Metabolic Responses to Whole Body Vibration Exercise

Past Research Projects (Abbreviated)

EMG analysis of five dynamic Swiss ball exercises targeting the erector spinae muscle group

Ward, J. Amonette, W.E., Dupler, T.L., & Lokhandwala, A.
Human Performance Laboratory, University of Houston-Clear Lake
Department of Basic Sciences, Texas Chiropractic College, Pasadena, TX, USA.

There are many exercises performed on Swiss balls during lower back rehabilitation.  We studied the EMG responses of five lower back Swiss ball rehabilitative exercises on 47 asymptomatic test subjects. Twenty two males and seven females participated in the study.  Test subjects had their sit-and-reach measurements assessed.  Additionally goniometer measurements were to determine hip range of motion during five common rehabilitation exercises for the lower back on Swiss balls.  The data quantified the EMG responses from the five different exercises in an attempt to determine the best exercise for low back strengthening. 

Results:  Data are being analyzed
Manuscript in preparation:

Differences in power output during ascending and descending resistance training sets.

WE Amonette, J Solis, T Denton, D Cazes, KE English, YA Garcia, & TL Dupler

Human Performance Laboratory, University of Houston-Clear Lake
Research and empirical evidence suggests that the velocity of movement during an exercise may be affected by previous conditions. It is clear that fatigue will negatively affect the velocity that can be produced when lifting weights. However, a recent publication by Chiu et al.showed that heavy loads performed (squats at 90% 1-RM) prior to an explosive movement (vertical jump) increases power compared to a normal control warm-up. The researchers speculate that the increased power during the vertical jump could be the result of post excitatory potention (PEP). The PEP theory suggests that motor units may be acutely stimulated immediately following a high force or high power activity. The acute excitement may result in an increased recruitment of motor units, and resulting higher power outputs during a successive movement. In a resistance training session most sets are performed in constant or ascending orders where the weight either remains constant or increases with each consecutive set. However, the PEP phenomenon may suggest that performing heavier sets first may result in greater power output during lower weight sets.
Therefore, the purpose of this study is to measure power during the squat exercise performed with ascending and descending sets to determine if the order of loading affects power output. We hypothesize that sets performed in descending order will result in a greater power output in all sets.
Results:  Data are being analyzed
Manuscript in preparation:

Cycling Cadence

Power Lung Research

Amonette, W.E., & Terry L. Dupler. Pulmonary resistance training improves ventilatory efficiency in competitive endurance athletes.  Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.  2003, 17(4): Abstract-1.       

Amonette, W.E. & T.L. Dupler.  The effects of respiratory muscle training on VO2 max, the ventilatory threshold and pulmonary function.  Journal of Exercise Physiology online, , May 2002 5(2) 29-5.