The analytical process undertaken in this study illuminated the difference in previously used norm-referenced standards vs. criterion-referenced standards based on BMI categories. The steps/day cut points established herein, using an international sample, are higher than previously suggested normative standards but are not inconsistent with recent advances in our understanding of PA needs in youth. This analysis provides the foundation for cross-validation and evaluation of these BMI-referenced steps/day cut points in independent samples and with longitudinal study designs.
Background-The goal of this study was to establish preliminary criterion-referenced cut points for adult pedometer-determined physical activity (PA) related to weight status defined by body mass index (BMI).
The purpose of this study was to establish criterion-referenced standards for selected tests of arm and shoulder girdle strength and endurance for college females. Several popular tests of arm and shoulder girdle strength and endurance were administered to equal numbers of trained and untrained college females (N = 92) to generate data for the analysis. The contrasting groups method (Berk, 1976; Safrit & Wood, 1990) yielded the following criterion cutoff scores that classified college females as trained or untrained on the basis of regular upper arm and shoulder girdle resistance training: pull-ups = .5 repetitions (reps), 90 degrees push-ups = 16 reps, flexed arm hang = 5 s, seated chest press = 24.5 kg, seated biceps curl = 16.4 kg, seated lat pull (latissimus dorsi pull-down) = 38.2 kg, absolute strength index = 86.4 kg, and relative strength index = .6 kg per kg of body weight. Cross-validation of the standards on an independent sample of college females (N = 112) suggested stability of the cutoff scores for pull-ups, flexed arm hang, and relative strength.
Until recently, common dietary prescription for chronic hypoglycemia has been a high-protein, low-carbohydrate regimen (Airola, 1977; Danowski, 1978). Increasing evidence suggests, however, that a diet rich in complex carbohydrates may be more suitable for those involved in endurance exercise (Costill & Miller, 1980; Sherman & Costill, 1984). Although little original research has been undertaken which deals with the effects of performance-enhancing nutritional techniques on the hypoglycemic exerciser, such practices need to be examined in order to understand the mechanisms involved. Specifically, carbohydrate loading would seem to be as important, if not more so, to the hypoglycemic individual as a means of supercompensating glycogen stores prior to endurance performance. The roles of pre-exercise supplements and carbohydrate feedings during exercise in this context are less clear. Although results are mixed, increasing evidence (Snyder et al., 1983; Okano et al., 1988) suggests that carbohydrates may be consumed before exercise with beneficial effects on performance. Because of rapid gastric emptying characteristic of reactive hypoglycemia, it would appear that pre-exercise supplementation may be of particular value to the hypoglycemic exerciser. Further, recent studies (Bergstrom & Hultman, 1967; Coyle et al., 1983; Foster et al., 1986; Leatt & Jacobs, 1986; Horton, 1988) indicate that carbohydrate solutions taken during exercise are effective in maintaining serum glucose levels and improving endurance performance. Careful monitoring of nutritional factors would appear to be critical in creating a suitable dietary environment for the hypoglycemic endurance exerciser.
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