Meir MagalNorth Carolina Wesleyan University · Exercise Science
Meir Magal
Ph.D., ACSM-CEP, NSCA-CSCS, FACSM
About
129
Publications
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Introduction
I am highly engaged in both teaching and research at North Carolina Wesleyan University. My research interests are focused on NCAA DIII athletic performance, cardiorespiratory and postural control responses to various modes of exercise and physical activity preparticipation health screening procedures.
Additional affiliations
August 2002 - present
North Carolina Wesleyan University
Position
- Professor
August 2002 - August 2008
North Carolina Wesleyan University
Position
- Professor (Assistant)
August 2001 - August 2002
Education
August 1997 - May 2002
Publications
Publications (129)
Purpose:
For most people, the benefits of physical activity far outweigh the risks. Research has suggested exercise preparticipation questionnaires might refer an unwarranted number of adults for medical evaluation before exercise initiation, creating a potential barrier to adoption. The new American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) prescreening...
This presentation will highlight some of the major innovations found in the 10th edition of ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription (GETP). First, the major changes in the preparticipation health screening process will be presented. Secondly, the newly instituted chapter reorganization and formatting that makes this edition of GETP...
BACKGROUND: Regular physical activity (PA) has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, chronic inflammatory disorders as well as improve functional mobility. The lack of mobility can negatively impact an individual's ability to take part in PA which can lead to a poorer quality of life. Interventions promoting a he...
The isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) test using the traditional bar grip (Bar) is a reliable and effective way to measure strength performance in different populations. In addition, IMTP performance has been linked to jump performance. Recent research has shown that the pelvic belt (Pel) IMTP method produces higher absolute and relative peak force v...
PURPOSE: Research suggests that women are nearly twice as likely to develop mood and anxiety disorders, compared to men, and it has been suggested that reproductive-related hormones, such as estradiol (E2), may play a key role in increased susceptibility to mood and anxiety disorders in some women, perhaps via impacts on behavioral and physiologica...
BACKGROUND: Periodical testing during the competitive season is critical for optimal performance in soccer. In this study, we investigated seasonal changes in women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III soccer players utilizing laboratory-based physical performance tests and game global positing system (GPS) metrics.
METHOD...
Over the years, a number of studies have examined the relationship between neuromuscular performance and sprint times, however, the data on NCAA Division III female soccer players is limited. PURPOSE: To examine this specific relationship in this athletic population. METHODS: Sixteen members of an NCAA Division III women's soccer team (mean ± SD):...
Several studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that NCAA Division III female soccer players may not be at peak anaerobic condition at the onset of the competitive season. It has also been demonstrated that there is a fair amount of countermovement jump (CMJ) performance variability between these players. PURPOSE: To examine the relationship...
The isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) test is an effective and reliable method to measure strength performance in various populations. Using portable force plates, previous research had compared a bar grip (Bar) to a pelvic belt (Pel) method of the IMTP test and demonstrated good test-retest reliability. However, there is a limited data on sex differ...
PURPOSE: Sleep disturbances are commonly reported following an SRC, and sleep problems after an SRC have been linked to poorer long-term recovery and mood symptoms. The aims of this study were to (1) investigate the relationship between objectively-measured sedentary behavior and sleep and mood disturbances, in athletes with a recent SRC; and (2) t...
• Understand the importance of accurate measures of heart rate during submaximal exercise testing to estimate the client's V̇O2max. • Delineate the most appropriate formula to estimate maximal heart rate for a given population to provide more accurate exercise intensity prescriptions. • Identify ways to reduce the error in estimating V̇O2max when u...
Two studies from our laboratory demonstrated that NCAA Division III male and female soccer players improve off-field aerobic and anaerobic performance measures during the competitive soccer season. Yet, competitive soccer season GPS-derived metrics in this population are limited. PURPOSE: To examine GPSderived metrics changes in female National Col...
Professional certification is a voluntary process in which a reputable organization, such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), grants time-limited recognition and use of a credential to individuals who comply with eligibility requirements and meet a minimum level of professional competence. ACSM certifications are pivotal in establish...
INTRODUCTION: Evidence suggests that sport-related concussion (SRC) may increase the risk for depression, but the precise mechanisms underlying the link between SRC and depression risk are not fully understood. Considering that sleep problems are frequently reported following SRC, and that sleep disturbances are also strongly linked to the developm...
International Journal of Exercise Science 15(2): 113-124, 2022. Although several studies investigated heart rate (HR) and metabolic responses to preferred walking speed (PWS), there is a limited amount of data on PWS responses during varying inclines. Further, there is no data pertaining to the impact of PWS at various inclines on postural control....
The Corona Virus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a substantial impact on PA behavior, and has created unique challenges for PA promotion (stay at home orders, gym closures, etc.). To better target PA promoting interventions, more research is needed on the influence of COVID-19 on barriers and facilitators of PA behavior. This study aime...
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world and can be described as involving intervals of short sprints with brief recovery periods over ninety minutes (Stølen et al., 2005). Both the aerobic and anaerobic systems are required in order for athletes to successfully participate in a game of soccer. Every 60-90 seconds a high-intensity acti...
Studies show that rates of depression have increased during the Corona Virus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and that this may be due, in part, to increased levels of chronic stress and social isolation. Physical activity (PA) has been shown to help prevent the development of depression, and public health messaging during the COVID-19 pandemic...
ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologists and Clinical Exercise Physiologists will be required to graduate from accredited programs starting August 2027
BACKGROUND: Functional Movement Screening (FMS) is typically used as a pre-and post-sports participation tool that examines the athlete's ability to maintain balance, core strength, range of motion, flexibility and stability, which are all components of optimal sports performance. In FMS, higher scores indicate a greater ability to perform one of s...
Research suggests that sitting time may be an independent predictor of negative health outcomes, including mental health disorders. Additionally, sitting time has been shown to be predictive of adverse health outcomes, even after accounting for physical activity (PA) levels. However, to date, there is limited investigation of the mechanisms by whic...
here are limited data pertaining to the effects of sex on sprint interval cycling (SIC) training session performance. Purpose: We investigated sex-based differences on sprint interval cycling (SIC) performance in collegiate soccer players. Methods: Twelve men and twelve women completed two identical lab trials, 7–14 days apart. The first lab sessio...
In the ever-evolving and dynamic space of the preventative fitness industry and the rehabilitative clinical exercise physiology realm, the relationship between education, certification and a lasting career is of prime importance. This session will overview the intricate relationship between the enhanced value of graduating from an accredited univer...
BACKGROUND: Over the years, several studies have examined the physiological profile of elite male and female soccer players. However, normative anthropometric and performance data for NCAA Division III female soccer players are limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine anthropometric and performance related variables in this popu...
*Understand the origination of the ACSM four core, professional certifications and the
process of maintaining the integrity of these certifications.
*Identify recent changes to the ACSM four core, professional certifications.
*Recognize the basic differences between the ACSM four core, professional certifications.
Community dwelling women (18-45yr), who were medication-free at study enrollment and who had regular menstrual cycles were enrolled into this study. Following a two-tiered screening process, participants completed : (1) a saliva collection study visit [including anthropometrics measurements, PA assessment via self report (IPAQ short form), and sali...
Epidemiological studies suggest that cardiorespiratory fitness (CRfitness) is associated with reduced risk of depression and anxiety in women, however, the mechanisms by which CRfitness may be protective against the development of these disorders are less clear. Because sleep problems are associated with both a higher risk for mental illness and al...
Understand the origination of the ACSM four core, professional certifications and the process of maintaining the integrity of these certifications. Identify recent changes to the ACSM four core, professional certifications. Recognize the basic differences between the ACSM four core, professional certifications.
The fitness and exercise professions are evolving in transformative ways. As individual states in America and in countries worldwide are becoming more focused on quality, consistency, and potentially regulation, new priorities are emerging. This session will overview the systems approach that is evolving in the United States, and will give a specia...
Postural control following various exercises.
The fitness and exercise professions are evolving in transformative ways. As individual states in America and in countries worldwide are becoming more focused on quality, consistency, and potentially regulation, new priorities are emerging. This session will overview the systems approach that is evolving in the United States, and will give a specia...
Authoratative compilation of guidelines for exercise testing and prescription.
Becoming an ACSM certified professional provides a student with a credential that helps them stand out from others in the field. An ACSM certified professional is able to develop and implement appropriate training plans and assessments for clients. With ACSM being a leader in the field, it is of no surprise their certifications are the gold standar...
The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of three different warm-up conditions on a 5K cycling time trial (TT). Sixteen trained cyclists completed the study. At the first testing session, participants completed a maximal graded exercise test to assess maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and a familiarization of the TT. At three subsequen...
The research project investigate the relationship between physical fitness and stress-related disturbances, and the stress-related physiological mechanisms which might underlie this relationship.
This report examines the accuracy and repeatability of Valencell, Inc.’s PerformTek® earbud sensor relative to a 12 lead electrocardiogram for measuring heart rate during exercise.
The study examined the impact that backward (BW) and forward (FW) walking on a treadmill had on ankle musculature and center of pressure (COP) motion during bilateral quiet stance recorded immediately following the task.
A recent investigation has demonstrated that an active recovery leads to a greater mean anaerobic power output when more than two Wingate Anaerobic Cycle Tests (WAnT) are performed successively. However, to date, less is known regarding the impact of sex on successive WAnT performances Purpose: To determine the effect of sex on six repeated WAnT pe...
The cumulative impact of successive high intensity anaerobic bouts on postural motion in soccer athletes and differences between the sexes has not been investigated. Purpose: Examine the effects of fatigue and sex following 6 repeated Wingate Anaerobic Cycle Tests (WAnT) on postural sway immediately following successive trials during quiet stance....
The cumulative impact of successive high intensity anaerobic bouts on postural motion in soccer athletes and differences between the sexes has not been investigated. Purpose: Examine the effects of fatigue and sex following 6 repeated Wingate Anaerobic Cycle Tests (WAnT) on postural sway immediately following successive trials during quiet stance....
Learning Objectives From this article, the readers should understand the following: • The rationale for updating the ACSM exercise preparticipation screening procedures • How to use the updated ACSM exercise preparticipation screening recommendations • How to use the newly developed exercise preparticipation health screening questionnaire for exerc...
The presentation introduced the audience to the newly updated ACSM’s pre-participation health screening recommendations.
The purpose of the American College of Sports Medicine's (ACSM) exercise preparticipation health screening process is to identify individuals who may be at elevated risk for exercise-related sudden cardiac death and/or acute myocardial infarction. Recent studies have suggested that using the current ACSM exercise preparticipation health screening g...
Backward walking has long been used in sports conditioning programs and rehabilitative settings. Although several studies have compared forward and backward walking in terms of heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) responses, intensity was not matched between trials. Purpose: To measure HR and RPE responses during backward and forwar...
In recent years, backward walking has been shown to provide neuromuscular and cardiovascular benefits and postural control improvements in school-aged children. However, the immediate impact of backward walking is not known. Purpose: To determine the impact that backward and forward walking on a treadmill at a matched intensity had on postural moti...
Pre-practice euhydration is key in the prevention of heat related injuries. The pre-practice hydration status of male National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)-Division III athletes and the effects of a direct hydration regimen have yet to be investigated therefore; the aim of the study was 1) to analyze the pre-practice hydration status of c...
The incidence of sports related concussions are a growing public health concern. Assessments used to determine return-to-play criteria following a concussive incident are generally related to postural control due to the ability to indirectly measure neurophysiological decline. This study investigated the effects of sports related concussion on post...
Physical activity has been associated with an overall improvement in health by reducing disease and assisting in weight management. However, varying levels of physical activity has been shown to have immediate adverse effects on measures of postural stability. Increases in postural sway occur as a result of performing fatiguing exercise to specific...
