The effect of whey protein supplementation with and without creatine monohydrate combined with resistance training on lean tissue mass and muscle strength

Our purpose was to assess muscular adaptations during 6 weeks of resistance training in 36 males randomly assigned to supplementation with whey protein (W; 1.2 g/kg/day), whey protein and creatine monohydrate (WC; 0.1 g/kg/day), or placebo (P; 1.2 g/kg/day maltodextrin). Measures included lean tissue mass by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, bench press and squat strength (1-repetition maximum), and knee extension/flexion peak torque. Lean tissue mass increased to a greater extent with training in WC compared to the other groups, and in the W compared to the P group (p < .05). Bench press strength increased to a greater extent for WC compared to W and P (p < .05). Knee extension peak torque increased with training for WC and W (p < .05), but not for P. All other measures increased to a similar extent across groups. Continued training without supplementation for an additional 6 weeks resulted in maintenance of strength and lean tissue mass in all groups. Males that supplemented with whey protein while resistance training demonstrated greater improvement in knee extension peak torque and lean tissue mass than males engaged in training alone. Males that supplemented with a combination of whey protein and creatine had greater increases in lean tissue mass and bench press than those who supplemented with only whey protein or placebo. However, not all strength measures were improved with supplementation, since subjects who supplemented with creatine and/or whey protein had similar increases in squat strength and knee flexion peak torque compared to subjects who received placebo.     

Effects of psychophysical lifting training on maximal repetitive lifting capacity

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effectiveness of psychophysical lifting training on maximal repetitive lifting capacity. Maximal repetitive lifting capacity was defined as the maximum box mass that could be lifted for 1 hr to a height of 132 cm at a rate of 6 lifts/min. Eight male subjects participated in five psychophysical lifting training sessions each week for 4 weeks. During each session subjects were presented with one empty and one heavily loaded box and asked to adjust the box mass to the maximum load they felt capable of lifting for 1 hr. This load was lifted at a rate of 6 lifts/min to a height of 132 cm for two 15-min periods each session. Heart rate was recorded, and subjects were asked to provide a rating of their perceived exertion. At the end of 4 weeks of training, subjects did not select a heavier training load, exhibit a decreased training heart rate, or report a decreased rating of perceived exertion. The training program did produce a significant increase in 1-hr maximal repetitive lifting capacity, as indicated by a greater box mass selected, but there was no concomitant change in VO2, heart rate, or rating of perceived exertion. It can be concluded that 4 weeks of psychophysical training of inexperienced lifters can produce a substantial increase in work output for a given energy expenditure. These increases are attributed to neural factors (skill, neuromuscular coordination) and to possible increases in the muscular endurance of specific muscle groups occurring with practice.     

Effects of Peanut Protein Supplementation on Resistance Training Adaptations in Younger Adults

Protein supplementation is a commonly employed strategy to enhance resistance training adaptations. However, little research to date has examined if peanut protein supplementation is effective in this regard. Thus, we sought to determine if peanut protein supplementation (PP; 75 total g/d of powder providing 30 g/d protein, >9.2 g/d essential amino acids, ~315 kcal/d) affected resistance training adaptations in college-aged adults. Forty-seven college-aged adults (n = 34 females, n = 13 males) with minimal prior training experience were randomly assigned to a PP group (n = 18 females, n = 5 males) or a non-supplement group (CTL; n = 16 females, n = 8 males) (ClinicalTrials.gov trial registration {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT04707963","term_id":"NCT04707963"}}NCT04707963; registered 13 January 2021). Body composition and strength variables were obtained prior to the intervention (PRE). Participants then completed 10 weeks of full-body resistance training (twice weekly) and PP participants consumed their supplement daily. POST measures were obtained 72 h following the last training bout and were identical to PRE testing measures. Muscle biopsies were also obtained at PRE, 24 h following the first exercise bout, and at POST. The first two biopsy time points were used to determine myofibrillar protein synthesis (MyoPS) rates in response to a naïve training bout with or without PP, and the PRE and POST biopsies were used to determine muscle fiber adaptations in females only. Dependent variables were analyzed in males and females separately using two-way (supplement × time) repeated measures ANOVAs, unless otherwise stated. The 24-h integrated MyoPS response to the first naïve training bout was similar between PP and CTL participants (dependent samples t-test p = 0.759 for females, p = 0.912 for males). For males, the only significant supplement × time interactions were for DXA-derived fat mass (interaction p = 0.034) and knee extensor peak torque (interaction p = 0.010); these variables significantly increased in the CTL group (p < 0.05), but not the PP group. For females, no significant supplement × time interactions existed, although interactions for whole body lean tissue mass (p = 0.088) and vastus lateralis thickness (p = 0.099) approached significance and magnitude increases in these characteristics favored the PP versus CTL group. In summary, this is the second study to determine the effects of PP supplementation on resistance training adaptations. While PP supplementation did not significantly enhance training adaptations, the aforementioned trends in females, the limited n-size in males, and this being the second PP supplementation study warrant more research to determine if different PP dosing strategies are more effective than the current approach.     

A 12-Week Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial,Evaluating the Effect of Supplementation with a Spinach Extract on Skeletal Muscle Fitness in Adults Older Than 50 Years of Age

The aim of a 12-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was to assess the effect of daily supplementation with a natural extract of Spinacia oleracea L. (4 × 500 mg capsules/day; total 2 g per day) combined with a moderate-intensity training program (1 h session/3 times a week) on skeletal muscle fitness in adults over 50 years of age. Muscle strength assessed by isokinetic and isometric dynamometry improved significantly in the experimental (n = 23) and the placebo (n = 22) groups, but the magnitude of improvement was higher in the experimental group, with between-group differences in almost all variables, including isokinetic at 60° s⁻¹ in knee extension, peak torque (p < 0.007); total work per repetition maximum (p < 0.009); isokinetic at 180°s⁻¹ in knee extension, peak torque (p < 0.002); total work (p < 0.007); total work per repetition maximum (p < 0.005); average power (p < 0.027); isometric in knee extension, peak torque (p < 0.005); and average peak torque (p < 0.002). Similar findings were observed for muscle quality. Changes in quality of life (SF-36) were not found, except for improvements in the role physical (p < 0.023) and role emotional (p < 0.001) domains, likely as a result of the physical training sessions. A nutritional survey did not revealed changes in dietary habits. No adverse events were recorded. In subjects over 50 years of age, moderate-intensity strength training combined with daily supplementation for 12 weeks with a natural extract of Spinacia oleracea L. improved muscle-related variables and muscle quality. Maintaining muscle health is a key component of healthy aging.     

Can 3 mg·kg−1 of Caffeine Be Used as An Effective Nutritional Supplement to Enhance the Effects of Resistance Training in Rugby Union Players?

The present study uniquely examined the effect of 3 mg·kg⁻¹ chronic caffeine consumption on training adaptations induced by 7-weeks resistance training and assessed the potential for habituation to caffeine’s ergogenicity. Thirty non-specifically resistance-trained university standard male rugby union players (age (years): 20 ± 2; height (cm): 181 ± 7; body mass (kg): 92 ± 17) completed the study), who were moderate habitual caffeine consumers (118 ± 110 mg), completed the study. Using a within-subject double-blind, placebo-controlled experimental design, the acute effects of caffeine intake on upper and lower limb maximal voluntary concentric and eccentric torque were measured using isokinetic dynamometry (IKD) prior to and immediately following a resistance training intervention. Participants were split into strength-matched groups and completed a resistance-training program for seven weeks, consuming either caffeine or a placebo before each session. Irrespective of group, acute caffeine consumption improved peak eccentric torque of the elbow extensors (p < 0.013), peak concentric torque of the elbow flexors (p < 0.005), total eccentric work of the elbow flexors (p < 0.003), total concentric work of the knee extensors (p < 0.001), and total concentric and eccentric work of the knee flexors (p < 0.046) following repeated maximal voluntary contractions. Many of these acute caffeine effects were still prevalent following chronic exposure to caffeine throughout the intervention. The training intervention resulted in significant improvements in upper and lower body one-repetition maximum strength (p < 0.001). For the most part, the effect of the training intervention was equivalent in both the caffeine and placebo groups, despite a small but significant increase (p < 0.037) in the total work performed in the participants that consumed caffeine across the course of the intervention. These results infer that caffeine may be beneficial to evoke acute improvements in muscular strength, with acute effects prevalent following chronic exposure to the experimental dose. However, individuals that consumed caffeine during the intervention did not elicit superior post-intervention training- induced adaptations in muscular strength.     

Effects of lifting frequency and technique on physical fatigue with special reference to psychophysical methodology and metabolic rate

A laboratory study was conducted (1) to evaluate the effects of lifting frequency and technique on maximum acceptable work loads using psychophysical measurement technique, and (2) to compare the physiological fatigue criteria of 5 Kcal/min with the psychophysical fatigue criteria by measuring the metabolic rates at maximum acceptable work loads determined by subjective estimates of physical fatigue. Six male college students were required to lift from the floor to a 0.5 m height for 40 minutes. Four levels of lifting frequency (3, 6, 9 and 12 lifts/min) and three different lifting techniques (free sytle, stooped back and straight-back, bent-knee) were employed. Oxygen consumption rates were measured at maximum acceptable work loads (and were reduced to STPD). Statistical analysis showed that the maximum work loads acceptable to the workers were significantly affected by both lifting frequency and technique. Maximum acceptable work loads increased with an increase in lifting frequency. Both the subjective estimates of physical fatigue and the metabolic energy expenditure rate favored the free style lifting technique. The measured metabolic rates were in agreement with the physiological fatigue criteria of 5 Kcal/min only for six of the twelve combinations of lifting frequency and technique. Use of the physiological fatigue criteria will result in more liberal standards of work load at low work paces, especially for the stooped back and the free style lifting techniques.     

Effectiveness of a community health service program using exercise intervention for elderly people with osteoarthritis of the knees: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an exercise program conducted as part of community health services to improve pain and physical function in elderly people with osteoarthritis of the knee (knee OA). METHODS; The subjects were 88 (12 males aged 77.8 +/- 5.4 years and 76 females aged 73.2 +/- 5.3 years) community-dwelling independent elderly people with knee OA who participated voluntarily in exercise classes sponsored by Musashino city of Tokyo. They were allocated randomly to the intervention group (n = 44) and the control group (n = 44). For the intervention group, exercise classes of 90 min duration were held 8 times over 3 months. The exercise program comprised flexibility exercises (stretching of knee and ankle joints), resistance exercises (strengthening of quadriceps, extension and flexion of the knee joint with an elastic band), and movement exercises (turning over, getting up, standing up). The subjects were instructed to perform these exercises at home every day. Knee pain scores (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index; WOMAC), peak torque of joint during knee flexion and extension, range of motion (ROM) of the knee joint, and functional fitness (standing and walking ability) were evaluated before and after the intervention period. RESULTS: Significant inter-group differences were observed for peak torque during knee flexion and standing and walking ability of females. Assessment of interactions between time and group by repeated measure ANOVA adjusted for age and sex revealed significance differences for the WOMAC score (P = 0.031), the peak torque during knee extension (P = 0.016) and knee flexion (P = 0.000), ROM (P = 0.037), standing ability (P = 0.000)and walking ability (P = 0.000). The effect of the intervention was 0.44 for WOMAC score, 0.23 for peak torque during knee extension, 0.64 for knee flexion, 0.32 for ROM, 0.81 for standing ability, and 1.13 for walking ability. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that the exercise program for elderly people with knee OA improved knee pain and physical function.     

Acute Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Isometric Muscle Strength,Rate of Torque Development and Isometric Endurance in Young Adult Men and Women: A Randomized,Double-Blind,Controlled Cross-Over Pilot Study

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of concentrated beetroot juice on isometric strength and knee extensor muscle endurance in healthy adults. We conducted a randomized cross-over, double-blind experiment in which participants (18 healthy, physically active adults, 9 men, 9 women) consumed either concentrated beetroot juice (140 mL) or low-nitrate control supplement 2.5 h before the measurement. Isometric maximum strength (peak torque), explosive strength (isometric rate of torque development), and strength endurance at 50% of peak torque were measured on an isometric dynamometer. The results showed that concentrated beetroot juice had no effect on the maximum voluntary isometric strength and rate of torque development of the knee extensors. The only exception was the maximum rate of torque development, for which a positive influence was demonstrated only in men. As for the endurance of the knee extensors, the supplement had a positive effect in men (endurance time increased from 86.4 ± 46.1 s to 103.4 ± 53.7 s; p = 0.022), but not in women. The absence of effect on maximal voluntary strength is consistent with previous research. One the other hand, improvements in endurance and rate of torque development in men only point to an important aspect of a previously under-researched area of sex-specific responses to nitrate supplementation.     

Creatine monohydrate supplementation enhances high-intensity exercise performance in males and females

Creatine monohydrate supplementation has been shown to enhance high-intensity exercise performance in some but not all studies. Part of the controversy surrounding the ergogenic effect(s) of creatine monohydrate supplementation may relate to design issues that result in low statistical power. A further question that remains unresolved in the creatine literature is whether or not males and females respond in a similar manner to supplementation. We studied the effect of creatine supplementation upon high intensity exercise performance in 24 subjects (n = 12 males, n = 12 females). Creatine monohydrate (Cr; 5g, 4x/d 3 4d) and placebo (Pl; glucose polymer 3 4d) were provided using a randomized, double-blind crossover design (7 week washout). Outcome measures included: 2 3 30-s anaerobic cycle test, with plasma lactate pre- and post-test; dorsi-flexor: maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), 2-min fatigue test, and electrically stimulated peak and tetanic torque; isokinetic knee extension torque and 1-min ischemic handgrip strength. Significant main effects of Cr treatment included: increased peak and relative peak anaerobic cycling power ( 3.7%; p <. 05), dorsi-flexion MVC torque ( 6.6%; p <.05), and increased lactate ( 20.8%; p <.05) with no gender specific responses. We concluded that short-term Cr supplementation can increase indices of high-intensity exercise performance for both males and females.     

Determination of lifting abilities: a comparative study of four techniques

The main objective of this study was to test the differences among four techniques for the determination of lifting abilities. This study introduced a new submaximal isometric strength testing technique. The proposed test was based on the concept of acceptable maximum effort (AME) which is the level of static exertion the individual is willing to perform voluntarily and comfortably without over-exertion (as opposed to the maximum ability of performance). Twelve male and five female subjects underwent the protocol of the four strength testing techniques investigated: isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC); maximum acceptable weight (MAW); maximum dynamic lifting (MDL); and acceptable maximum effort (AME). The results showed that MAW recorded the lowest values followed by AME, then MDL, then MVC. The correlation between AME and MAW was higher than that found between MVC and MAW. Also, it was found that AME is a reproducible measure of muscular functional abilities. On the average, the coefficient of variation was less than 15% for data for both males and females. The implications of these results in determining lifting abilities are discussed.     

The effect of lumbar support belts on isometric force production during a simulated lift

The use of back support belts by industrial workers has become common in recent years. The rationale for the use of these belts is based on the theory that they increase intra-abdominal pressure. Raised intra-abdominal pressure is believed to reduce compression forces on the spinal column and to assist the back extensor muscles in producing extension torque. The assistance of the belt is believed to protect the spine from injury. Thirty males and thirty females participated in this study which assessed the effect of two different back support belts (one synthetic and one leather) on isometric muscle-force production of individuals performing a static leg lift (SLL). A Latin Square double cross-over design was employed. Analysis of variance tests revealed that in males the use of the synthetic belt allowed for greater force production than a control trial, but no difference could be detected between the leather belt and either the synthetic belt or the control. In the female group, no difference in force production occurred across the three conditions. Implications and suggestions for further study are discussed.     

Differential Effects of Military Training on Fat-Free Mass and Plasma Amino Acid Adaptations in Men and Women

Fat-free mass (FFM) adaptations to physical training may differ between sexes based on disparities in fitness level, dietary intake, and levels of plasma amino acids (AA). This investigation aimed to determine FFM and plasma AA responses to military training, examine whether adaptations differ between male and female recruits, and explore potential associations between FFM and AA responses to training. Body composition and plasma AA levels were assessed in US Army recruits (n = 209, 118 males, 91 females) before (baseline) and every three weeks during basic combat training (BCT), a 10-week military training course. Body weight decreased in men but remained stable in women during BCT (sex-by-time interaction, P < 0.05). Fifty-eight percent of recruits gained FFM during BCT, with more (P < 0.05) females (88%) gaining FFM than males (36%). Total plasma AA increased (P < 0.05) during BCT, with greater (P < 0.05) increases observed in females (17%) then in males (4%). Essential amino acids (EAA) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) were increased (P < 0.05) in females but did not change in males (sex-by-time interaction, P < 0.05). Independent of sex, changes in EAA (r = 0.34) and BCAA (r = 0.27) from baseline were associated with changes in FFM (P < 0.05); greater (P < 0.05) increases in AA concentrations were observed for those who gained FFM. Increases in FFM and plasma AA suggest that BCT elicits a more pronounced anabolic response in women compared to men, which may reflect sex-specific differences in the relative intensity of the combined training and physiological stimulus associated with BCT.     

From rural beginnings to statewide roll‐out: Evaluation of facilitator training for a group‐based diabetes prevention program

Objective: To evaluate the approach used to train facilitators for a large‐scale group‐based diabetes prevention program developed from a rural implementation research project. Participants: Orientation day was attended by 224 health professionals; 188 submitted the self‐learning task; 175 achieved the satisfactory standard for the self‐learning task and attended the workshop; 156 completed the pre‐ and post‐training questionnaires. Main outcome measures: Two pre‐ and post‐training scales were developed to assess knowledge and confidence in group‐based diabetes prevention program facilitation. Principal component analysis found four factors for measuring training effectiveness: knowledge of diabetes prevention, knowledge of group facilitation, confidence to facilitate a group to improve health literacy and confidence in diabetes prevention program facilitation. Self‐learning task scores, training discontinuation rates and satisfaction scores were also assessed. Results: There was significant improvement in all four knowledge and confidence factors from pre‐ to post‐training (P < 0.001). The self‐learning task mean test score was 88.7/100 (SD = 7.7), and mean assignment score was 72.8/100 (SD = 16.1). Satisfaction with training scores were positive and ‘previous training’ interacted with ‘change in knowledge of diabetes prevention program facilitation’ but not with change in ‘confidence to facilitate.’ Conclusions: The training program was effective when analysed by change in facilitator knowledge and confidence and the positive mean satisfaction score. Learning task scores suggest tasks were manageable and the requirement contributed to facilitator self‐selection. Improvement in confidence scores in facilitating a group‐based diabetes prevention program, irrespective of previous training and experience, show that program‐specific skill development activities are necessary in curriculum design.     

Maximum acceptable weight of manual load carriage for young Taiwanese males

This study examined the maximum acceptable weight of carriage (MAWC) for young Taiwanese males experienced in manual load carriage tasks. The elements of the examined load carriage tasks included lifting a box from the floor to the waist height, turning around while holding the box, carrying the box at the waist height for a distance, lowering the box to the floor, turning around, and walking unloaded back to the original position. Subjects performed the load carriage tasks over different levels of carriage distance, frequency, box width (sagittal dimension), and handle according to a response surface design. The results showed that subjects' MAWC decreased with carriage distance, frequency and box width, while heart rate and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) increased with carriage distance, frequency and box width. The MAWC for box with handles was on average 1.5 kg more than that for box without handles, while the effects of handle on heart rate and RPE were very trivial.     

Effects of short-term exercise training in patients with heart failure.

Heart failure is a debilitating disorder which limits exercise capacity and produces a poor quality of life. The present study was designed to determine the effects of an exercise training program on patients with CHF NYHA functional class II-III, attributed to left ventricular systolic dysfunction and dilated left ventricle. Twenty-two ambulatory male patients with stable CHF were randomised to a training (n = 15) and a control group (n = 7). A symptom limited ramp cardiopulmonary exercise test with gas exchange analysis was performed at baseline after 4 and 8 weeks. The training group underwent an exercise training program at 50% of peak oxygen uptake for eight weeks. The control group was not exercised. After 8 weeks, compared with baseline, there were statistically significant increase in peak oxygen uptake, peak workload, anaerobic threshold, oxygen pulse, RPP, ventilation and the duration of the test only in trained patients. The reduction in scores tested by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaire (p < 0.001) and Borg dyspnea rating score (p < 0.001) reflect the reduction of symptoms and the improvement in health-related quality of life. Carefully selected patients with moderate to severe CHF can achieve significant improvements of exercise capacity and quality of life with exercise training and can safely participate in a conditioning program.     

Lifting strengths in different horizontal distances of objects to be lifted

This study recruited eleven healthy males and thirteen healthy females to examine their maximum two-handed isometric back lifting strength, upper-body lifting strength, arm lifting strength and shoulder lifting strength in three different horizontal distances of objects to be lifted (toes were anterior to, aligned with, and posterior to the exerted handle). The results showed that human lifting strength decreased significantly as the toe position shifted from anterior of the vertical plane of the exerted handle to posterior of the vertical plane of the exerted handle. The strength order relationship between back lifting strength and upper-body lifting strength was dependent on the horizontal distance of objects to be lifted. This study also observed that the effects of the horizontal distance of objects to be lifted on human lifting postural angles for the four assessed lifting types mainly occurred in the upper extremities. This study recommends that practitioners should not overlook the effects of the horizontal distance of objects to be lifted on lifting strength when evaluating workers' lifting strength for screening purposes.     

Maximum Weights of Handling Acceptable to People Aged 55–74 Years: Part I. Lifting

The primary objective of this work was to investigate dynamic psychophysical (acceptable) material handling strengths (capabilities) of an older population (aged 55–74 years; n = 20). The findings are presented in two parts. Part I deals with manual lifting capabilities; Part II deals with manual carrying capabilities. In order to determine dynamic psychophysical strengths, routine everyday tasks were simulated in the laboratory. Lifting activities simulating work-related tasks included eight sequences of lifting (two lifting heights × four lifting frequencies); for each sequence, the maximum acceptable weight of lift (MAWL) was determined. Psychophysical lifting strengths of a younger population (18–35 years; n = 20) were also determined to find how the MAWL of the older population differed from that of the younger population. In addition to the MAWL, a number of responses at the MAWL were recorded: heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (VO₂), and category-ratio ratings of perceived exertion (CRRPE). The results indicated no practically significant age-related differences in responses between either the older and younger males, or older and younger females. Based on the limited data collected in this study, it appears that age has no significant influence on people's capability to lift loads. Consequences of these findings on design are discussed.     

Risky behaviors of youth living in the slums of Kampala: a closer examination of youth participating in vocational training programs

Obtaining formal education is associated with a decreased risk of HIV transmission among youth in sub-Saharan Africa. However, little is known about the role vocational skills training programs may have on risk behaviors linked to HIV transmission among vulnerable youth in sub-Saharan Africa. This study examined the characteristics and risk behaviors among vulnerable youth who receive vocational skills training by a community-based organization. Empirical analyses were conducted using a cross-sectional survey administered in 2014 to youth (ages 12–18 years) in the slums of Kampala (n = 1,134). Five multivariable logistic regression models were computed to determine the association between participating in a vocational training program and self-reported risk behaviors pertaining to alcohol use, lack of condom use, sex with multiple partners, and transactional sex. In our study, 29.6% of youth attended a vocational training program. Our findings show that youth who participated in vocational training were more likely to report often feeling hopeful (AOR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1, 3.0) and less likely to report alcohol use (AOR: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.2, 0.7) than those not attending vocational training programs, in multivariable analyses. Overall, findings varied for males and females. These findings, while preliminary, indicate that self-reported behaviors associated with risk for HIV transmission vary in some respects for youth participating in vocational training versus those who do not. However, additional research is needed, as are evaluations of the benefits and potential impact of vocational training in both the short and long-term for vulnerable youth in resource-poor settings and with limited access to formal education.     

Relationships among age,body weight,resting heart rate,and performance in a new test of lift capacity

This study measured the relative contributions of age, gender, body weight, and resting heart rate to lift capacity in 531 healthy employed males and females in a cross-sectional model. The objectives of this study were to measure the contributions to lift capacity that are made by these variables and to develop an appropriate means to express the results of a new test of lift capacity. A formal training program was developed and administered to 110 health care professionals. Subsequently, each trained evaluator performed five tests on healthy volunteers. The effect of the independent variables were studied through the use of multiple regression and analysis of variance procedures. Results indicate that age, resting heart rate, and body weight are significant predictors of performance, with the last variable being the most important. A method to normalize lift capacity is presented in which the maximum acceptable weight lifted is divided by the evaluee's body weight to derive relative acceptable weight, a variable which is normally distributed. Those who use measures of lift capacity to describe performance must consider the effect of these variables in order to make valid interpretations of lift capacity test performance.     

Focus Groups: A Valuable Tool for Assessing Male and Female Adolescent Perceptions of School-Based Mental Health Services

Research documenting adolescents' perceptions about positive outcomes and quality care for students receiving school-based mental health services is needed. Information from focus groups examining the perceptions of students receiving and not receiving school-based mental health services is presented. High schools were located in urban areas. Students attending these schools were predominantly African-American and from low-income families. Results, based on qualitative analyses, provided information about how to improve service delivery, assess factors related to positive outcomes, and develop model programs. Important differences in focus group themes were found for males versus females. For example, females placed greater value on the relationship with the therapist, while males placed greater value on specific skills training. Focus groups yielded a great deal of information about services, were inexpensive, and were deemed an acceptable research tool by the adolescents themselves.