Ronald Snarr

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi · Department of Kinesiology

Two methods of training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and suspension device training, have recently gained popularity in the fitness and health industry. Purported effects of these rapid, efficient workouts (HIIT) and functional training devices include weight loss, cardiovascular improvements, and other health benefits. However, limited...

Body composition algorithms are typically validated using multi-ethnic populations without accounting for ethnicity. This might be problematic when using multi-frequency bioimpedance analysis (MF-BIA) for Hispanics. Group error (i.e., constant error [CE]), individual error (i.e., 95% limits of agreement [LOAs]), and proportional bias of MF-BIA were...

The purpose of this study was to analyse the relationship between external load metrics with game performance for Division I collegiate female lacrosse. Data were collected using microtechnology during 26 games with 13 athletes (attackers n = 5, midfielders n = 8). External load variables included: total distance (TD), distance rate (DR), high-inte...

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to examine the prevalence and influencing factors of personal, work-, and client-related burnout within strength and conditioning coaches (SCC) and personal trainers (PT). Methods: Two hundred and fifty-six SCCs (n=141) and PTs (n=115) completed the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), a 19-item survey,...

After completing this chapter, you will be able to i) comprehend the fundamental techniques for performing and instructing proper form for resistance training exercises, ii) describe proper spotting techniques as well as situations in which they are needed, iii) define appropriate training equipment and apparel, and iv) recognize common resistance...

Developed by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, Third Edition With HKPropel Access, is the definitive reference for personal training professionals and students. This comprehensive guide to personal training, with contributions from leaders in the field, provides the most accurate and...

Firefighters often do not meet the aerobic and muscular fitness levels required of the profession, likely resulting in a greater incidence of on-duty injury and cardiac death. The purpose of this study was to provide an extensive physiological profile of rural firefighters in southeast Georgia. Forty male firefighters from one department underwent...

Approximately half of the United States adult population consumes some form of dietary supplementation, with that proportion rising in physically active adults and athletes (23). One of the most commonly consumed supplements is a “pre-workout”. Pre-workouts can be categorized as any supplement ingested prior to an exercise session or sporting event...

The purpose of this study was to investigate the adherence to departmental fitness policies and to evaluate the impact of on-duty firefighters’ adherence to fitness outcomes. This cross-sectional designed study utilized a convenience sample of 40 career firefighters from one department in rural southeast Georgia. Onsite gym attendance logs were rec...

Marko, D, Bahenský, P, Snarr, RL, and Malátová, R. V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak Comparison of a treadmill vs. cycling protocol in elite teenage competitive runners, cyclists, and swimmers. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2021-The purpose of this study was to compare the cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses of a maximal graded exercise test...

This study examined the relationship between pre-training wellness scores and internal and external training load outputs during the preparation phase of a Division I women's collegiate lacrosse team. Athletes (n = 27) logged daily wellness (sleep, energy, stress, and how their muscles felt), session ratings of perceived exertion, and training metr...

Pregnancy is a major stage of many women’s lives within their reproductive years and the incorporation of exercise can be vastly beneficial. However, to a large majority, exercise during pregnancy has been long believed to be detrimental to the developing fetus. However, an abundance of literature has indicated that exercising while pregnant may be...

Attentional focus strategies refer to the use of cues or other stimuli to enhance an individual’s concentration for the purpose of improving performance within a given task. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of an internal (INT), external proximal (EPr), and external distal (ED) method of attentional focus on motor unit excitation and repetitions-to-...

Accurate assessment of body composition is particularly vital to occupations that rely on intense physical performance (e.g., firefighting). Although the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has adopted a skinfold protocol, validation of these guidelines is absent. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the agreement betwee...

With the advent of social media platforms, followers are quick to trust fitness enthusiasts and unqualified personal trainers with generalized workouts that are “guaranteed” to work. These generalized workout regimens often propose substantial benefits to the cardiovascular or muscular system with the assumption of similar individual responses with...

Despite the positive benefits of physical activity (PA), ~53% of adults ≥65 fall under the category of sedentary making structured exercise (e.g., aerobic activity and strength training) essential for healthy aging. As we age, particularly above 65, individuals begin to experience significant losses in muscle mass, strength, power, and bone mineral...

The goal of any rehabilitation process is to return individuals who have suffered an injury back to maximal function and independence thereby improving their overall quality of life. However, once a patient is discharged from therapy, the client is now on their own to continue to improve strength, mobility, and functionality. In some cases, individ...

Purpose: The purpose of this study was two-fold: 1) to determine whether differences in mean concentric velocity (MCV), repetitions-to-failure (RTF), measured one-repetition (1RM), and 1RM prediction methods vary between lifter and spotter sex; and 2) determine the accuracy of MCV1RM and RTF1RM prediction equations in the presence of either a male...

As a fitness professional, the main goal in program design is promoting general health improvements while also keeping training sessions short and enjoyable. One of the emerging methods to promote such improvements is to increase an individual’s aerobic capacity (VO2max), which has been demonstrated to be positively associated with a reduced risk o...

Cook, J, Ryan, GA, Snarr, RL, and Rossi, S. The relationship between the National Football League scouting Combine and game performance over a 5-year period. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-There has been doubt on the ability of the National Football League (NFL) Scouting Combine to predict successful future game performance. This study an...

Firefighting is a physically demanding profession that can benefit from physical fitness programming (12,13,16,21,24). Due to the high risk of cardiac events (as well as pulmonary and other vascular diseases such as stroke) and injury in the profession, physical training should address and be programmed towards reducing these risks (4,6,9,13,25). W...

Ryan, GA, Snarr, RL, Eisenman, ML, and Rossi, SJ. Seasonal training load quantification and comparison in college male soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-Monitoring and quantification of training load (TL) throughout a competitive soccer season is important to ensure players are able to perform throughout the season. The inten...

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and skinfold (SF) techniques are commonly used to estimate body composition in athletic settings. Both methods are based upon a 2-compartment (2C) model approach, which assumes the hydration of fat-free mass (FFM) is constant (73.80%). Deviations from assumed constants such as FFM hydration have previously bee...

This study evaluated the accuracy of bioimpedance analysis (BIA)- and skinfold (SF)-based body fat percentage estimates in collegiate athletes with varying fat-free mass (FFM) hydration levels. Subjects were evaluated as a whole (n = 63) and at FFM hydration levels of 64.00%–68.99% (FFM-Hydration L1 ; n = 37) and 69.00%–74.00% (FFM-Hydration L2 ; n...

Effects of varying types of short duration workouts in high-intensity functional training (HIFT) on inflammatory biomarkers have not been adequately characterized. Objectives: The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine the acute effects of HIFT workouts on biomarkers of inflammation, over time, in two HIFT bouts. Materials and Methods: Te...

This column is intended to provide a thorough analysis with photographs of the proper technique for battle rope conditioning. Specific musculature involvement, benefits of battle rope training, exercise technique, as well as advanced and beginning progressions will be discussed. This dynamic movement is designed to improve cardiorespiratory enduran...

Increased sedentary behavior and reduced physical activity among children and adults has led to the advent of various active devices to combat these behaviors. Active sitting, consisting of modified chairs or stability balls, allows the body to stay dynamic while seated. While research has evaluated the health benefits of active sitting, minimal re...

Nickerson, BS, Williams, TD, Snarr, RL, and Park, K-S. Individual and combined effect of inter-repetition rest and elastic bands on jumping potentiation in resistance-trained men. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2018-The purpose of this study was to determine the individual and combined effects of cluster sets (CS) and elastic bands for jumping...

Resistance training exercises are popular due to their favorable health outcomes, particularly those associated with increased muscular fitness. For each exercise, proper load prescription may vary based upon the specific goals of the athlete using various metrics (i.e., percentage of one-repetition maximum (%1RM), mean velocity (MV), and peak powe...

Firefighters across the United States may not meeting the recommended fitness levels based on the cardiovascular and metabolic demands of the occupation. Recent statistics indicate that firefighters are at an increased risk of cardiovascular incidents or injury, which may stem from the strenuous nature of the profession combined with a high prevale...

Stability balls and active-balance sitting chairs have recently emerged as a way to reduce sedentary behaviors in office settings. The purpose of this study was to determine differences in caloric expenditure and heart rate between a standard chair (SC), stability ball (SB), and active balanced sitting chair (ST) while performing work-related tasks...

Resistance exercise is popular because of favorable health outcomes associated with increased muscular fitness. For these reasons, 1 repetition maximum (1RM), mean velocity (MV), and peak power (PP) are of interest during the bench press. However, research has yet to evaluate whether spotter sex impacts bench press performance. Therefore, the purpo...

Knowledge of a given load and visual feedback are crucial while performing a given task. Although previous literature has examined the consequences of lifting a submaximal weight, the removal of load knowledge has yet to be examined under maximal effort. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to examine the differences in 1 repetition max...

The electromyographical-threshold (EMGT) has been previously validated as a means to predict the work rate at which lactate-threshold (LT) occurs. The reliability of these measures has yet to be examined after a bout of exercise. The purpose was to determine the agreement between EMG and LT after a 30-minute bout of steady-state aerobic exercise. P...

Subjective measurement scales, such as Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and Perceived Recovery Status (PRS), provide insight on overall athletic performance by indicating a relationship between exercise intensity and exercise recovery. PURPOSE: The purpose was to compare the RPE and PRS self-reported scores of collegiate female soccer players an...

Lower-limb amputees often exhibit an increased atrophy of the remaining skeletal musculature as compared to the non-amputated side. This difference in lean mass may present variations in the contribution of physical effort between the affected and unaffected musculature. Purpose: The purpose was to examine the electromyographical (EMG) activity of...

Upper body power (UBP) is vital to cheerleading performance, particularly at the competitive collegiate level. Additionally, an increased fat-free mass (FFM) may provide the ability for cheerleaders to execute advanced skills during competition. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between UBP and FFM in Division-I chee...

Multi-compartment models are emerging as a criterion method of analyzing body composition, thereby reducing the error associated with standalone laboratory measures. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare a 3-compartment model (3-C) with two gold standard lab measures (i.e., air displacement plethysmography (ADP) and dual-energy x-ray ab...

Chronic sedentary behaviors can be detrimental to health and increase the risk of mortality. Products, such as active sitting chairs, have emerged as a way to reduce sedentary behaviors in office settings. PURPOSE: To determine if differences in caloric expenditure and heart rate exist between a standard chair (SC), a stability ball (SB), and an ac...

Measurements of power are important in athletic populations. Lower body power is often measured using vertical jump. However, there is currently no validated, self-contained upper body power test equivalent. PURPOSE: To test the validity and test-retest reliability of a plyometric pushup (PPU) upper body power test to the medicine ball put (MBP) te...

Increases in bone mineral density (BMD) and hand-grip strength (HG) are important indicators of repetitive loading and resistance training. While the assessment of BMD is not always feasible, HG may provide an indicator of overall bone health. However, this relationship has yet to be determined in elite athletes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study...

During the completion of a 1-repetition maximum (1RM) test, participants must concentrate on various aspects of the lift, including technique, bar path, load, etc. Without knowledge of the external load, alterations in performance of the lift can occur (e.g., repetitions to failure). However, no study has yet to examine these variations at a maxima...

Perceived Recovery Status (PRS) and Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) are two subjective methods coaches, athletes, and sport scientists have used to quantify training load and recovery to improve athletic performance. While these values are important to monitor, these tools are more useful if there is an agreement between coaches and players. PUR...

Laboratory and field measures derive body composition values from algorithms based upon general populations and may provide varying estimates for athletic populations. Purpose: The purpose was to compare various field and laboratory measures of body composition in division-I male athletes against a criterion of air displacement plethysmography (ADP...

Active sitting allows the body to stay dynamic while in a seated position. While research has evaluated the health benefits of active sitting, there has been little research conducted on the effects of active sitting on productivity. PURPOSE: The purpose was to evaluate the effects of various chairs (active versus non-active) on typing and reading...

Bone mineral density (BMD) has been shown to be greater in athletes than non-athletes. However, less research has been done comparing the nature of the sport to BMD in male and female collegiate athletes. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of BMD between full contact (FC), limited contact (LC) and non-contact (NC) sports in male and female athletes....

The National Football League (NFL) performs combine testing for college players prior to the NFL Draft. PURPOSE: The intent of this study was to investigate possible relationships between NFL Combine performances and average snaps played (avgS) over a five year period. METHODS: Data from 293 college football players who participated in the 2013 Com...

Body composition is a highly important metric in regards to overall physical activity as well as sports performance. While many studies compare laboratory measures of body fat percentage (BF%), few studies have compared measures using elite athletes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and air di...

All cheerleaders must have strength, power, and great proprioception to be successful at their sport, regardless of squad. However, decisions on squad placement may be made by coaches based on a number of variables. PURPOSE: The purpose was to compare anthropometric and performance metrics between All-Girl (AG) and Co-Ed (CE) Division I female chee...

Nickerson, BS, Snarr, RL, and Ryan, GA. Validity of foot-to-foot bioelectrical impedance for estimating body composition in NCAA Division I male athletes: A 3-compartment model comparison. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2018-The purpose of this study was to validate single-frequency foot-to-foot bioelectrical impedance analysis (FF-BIA) agains...

Kliszczewicz, B, Markert, CD, Bechke, E, Williamson, C, Clemons, KN, Snarr, RL, and McKenzie, MJ. Acute effect of popular high-intensity functional training exercise on physiologic markers of growth. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2018-Constantly evolving, high-intensity functional training (HIFT) exercise consists of various modalities, order...

OBJECTIVES: The purpose was to determine if skinfolds (SF) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) could provide accurate estimates of body volume (BV) and total body water (TBW), respectively, for use in a 3-compartment (3-C) model to estimate percent body fat (BF%) when compared to laboratory derived measures. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A sample of si...

This article provides a thorough description and photographs of the proper technique for a deficit deadlift. This exercise is an advanced variation of the standard deadlift and is designed to increase strength within the lower-body musculature. Incorporation of the deficit deadlift may benefit those requiring explosive power, sprinting, or jumping.

This column serves to provide a detailed description with photographs of the proper exercise technique for the handstand push-up. This dynamic exercise incorporates components of three key movements (i.e., handstand, shoulder press, and push-up) designed to increase strength, endurance, and stability in the upper extremities. This exercise can prov...

Triathlons are a “multi-sport” event in which participants compete in a racing format that consists of a swim, a bike, and a run session. In addition to triathlons, other popular multi-sport events include duathlons (i.e., run-bike-run format), aquathlons (i.e., run-swim-run or swim-run format), off-road triathlons (i.e., swim-mountain bike-trail r...

Considered by many exercise physiologists as the greatest predictor of an individual’s cardiovascular health and overall fitness, maximal oxygen uptake, or VO2max, can be defined as the maximal volume of oxygen consumed, transported, and delivered to working skeletal muscle during intense exercise. Determining VO2max can be useful in all areas of h...

Anthropometric measures, such as body composition, are important to assess in athletic populations due to their significant relationship with sport performance. Previous research has suggested that various methods of estimating body fat percentage (BF%) can greatly differ among populations; however, limited research exists comparing various body co...

Snarr, RL, Tolusso, DV, Hallmark, AV, and Esco, MR. Validity of wearable electromyographical compression shorts to predict lactate threshold during incremental exercise in healthy participants. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2018-Determination of lactate threshold (LT) is an important variable in improving cardiovascular endurance and performa...

The relationship between the lactate and electromyographical (EMG) thresholds have previously been established via graded exercising testing during cycling. Currently, no published literature exists comparing the most appropriate and efficient filtering methods of EMG analyses to estimate the workload at which lactate threshold (LT) occurs. PURPOSE...

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the electromyographical (EMG) activity of the latissimus dorsi (LD), posterior deltoid (PD), middle trapezius (MT), and biceps brachii (BB) while performing two pull-up variations. Resistance-trained men and women (n = 13, age = 24.26 ± 6.24) volunteered to participate in this study. All participants...

Burnout is a multidimensional, psychological syndrome, characterized by chronic physical and emotional exhaustion, feelings of reduced accomplishment, and feelings of disengagement from a previously enjoyed profession or activity. While much of the literature on burnout involves health care providers, little information is available regarding burno...