Research – ShapeLog

Research Review: Comparing Isokinetic Dynamometer & Handheld Dynamometer Results for Knee Extension

2020-07-14

Hirano M, et al. Validity and reliability of isometric knee extension muscle strength measurements using a belt-stabilized hand-held dynamometer: a comparison with the measurement using a isokinetic dynamometer in a sitting posture. J Phys Ther Sci 2020;32:120-124. Introduction The gold standard measuring equipment for objective muscle strength assessment is isokinetic dynamometry (IKD). It is used…
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Research Review: Linking Handgrip Strength and Prediabetes

2020-05-14

Chrispin MM, et al. Handgrip strength predicts new prediabetes cases among adults. A prospective cohort study. Prev Med Rep 2020;17:101056. Introduction In 2017 there were 451 million people with diabetes, and 5 million related deaths. And, prevalence rates are expected to rise to 693 million by 2045. Before developing type 2 diabetes, individuals undergo an…
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Research Review: Linking Hand Grip Strength and Cognitive Impairment

2019-11-29

McGrath R, et al. (2019) The Longitudinal Associations of Handgrip Strength and Cognitive Function in Aging Americans. J Am Med Dir Assoc Nov 6. pii: S1525-8610(19)30649-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2019.08.032. [Epub ahead of print] Introduction While muscle weakness associates with a variety of poor health outcomes including morbidity, functional limitations, and early mortality, emerging evidence suggests that…
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Blood Flow Restriction for Strength Training in Older Adults without High Loads

Research Review: Blood Flow Restriction Allows for Strength Training in Older Adults without Requiring High Loads

2019-09-06

Centner C, et al. (2019) Effects of blood flow restriction training on muscular strength and hypertrophy in older individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Med;49:95-108. Introduction Applying tourniquets or inflatable cuffs at the proximal portion of a limb–referred to as blood-flow restriction (BFR)– during low-load (LL) [20-to-30% of one repetition maximum (1RM) resistance training…
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How Muscles Work (Part 2 of 2)

2019-08-06

This is the second of a two part series explaining how muscles work. In this first article we describe the gross structure of skeletal muscle; in the second article I describe skeletal muscle ultrastructure and how muscles develop tension. Skeletal Muscle Ultrastructure Highly technical and sophisticated techniques that include electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, histochemical staining,…
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How Muscles Work (Part 1 of 2)

2019-06-11

This is the first of a two part series explaining how muscles work. In this first article I describe the gross structure of skeletal muscle; in the second article I describe skeletal muscle ultrastructure and how muscles develop tension. Gross Structure of Skeletal Muscle Humans possess three types of muscle—cardiac, smooth, and skeletal—each exhibiting distinct…
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Research Review: Simplifying Strength Assessments for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

2019-05-31

Merchan-Baeza JA, et al. (2019) Development of a new index of strength in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Disability and Rehabilitation, DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2018.1543464. Introduction Increases in life expectancy of people with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD), together with improvements in the availability and accessibility of care services, has led to an increase in the…
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Research Review: Comparing Free Weights and Machine Training for Older Adults

2019-05-24

Schott N, et al. Effects of free weights and machine training on muscular strength in high-functioning older adults. Exp. Gerontology. Vol. 122;15-24. 2019. Introduction The decrease of muscle mass (sarcopenia), strength and muscular power (dynapenia) are physiological processes of aging, in particular with the onset of the sixth decade. There is ample evidence that resistance…
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Comparison: Force Profile from Weights vs Resistance Bands

2019-05-17

The most common way to train for strength is to use weights, and whether you use free weights or selectorized weight stack machines the experience felt by the body is similar. Moving a fixed mass against the force of gravity is a familiar routine to our muscles. After all, this phenomenon happens every time we…
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Research Review: Greater Training Frequency = Greater Training Volume = Greater Strength Gains

2019-05-16

Grgic J, Schoenfeld BJ, Davies TB, et al. Effect of Resistance Training Frequency on Gains in Muscular Strength: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Med. Vol. 48, pp. 1207-1220, 2018. Introduction Muscular strength deﬁnes as the capacity to exert force under a particular set of biomechanical conditions. Engaging in resistance training (RT) can signiﬁcantly increase…
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Category: Research