Graves, B. Sue

The purpose of the study was to determine and compare the
effects of different durations of stretching on balance. Female subjects
(n=23) had their balance assessed before and after two stretching
interventions and a control condition on three separate days, at least 48
hours apart. The quadriceps, hamstrings, and plantar flexors were
stretched after a warm-up and repeated three times. In one stretching
protocol, the positions were maintained for 45 seconds, while in the other
stretching protocol, the positions were held for 15 seconds. The 15-
second condition produced a significant improvement in the OSI scores (p
< 0.05). However, repeated measures ANOVA revealed no significant
differences between groups (p = 0.08). These results suggest a stretching
protocol with 45-second hold durations does not adversely affect postural
stability when using the current stabilometry testing procedure.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the benefits of a Pilates-based mat exercise program (PME) on low back pain (LBP). Twenty-two volunteers who had LBP were recruited from local commercial and community fitness centers in Delray Beach, Florida and completed the study. All subjects performed pre- and post-assessments of range of motion, flexibility, body composition, surface electromyography (EMG) and Oswestry questionnaire for pain perception. The subjects were randomly divided into Pilates-based mat exercise (PME, n = 15) and control group (CG, n = 7). The PME group completed a 12-week, twice a week, 60-minute per session Pilates-based exercise program. Between group differences were seen in EMG results at L3R, L5R and S1 L. These results indicate Pilates may be an effective method for reducing muscle activity in paraspinal muscles in those who experience chronic lower back pain.

Dietary supplement use influences and effects of gender and grade by 184 adolescent athletes in ten Broward County high schools, grades nine through twelve, were examined in this study. A survey (Survey to Predict Adolescent Athletes Dietary Supplement Use) based on the Theory of Reasoned Action was used to predict how the supplement group users/non-users demonstrated a relationship with the theory components. Results yielded supplement group differences with regard to gender and grade. Regarding behavioral intention, supplement group users (current, past, or experimental) had a stronger intention to use supplements in the future than did non-users. Main effects emerged with male athletes having a stronger intention to use supplements than did females. The health risks that accompany supplement products show evidence of the need for health educators to understand more about the issue in order to establish intervention strategies.