anaerobic task performances for TA that exceeds resistance and conditioning training alone. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

International Journal of Exercise Science 8(4): 331-340, 2015. This study examined practical preand mid practice cooling interventions on running performance, perceived exertion (RPE), and thermal sensation (TS) during soccer. During two formal pre-season practices female, NCAA Division II soccer players participated in three, 15 min scrimmage bouts followed by a 4th 10 min bout. Following the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd bouts, 8 field position players completed competitive sets of two, 30 yard sprints against other team members with time recorded between 5 and 30 yards. After the 4th bout, players completed an indoor shuttle running beep test (BT). In the treatment group (COOL) ice towels (IT) were applied to the head and neck regions and draped across both legs for 10 min following a standardized warm-up and for 10 min during a 15 min break between the 2nd and 3rd scrimmage sessions. Sport beverage slurries (350 mL; -0.3 °C, ~6% carbohydrate) were also served during IT cooling for COOL; while the control (CON) received no IT and drank the same ,uncooled sport beverage. No main effect was found for sprint performance (COOL = 3.55 ± 0.16 s; CON = 3.51 ± 0.07 s; P = 0.51) or numbers of reps completed in the BT (COOL = 17.6 ± 5.6; CON = 17.3 ± 6.0; P = 0.88). RPE did not differ following any performance test, but TS was lower following the 3rd sprint bout (P = 0.04) and the BT (P = 0.005) for COOL. COOL promoted lower TS, but had no effect on performance.

PURPOSE: Technological improvements have reduced the weight of equipment tactical athletes (TA) wear or carry, but TA must still perform high intensity tasks in the field under substantial external loads. The purpose of this study was to determine if a chronic hypergravity training (CHT) could improve anaerobic task performance under load. METHODS: Nine trained men (age = 21 ± 2 years; height = 180 ± 1 cm; body mass = 91.1 ± 4.4 kg) completed 3 weeks of CHT which consisted of wearing a weighted vest equal to ∼11% (week 1), 13% (week 2), and 16% (week 3) of body mass during daily living activities (4+ days/week; 8+ h/day) but not during training. Four tactical athlete performance tasks were practiced during two familiarization sessions before experimental trials. The tasks included a 5 flight, 53 step stair climb, 44 m zig-zag sprint with 2 points of change in direction and kneeling on one knee, 2 x 25 m casualty drag (84 kg), and 8 x 25 yard shuttle run. All tasks were completed while wearing a 12 kg vest. Percentage change in performance from pre- to post-intervention were compared between CHT and a 3 week control period taking place after CHT (CON) using dependent t-tests, and Cohen’s D effect size was calculated for absolute change in performance for each task. RESULTS: All tasks displayed trends of robust improvement from baseline to post CHT, followed by modest drops in performance during CON (p-value range = 0.03 to < 0.001; ES range 1.1 to 2.6; see Table 1). CONCLUSION: These results suggest the addition of CHT provides greater enhancement of occupational anaerobic task performances for TA than traditional training alone.Table: No title available.

PURPOSE: This study assessed the response of urine specific gravity (USG), urine color (UCol), thirst sensation (TS), and fluid retention over a 24-h period following runs in the heat with different recovery fluid intake volumes. METHODS: Male runners (n = 13; VO2max = 62.2 ± 9.9 ml/kg/min) completed 3 evening running sessions (WBGT = 26 ± 3 °C) resulting in 3.2 ± 0.4% loss in body mass (2.2 ± 0.3 L) followed by a standardized diet and total of 3.2 L, (LOW), 4.2 L (MOD) or 5.2 L (HIGH) of fluid intake over the next 24-h (1.6, 2.1, and 2.6 L of fluid intake before bed). All voids were collected in separate containers and assessed for USG, UCol, and volume. RESULTS: Next morning (LOW = 0.5 ± 0.2; MOD = 0.9 ± 0.2; HIGH = 1.4 ± 0.3 L) and 24-h (LOW = 1.1 ± 0.5 L; MOD = 2.3 ± 0.5; HIGH = 3.3 ± 0.6 L) urine production differed between all treatments (P < 0.05) resulting in no main effect for fluid intake treatment on absolute fluid retention at 12 h (LOW = 1.04 ± 0.23; MOD = 1.09 ± 0.23; HIGH =1.11 ± 0.34 L; P = 0.76) or 24 h (LOW = 2.04 ± 0.50; MOD = 1.9 ± 0.49; HIGH = 1.89 ± 0.55 L P = 0.67). USG, UCol, and TS increased from pre- (grand means = 1.008 ± 0.007; 2.6 ± 1.1; 3.3 ± 1.7) to first post-run voids (grand means = 1.017 ± 0.007; 5.9 ± 1.1; 6.1 ± 1.9) but did not differ between treatments at either point. Waking USG and UCol were higher (P < 0.05) for LOW (1.024 ± 0.004; 6.5 ± 0.9), versus MOD (1.015 ± 0.005; 5.7 ± 0.7), and HIGH (1.014 ± 0.005; 4.9 ± 1.1), while TS only differed between LOW (6.8 ± 1.6) and HIGH (5.6 ± 1.4). UCol did not detect differences between LOW and MOD for first post-breakfast and 24-h voids. The last void over the 24-h period differed between all treatments for USG and TS (LOW = 1.017 ± 0.009, 6.2 ± 1.6; MOD = 1.010 ± 0.007, 4.5 ± 1.4; HIGH = 1.006 ± 0.004, 3.1 ± 1.6). UCol only detected differences between LOW (4.2 ± 1.4) and HIGH (2.5 ± 0.9). MOD equaled 97 ± 13% fluid replacement for before bed time consumption and 196 ± 26% fluid replacement at 24 h. When asked to compare the fluid intake volume to what participants normally would have consumed MOD rated 56 ± 10 and 48 ± 16 on a 100 point scale. CONCLUSIONS: When food and fluid intake were tightly controlled, change in body mass was unable to detect low fluid intake. UCol and TS tracked well, but USG was most sensitive at detecting LOW versus MOD intake between running bouts for all key points of assessment. Drinking well beyond thirst (~100 and 200% of sweat losses at 12 and 24 h) is unlikely to result in improved hydration between running bouts. Sponsored by ATAGO U.S.A. Inc.