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Reliability and Validity of the Modified Conconi Test on Concept II Rowing

Ergometers

Article in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research · December 2005

DOI: 10.1519/R-15754.1 · Source: PubMed

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Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2005, 19(4), 871–877
q 2005 National Strength & Conditioning Association

RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF THE MODIFIED

CONCONI TEST ON CONCEPT II
ROWING ERGOMETERS
ÖZGÜR ÇELIK,1 ŞÜKRAN NAZAN KOŞAR,2 FEZA KORKUSUZ,1 AND MURAT BOZKURT3
1
Middle East Technical University, Faculty of Education, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Ankara,
Turkey; 2Hacettepe University, School of Sport Sciences and Technology, Ankara, Turkey; 3Dr. Muhittin Ulker
Emergency Care and Traumatology Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.

ABSTRACT. Çelik, Ö., Ş.N. Koşar, F. Korkusuz, and M. Bozkurt. strength should be training objectives. In this type of en-
Reliability and validity of the modified Conconi test on Concept durance sport, the anaerobic threshold (AT) is an impor-
II rowing ergometers. J. Strength Cond. Res. 19(4):871–877. tant parameter in the achievement and maintenance of
2005.—The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability
performance. The AT is defined as the maximal work in-
and validity of the modified Conconi test on Concept II rowing
ergometers. Twenty-eight oarsmen conducted 3 performance tensity of oxygen intake (V̇O2) beyond which blood lactate
tests on separate days. Reliability was assessed using the break concentration increases sharply, causing metabolic aci-
point in heart rate (HR) linearity called the Conconi test (CT) dosis with associated alterations in gas exchange. The AT
and Conconi retest (CRT) for the noninvasive measurement of and other fatigue thresholds are used commonly for ad-
anaerobic threshold (AT). Blood lactate measurement was con- justing training intensity, monitoring the athletes’ adap-
sidered the gold standard for the assessment of the AT, and the tation to training, and predicting the performance of ath-
validity of the CT was assessed by blood samples taken during letes (16, 19–21, 25).
an incremental load test (ILT) on ergometers. According to the
Direct methods have been developed to determine the
results, the mean power output (PO) scores for the CT, CRT,
and ILT were 234.2 6 40.3 W, 232.5 6 39.7 W, and 229.7 6 39.6 AT; however, laboratory determination of the AT is lim-
W, respectively. The mean HR values at the AT for the CT, CRT, ited by the requirements of expensive, sophisticated
and ILT were 165.4 6 11.2 b·min, 160.4 6 10.8 b·min, and 158.3 equipment and trained personnel (31). Field tests were
6 8.8 b·min, respectively. Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) therefore designed to predict the AT.
analysis indicated a significant correlation between the 3 tests The Conconi test (CT) is one of the field tests com-
with one another. Also, Bland and Altman plots showed that monly used in running events. This test was created to
there was an association between noninvasive tests and the ILT determine the AT by forming a relationship between run-
PO scores and HRs (95% confidence interval [CI]). In conclusion,
ning speed and heart rate (HR) during an incremental
this study showed that the modified CT is a reliable and valid
method for determining the AT of elite men rowers. test. The speed vs. HR relationship has been described as
linear from low-to-submaximal speeds and curvilinear
KEY WORDS. anaerobic threshold, heart rate break point, oars- from submaximal-to-maximal speeds. This transition
men, noninvasive field test
from the linear to the curvilinear phase coincided with
the beginning of blood lactate accumulation. The test was
INTRODUCTION therefore developed as an indirect way to determine the
he main purpose of cyclic events, either short AT in elite runners (10). However, values obtained for

T or long distance, is to complete the competition

distance in the shortest time. Sport scientists
endeavor to improve physiologic and biome-
chanic factors that affect performance and prevent inju-
ries. Each sport discipline requires different skills to
those exercise performances are dependent on multiple
factors, including the type of physical exercise used in the
testing procedure (18). Therefore, in subsequent years, re-
searchers have reported different applications of this test
to several age groups, various athletic abilities, and other
physical activities (5, 9, 10, 26). However, in some appli-
achieve desirable results. These skills should be improved
by training with various techniques. cations, researchers could not find the deflection point,
Race rowing is considered one of the most demanding which was caused by some methodologic problems (13).
endurance sports (28). The median results in Fédération Conconi et al. (10) also explained these problems in such
Internationale des Sociétés d’Aviron (FISA) regattas from a manner that an increase in intensity was achieved by
1974 to 1989 indicated an average race duration of 6.5 applying a resistance in these studies (reply to Hofmann
minutes (range, 5.8–7.2 minutes) for elite men oarsmen et al. [13]). Running is a natural skill of men, and inten-
and 6.6 minutes (range, 5.9–7.3 minutes) for lightweights sity is changed mostly by movement frequency. Although
(24). Therefore, rowing can be classified as a medium- or rowing is a learned skill, stroke frequency is an important
long-duration endurance sport. The dominant energy sys- parameter for intensity. Therefore, the validity of the
tem in race rowing is aerobic (23). Medium muscular en- rowing modality of this test is not clear.
durance, long starting power, and maximum strength are Evaluation of elite athletes with their own sport
also important factors in that sport, and rowing requires equipment and in their own competition environment is
endurance and the ability to generate powerful strokes another important factor in AT testing (28). Rowing er-
against the water (4, 27). According to this information, gometers are reliable equipment devices that are com-
muscular endurance, starting power, and maximum monly used for testing oarsmen’s performance (29).

871
872 ÇELIK, KOŞAR, KORKUSUZ ET AL.

In recent years, the CT was modified to determine the formed almost 30% of their annual training on rowing
AT of rowers on rowing ergometers. However, there were ergometers. Tests were conducted in April and May at the
some concerns about these studies: the number of sub- end of precompetitive phase.
jects was limited, test ergometers were not used common-
ly in training or competitions, or subjects of the study Anthropometric Measurements
were not skillful enough to execute correct rowing move- Anthropometric parameters of participants were mea-
ments. Related studies were not compatible with the new- sured 2 days before the first performance test. Body
ly established recommendations of the CT according to height and weight were measured with the Seca anthro-
Conconi et al. (10) in 1996. In the present study, the orig- pometer and beam-balance scale (Seca, Vogel & Haike,
inal Conconi method for running was performed with Hamburg, Germany). Body mass index was also calculat-
rowers on rowing ergometers. General principles were im- ed (in kilograms per square meter). Body composition of
plemented according to these recommendations. The du- the participants was obtained using the bioelectrical im-
ration of each stage was 1 minute, and increments did pedance method (Omron BF 300 Body Fat Monitor, Mat-
not increase the pulse rate of subjects more than 8 susaka Co. Ltd., Matsusaka, Japan).
b·min21. It is hypothesized that with appropriate condi-
tions, the modified CT will be a reliable and valid method Performance Test Procedures
to be used in rowing. Participants performed 3 performance tests on 3 separate
The modified CT could be considered sport-specific. days. Two of the tests were the CT and Conconi retest
Although the testing of elite athletes’ performances with (CRT) to confirm the reliability of the noninvasive AT
common equipment like treadmills may be easier, the bio- measurement procedure. The last test was the incremen-
mechanics of specialized movements may not be precisely tal load test (ILT) to confirm the validity of the nonin-
duplicated with this type of equipment. Since it is easy to vasive anaerobic test measurement procedure. The inter-
apply and is highly economic, the CT was also accepted vals between the tests were 3–7 days. Tests were per-
as a useful method. Although blood lactate is considered formed in the participants’ own training environment by
the gold standard to determine the AT, it requires a lab- the same ergometer.
oratory setting and is too costly. Therefore, the rowers Participants were asked to drink at least 0.5 L of wa-
and coaches could assess the AT under field conditions ter 30 minutes before the tests to ensure that they were
using an easy method if the CT method can be confirmed fully hydrated. The food consumption habits of partici-
against the gold standard. pants were not altered. Participants were only instructed
Therefore, the goal of this study was to assess the re- not to engage in strenuous physical activity the day prior
liability and validity of the modified CT in highly trained to the testing. The testing procedure was as outlined in
oarsmen on Concept II rowing ergometers. the following paragraphs.
All performance tests were undertaken on a Model-C
METHODS (Concept II, Inc., Morrisville, VT) rowing ergometer, the
Experimental Approach to the Problem most widely used ergometer for training purposes (11).
The Concept II ergometer measured the intensity of ex-
Treadmill and cycle ergometers are very common testing ercise as power output (PO) (in watts). During all tests,
devices in most of the performance laboratory settings. the vanes of the ergometer were kept fully closed, and the
Although the testing of athletes from different athletic ergometers were self-calibrated. The HR was recorded ev-
branches on treadmills or cycle ergometers is more acces- ery 5 seconds using a Polar Vantage NV instrument (Po-
sible, this is not parallel to the principle of specialization lar Electro, Kempele, Finland).
in training. Therefore, it is important to measure rowers CT (noninvasive test). Participants were allowed to
with their training ergometers. Also, measuring blood lac- warm up for 5 minutes. Participants decided the initial
tate has been accepted as the gold standard in the as- intensity of the warm-up period. After the warm-up pe-
sessment of the AT, but this method is limited to sophis- riod, participants began rowing at a self-selected cadence
ticated laboratory conditions. The CT for the rowing mo- for the first minute at a steady PO of 75 W. Each minute
dality seems to be a suitable method for determining the thereafter, the PO was increased by 25 W (28). This load
AT of rowers. Although use of the CT may make it easier increment protocol was gradual to increase the corre-
to determine the AT, the reliability and validity of the sponding HR by less than 8 b·min21 each minute accord-
test were not assessed for rowing. In the present study, ing to the new specifications of Conconi et al. (10). Each
the reliability of the CT for rowers was assessed by test- stage was 60 seconds, and the test ended with the voli-
retest measurements, and the validity was assessed by tional exhaustion of the participant (10). Blood lactate
the blood lactate criterion test. was not measured during the tests, but it was measured
at the beginning and end of the tests.
Subjects
ILT (invasive test). A continuous progressive load pro-
Thirty well-trained oarsmen from 5 different sports clubs gram of 3-minute stages was adapted. The test started
volunteered to participate in this study. The availability with 150 W, and the PO was increased every 3 minutes
of subjects for the tests was the major inclusion criterion. by 50 W (6, 7, 30). The stroke rate during the tests varied
Two subjects’ data were excluded because of the lack of a between 20 and 34 strokes per minute. Capillary blood
deflection point in the CT. The experimental protocol was samples (5 ml) were obtained from the fingertip at the
approved by a local ethics committee. All subjects signed beginning and during the 30-second breaks between the
a consent form after being fully informed of the study’s work stages. Blood lactate concentrations were measured
methods, possible side effects, and purpose. All partici- with a Lactate Pro LT-1710 instrument (Arkray KDK Co.,
pants had more than 2 years of rowing experience and Kyoto, Japan). Lactate in the sample reacts with potas-
performed 6–9 training sessions per week. They also per- sium ferricyanide and lactate oxidase to form potassium
 THE MODIFIED CONCONI TEST FOR ROWING 873

FIGURE 1. Heart rate deflection point.

FIGURE 3. Relationship heart rate deflection and blood lac-

tate.

T ABLE 1. Selected physical characteristics of the subjects

(n 5 28).*
Mean SD
Age (y) 21.7 2.8
Height (cm) 182.0 6.2
Weight (kg) 81.1 12.8
BMI (kg/m2) 24.4 3.1
BC (%) 13.4 4.7
* BMI 5 body mass index; BC 5 body composition.

their mean in each subject. These differences were aver-

aged to show mean bias. Mean bias variability was used
to calculate the limits of agreement between the tests.
The confidence interval (CI) was determined for the mean
FIGURE 2. Power output at the 4-mmol/L blood lactate level.
bias and the upper and lower limits of agreement. From
the Bland and Altman formula, 95% CI, t0.05 was the crit-
ferrocyanide and pyruvate. Upon the application of a giv- ical value for 5% 2-tailed tests; t-distribution tables were
en voltage, ferrocyanide is oxidized, releasing electrons used with n 2 1 degree of freedom.
and creating a current. This current is measured amper-
ometrically and is directly proportional to the lactate con- RESULTS
centration of the blood sample. An analyzer is supplied Thirty well-trained oarsmen volunteered to participate in
with a check strip (to confirm that the analyzer is oper- this study; however, the results of 28 oarsmen were used,
ating correctly) and a calibration strip that provides a as 2 subjects’ data were excluded because of the lack of a
nonquantitative indication of instrument accuracy (22). deflection point in the CTs. Measured physical character-
The deflection point of HRs for the CT and PO corre- istics of participants are presented in Table 1.
sponds to the concentration in millimoles per liter for the
ILT and was evaluated by graphic analyses (Figures 1– Reliability and Validity Measurements
3). All measured data appeared to be normally distributed.
The associations between test and retest measurements
Statistical Analyses were evaluated by ICCs. Mean PO scores for the CT, CRT,
The mean and SD were calculated for the HR and PO at and ILT were 234.2 6 40.3 W, 232.5 6 39.7 W, and 229.7
the AT. Test-retest reliability of the Conconi method was 6 39.6 W, respectively. ICC results showed that test-re-
determined by the ICC. The level of statistical signifi- test results were significantly correlated with each other
cance was accepted as p # 0.05. with respect to PO (Table 2).
The method of Bland and Altman (1, 3) was also used Mean HR responses for the CT, CRT, and ILT were
to determine the association between the noninvasive CT 165.4 6 11.2 b·min21, 160.4 6 10.8 b·min21, and 158.3 6
and the criterion invasive method for PO and HR param- 8.8 b·min21, respectively. Moderate-to-high positive rela-
eters. For this method, differences between the tests were tionships between the tests were obtained with respect to
plotted for POs and HRs at the AT separately against HR responses (Table 2).
874 ÇELIK, KOŞAR, KORKUSUZ ET AL.

TABLE 2. Interclass correlation coefficient between Conconi

test, Conconi retest, and incremental load test for power output
and heart rate at anaerobic threshold.*†
Variables (n 5 28) CT/CRT CT/ILT CRT/ILT
Power output (W) 0.99 0.98 0.99
Heart rate (b·min21 ) 0.82 0.77 0.81
* p , 0.05.
† ICC 5 interclass correlation coefficient; CT 5 Conconi test;
CRT 5 Conconi retest; ILT 5 incremental load test.

FIGURE 6. Difference between CRT and ILT for PO plotted

against their mean. CRT 5 Conconi retest; ILT 5 incremental
load test; PO 5 power output.

FIGURE 4. Difference between CT and CRT for PO plotted

against their mean. CT 5 Conconi test; CRT 5 Conconi retest;
PO 5 power output.

FIGURE 7. Difference between CT and CRT for HR plotted

against their mean. CT 5 Conconi test; CRT 5 Conconi retest;
HR 5 heart rate.

teria of Bland and Altman, the plots showed good agree-

ment, because a very low number of data points were out-
side 1.96 SD of the mean of measurements.

DISCUSSION
The purpose of this study was to assess the validity and
FIGURE 5. Difference between CT and ILT for PO plotted reliability of the modified CT on rowing ergometers. The
against their mean. CT 5 Conconi test; ILT 5 incremental results of the present study were discussed in the frame-
load test; PO 5 power output. work that includes PO and HR at the AT. It was found
that the modified CT is a reliable and valid test for de-
termining the AT of elite oarsmen.
The Bland and Altman plots were constructed to give The subjects of this study were 28 trained oarsmen
a visual interpretation of the data. The level of statistical from 5 different sport clubs. However, the selection cri-
significance was accepted as the 95% CI. Mean differenc- teria were standard for all subjects, who had to have at
es against the measurements were used to test the reli- least 2 years of rowing ergometer experience; also, they
ability of noninvasive measurements (Figures 4–6 for PO had to be regular competitors in rowing races. Evaluated
data and Figures 7–9 for HR data). According to the cri- test protocol in this study was a sport-specific test for
 THE MODIFIED CONCONI TEST FOR ROWING 875

A reliability of criterion test was not conducted in the

present study. The ethical committee did not approve the
test-retest of this invasive method. Although this was a
limitation of the study, the same protocol has been used
as a criterion test in different studies several times (6, 7,
30).
These results demonstrate that the measurement of
PO at the AT is repeatable in CTs. Ballarin et al. (2) ap-
plied the CT to healthy children and adolescents. Tests
were implemented either outdoors on a track or indoors
in a gymnasium. Test and retest correlation coefficients
for speed and HR at the HR deflection point and slope of
the linear part of the graph for outdoor measurements
were 0.99, 0.82, and 0.95, and for indoor measurements,
these values were 0.99, 0.84, and 0.93. The findings of the
present study were in agreement with the results of the
Ballarin et al. study. Therefore, application of the CT to
various sports may prove a useful tool for training and
experimental purposes. Another finding of this study is
FIGURE 8. Difference between CT and CRT for HR plotted that PO was a more reliable criterion than HR only for
against their mean. CT 5 Conconi test; CRT 5 Conconi retest; the determination of exercise intensity.
HR 5 heart rate. Reliability and reproducibility of the deflection point
in the CT was criticized previously (15). An incompatible
test protocol, nutritional differences between test envi-
ronmental conditions, and tiredness have been suggested
as problems for reproducibility (10). In the present study,
care was taken with the application of the test; tests were
performed on reliable rowing ergometers, and increments
between stages were gradual. Participants were told to be
hydrated, and strenuous exercises the day before the per-
formance tests were prohibited.
In the current study, there was no significant differ-
ence between the HR obtained at the CT and ILT. How-
ever, interclass correlation between the HR for the CT
and ILT was moderate. The results of the present study
showed that PO was more reliable than HR measure-
ments at the AT. As mentioned previously, the standard-
ization and specialization of testing procedures were an
important part of the current study. All tests were con-
ducted at similar conditions and on the same ergometers
designed for training and competition. Participants of the
current study were at their recovery state. Differences in
the outcomes of the present study and that of Gaisl and
FIGURE 9. Difference between CT and CRT for HR plotted Wiesspeiner (12) could be related to the internal validity
against their mean. CT 5 Conconi test; CRT 5 Conconi retest; and execution criteria.
HR 5 heart rate. In recent years, Bourgois and Vrijens (6) examined the
validity of the CT during ergometry in young rowers. In-
vestigators compared CT results with individual AT and
rowers; thus, we included only well-trained oarsmen in 4-mmol/L blood lactate levels. The PO at the individual
our study. The validity and reliability of the CT were AT was significantly different from that at the 4-mmol/L
evaluated by 2 different parameters. These were the PO blood lactate level and at the CT AT. The HR at the in-
and HR at the AT. dividual AT was also significantly different from that of
In the present study, ICC values indicated that higher the HR at the 4-mmol/L blood lactate level and at the CT
reliability was achieved with either PO or HR using the AT. Correlation coefficients between the tests for PO and
CT and CRT. Also, there was a significant correlation be- HR were low or not significant.
tween the ILT and CT POs at the AT. In addition, the Unlike the study of Bourgois and Vrijens, the present
mean HR responses at the AT among the 3 tests were study showed that there was a high correlation between
correlated with each other significantly but were not as the CT and ILT, specifically with respect to PO at AT
high as the PO correlations. levels. Although the design of both studies and the con-
The differences between the CT and the ILT for the tent of test protocols were similar, Bourgois and Vrijens
POs at the ATs were plotted against their means by the examined only 10 subjects. This number was relatively
Bland and Altman method. Similarly, the differences be- low for determining the validity of a test. Experience on
tween the CT and the ILT HRs at the AT were evaluated rowing ergometers could also have affected the test re-
by plots. In all measurements, the CT showed good agree- sults. Subjects of the present study were senior-A or se-
ment either with each other or with the criterion test. nior-B oarsmen, and they had at least 2 years of rowing
876 ÇELIK, KOŞAR, KORKUSUZ ET AL.

experience. Another important point was the compatibil- PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

ity of rowing ergometers with water rowing. Concept II
rowing ergometers, used in the current study, were the The results of this study show that the modified CT is a
most widely used ergometers for training purposes (11). reliable and valid test for determining the ATs of elite
Performance on water rowing could be predicted accu- men rowers. Measured PO at the AT by CT can be used
rately by means of Concept II rowing ergometers (11, 28, to assess the performance level of rowers and the effect
29). On the other hand, Bourgois and Vrijens used of training periodically. On the basis of these results,
MicRow ergometers, which were mechanically controlled, training programs can be designed.
and the PO could only be increased manually. Those dif-
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Editorial Board
Editor-in-Chief
William J. Kraemer, PhD, CSCS, FNSCA
Ohio State University
Senior Associate Editors
Kent J. Adams, PhD, CSCS
Dawn E. Anderson, PhD, CISSN, CSCS*D Michael R. McGuigan, PhD, CSCS
Shawn M. Arent, PhD, CSCS*D, FACSM Robert U. Newton, PhD, CSCS, FNSCA
Mark Blegen, PhD, FACSM Bradley C. Nindl, PhD
Lee E. Brown, EdD, CSCS, FNSCA Mark D. Peterson, PhD, CSCS
Loren Chiu, PhD, CSCS Nicholas A. Ratamess, PhD, CSCS,
Jared W. Coburn, PhD, CSCS, FNSCA FNSCA
Joel T. Cramer, PhD, CSCS, FNSCA Jeffrey R. Stout, PhD, CSCS, FNSCA
Michael R. Deschenes, PhD N. Travis Triplett, PhD, CSCS, FNSCA
Tammy K. Evetovich, PhD, CSCS Jakob L. Vingren, PhD, CSCS
Sean P. Flanagan, PhD, ATC, CSCS Joseph P. Weir, PhD, FNSCA
G. Gregory Haff, PhD, CSCS, FNSCA Lawrence W. Weiss, EdD, CSCS,
Disa L. Hatfield, PhD FNSCA
Jay R. Hoffman, PhD, CSCS, FNSCA Jason B. Winchester, PhD, CSCS
Terry J. Housh, PhD, FNSCA
Patrick I. Jacobs, PhD, CSCS
Moh H. Malek, PhD, CSCS*D, FNSCA
Jerry L. Mayhew, PhD

Associate Editors
Per Aagaard, PhD Daniel A. Judelson, PhD, CSCS
Juha Ahtiainen, PhD Fawzi Kadi, PhD
Brent A. Alvar, PhD, CSCS Jie Kang, PhD
Stephen E. Alway, PhD Justin Keogh, PhD
William E. Amonette, PhD, CSCS Chad M. Kerksick, PhD, CSCS, ATC
Lawrence E. Armstrong, PhD Erik Kirk, PhD, CSCS, NSCA-CPT
Kevin D. Ballard, PhD Duane V. Knudson, PhD
Marcas M. Bamman, PhD L. Perry Koziris, PhD, CSCS, FNSCA
Travis W. Beck, PhD, CSCS Robert R. Kraemer, PhD
Debra Bemben, PhD Len Kravitz, PhD
Michael G. Bemben, PhD Thue Kvorning, PhD
Kris Berg, EdD Hugh Lamont, PhD, CSCS
Richard J. Bloomer, PhD, CSCS Elaine C. Lee, PhD
Richard W. Bohannon, EdD, DPT Rhodri S. Lloyd, PhD, CSCS
Jill A. Bush, PhD, CSCS Carl M. Maresh, PhD
Laura Capranica, Msc Stephanie M. Mazerolle, PhD, ATC/L
Lara A. Carlson, PhD, CSCS Jeffrey M. McBride, PhD, CSCS, FNSCA
John Caruso, PhD John P. McCarthy, PhD, PT, CSCS
Douglas J. Casa, PhD, ATC, CSCS Kevin McCurdy, PhD
Robert D. Chetlin, PhD, CSCS Brendon P. McDermott, PhD, ATC
Philip D. Chilibeck, PhD Ronald A. Meyer, PhD
Joseph T. Ciccolo, PhD, CSCS Mindy L. Millard-Stafford, PhD
Brett Comstock, PhD, CSCS Todd Miller, PhD, CSCS
Declan A. J. Connolly, PhD, CSCS Aron Murphy, PhD
Prue Cormie, PhD, CSCS Gregory D. Myer, PhD
Cristina Cortis, PhD Sophia Nimphius, PhD, CSCS
Pablo B. Costa, PhD Benjamin C. Noonan, MD, MS
Bruce W. Craig, PhD, FNSCA Kazunori Nosaka, PhD
Stephen E. Crouse, PhD David R. Pearson, PhD, CSCS, FNSCA
Jason M. DeFreitas, PhD, CSCS Lori L. Ploutz-Snyder, PhD
Craig R. Denegar, PhD, PT, ATC Jeffery A. Potteiger, PhD
Lindsay J. DiStefano, PhD, ATC Eric S. Rawson, PhD, CSCS
Peter N. Draper, PhD Raoul F. Reiser, II, PhD, CSCS
Eric J. Drinkwater, PhD Matthew R. Rhea, PhD
Courtenay Dunn-Lewis, PhD E. Paul Roetert, PhD
J. Larry Durstine, PhD Martyn R. Rubin, PhD
Jacob E. Earp, PhD, CSCS Eric D. Ryan, PhD, CSCS
William P. Ebben, PhD, CSCS, FNSCA William A. Sands, PhD
Joan M. Eckerson, PhD, FNSCA, CSCS Stephen P. Sayers, PhD
Avery D. Faigenbaum, EdD, CSCS, FNSCA Timothy P. Scheett, PhD
Sean P. Flanagan, PhD, ATC, CSCS Brian Schilling, PhD, CSCS, FNSCA
Steven J. Fleck, PhD, CSCS, FNSCA Brad J. Schoenfeld, PhD, CSCS, FNSCA
Carl Foster, PhD Richard L. Seip, PhD
Kristi R. Fox, PhD, ATC, CSCS Trish G. Sevene, PhD, CPT
Maren S. Fragala, PhD, CSCS Jill M. Slade, PhD
Duncan N. French, PhD, CSCS Abbie E. Smith-Ryan, PhD, CSCS
Karl E. Friedl, PhD Ann C. Snyder, PhD, CSCS
Andrew C. Fry, PhD, CSCS, FNSCA Barry A. Spiering, PhD, CSCS
Tim Gabbett, PhD Robert S. Staron, PhD
Matthew S. Ganio, PhD Rebecca L. Stearns, PhD, ATC
Ana L. Gomez, PhD W. Craig Stevens, PhD, CSCS
Scott E. Gordon, PhD, CSCS Matt S. Stock, PhD, CSCS
Lincoln A. Gotshalk, PhD, CSCS Michael H. Stone, PhD, FNSCA
Keijo Häkkinen, PhD Ann M. Swank, PhD, CSCS
Everett A. Harman, PhD, CSCS David J. Szymanski, PhD, CSCS
Stephen D. R. Harridge, PhD Maria L. Urso, PhD
Trent J. Herda, PhD Alan C. Utter, PhD,MPH
 Jen-Yu Ho, PhD Jeff S. Volek, PhD, RD, CSCS
Daniel B. Hollander, EdD Jan Simon Walker, PhD
William G. Hopkins, PhD Simon Walker, PhD
Joseph A. Houmard, PhD Bradley J. Warr, PhD, CSCS
Dona J. Housh, PhD William C. Whiting, PhD, CSCS
Monica J. Hubal, PhD Colin D. Wilborn, PhD, CSCS, ATC
Gary R. Hunter, PhD, CSCS Jeffrey M. Willardson, PhD
John L. Ivy, PhD Darryn S. Willoughby, PhD, CSCS
Mikel Izquierdo, PhD Jacob M. Wilson, PhD
Bert H. Jacobson, EdD Chad A. Witmer, PhD, CSCS
Randall Jensen, PhD, CSCS Glenn A. Wright, PhD
Margaret T. Jones, PhD, FNSCA, CSCS Linda M. Yamamoto, PhD, CSCS
F. Michael Joseph, PhD, PT

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