Body Composition in Sport: Ultrasound
Monitoring body composition in athletes is beneficial for a multitude of reasons. Although ultrasound (US) is not typically known for its potential to assess body composition, this technique may be a diamond in the rough for body composition assessment in athletes and sport. How it works, its popularity among sport professionals, and common sources and margin of error are reviewed in this article.
(more…)Body Composition in Sport: BOD POD and Underwater Weighing
Monitoring body composition in athletes is beneficial for a multitude of reasons. Air displacement plethsymography (ADP; BOD POD is the most common device) and underwater weighing (UWW) are two highly regarded methods for body composition assessment. How ADP and UWW work, their popularity among sport professionals, and common sources and margin of error are reviewed in this article.
(more…)Evidence Grades for Supplements with Purported Effects on Muscle Mass and Strength
The referenced articles can be viewed here and here.
Body Composition in Sport: BIA
Monitoring body composition in athletes is beneficial for a myriad of reasons. BIA, or bioelectrical impedance analysis, is one of many methods that can be used to assess body composition in athletes. How BIA works, its popularity, and common sources and margin of error are reviewed in this article.
(more…)Why Strength Coaches Also Need to be Good Weight Room DJs
Who’s controlling the music in the weight room, and does it matter? If the weight room DJ is subpar, training and performance gains may be left on the table, research suggests.
(more…)Protein Recommendations for Strength and Power Athletes
The referenced articles can be viewed here, here, and here.
Body Composition in Sport: DXA
Monitoring body composition in athletes is beneficial for a myriad of reasons. DXA, or dual-energy X-ray absorptometry, is one of many methods that can be used to assess body composition in athletes. How DXA works, its popularity, and sources and margin of error are reviewed in this article.
(more…)Debunking 5 Myths About Training Load, Injury, and Athletic Performance
The referenced article can be viewed here.
When and How to Implement Resistance Training in Youth
Athlete or not, embarking on a resistance training program is not something that should just happen with a snap of the fingers. The integration of resistance training, in order to optimize youth physical development, requires thought. In this article, I review the research on how and when to integrate resistance training into the lives of children, as well as debunk the myth that resistance training destroys growth plates and stunts growth.
Early ACL Reconstruction is Required to Prevent Additional Knee Injury: A Misconception Not Supported by High-quality Evidence
The referenced article can be viewed here.
Early Sport Specialization Part 6: How Organized Youth Sport Affects Family Dynamics
The importance of physical activity in youth cannot be overstated. The myriad of health benefits that come along with physical activity, both mental and physical, are well-documented [1-10]. These benefits include improved self-efficacy, life satisfaction, cardiovascular fitness, bone health and strength, body composition, and improved cognitive and mental health [1-10].
The Influence of Caffeine Supplementation on Resistance Exercise: A Review
The referenced article can be viewed here. Click for Downloadable Image
Early Sport Specialization Part 5: Sport Volume Recommendations for Youth Athletes
The combination of sport specialization and high-volume training has been associated with a high rate of overuse injuries in youth athletes. Because of this, multiple medical and professional organizations have recently released position statements warning against specialization and have given recommendations for safe sport participation in youth [1-5].
7 Coaching Tips to Improve Coach-Athlete Relationships
The referenced article can be viewed here.
Carbohydrate Loading Strategies: Classical vs. Contemporary
The referenced article can be viewed here.
Early Sport Specialization Part 4: 5 Strategies to Prevent Athlete Burnout
Athlete burnout from sport is becoming more prevalent alongside the increasing trend of early sport specialization in youth athletes. In this article, I offer 5 simple strategies to prevent athlete burnout.
Early Sport Specialization Part 2: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Athletic Success
Single sport specialization can be defined as intensive, year-round training in one sport to the exclusion of others [1]. Many young athletes, parents, and coaches believe that early single-sport specialization is necessary for long-term athletic success [2-6]. But, does the research agree with this notion?
Early Sport Specialization Part 1: Your Chances at Becoming a Pro Athlete Suck
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Yes, the title of the article is a bit harsh. But, it’s also true.