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Michael McIsaac, MS, MS, CSCS

Cardiovascular Disease

The cardiovascular system serves many important functions, and supports every other physiological system. The more positive adaptation the cardiovascular system experiences, the more proficient it can fulfill its roles. Conversely, a diseased cardiovascular system will hinder all other physiological processes. I would like to briefly review the functions of the cardiovascular system, look deeper into […]

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Children Are Not Miniature Adults

Children and adults share similar biochemical and physiological characteristics. However, “similar” should not be confused with “identical.” I would like to review some of these characteristics, identify similarities, and attempt to show subtleties that exist between these two age groups. Childhood might be defined as the period of time between the first birthday and adolescence, […]

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Limitations in Youth Strength Training

Neurological adaptations drive strength gains in preadolescent resistance training. Although children can improve strength and force development, limitations within their own physiology does exist. I would like to review these limitations, and explore solutions to circumvent them. Resistance training in children is accompanied by several physiological adaptations such as improved maximal oxygen uptake, body composition, […]

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Youth Strength Training and Neural Adaptations

Positive outcomes with periodized and supervised strength programs for youth are well documented.  However, the physiological pathway to force production among children is somewhat different than that of adults. I would like to review, in more detail, those mechanisms behind preadolescent strength adaptations. Strength gains are precursors to improved power and athleticism in sport (Kenney, […]

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Youth and Resistance Training: Myths and Facts

Research shows unequivocal evidence that exercise has benefits on many biomarkers of the human movement system. However, interpretation and dissemination of evidence have, at times, become skewed. I would like to move through a brief history of preadolescent exercise, the misconceptions that followed it, and contemporary support for youth resistance training. The term “youth” uses […]

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Exercise and Cold Weather Injuries

Cold environments have the potential to hamper performance and safety in both recreational and competitive individuals. I live in a colder environment in Newfoundland, and many of my clients engage in outdoor winter activities. I would like to define cold injuries, review predisposing factors, and cover preventative strategies to attenuate these risks. Cold injuries can […]

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Exercise, Heat, and Acclimation

In my previous posts, I outlined how hot and humid climates increase the rate of dehydration during exercise. I also provided strategies to maintain proper fluid balance in these conditions. I would now like to explore the concept of heat acclimation and methods to overcome and adapt to hot environments. Heat acclimation can be defined […]

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Environmental Conditions, Hydration, and Fluid Content

In my previous post, I outlined how hot and humid climates increase the rate of dehydration during exercise, as well as at rest. Although replenishment and maintenance of fluid balance is integral in maintaining homeostasis, content of fluids are of equal importance. During moderate to intense exercise, carbohydrates become a primary contributor to energy production […]

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Environmental Conditions, Sweating, and Hydration

Post-rehabilitation (PR) clients require diligent and scrupulous program design. This population is often deconditioned, consequently decreasing the margin of error and increasing the risk of re-injury. Thus, training requires a sound pragmatic and theoretical approach. Conscientiousness of my clients’ training environment is also part of risk management. I would like to explore the concepts of […]

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Low Glycemic Index Foods, Blood Lipid Profiles, and Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is a prevalent condition in Western society. Research suggests that carbohydrates, especially refined sources, are associated with the aforementioned malady in addition to obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes (Pereira, Almeida, Alfenas, & Cassia, 2014). As high as 50% of total daily calories come from refined carbohydrates in the standard American diet, […]

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