Dr. Nelson's interests lie with the physiological and biochemical adaptations of skeletal muscle to acute and chronic stressors (e.g. exercise and environment), and how these adaptations can be manipulated to improve work and/or athletic performance. As a result of this interest, Dr. Nelson is also involved with research into ergogenic aids as well as new and improved methods of physical training. Dr. Nelson performs both basic and applied research. By gaining insight into basic principles, it allows him to be aware of the most efficacious application methods. For instance one of his current areas of investigation revolves around muscle stiffness. He first noted a difference between fast and slow motor units in the stiffness of the myotendinous junction in rats. Based on that observation, he has, along with several collaborators designed studies to investigate the influence of acute and chronic stretching on several performance variables in humans. Those variables influenced by acute stretching are being investigated further to establish whether or not there are any fiber type specific modulations in these variables.
Nelson, A.G., J. Kokkonen, D.A. Arnall. (2011). Twenty minutes of passive stretching lowers glucose levels in an at risk population: an experimental study. Journal of Physiotherapy 57(3):173-178.
McGuigan, M.R., M.J. Newton, J.B. Winchester, and A.G. Nelson. (2010). Relationship between isometric and dynamic strength in recreationally trained men. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 24(9):2570 2573.
Kokkonen J., A.G. Nelson, T. Tarawhiti1, P. Buckingham, J. B. Winchester. (2010). Early Phase Resistance Training Strength Gains In Novice Lifters Are Enhanced By Doing Static Stretching. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 24(2):502 506.
Winchester J.B., A.G. Nelson, J Kokkonen. (2009). A single thirty-second stretch is sufficient to inhibit maximal voluntary strength. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport 80:257-261.
Selected Presentations
2011 American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, Denver, CO: “Dim Light Exposure Reduces a Type 2 Diabetic's Glucoregulatory Ability: A Case Study.”
2009 American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting,, Seattle, WA: AHormonal markers and physical performance during a peak taper cycle in elite track and field athletes.@