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December 28, 2013

This and That…

As 2013 comes to an end, here are some random thoughts and goings on that I’d like to share:

• First and foremost, I’ll be defending my doctoral dissertation in a matter of weeks. The defense will mark the culmination of years of study and research. My dissertation paper titled, “Effects of different volume-equated resistance training loading strategies on muscular adaptations in well-trained men,” was submitted last week for peer-review. I’ll have lots more to say about the results in short order. Looking forward to completing this phase of my education and excited to enter the next phase in my never-ending quest for knowledge and enlightenment in exercise science.

• I was disappointed, although not entirely surprised, that Dr. John Ivy did not respond to my offer to publish a rebuttal to my critique of his recent review on nutrient timing. As discussed in my critique, the review by Dr. Ivy was a classic case of cherry-picking research to support a closely-held opinion while conveniently neglecting to mention compelling evidence to the contrary. This type of article would be expected in the muscle rags, not in a peer-reviewed journal. If Dr. Ivy truly believes the evidence supports his position, I challenge him to debate me on the topic. He can pick the time and place. Let’s put all the info out there and allow the public to decide. It’s how science is supposed to work.

• Speaking of nutrient timing, I was interviewed by Carl Lanore on Super Human Radio about my recent paper, The effect of protein timing on muscle strength and hypertrophy: a meta-analysis. Carl always does a superb job asking the right questions and allowing leeway for scientific discussion. Some very important info discussed here, not just about nutrient timing, but also as to how to put research into proper perspective for practical decision-making. Here is a link to the interview.

• I’ve had several peer-reviewed papers either published or accepted for publication within the past few weeks. My paper co-authored with Bret Contreras titled The Muscle Pump: Potential Mechanisms and Applications for Enhancing Hypertrophic Adaptations was just published ahead-of-print in the Strength and Conditioning Journal. This article discusses how cell swelling associated with resistance exercise can provide an anabolic stimulus that potentially increases muscle growth. On a related topic, I just received acceptance from the European Journal of Sports Science on a study that I collaborated on with researchers from Brazil showing that bodybuilding-type resistance exercise results in a long-term increase in cellular hydration. This has important potential implications for muscle growth. Finally, another article I co-authored with Bret, Is Postexercise Muscle Soreness a Valid Indicator of Muscular Adaptations? has been made available to be viewed for free by the NSCA. Normally articles published in the Strength and Conditioning Journal are only viewable at no charge for members. I’m not sure how much longer the opportunity will last, so if you haven’t read the article as yet I’d encourage you to download it now.

• Last but not least, here is Episode 7 of the B&B webcast covering evidence-based fitness prescription. Contrary to popular belief, evidence-based practice is not simply a matter of knowing the research; it involves synthesizing the current body of evidence and then combining this knowledge with personal experience and taking the needs and abilities of the individual into account. In this episode we delve into the topic in depth and discuss how to blend the science and art of fitness to optimize training programs.

That’s all for now. 2013 has been a great year, but 2014 should be even better. Look forward to making a meaningful contribution to our understanding of the science and art of fitness and nutrition, and of course sharing that knowledge with you all.

Stay well and stay fit!

Brad