Anaerobic Power

Anaerobic Power in Exercise Science

Presented By:

Cesar Martinez

Danny Luong

Jennifer Pino

Lilianna Verastegui

Miranda Tijerina

California State University, Los Angeles

Presented To:

Raffi Brodeyan

In partial fulfillment of the requirement of

Kin 360 Laboratory, Section 08

March 16, 2016

1

Anaerobic Power

Introduction

Physical activity is a healthy part of humans. The human body reacts to exercise

according to the type of exercise. Depending on the exercise, the body will use three

different energy systems. The first energy system activated is the Adenosine

Triphosphate (ATP)-Creatine Phosphate (CP) system. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a

high-energy phosphate, which serves as an immediate source of energy for muscular

contraction. As exercise is prolonged and intensified, the body will search for more

energy leading to the activation of Glycolysis. Anaerobic Glycolysis is the breakdown of

glucose or glycogen to form two molecules of pyruvate or lactate without utilizing

oxygen. Lastly, the body activates the Oxidative Phosphorylation system. Oxidative

phosphorylation is a mitochondrial process in which inorganic phosphate (Pi) is coupled

to ADP as energy is transferred along the electron transport chain and then oxygen is the

final electron acceptor. Physical activity could be measured through power output (W),

working in short durations (limited amount of time). There are two types of power

output, Relative (W/kg) and Absolute (W). Absolute power (W) is force times distance

divided by time. Relative power (W/kg) takes the weight of an individual into

consideration.

According to Powers and Howley (2012), anaerobic power(W) is produced during

the activation of the ATP/CP system and the Anaerobic Glycolysis system. The ATP/PC

systems is a very fast method that produces ATP due to the donation of a phosphate

group and its bond energy from PC to ADP which then forms ATP. “The structure of

ATP consists of three main parts; (1) an adenine portion, (2) a ribose portion, and (3)

three linked phosphates. The formation of ATP occurs by combining adenosine di-

2

Anaerobic Power

phosphate (ADP) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) and requires energy” (48). ATP being

broken down to ADP + Pi very quickly by creatine kinase, so PC is responsible for the

synthesis of ATP. Muscle cells are only capable of storing a small amount of ATP for

short bouts of exercise leading to the activation of the next system. Anaerobic glycolysis

produces two molecules of ATP and two molecules of pyruvate. The first step of

glycolysis is the phosphorylation of ATP producing an activated molecule.

Rearrangement, followed by a second phosphorylation by ATP, gives fructose-1, 6 bi-

phosphate. The 6-carbon molecule is split into two 3-carbon Glyceraldehyde 3-Phosphate

molecules. Oxidation, followed by phosphorylation, produces 2 NADH molecules and 2

high-energy bi-phosphoglycerate molecules. Removal of 2 energized phosphate groups

by 2 ADP molecules produces 2 ATP molecules and 2 3-phosphoglycerate molecules.

Oxidation by removal of water produces 2 high-energy phosphoenolpyruvate molecules.

The removal of 2 energized phosphate groups by 2 ADP molecules produces 2 ATP

molecules. Pyruvate is the end product of glycolysis. If the physical activity were

prolonged, oxygen would be present and the energy system would be converted into the

Krebs Cycle and Electron Transport Chain.

The three types of tests that we used to test anaerobic power (W) were the 40-

meter Dash (40m), the Margaria Power Test (MPT), and the Vertical Jump Test (VJT).

The ATP-CP system utilizes fast twitch muscles, performing high intensity exercise for

short durations. These tests measured anaerobic power utilizing this system because the

exercise lasts under 15 seconds. The tests are dependent upon the capacity and rate of

phosphagens-adenosinetriphosphate and creatine phosphate break down. A submaximal

yet high velocity activity such as sprinting is more dependent upon the rate of the

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Anaerobic Power

myosin-actin interaction rather than the number of interactions. Fast twitch muscle fibers

(IIa and IIx) predominate in anaerobic activities. These muscle fibers fatigue sooner than

slow twitch (type I) aerobic fibers because they create the rapid forces that are necessary

for anaerobic power activities.

The purpose of our study was to determine the better predictor of the 40m in

terms of absolute anaerobic power (W) and relative power (W/kg). We predicted that the

VJT will have a greater correlation to the 40m in terms of absolute anaerobic power (W)

and relative power(W/kg). We also predicted that in terms of absolute (W) and

relative(W/kg) power males will have produced greater power than females.

Methods

Subjects

The subjects were 15 California State University of Los Angeles

Kinesiology/Exercise Science major around college age students, with an average weight.

( 82.245 kg ± 16.66 ).

Equipment

The equipment used for the 40m included the CSULA track, a stopwatch,

measuring tape, and two cones. For the equipment used for the MPT the CSULA main

gym stair case was utilize, a stopwatch, and measuring tape. The VPT utilized the

CSULA biomechanics lab-test and the ADAS system- force plates were utilized to

conduct the test.

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Anaerobic Power

Protocol

40m Dash “Horizontal Power”

For the 40m the participants performed a warm-up routine. The three timers stand

at locations suitable for their view of the participant’s start and finish. One timer was at

the 40 yard mark (40m), second was at the 50 yard mark (50m) and the last one was at

the 60 yard mark (60m). The sprinter was required to lower the center of gravity by

leaning slightly forward at the starting line. The timers started their watches at the first

starting movement of the sprinter. It was required for each sprinter to run as fast as

possible from the starting line to the finishing line. As soon as the sprinter would break

the plane of finish line, the timers stopped the time. The end time was recorded by the

sprinter. The equations used for the 40m sprint test was: Horizontal Power (W) = Body

Mass (N) x Average Speed (m/s)

The Margaria Power Test

The MPT began as a general warm-up of 5 to 10 minutes, which included running

up the stairs three times. The weight of each participant was measured prior to the test.

The height of each step was measured and the elevation from the third step to the ninth

step was calculated. During the test the timer start mechanism switcher was unavailable,

so the lab facilitator recorded the times. When the participant was ready, the athlete

sprinted towards the stairs from a standing start 20 feet away from the base of the stairs.

Each subject sprinted up the staircase three steps at a time as fast as possible. The time

from third to ninth step contact was recorded. Each subject performed the test 10 times

with a 2-3 minute recovery between trials. The equation used for the margarita power test

was: Power (W) = Weight (N) x Elevation (m) / Time (s)

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Anaerobic Power

Vertical Jump Test

The protocol used for the VPT began with a warm up. Each subject performed

five warm-up jumps. During the warm-up phase the first jump was perform at a 50% max

effort, the second at a 75% effort, and the last one at a 100% max effort. After the warm-

up was done, each subject was to step on force plate. Instructor needed to give the signal

in order for the subject to jump and start the test. For each vertical jump the subject

needed to have a 20 seconds resting period between each trial. While performing each

jump the subject performed a counter movement squat and jumped following with

swinging arms upward to reach high as possible. After the jump the subject needed to

land with the knees bent in order to enhance the absorption of forces. The equation used

for the test was: Power (W) = Body Weight (Kg) x Jump height (m) time (s)

Data Analysis

Microsoft Excel was used for the correlation(r) graphs and for the independent

sample two-tailed t-test. Significance was accepted at an alpha level p<0.05 (95% of

results are not due to coincidence)

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Anaerobic Power

Results

1,000.00 2,000.00 3,000.00 4,000.00 5,000.00 6,000.00 7,000.00 8,000.00 9,000.000.00

500.00

1,000.00

1,500.00

2,000.00

2,500.00

Absolute Margaria Power Test vs Abso-lute 40m Dash

Absolute Margaria Power Test(W)

Ab

solu

te 4

0m

Das

h(W

)

r=0.98

Figure 1 above shows a strong (+) correlation of the Absolute 40m Dash vs. Absolute Margaria Power Test with an R-value of 0.98. The Margaria Power Test is on the x-axis and the Absolute 40m Dash is on the Y-axis.

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 35000.00

1,000.002,000.003,000.004,000.005,000.006,000.007,000.008,000.009,000.00

Absolute 40m Dash vs Absolute Ver-tical Jump Test

Absolute Vertical Jump Test(W)

Ab

solu

te 4

0 m

eter

Das

h(W

)

r=0.30

7

Anaerobic Power

Figure 2 above shows a weak (+) correlation of the Absolute 40m Dash vs. Absolute Vertical Jump Test with an R-value of 0.30. The Absolute Vertical Jump Test is on the x-axis and the Absolute 40m Dash is on the Y-axis.

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 35000.00

500.00

1,000.00

1,500.00

2,000.00

2,500.00

Absolute Margaria Power Test vs Abso-lute Vertical Jump Test

Absolute Vertical Jump Test(W)

Ab

solu

te M

arga

ria

Pow

er T

est(

W) r=0.29

Figure 3 above shows a weak (+) correlation of the Absolute Margaria Power Test vs Absolute Vertical Jump Test with an R-value of 0.29. The Absolute Vertical Jump Test is on the x-axis and the Absolute Margaria Power test is on the Y-axis.

50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 900

5

10

15

20

25

30

Relative 40m Dash vs Relative Margaria Power Test

Relative Margaria Power Test(W/kg)

Rel

ativ

e 4

0m

Das

h(W

/kg)

r=0.64

8

Anaerobic Power

Figure 4 above shows a moderately weak (+) correlation of the Relative 40m Dash vs. Relative Margaria Power Test with an R-value of 0.64. The Relative Power Test is on the x-axis and the Relative 40m Dash is on the Y-axis.

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 3550

55

60

65

70

75

80

85

90

Relative 40m Dash vs Relative Vertical Jump Test

Relative Vertical Jump Test(W/kg)

Rel

ativ

e 4

0m

Das

h(W

/kg)

r=0.41

Figure 5 above shows a weak (-) correlation of the Relative 40m Dash vs. Relative Vertical Jump Test with an R-value of 0.41. The Relative Vertical Test is on the x-axis and the Relative 40m Dash is on the Y-axis.

0 5 10 15 20 25 300

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Relative Margaria Power Test vs Rel-ative Vertical Jump Test

Relative Vertical Jump Test(W/kg)

Rel

ativ

e M

arga

ria

Pow

er T

est(

W/k

g)

r=0.14

9

Anaerobic Power

Figure 6 above shows a weak (+) correlation of the Relative Margaria Power Test vs. Relative Vertical Jump Test with an R-value of 0.14. The Relative Vertical Test is on the x-axis and the Relative Margaria Power Test is on the Y-axis.

40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 1200.00

1,000.00

2,000.00

3,000.00

4,000.00

5,000.00

6,000.00

7,000.00

8,000.00

9,000.00

Absolute 40m Dash vs Weight

Weight(kg)

Ab

solu

te 4

0m

Das

h(W

)

r=0.29

Figure 7 above shows a weak (+) correlation of the Absolute 40m Dash vs. Weight with an R-value of 0.29. The Weight is on the x-axis and the Absolute 40m Dash is on the Y-axis.

40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 1200.00

500.00

1,000.00

1,500.00

2,000.00

2,500.00

Margaria Power Test vs Weight

Weight (Kg)

Mar

gari

a P

ower

Tes

t (W

)

r=0.34

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Anaerobic Power

Figure 8 above shows a weak (+) correlation of the Margaria Power Test vs. Weight with an R-value of 0.34. The Weight is on the x-axis and the Margaria Power Test is on the Y-axis.

40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 1200

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

Absolute Vertical Jump Test vs Weight

Weight (Kg)

Ab

solu

te V

erti

cal J

um

p T

est

(W)

r=0.32

Figure 9 above shows a weak (+) correlation of the Absolute Vertical Jump Test vs. Weight with an R-value of 0.32. The Weight is on the x-axis and the Absolute Vertical Jump Test is on the Y-axis.

40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 1200

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Relative 40m Dash vs Weight

Weight(Kg)

Rel

ativ

e 4

0m

Das

h (

W/k

g)

r=0.49

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Anaerobic Power

Figure 10 above shows a weak (+) correlation of the Relative 40m Dash vs. Weight with an R-value of 0.49. The Weight is on the x-axis and the Relative 40m Dash is on the Y-axis.

40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 1200

5

10

15

20

25

30

Relative Margaria Power Test vs Weight

Weight (Kg)

Rel

ativ

e M

arga

ria

Pow

er T

est(

W/k

g)

r=0.26

Figure 11 above shows a weak (+) correlation of the Relative Margaria Power Test vs. Weight with an R-value of 0.26. The Weight is on the x-axis and the Relative Margaria Power Test is on the Y-axis.

40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 1200

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Relative Vertical Jump Test vs Weight

Weight(Kg)

Rel

ativ

e V

erti

cal J

um

p T

est(

W/k

g)

r=0.26

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Anaerobic Power

Figure 12 above shows a weak (+) correlation of the Relative Vertical Jump Test vs. Weight with an R-value of 0.26. The Weight is on the x-axis and the Relative Vertical Jump Test is on the Y-axis.

0.00

1,000.00

2,000.00

3,000.00

4,000.00

5,000.00

6,000.00

7,000.00Absolute 40m Male vs Female

Gender

Ab

solu

te 4

0m

(W

)

P≤0.05

6,251.27

4,217.20

*

M F

Figure 13 above shows a bar graph representing Male vs. Female Absolute 40m(w). It shows significant of P≤0.05, The Absolute 40m(w) is under y-axis and the average and gender are labeled on the x-axis.

0.00200.00400.00600.00800.00

1,000.001,200.001,400.001,600.00

Absolute Margaria Power Test Male vs Female

Gender

Ab

solu

te M

arga

ria

Pow

er T

est(

W)

P≤0.05

1,381.86 652.51

*

M F

Figure 14 above shows a bar graph representing Male vs. Female Absolute Margaria Power Test (W). It shows a significant value of P≤0.05, the absolute

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Anaerobic Power

40m(W) is under the y-axis and the average value and gender are labeled on the x-axis

0200400600800

10001200140016001800

Absolute Vertical Jump Test Male vs Female

Gender

Ab

solu

te V

erti

cal J

um

p t

est

1568.41 1002.465

P≤0.23

M F

Figure 15 above shows a bar graph representing Male vs. Female Absolute Vertical Jump Test (W). It shows an insignificant value of P=0.23, there was no significance found, the Absolute Vertical Jump Test (W) is under the y-axis and the average value and gender are labeled on the x-axis

0102030405060708090

Relative 40m Dash Male vs Female

Gender

Rel

ativ

e 4

0m

Das

h (

W/k

g)

77.08 60.97

P≤ 0.05

*

M F

Figure 16 above shows a bar graph representing Male vs. Female Relative 40m Dash (W/kg). It shows a significant value of P≤0.05.The Relative 40m Dash (W/kg) is under the y-axis and the average value and gender are labeled on the x-axis

14

Anaerobic Power

02468

1012141618

Relative Margaria Power Test Male vs Female

Gender

Rel

ativ

e M

arga

ria

Pow

er T

est

(W/k

g)

15.58 9.93

P≤0.05

*

M F

Figure 17 above shows a bar graph representing Male vs. Female Relative Margaria Power Test (W). It shows a significant value of P≤0.05, the Relative 40m(W) is under the y-axis and the average value and gender are labeled on the x-axis

02468

10121416

Relative Vertical Jump Test Male vs Female

Gender

Rel

ativ

e V

erti

cal J

um

p T

est(

W/k

g)

14.18 8.28

P≤0.09

M

F

Figure 18 above shows a bar graph representing Male vs. Female Relative Vertical Jump Test (W/kg). It shows an insignificant value of P=0.09, there was so significance found, the Relative Vertical Jump Test (W/kg) is under the y-axis and the average value and gender are labeled on the x-axis

15

Anaerobic Power

Discussion

The purpose of this study was to test the absolute (W) and relative (W/kg)

anaerobic power of the VJT, the MPT, and the 40m. The hypothesis stated that the VJT

would have a stronger correlation to the 40m than the MPT in regards to absolute (W)

and relative(W/kg) power output; and males were predicted to produce higher

absolute(W) and relative(W/kg) power outputs than females. The first hypothesis was

proven false because the results showed that the MPT had a stronger correlation to the

40m-dash than the VJT. The second hypothesis was proven correct because the males

produced higher power (W) outputs than females. Figures 1-3 compared the absolute (W)

power results of each test and have r-values of 0.98, 0.3 and 0.29 respectively. Figures 4-

6 compared the relative (W/kg) power results of each test and have r-values of 0.64, 0.41,

and 0.14 respectively. The weights of subjects were compared to the absolute (W) power

of each test in figures 7-9 with r-values of 0.29, 0.34 and 0.32 respectively. Figures 10-12

compared the weight to the relative (W/kg) power with r-values of 0.49, 0.26, and 0.26

respectively. Figures 13-15 compared the absolute (W) power outputs of males and

females with p-values of 0.04, 0.01 and 0.23 respectively. Figures 16-18 compare the

relative (W/kg) power outputs of males and females with p-values of 7x10-5, 0.04, and

0.09 respectively. Results in figure 1 show that the MPT and the 40m had a strong

correlation (r=0.98) in contrast to the VJT (figure 2), which had a weak correlation

(r=0.30). In terms of relative (W/kg) power, the MPT also had a higher correlation to the

40m(r=0.64) than the VJT (r=0.410). These results concluded that the MPT had a greater

correlation to the 40m in both absolute (W) and relative (W/kg) power than the VJT. The

relationship between the MPT and the 40m was greater than the VPT because of the

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Anaerobic Power

musculature of the individuals and the exercise itself. The 40m required a full vertical

power sprint, which may relate to the MPT more than to the VJT. The VJT required the

individual to only perform a squat and jump at their highest potential. The MPT was a

full power sprint up stairs. The exercises necessary for each test required the assistance of

different muscle groups, ones more dominant than others. The muscles required for a

jump, dominantly are the gluteus maximus, medius, and quadriceps muscles. The

dominant muscles for running are the gastrocnemius, quadriceps, gluteus maximus and

hamstrings. The amount of muscle groups participating and their size impact the amount

of power (W) output. Relatively, the 40m and the MPT were the most similar in exercise

activities to test the power (W) outputs, thus using the same muscle masses. In contrast,

the VJT may calculate anaerobic power (W) but the exercise is limited to particular

muscles, which differ to the 40m. Results then conclude that the MPT is a better

comparison to the 40m in regards to absolute (W) and relative (W/kg) power than the

VJT. Testing the power (W) output in male and female subjects concluded that males

produced higher outputs than females. Physiological differences between men and

women are imposed by the nature of their sex. Sex hormones such as testosterone is

significant for large musculature maintenance in males, one that females lack. The

development of the body stays true to its nature that of females must conceive giving

them a softer musculature. Size and length of muscles impact the force produced. Studies

have shown that males will usually have longer and larger muscles (Mangine et al.,

2014). In addition, muscular asymmetry has been shown to be more common in females

than in males, lowering the amount of power(W) produced during an exercise.

Consequently, males produce more absolute(W) and relative(W/kg) power than females.

17

Anaerobic Power

The study, “Development of a modified Margaria anaerobic power test for

American football athletes” (Hetzler et al., 2010), tested the power (W) and accuracy of

the MPT on football athletes. The assessment used four anaerobic power tests: football

stair climb test (FST) protocol, a modified version of the MPT, the VJT and a 36.6-m

dash test. The study measured the number of repetitions required to produce the maximal

anaerobic power (W) before reaching fatigue as well as the reliability of the MPT. The

study also measured the relationship between the peak power and the players’ positions.

The MPT was considered to better predict both horizontal and vertical power than other

anaerobic power tests. Results indicated that the MPT did not result to be the best to

measure maximal power (W); yet the football stair climb test(FST) protocol showed a

better assessment. Another study, “Influence of gender and muscle architecture

asymmetry on jump and sprint performance,” (Mangine et al., 2014) assessed the

muscular asymmetry and gender difference with the vertical jump power test and a short

distance sprinting speed. By measuring the muscle mass of the rectus femoris and vastus

lateralis and considering the positive correlation of muscle mass and power, the study

believed that males would have the highest musculature, thus the highest anaerobic

power (W). The tests assessed that indeed, men did have greater musculature due to

greater jumping power and faster times in the 30-m dash in comparison to females. Males

also tended to be muscularly symmetrical in the lower limbs, indicating more control and

power. The article states characteristics of musculature that may contribute to power and

strength. Greater muscle size, quality and length were factors that greatly influenced the

force and power production, thus determining physical performance (Mangine et al.,

2014). Musculature is influenced by the individual’s “physical activity, training status,

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Anaerobic Power

and gender” (Mangine et al., 2014). Physiological developments of individuals may vary

but they run consistent similarities among each gender, which affect the muscular

structure that input into these power tests.

There were limitations that were encountered while performing the tests that

could have altered the results. During the 40m testing, the track utilized was unavailable

and limited the time available to test. Subsequently, less tests were performed to fulfill

the agenda for that day. Since less tests were performed, the average may not have been

true to the potential of the individual, fluctuating the results of their calculations. For the

MPT, recording the time was done manually with a timer. Predicting the right moment to

start and stop the timer while climbing the stairs was relied upon the eye of the person

timing. This could have curved the numerical results of power (W) that were later

calculated. Also, for all three tests, the subjects possibly did not perform a well-rounded

warm-up to prepare them for the exercise that followed. Their physical performance may

have been altered, and their power (W) was not accurate. Additionally, the subjects’

health status was not taken into consideration. Whether the subjects were not healthy or if

there were any physical impairment, any of these factors could have affected their

physical performance during the exercises. For example, if a subject suffered from

asthma or if a subject had a physical injury on their leg, they would be impaired from

performing the exercise at their highest potential, skewing the results of power (W)

output.

Conclusion

The main finding was to test and compare relative (W/kg) and absolute(W)

anaerobic power (W) on the VPT, the 40m and MPT. We hypothesized that the VJT

19

Anaerobic Power

would have a stronger correlation to the 40m than the MPT in regards to absolute(W) and

relative(W/kg) power(W) output; and males were predicted to produce the highest

absolute(W) and relative(W/kg) power(W) outputs.

We learned that the VJT, needed to utilize the subjects’ energies at a very fast

pace to complete the performance. Not only that, but in all three tests if the subject had an

injured knee it influences the performance. The MPT affected the subjects cognitively

because they feared falling or tripping on the steps; a factor that could impact

performance psychologically. The subject might have not known how many steps they

should be skipping in their mind, thus their split-second decision of starting causes them

to slow down, and rethink on their speed while climbing up the stairs resulting in a

slower time rate. We would recommend the subjects needed to eat enough food in order

to expend their energy more efficiently in each of these tests. We also recommend that

proper equipment should be used for more accurate results. Future studies should look

into expanding accuracy and completely eliminating human error in the Margaria test.

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Anaerobic Power

References

Hetzler, R. K., Vogelpohl, R. E., Stickley, C. D., Kuramoto, A. N., Delaura, M. R., &

Kimura, I. F. (2010). Development of a Modified Margaria-Kalamen

Anaerobic Power Test for American Football Athletes. Journal of Strength

and Conditioning Research, 24(4), 978-984.

Mangine, G. T., Fukuda, D. H., LaMonica, M. B., Gonzalez, A. M., Wells, A. J., Townsend,

J. R., . . . Hoffman, J. R. (2014). Influence of Gender and Muscle Architecture

Asymmetry on Jump and Sprint Performance. Journal of Sports Science and

Medicine, 904-911.

Powers, S. K., & Howley, E. T. (2015). Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to

Fitness and Performance. Boston: McGraw-Hill.

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