No Effect of Breakfast Consumption Observed for Afternoon Resistance Training Performance in Habitual Breakfast Consumers and Nonconsumers: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

BACKGROUND: Pre-exercise meal frequency is commonly believed to impact exercise performance, but little is known about its impact on resistance training. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the impact of breakfast consumption on afternoon resistance training performance in habitual breakfast consumers and nonconsumers. DESIGN: A randomized, crossover study was conducted in Lubbock, TX between November 2021 and May 2022. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-nine resistance-trained male (n = 20) and female (n = 19) adults (mean ± SD age 23.0 ± 4.7 years) who habitually consumed (≥5 d/wk; n = 19) or did not consume (≥5 d/wk; n = 20) breakfast completed the study. INTERVENTION: After the establishment of 1-repetition maximums at the first visit, participants completed 2 additional visits, each of which included 4 sets of barbell back squat, bench press, and deadlift, using 80% of their 1-repetition maximum after either consuming breakfast and lunch or the same food at lunch only. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Repetitions, along with average and peak average concentric velocity and power, were measured for all repetitions throughout each exercise session. Visual analog scales were used to assess feelings of fatigue, energy, focus, hunger, desire to eat, and fullness throughout each exercise session. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. RESULTS: No interactions or main effects involving condition or habitual breakfast consumption were observed for resistance training outcomes, although sex differences were noted. Male participants performed significantly fewer repetitions on sets 2, 3, and 4 (P < .014) for total repetitions, on sets 2 and 4 for barbell back squat (P < .023), and set 4 for deadlift (P = .006), with no observed differences between sexes for bench press repetitions. Male participants displayed reductions in average power across all sets and exercises except deadlift. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that alterations in pre-exercise meal frequency may not influence afternoon resistance training performance provided similar total nutritional intake is consumed.

Evaluation of novel beverage formulations for hydration enhancement in humans.

This study evaluated the influence of novel beverage formulations on bioimpedance- and urine-based hydration markers. Thirty young healthy adults (n=16 females, n=14 males; age: 23.2±3.7 years; BMI: 24.3±3.3 kg/m2) participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Participants completed three conditions with baseline bioimpedance, urine, and body mass assessments, followed by ingestion of one liter of a test beverage over a 30-minute period. The three beverages were: active hydration formulation in still (AFstill) or sparkling (AFspark) water and a still water control. The active formulations were identical in concentrations of alpha-cyclodextrin and complexing agents. Following beverage ingestion, bioimpedance assessments were performed every 15 minutes for two hours, followed by final urinary and body mass assessments. The primary bioimpedance outcomes were phase angle at 50 kHz, resistance of the extra-cellular compartment (R0), and resistance of the intracellular compartment (Ri). Data were analyzed using linear mixed effects models, Friedman tests, and Wilcoxon tests. Statistically significant changes in phase angle values were observed at 30 (p=0.004) and 45 minutes (p=0.024) following the initiation of beverage ingestion in the AFstill condition as compared to the reference model (i.e., control condition at baseline). Although differences between conditions were not statistically significant at later time points, the data were consistent with AFstill having greater elevations in phase angle throughout the monitoring period. At the 30-minute time point only, statistically significant differences in R0 for AFspark (p<0.001) and in Ri for AFstill (p=0.008) were observed. When averaged across post-ingestion time points, there was a trend (p=0.08) for Ri differences between conditions. The net fluid balance was greater than zero, indicating retention of ingested fluid, for AFstill (p=0.02) and control (p=0.03), with a trend for AFspark (p=0.06). In conclusion, an active formulation containing alpha-cyclodextrin in still water demonstrated potential benefits for enhancing hydration markers in humans.

Anthropometric Predictors of Conventional Deadlift Kinematics and Kinetics: A Preliminary Study.

The purpose of this preliminary analysis was to determine if there are relationships between anthropometric characteristics (arm length, torso length, thigh length, and shank length) and conventional deadlift (CDL) kinematics and kinetics during a 5 sets of 5 repetitions (5 × 5) CDL routine in resistance-trained males. Eleven males who had experience with the deadlift exercise were included in this analysis (age: 21.5 ± 1.4 y; height: 180.7 ± 5.7 cm; body mass: 89.9 ± 16.0 kg). Anthropometrics were measured by a 3-dimensional optical scanner. The participants underwent a 5 × 5 CDL workout using a self-selected load corresponding to a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of 8 out of 10. Performance outcomes were measured synchronously using a 3-dimensional 12-camera motion capture system and two force platforms. Outcomes were averaged across all sets and analyzed using multiple linear regression. The selected anthropometric variables were not significantly related to the CDL performance outcomes, except for concentric ankle work. However, in the overall model, anthropometric predictors did not significantly predict ankle concentric work (p = 0.11; R 2 = 0.67; R_2adj = 0.45). Independently, thigh length significantly correlated with ankle concentric work (p = 0.03). In this model, thigh length accounted for 55% of the normalized variance in ankle concentric work. The results from this preliminary study suggest that arm length, torso length, and shank length may not play a clear role in the examined CDL outcomes, but thigh length may be positively correlated with ankle concentric work during a 5 × 5 CDL routine in resistance-trained males.

Effects of a ready-to-drink thermogenic beverage on resting energy expenditure, hemodynamic function, and subjective outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Thermogenic supplements are often consumed by individuals seeking to improve energy levels and reduce body fat. These supplements are sold in powdered or ready-to-drink (RTD) forms and consist of a blend of ingredients such as caffeine, green tea extract, and other botanical compounds. While there is evidence that thermogenic supplements can positively affect resting energy expenditure (REE), the effect varies based on the combination of active ingredients. Additionally, there is some concern that thermogenic supplements may cause unwanted side effects on hemodynamic variables, like heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP). Therefore, further investigation into the efficacy and safety of commercially available products is warranted. METHODS: Twenty-eight individuals (14 F, 14 M; age: 23.3 ± 3.9 yrs; height: 169.4 ± 8.6 cm; body mass: 73.3 ± 13.1 kg) completed two visits in a randomized, double-blind, crossover fashion. Each visit began with baseline REE, HR, and BP assessments, which were followed by ingestion of an active RTD thermogenic beverage (RTD; OxyShred Ultra Energy) or placebo (PL). Assessments were repeated at the intervals of 35-50- and 85-100-minutes post-ingestion. In addition, subjective outcomes of energy, focus, concentration, alertness, and mood were collected five times throughout each visit. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed with condition and time specified as within-subjects factors and sex and resistance training (RT) status as between-subjects factors. Statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05. RESULTS: A significant condition × time interaction was observed for REE (p < 0.001). Higher REE values were demonstrated at 35-50 min (0.08 ± 0.02 kcal/min; p = 0.001; 5.2% difference) and 85-100 min (0.08 ± 0.02 kcal/min; p = 0.001; 5.5% difference) after RTD ingestion as compared to PL. No significant condition × time interactions were observed for respiratory quotient, HR, or BP. Condition main effects indicated lower HR (3.0 ± 0.9 bpm; p = 0.003), higher SBP (3.5 ± 1.1 mm Hg; p = 0.003) and higher DBP (3.5 ± 0.9 mm Hg; p < 0.001) in RTD as compared to PL, irrespective of time. Condition × time interactions were observed for all subjective outcomes (p ≤ 0.02). Post hoc tests indicated statistically significant benefits of the RTD over PL for energy, focus, concentration, and alertness, without significant differences for mood after correction for multiple comparisons. Sex and RT status were not involved in interactions for any outcomes, except for a Sex × RT status interaction for energy, indicating higher energy ratings in non-resistance-trained vs. resistance-trained males. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that acute ingestion of a thermogenic RTD beverage significantly increases REE, and this elevated caloric expenditure is sustained for at least 100 minutes following ingestion. Furthermore, the RTD beverage increased measures of energy, focus, concentration, and alertness as compared to placebo. While minor differences in hemodynamic variables were observed between conditions, all values stayed within normal ranges. Individuals aiming to increase energy expenditure may benefit from acute ingestion of an RTD thermogenic supplement.

Assessing the reliability and cross-sectional and longitudinal validity of fifteen bioelectrical impedance analysis devices.

The purpose of this investigation was to expand upon the limited existing research examining the test-retest reliability, cross-sectional validity and longitudinal validity of a sample of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) devices as compared with a laboratory four-compartment (4C) model. Seventy-three healthy participants aged 19-50 years were assessed by each of fifteen BIA devices, with resulting body fat percentage estimates compared with a 4C model utilising air displacement plethysmography, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and bioimpedance spectroscopy. A subset of thirty-seven participants returned for a second visit 12-16 weeks later and were included in an analysis of longitudinal validity. The sample of devices included fourteen consumer-grade and one research-grade model in a variety of configurations: hand-to-hand, foot-to-foot and bilateral hand-to-foot (octapolar). BIA devices demonstrated high reliability, with precision error ranging from 0·0 to 0·49 %. Cross-sectional validity varied, with constant error relative to the 4C model ranging from -3·5 (sd 4·1) % to 11·7 (sd 4·7) %, standard error of the estimate values of 3·1-7·5 % and Lin's concordance correlation coefficients (CCC) of 0·48-0·94. For longitudinal validity, constant error ranged from -0·4 (sd 2·1) % to 1·3 (sd 2·7) %, with standard error of the estimate values of 1·7-2·6 % and Lin's CCC of 0·37-0·78. While performance varied widely across the sample investigated, select models of BIA devices (particularly octapolar and select foot-to-foot devices) may hold potential utility for the tracking of body composition over time, particularly in contexts in which the purchase or use of a research-grade device is infeasible.

The influence of caffeinated and non-caffeinated multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements on resistance exercise performance and subjective outcomes.

Background: There is substantial consumer and practitioner interest in an emerging supplement class known as multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements (MIPS), largely due to their prevalence in resistance training communities as well as research findings demonstrating the ergogenic impact of caffeine on muscular performance. However, limited research has examined the potential efficacy of non-caffeinated MIPS, despite their growing popularity among those who are caffeine-sensitive or who train later in the day. Methods: Twenty-four resistance-trained college-aged males (n = 12) and females (n = 12) completed three visits in which they ingested either a caffeinated MIPS (C), an otherwise identical non-caffeinated MIPS (NC), or placebo in a double-blind, counterbalanced, crossover fashion. Squat isometric peak force (PFiso), rate of force development (RFD), and isokinetic performance were assessed. Upper and lower body maximal muscular strength and endurance were evaluated using the bench press and leg press, respectively. Visual analog scales for energy, focus, and fatigue were completed five times throughout the testing protocol. The effects of supplementation and biological sex on all variables were examined using linear mixed effects models. Results: Significantly greater PFiso was observed in both C (b: 0.36 transformed units [0.09, 0.62]) and NC (b: 0.32 transformed units [95% CI: 0.05, 0.58]) conditions, relative to placebo. Early RFD (RFD50) may have been higher with supplementation, particularly in females, with no effects for late RFD (RFD200) or peak RFD. In addition, increases in subjective energy after supplement ingestion were noted for C, but not NC. No effects of supplementation on traditional resistance exercise performance or isokinetic squat performance were observed, other than a lower leg press one-repetition maximum for males in the NC condition. Conclusions: These data indicate that acute ingestion of either a caffeinated or non-caffeinated pre-workout formulation improved maximal force production during an isometric squat test but did not provide additional benefit to leg press, bench press, or isokinetic squat performance over placebo, within the context of a laboratory environment. The consumption of a caffeinated, but not non-caffeinated, MIPS increased subjective ratings of energy over placebo when assessed as part of a testing battery.

Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry fat mass.

The present study examined cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between total and segmental subcutaneous tissue thicknesses from ultrasonography (US) and total and segmental fat mass (FM) estimates from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Traditional US FM estimates were also examined. Twenty resistance-trained males (mean ± SD; age: 22.0 ± 2.6 years; body mass: 74.8 ± 11.5 kg; DXA fat: 17.5 ± 4.5%) completed a 6-week supervised resistance training programme while consuming a hypercaloric diet. Pre- and post-intervention body composition was assessed by DXA and B-mode US. Data were analysed using Pearson's correlation (r), Lin's correlation coefficient (CCC), paired t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and Bland-Altman analysis, as appropriate. Cross-sectionally, correlations were observed between total DXA FM and total subcutaneous tissue thickness (r = 0.88). Longitudinally, a correlation was observed between total DXA FM changes and total subcutaneous tissue changes (r = 0.49, CCC = 0.38). Correlations of similar magnitudes were observed for the upper body and trunk estimates, but DXA FM changes were unrelated to subcutaneous tissue changes for the lower body and arms. Cross-sectionally, US 2-compartment FM and DXA FM were correlated (r = 0.91, CCC = 0.83). Longitudinally, a weaker correlation was observed (r = 0.47, CCC = 0.33). In summary, longitudinal associations between US and DXA are weaker than cross-sectional relationships; additionally, correlations between US subcutaneous tissue and whole-body DXA FM appear to be driven by the trunk region rather than appendages. Reporting raw skinfold thicknesses rather than FM estimates alone may improve the utility of techniques based on subcutaneous tissue thickness, such as US and skinfolds.

Effects of Citrulline Malate and Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Energy Metabolism and Blood Flow During Submaximal Resistance Exercise.

The ergogenic effects of citrulline malate (CitMal) and beetroot juice (BEET) have been widely studied, but their effects on physiological outcomes related to resistance exercise are not fully understood. The purpose of this randomized, double-blind, crossover study was to investigate the effects of CitMal (8 g) and BEET (400 mg nitrate) on blood pressure (BP), blood flow, and energy efficiency during submaximal leg extension. Recreationally active males (n = 27; age: 22 ± 4 yrs) completed familiarization, followed by three testing visits. Supine and standing BP were measured upon arrival, followed by supplement ingestion, a 2-h rest period, postsupplement BP measurement, and a bout of repeated submaximal isotonic leg extensions at 25% of maximal voluntary contraction torque. Diameter (aDIAM) and blood flow (aBF) of the superficial femoral artery, and cross-sectional area (CSA) and echo intensity (EI) of the vastus lateralis, were measured before and after exercise via ultrasonography. Muscle blood flow (mBF) and oxygen consumption (mVO2), along with whole-body energy expenditure (EE) and respiratory exchange ratio (RER), were measured before and during exercise via indirect calorimetry and near-infrared spectroscopy. Baseline RER values differed among treatments (p = 0.01); BEET was higher than CitMal (p = 0.01) but not PLA (p = 0.58); CitMal and PLA were not significantly different (p = 0.12). No other measurements were significantly affected by treatment (all p > 0.05). Results suggest that neither CitMal nor BEET significantly influence resting BP, blood flow, or metabolic efficiency during submaximal leg extension in recreationally active males.

Effects of Citrulline Malate and Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Blood Flow, Energy Metabolism, and Performance During Maximum Effort Leg Extension Exercise.

Trexler, ET, Keith, DS, Schwartz, TA, Ryan, ED, Stoner, L, Persky, AM, and Smith-Ryan, AE. Effects of citrulline malate and beetroot juice supplementation on blood flow, energy metabolism, and performance during maximum effort leg extension exercise. J Strength Cond Res 33(9): 2321-2329, 2019-Citrulline malate (CitMal) and beetroot juice (BEET) are increasingly popular ergogenic aids, but few studies have rigorously investigated their effects on resistance exercise performance and underlying mechanisms. The current randomized, double-blind, crossover study evaluated the effects of CitMal and BEET supplementation on blood flow, metabolic efficiency, and performance during maximal isokinetic leg extension exercise. After familiarization, 27 recreationally active men (age: 22 ± 4 years) completed 3 visits in which subjects ingested a treatment beverage (CitMal [8 g], BEET [400-mg nitrate], or placebo [PLA]), followed by a 2-hour rest period, warm-up, and 5 sets of 30 concentric leg extensions. Before and after exercise, ultrasound was used to measure diameter (aDIAM) and blood flow (aBF) of the superficial femoral artery, along with cross-sectional area and echo intensity of the vastus lateralis. Plasma analytes (lactate, nitrate/nitrite [NOx], and urea nitrogen [BUN]) were also assessed at these times, and indirect calorimetry was used to measure energy expenditure and respiratory exchange ratio before and during exercise. Resting NOx values were higher in BEET (233.2 ± 1.1 µmol·L) compared with CitMal (15.3 ± 1.1, p < 0.0001) and PLA (13.4 ± 1.1, p < 0.0001). Postexercise NOx values, adjusted for resting differences, were higher in BEET (86.3 ± 1.2 µmol·L) than CitMal (21.3 ± 1.1, p < 0.0001) and PLA (18.1 ± 1.1, p < 0.0001). No other variables were affected by treatment (all p > 0.05). While BEET increased NOx, neither treatment was found to enhance performance, blood flow, metabolic efficiency, nor the hormonal response to leg extension exercise.