Sports--Physiological aspects

The purpose of this study was to (1) derive gender-specific allometric scaling models using pre-training muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and body mass (BM) as scaling variables, (2) test model appropriateness using regression diagnostics, and (3) cross-validate the models before and after training. A subset of FAMuSS study data (n = 319, females = 183, males = 136) was randomly split into two groups (A & B). Group A pre-training data for female BM, female CSA, male BM, and male CSA models produced scaling exponents of 1.08, 0.44, 0.63, and 0.68, respectively. The female BM model was deemed inappropriate due to non-normal distribution of residuals. All other models met statistical criteria including normal distribution of residuals. Cross-validation to Group B pre-training data revealed that the models were appropriate, with the possible exception of male CSA model. Twelve weeks of resistance training did not alter the relation between BM, CSA, and muscular strength assessed by allometric scaling.

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.