Edith Cowan University

About: Edith Cowan University is a education organization based out in Perth, Western Australia, Australia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 4040 authors who have published 13529 publications receiving 339582 citations. The organization is also known as: Edith Cowan & ECU.

Reduced muscle strength and functional performance in men with prostate cancer undergoing androgen suppression: A comprehensive cross-sectional investigation

Abstract: This study examined the effects of androgen suppression therapy (AST) on upper and lower body muscle strength and a range of direct measures of physical performance using a cross-sectional design with 118 men (48 men undertaking AST for prostate cancer and 70 healthy aged-matched controls) from a single tertiary center. Primary end points included muscle strength for the upper- and lower-body; functional performance--repeated chair rise, usual and fast 6-m walk, 6-m backwards walk and 400-m walk time; and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry assessment--whole body, regional soft tissue composition and bone mineral density (BMD). Men on AST had significantly reduced muscle strength for the upper- and lower-body and impaired functional performance compared to controls (P<0.05). As expected, AST patients had significantly lower whole-body and hip BMD and higher percent of body fat than controls (P<0.05), and tended to have lower whole-body lean mass (-2.3 kg, P=0.077). Appendicular skeletal muscle was positively associated with upper-body (r=0.400-0.606, P<0.001) and lower-body (r=0.549-0.588, P<0.001) muscle strength, and strength was related to functional performance. Men undertaking AST were consistently impaired across a broad range of physical and functional musculoskeletal performance assessments compared with their age-matched normal controls. These findings are relevant for those patients considering AST for subclinical disease management, but whose physical reserve is marginal. Strategies to counter these adverse effects of AST need to be initiated so that independent living and quality of life can be maintained.

Mechanisms and mediators of the skeletal muscle repeated bout effect

Abstract: Skeletal muscle adapts to exercise-induced damage by orchestrating several but still poorly understood mechanisms that endow protection from subsequent damage Known widely as the repeated bout effect, we propose that neural adaptations, alterations to muscle mechanical properties, structural remodeling of the extracellular matrix, and biochemical signaling work in concert to coordinate the protective adaptation

Changes in markers of muscle damage, inflammation and HSP70 after an Ironman triathlon race

Abstract: We investigated the effects of an Ironman triathlon race on markers of muscle damage, inflammation and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). Nine well-trained male triathletes (mean +/- SD age 34 +/- 5 years; VO(2peak) 66.4 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) participated in the 2004 Western Australia Ironman triathlon race (3.8 km swim, 180 km cycle, 42.2 km run). We assessed jump height, muscle strength and soreness, and collected venous blood samples 2 days before the race, within 30 min and 14-20 h after the race. Plasma samples were analysed for muscle proteins, acute phase proteins, cytokines, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), and clinical biochemical variables related to dehydration, haemolysis, liver and renal functions. Muscular strength and jump height decreased significantly (P < 0.05) after the race, whereas muscle soreness and the plasma concentrations of muscle proteins increased. The cytokines interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist, IL-6 and IL-10, and HSP70 increased markedly after the race, while IL-12p40 and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) were also elevated. IL-4, IL-1beta and tumour necrosis factor-alpha did not change significantly, despite elevated C-reactive protein and serum amyloid protein A on the day after the race. Plasma creatinine, uric acid and total bilirubin concentrations and gamma-glutamyl transferase activity also changed after the race. In conclusion, despite evidence of muscle damage and an acute phase response after the race, the pro-inflammatory cytokine response was minimal and anti-inflammatory cytokines were induced. HSP70 is released into the circulation as a function of exercise duration.

Relationship Between Unilateral Jumping Ability and Asymmetry on Multidirectional Speed in Team-Sport Athletes

Abstract: Relationship between unilateral jumping ability and asymmetry on multidirectional speed in team-sport athletes. J Strength Cond Res 28(12): 3557-3566, 2014-The influence of unilateral jump performance, and between-leg asymmetries, on multidirectional speed has not been widely researched. This study analyzed how speed was related to unilateral jumping. Multidirectional speed was measured by 20-m sprint (0-5, 0-10, 0-20-m intervals), left- and right-leg turn 505, and modified T-test performance. Unilateral jump performance, and between-leg asymmetries, was measured by vertical (VJ), standing broad (SBJ), and lateral (LJ) jumping. Thirty male team-sport athletes (age = 22.60 ± 3.86 years; height = 1.80 ± 0.07 m; mass = 79.03 ± 12.26 kilograms) were recruited. Pearson's correlations (r) determined speed and jump performance relationships; stepwise regression ascertained jump predictors of speed (p ≤ 0.05). Subjects were divided into lesser and greater asymmetry groups from each jump condition. A 1-way analysis of variance found between-group differences (p ≤ 0.05). Left-leg VJ correlated with the 0-10 and 0-20-m intervals (r = -0.437 to -0.486). Right-leg VJ correlated with all sprint intervals and the T-test (r = -0.380 to -0.512). Left-leg SBJ and LJ correlated with all tests (r = -0.370 to -0.729). Right-leg SBJ and LJ related to all except the left-leg turn 505 (r = -0.415 to -0.650). Left-leg SBJ predicted the 20-m sprint. Left-leg LJ predicted the 505 and T-test. Regardless of the asymmetry used to form groups, no differences in speed were established. Horizontal and LJ performance related to multidirectional speed. Athletes with asymmetries similar to this study (VJ = ∼10%; SBJ = ∼3%; LJ = ∼5%) should not experience speed detriments.

Neuromuscular and Endocrine Responses of Elite Players During an Australian Rules Football Season

Abstract: Purpose: To examine variations in neuromuscular and hormonal status and their relationship to performance throughout a season of elite Australian Rules Football (ARF). Methods: Fifteen elite ARF players performed a single jump (CMJ1) and 5 repeated countermovement jumps (CMJ5), and provided saliva samples for the analysis of cortisol (C) and testosterone (T) before the season commenced (Pre) and during the 22-match season. Magnitudes of effects were reported with the effect size (ES) statistic. Correlations were performed to analyze relationships between assessment variables and match time, training load, and performance. Results: CMJ1Flight time:Contraction time was substantially reduced on 60% of measurement occasions. Magnitudes of change compared with Pre ranged from 1.0 ± 7.4% (ES 0.04 ± 0.29) to −17.1 ± 21.8% (ES −0.77 ± 0.81). Cortisol was substantially lower (up to −40 ± 14.1%, ES of −2.17 ± 0.56) than Pre in all but one comparison. Testosterone response was varied, whereas T:C increased substanti...