In the third installment of this series, we’ll review the data on how the menstrual cycle affects training and sports performance. If you’re new to this series, check out Part I and II, available here and here. Data on the Effects of the Menstrual Cycle on Performance The main question is how these menstrual cycle […]
The United States population has become profoundly physically inactive in recent years. This has contributed to an increase in health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. This is true not just in the US, but extends worldwide. Many of the world’s leading causes of death can be traced to lifestyle behaviors, with physical inactivity […]
Discussing the biological plausibility that the menstrual cycle affects physical performance requires an understanding of the menstrual cycle’s physiology, exercise’s effect on that physiology, and how changes in the hormones driving the menstrual cycle affect muscles. In part one of this article series, we covered the physiology of the menstrual cycle. In this article, we’ll dive […]
The increase in women’s involvement in sports has increased interest in the influences of women’s unique physiology on athletic performance. The effect of the menstrual cycle on athletic performance, is of particular interest. Socially, the menstrual cycle is construed as a time of weakness or inability and often symptoms are dismissed or ignored. Mainstream media […]
In our last article we discussed how to manage muscle injuries of the hamstrings, groin (adductors), hip flexors, and quadriceps. Today we’ll move on to discuss hip pain that is attributed to the “Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome”. Background Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome (FAIS) is a common diagnosis given to individuals with hip pain. While the diagnosis has […]
In the first article of this series we provided an introduction to the hip, discussing anatomy as well as ideas about “normal” versus “abnormal” findings of the hip. Today we will move on to discuss the first of our common diagnostic categories for hip pain: Tendinopathy. For a general overview on tendinopathy, start HERE. For […]
Pain in the front, side, or back of the hip are common complaints within the lifting community. A combination of factors are typically involved when experiencing pain or limitations in training, rather than “just one thing” that needs to be addressed. The hip is a complex region that does not have a clear way to […]
Low back pain is commonly attributed to a ‘weak core’ or a lack of ‘core stability’, and this leads to lots of advice about ‘activating your core’ as a way to mitigate or prevent back pain. Although these terms are used with a high degree of certainty and confidence, is it possible to accurately define […]
In the late 17th century physician-philosopher John Locke published An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, which suggested that the mind was a blank slate at birth and that all behaviors could be attributed to the environment, past or present, they were exposed to. From that point forward, the nature versus nurture debate, i.e. whether behavior is […]
The ability to engage in physical activity is an integral component of the maintenance of health and independence with age. This capacity is typically developed through increased activity, either through manual labor or deliberate exercise. Current recommendations for physical activity vary by age group, with adolescents recommended to engage in at least one hour of […]