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Wagenblast F, Läubli T, Seibt R, Rieger MA, Steinhilber B. Wrist Extensor Muscle Fatigue During a Dual Task With Two Muscular and Cognitive Load Levels in Younger and Older Adults. HUMAN FACTORS 2024; 66:2433-2450. [PMID: 38058009 PMCID: PMC11453032 DOI: 10.1177/00187208231218196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of concurrent physical and cognitive demands as well as age on indicators of muscle fatigue at the wrist. BACKGROUND There are few studies examining risk indicators for musculoskeletal disorders associated with work-related physical and cognitive demands that often occur simultaneously in the workplace. METHODS Twenty-four gender-balanced older and 24 gender-balanced younger (mean age 60 and 23 years) participants performed four 30 min dual tasks. Tasks differed by the muscular load level during force tracking: 5% and 10% of maximum voluntary contraction force (MVC) and concurrent cognitive demands on the working memory: easy and difficult. Muscle fatigue was assessed by MVC decline and changes in surface electromyography (increased root mean square: RMS, decreased median frequency: MF) at the extensor digitorum (ED) and extensor carpi ulnaris (EU). RESULTS A decline in MVC was found in all participants when tracking was performed at 10% MVC (mean ± SD: 137.9 ± 49.2 - 123.0 ± 45.3 N). Irrespective of age, muscular, or cognitive load, RMS increased (ED 12.3 ± 6.5 - 14.1 ± 7.0% MVE, EU 15.4 ± 7.6 - 16.9 ± 8.6% MVE) and MF decreased (ED 85.4 ± 13.6 - 83.2 ± 12.8 Hz, EU 107.2 ± 17.1 - 104.3 ± 16.7 Hz) in both muscles. However, changes in MF of EU tended to be more pronounced in the older group at higher cognitive and lower muscular load, without reaching statistical significance. CONCLUSION Maximum voluntary contraction indicated no interaction between muscle fatigue, cognitive load, or age. However, the tendencies toward altered muscle activity due to an increase in cognitive load and older age suggest muscular adaptations while maintaining tracking performance during the onset of fatigue signs in the sEMG signal. APPLICATION If the tendencies in muscle activity are confirmed by further studies, ergonomic assessments in industrial workplaces should consider cognitive load and age when describing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florestan Wagenblast
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Läubli
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany
| | - Robert Seibt
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany
| | - Monika A. Rieger
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Steinhilber
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany
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Dottor A, Battista S, Job M, Sansone LG, Testa M. Force control of pinch grip: Normative data of a holistic evaluation. J Hand Ther 2024:S0894-1130(24)00054-1. [PMID: 39232859 DOI: 10.1016/j.jht.2024.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulp pinch (PP) is a vital hand movement involving muscle strength and sensory integration. Previous research has primarily focused on Maximal Voluntary Contraction, but PP encompasses broader parameters. PURPOSE This study aims to establish normative data for a comprehensive evaluation of thumb and index force control during PP, including endurance, precision, accuracy in unilateral PP, and force coordination in bilateral PP. STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional study. METHODS Three hundred and twenty eight healthy Italian cis-gender participants (169 females, 159 males) were enrolled in a multiparametric force control evaluation of pinch grip, consisting in: sustained contraction (SC: ability to maintain a stable contraction at 40% MVC, measured as the time until exhaustion), dynamic contraction (DC: the ability to modulate precisely and accurately force output to follow a dynamic force trace), bimanual strength coordination (BSC: the ability to coordinate in-phase bimanual forces at different combined magnitudes) tasks. The sample was divided per sex and stratified in five age groups taking into account hand dominance. Differences in tasks' results between age, sex and hand-dominance were analysed. RESULTS Endurance (SC) was similar between younger and older adults (η2 =0.047 (Females) and η2 < 0.007 (Males)). Older adults exhibited lower precision (DC) and coordination (BSC) compared to young adults in both sexes (η2 >0.16). Females demonstrated greater endurance (SC) but lower precision and coordination (BSC) compared to males (0.01 <η2 <0.1). No hand dominance effect emerged in SC and DC. CONCLUSIONS Force accuracy and precision to modulate pinch force to perform a visual feedback force-matching task (DC) and force coordination between hands (BSC) worsen at increasing age. Hand dominance did not influence either endurance or precision of pinch grip in visual-feedback guided task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Dottor
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simone Battista
- School of Health & Society, Centre for Human Movement and Rehabilitation, University of Salford, Greater Manchester, UK
| | - Mirko Job
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lucia Grazia Sansone
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Testa
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
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Olmos AA, Montgomery TR, Sears KN, Dinyer TK, Hammer SM, Bergstrom HC, Hill EC, Succi PJ, Lawson J, Trevino MA. Blood flow restriction increases necessary muscle excitation of the elbow flexors during a single high-load contraction. Eur J Appl Physiol 2024; 124:1807-1820. [PMID: 38236301 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-023-05405-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) on electromyographic amplitude (EMGRMS)-force relationships of the biceps brachii (BB) during a single high-load muscle action. METHODS Twelve recreationally active males and eleven recreationally active females performed maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs), followed by an isometric trapezoidal muscle action of the elbow flexors at 70% MVC. Surface EMG was recorded from the BB during BFR and control (CON) visits. For BFR, cuff pressure was 60% of the pressure required to completely occlude blood at rest. Individual b (slope) and a terms (gain) were calculated from the log-transformed EMGRMS-force relationships during the linearly increasing and decreasing segments of the trapezoid. EMGRMS during the steady force segment was normalized to MVC EMGRMS. RESULTS For BFR, the b terms were greater during the linearly increasing segment than the linearly decreasing segment (p < 0.001), and compared to the linearly increasing segment for CON (p < 0.001). The a terms for BFR were greater during the linearly decreasing than linearly increasing segment (p = 0.028). Steady force N-EMGRMS was greater for BFR than CON collapsed across sex (p = 0.041). CONCLUSION BFR likely elicited additional recruitment of higher threshold motor units during the linearly increasing- and steady force-segment. The differences between activation and deactivation strategies were only observed with BFR, such as the b terms decreased and the a terms increased for the linearly decreasing segment in comparison to the increasing segment. However, EMGRMS-force relationships during the linearly increasing- and decreasing-segments were not different between sexes during BFR and CON.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex A Olmos
- Applied Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory, Department of Health and Human Performance, Oklahoma State University, 191 CRC, Stillwater, OK, 74074, USA
| | - Tony R Montgomery
- Applied Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory, Department of Health and Human Performance, Oklahoma State University, 191 CRC, Stillwater, OK, 74074, USA
| | - Kylie N Sears
- Applied Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory, Department of Health and Human Performance, Oklahoma State University, 191 CRC, Stillwater, OK, 74074, USA
| | - Taylor K Dinyer
- Applied Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory, Department of Health and Human Performance, Oklahoma State University, 191 CRC, Stillwater, OK, 74074, USA
| | - Shane M Hammer
- Applied Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory, Department of Health and Human Performance, Oklahoma State University, 191 CRC, Stillwater, OK, 74074, USA
| | - Haley C Bergstrom
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Ethan C Hill
- School of Kinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA
| | - Pasquale J Succi
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - John Lawson
- School of Kinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA
| | - Michael A Trevino
- Applied Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory, Department of Health and Human Performance, Oklahoma State University, 191 CRC, Stillwater, OK, 74074, USA.
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Colosio M, Botter A. Exploring sex differences in performance: expanding the concept of force unsteadiness. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2024; 136:1273. [PMID: 38743392 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00224.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Colosio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alberto Botter
- Laboratory for Engineering of the Neuromuscular System (LISiN), Department of Electronics and Telecommunication, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
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Jo D, Bilodeau M. Sex differences concerning the effects of ankle muscle fatigue on static postural control and spinal proprioceptive input at the ankle. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1015597. [PMID: 37476006 PMCID: PMC10355328 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1015597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims The main aim of this study was to determine sex differences in postural control changes with ankle muscle fatigue during a standing forward leaning (FL) task under different vision conditions. The secondary aim was to examine sex differences in the effect of fatigue on soleus (SOL) H-reflex amplitude, a measure of motoneuron excitability with activation of Ia afferents. Methods Fifteen healthy young adult males (mean age: 28.0 years) and 16 healthy young adult females (mean age: 26.1 years) were asked to perform four consecutive FL tasks [30 s; two with eyes open (EO) and two with eyes closed (EC)] before, and immediately following a fatiguing exercise consisting of alternating ankle plantarflexion (6 s) and dorsiflexion (2 s) maximal isometric contractions, and at 5 and 10 min of recovery. Center of pressure (COP) sway variables (mean position, standard deviation, ellipse area, average velocity, and frequency), an ankle co-contraction index, and a ratio of SOL H-reflex to the maximum amplitude of the compound muscle action potential (M-max) were obtained during the FL tasks. A rating of perceived fatigue (RPF) was also documented at the different time points. Results Time to task failure (reduction of 50% in maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque of ankle plantar flexors) and the increase in RPF value were not significantly different between males and females. Both sex groups showed similar and significant increases (p < 0.05) in mean COP sway velocity with no significant changes in co-contraction indices. No significant effects of fatigue and related interactions were found for SOL H/M-max ratio. Discussion The absence of a significant sex difference in postural control change (sway and co-contraction) with fatigue could be explained by similar perceived (RPF) and performance fatigability (exercise duration) between males and females in the present study. Fatigue did not lead to significant changes in SOL spinal motoneuron excitability with activation of Ia afferents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donguk Jo
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Aging and Movement Laboratory, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Martin Bilodeau
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Aging and Movement Laboratory, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- LIFE Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Nuzzo JL. Narrative Review of Sex Differences in Muscle Strength, Endurance, Activation, Size, Fiber Type, and Strength Training Participation Rates, Preferences, Motivations, Injuries, and Neuromuscular Adaptations. J Strength Cond Res 2023; 37:494-536. [PMID: 36696264 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Nuzzo, JL. Narrative review of sex differences in muscle strength, endurance, activation, size, fiber type, and strength training participation rates, preferences, motivations, injuries, and neuromuscular adaptations. J Strength Cond Res 37(2): 494-536, 2023-Biological sex and its relation with exercise participation and sports performance continue to be discussed. Here, the purpose was to inform such discussions by summarizing the literature on sex differences in numerous strength training-related variables and outcomes-muscle strength and endurance, muscle mass and size, muscle fiber type, muscle twitch forces, and voluntary activation; strength training participation rates, motivations, preferences, and practices; and injuries and changes in muscle size and strength with strength training. Male subjects become notably stronger than female subjects around age 15 years. In adults, sex differences in strength are more pronounced in upper-body than lower-body muscles and in concentric than eccentric contractions. Greater male than female strength is not because of higher voluntary activation but to greater muscle mass and type II fiber areas. Men participate in strength training more frequently than women. Men are motivated more by challenge, competition, social recognition, and a desire to increase muscle size and strength. Men also have greater preference for competitive, high-intensity, and upper-body exercise. Women are motivated more by improved attractiveness, muscle "toning," and body mass management. Women have greater preference for supervised and lower-body exercise. Intrasexual competition, mate selection, and the drive for muscularity are likely fundamental causes of exercise behaviors in men and women. Men and women increase muscle size and strength after weeks of strength training, but women experience greater relative strength improvements depending on age and muscle group. Men exhibit higher strength training injury rates. No sex difference exists in strength loss and muscle soreness after muscle-damaging exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L Nuzzo
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
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Performance fatigability during isometric vs. concentric quadriceps fatiguing tasks in men and women. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2022; 67:102715. [PMID: 36274441 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2022.102715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we aimed to provide a robust comparison of the fatigability of the knee extensors following isometric (ISO) and concentric (CON) tasks. Twenty young adults (25 ± 4 yr, 10 women) randomly performed the ISO and CON quadriceps intermittent fatigue test, consisting of ten (5 s on/5-s off, ISO) or one-hundred (0.5-s on/0.5-s off, CON) contractions with 10 % increments per stage until exhaustion. Performance fatigability was quantified as maximal isometric (MVIC) and concentric (MVCC) torque loss. Voluntary activation and contractile function (peak-twitch) were investigated using peripheral nerve stimulation. Number of stages (6.2 ± 0.7 vs. 4.9 ± 0.8; P < 0.001) and torque-time integral (20,166 ± 7,821 vs. 11,285 ± 4,933 Nm.s; P < 0.001) were greater for ISO than CON. MVIC, MVCC and voluntary activation decreased similarly between sessions (P > 0.05) whereas peak-twitch amplitude decreased more for CON (P < 0.001). The number of contractions was similar across sexes (ISO: men = 62 ± 8, women = 61 ± 5; CON: men = 521 ± 67, women = 458 ± 76, P > 0.05). MVCC was more reduced in women for both sessions (all P < 0.05), while MVIC loss was similar between sexes. We concluded that, despite greater torque-time integral and duration for ISO, both sessions induced a similar performance fatigability at exhaustion. Contractile function was more altered in CON. Finally, sex-related difference in fatigability depends on the contraction mode used during testing.
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Jo D, Goubran M, Bilodeau M. Sex differences in central and peripheral fatigue induced by sustained isometric ankle plantar flexion. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2022; 65:102676. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2022.102676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Sex differences in cognitive-motor components of braking in older adults. Exp Brain Res 2022; 240:1045-1055. [PMID: 35190864 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-022-06330-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Fast and accurate braking is essential for safe driving and relies on efficient cognitive and motor processes. Despite the known sex differences in overall driving behavior, it is unclear whether sex differences exist in the objective assessment of driving-related tasks in older adults. Furthermore, it is unknown whether cognitive-motor processes are differentially affected in men and women with advancing age. We aimed to determine sex differences in the cognitive-motor components of the braking performance in older adults. Fourteen men (63.06 ± 8.53 years) and 14 women (67.89 ± 11.81 years) performed a braking task in a simulated driving environment. Participants followed a lead car and applied a quick and controlled braking force in response to the rear lights of the lead car. We quantified braking accuracy and response time. Importantly, we also decomposed response time in its cognitive (pre-motor response time) and motor (motor response time) components. Lastly, we examined whether sex differences in the activation and coordination of the involved muscles could explain differences in performance. We found sex differences in the cognitive-motor components of braking performance with advancing age. Specifically, the cognitive processing speed is 27.41% slower in women, while the motor execution speed is 24.31% slower in men during the braking task. The opposite directions of impairment in the cognitive and motor speeds contributed to comparable overall braking speed across sexes. The sex differences in the activation of the involved muscles did not relate to response time differences between men and women. The exponential increase in the number of older drivers raises concerns about potential effects on traffic and driver safety. We demonstrate the presence of sex differences in the cognitive-motor components of braking performance with advancing age. Driving rehabilitation should consider differential strategies for ameliorating sex-specific deficits in cognitive and motor speeds to enhance braking performance in older adults.
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Keller JL, Anders JPV, Neltner TJ, Housh TJ, Schmidt RJ, Johnson GO. Sex differences in muscle excitation and oxygenation, but not in force fluctuations or active hyperemia resulting from a fatiguing, bilateral isometric task. Physiol Meas 2021; 42. [PMID: 34847546 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6579/ac3e86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
It remains to be fully elucidated if there are sex-specific physiological adjustments within the human neuromuscular and vascular systems that contribute to symptoms of fatigue during a sustained bilateral task. This, in part, is likely due to various limitations in experimental design such as an inability to independently record force fluctuations from each limb.Objective. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to examine the fatigue-induced changes in muscle excitation, force fluctuations, skeletal muscle tissue saturation (StO2), and muscle blood flow resulting from a sustained, bilateral task.Approach. Thirty healthy, college-aged adults (15 males, 15 females) performed a bilateral leg task at 25% of maximum voluntary isometric (MVIC). Before and after the task, MVICs were completed. Resting and post-task femoral artery blood flow (FABF) were determined. Muscle excitation was quantified as electromyographic amplitude (EMG AMP) from the right and left vastus lateralis. During the task, force fluctuations were determined independently from each leg. The StO2signal was collected with a near-infrared spectroscopy device attached to the right vastus lateralis. The rate of change in these variables was calculated via simple linear regression. The exercise-induced magnitude of change in MVIC (i.e. performance fatigability) and FABF (i.e. active hyperemia) was determined.Main Results. There was no sex difference in the percent decline in MVIC (20.5 ± 20.1% versus 16.4 ± 3.5%;p> 0.05). There were no inter-leg differences in EMG AMP or force fluctuations. The males exhibited a faster rate of increase in EMG AMP (b= 0.13 versusb= 0.08;p< 0.001), whereas the females exhibited a slower rate of decline in StO2(b= -0.049 versusb= -0.080). There was no sex difference in force fluctuations or change in FABF.Significance. Males and females likely have different neuromuscular strategies and muscle characteristics, but these did not elicit a sex difference in performance fatigability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua L Keller
- Integrative Laboratory of Exercise and Applied Physiology (iLEAP), Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Sport, College of Education and Professional Studies, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36606, United States of America
| | - John Paul V Anders
- Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Education, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States of America
| | - Tyler J Neltner
- Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Education, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States of America
| | - Terry J Housh
- Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Education, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States of America
| | - Richard J Schmidt
- Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Education, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States of America
| | - Glen O Johnson
- Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Education, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States of America
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