Design and methods for the Ranger Resilience and Improved Performance on Phospholipid bound Omega-3's (RRIPP-3 study).

Intake of nutrients fundamental for optimal neuronal function is of increasing interest. The potential importance of omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs) for optimizing emotional states, cognitive function, and mental health has been demonstrated in observational studies and randomized controlled trials. Omega-3 (HUFAs), specifically EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are concentrated in neural tissues and are essential for neural function, normative neurodevelopment, neurotransmitter, and neural immune functions. Omega-3 HUFAs must be obtained from the diet, predominantly from marine sources such as fish and other seafood. HUFAs also can be found in a variety of dietary supplements (omega-3 fatty acid esters, fish oil and krill oil). As dietary supplements, omega-3 HUFAs (fatty acid esters, fish and krill oils) differ substantially in their physicochemical properties and nutrient content. Here we present the design and methods for the Ranger Resilience and Improved Performance on Phospholipid bound Omega-3's (RRIPP-3) study. RRIPP-3 was a double blind, randomized, controlled trial among individuals in the United States (US) Army Infantry Basic Officer Leaders Course (IBOLC) and following US Ranger School training (RC) at Fort Benning, GA of omega-3 HUFA on krill oil versus placebo supplementation. The RRIPP-3 study sought to determine if krill oil supplementation with omega-3 HUFAs supports aspects of cognitive functioning critical to battlefield success when measured immediately after an intense combat simulation. Sub-analyses addressed basic improvements in IBOLC performance. We also describe additional outcome measures critical for interpretation of the study results, such as diet and other dietary supplement use.

Flexible Eating Behavior Predicts Greater Weight Loss Following a Diet and Exercise Intervention in Older Women.

Eating behaviors (cognitive restraint, flexible and rigid restraint, disinhibition, hunger) have been associated with obesity and weight loss success in middle-aged individuals, but little is known about these relationships in older adults. This study examined relationships between eating behaviors and weight loss in overweight/obese older women (n = 61; 69 ± 3.6 years; body mass index = 31.1 ± 5.0 kg/m2) completed a 6-month behavioral weight loss intervention. Baseline, postintervention, and change measures of eating behaviors (51-items Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire) were assessed for relationships with weight loss. In the final regression model, an increase in flexible restraint accompanied by a decrease in rigid restraint predicted greater weight loss (adjusted R2 = 0.21, Model F (4, 56) = 4.97, P < 0.01). No associations were found with disinhibition or hunger and degree of weight loss (all P > 0.05). Results suggest encouraging a flexible approach to eating behavior and discouraging rigid adherence to a diet may lead to better intentional weight loss for overweight and obese older women.

Year in college and sorority membership in predicting self-esteem of a sample of college women.

The empirical base for judging whether fraternity membership may be associated with higher self-esteem of college women as well as men is not strong and does not extend beyond the freshman year. This study was done to examine the relations among year in college, sorority membership, and self-esteem. Senior women reported highest scores on self-esteem. Members of sororities did not have a higher mean self-esteem than those who were not. No significant interaction between year in college and sorority membership was noted.

Comparison of Intake of Animal and Plant Foods and Related Nutrients in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Survivors and Controls.

This study's objective is to assess differences in dietary intakes in breast cancer survivors (n = 13) and women without a history of breast cancer (controls, n = 71). In a cross-sectional design, intake of foods, food groups, nutrients, and non-nutritive sweeteners was assessed using participant-completed three-day food records. All women were postmenopausal (mean age (SD) 58.5 (±3.8) y, 95% White, 2.4% Asian Pacific, and 2.4% Black). The two groups did not differ in age, energy intake, or body mass index (p > 0.05). Compared to controls, survivors consumed less dairy products, animal protein, total protein, and calcium, but more legumes, noncitrus fruit, and carbohydrates (p ≤ 0.05). Calcium intakes were of particular concern in survivors who consumed an average of 686 mg calcium/d, which is <60% of the recommended 1200 mg/d. Given the important role of calcium in bone health and protein in muscle function among aging women, breast cancer survivors may benefit from consultation with a Registered Dietitian or other health professional knowledgeable in nutritional recommendations for postmenopausal breast cancer survivors.

Food Insecurity and Eating Behavior Relationships Among Congregate Meal Participants in Georgia.

This study explored relationships of food insecurity with cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating behaviors among congregate meal participants in northeast Georgia [n = 118 years, age 60 years and older, mean (SD) age = 75 ( 8 ) years, 75% female, 43% Black, 53% obese (Body Mass Index ≥ 30)]. Food insecurity was assessed with a 6-item questionnaire. Scores ranged from 0 to 6 and were defined as high or marginal food security, FS, 0-1 (70%); low food security, LFS, 2-4 (20%); very low food security, VLFS, 5-6 (10%); and low and very low food security, LVLFS, 2-6 (30%). Eating behavior was assessed with an 18-item Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire R-18. In bivariate analyses food insecurity was consistently associated with cognitive restraint scores above the median split and to a lesser extent with uncontrolled eating scores (p ≤ 0.05). No association was found between emotional eating and food insecurity. In multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses, food insecurity was consistently associated with cognitive restraint (p ≤ 0.05) even when controlled for potential confounders (demographics, Body Mass Index, and chronic diseases). Food insecurity was also associated with uncontrolled eating (p ≤ 0.05), but the relationship was attenuated when controlled for potential confounding variables. Although cognitive restraint is defined as the conscious restriction of food intake to control body weight or promote weight loss, these findings suggest there may be other dimensions of cognitive restraint to consider in nutritional assessment and interventions among food-insecure older adults.

A wellness program for individuals with disabilities: Using a student wellness coach approach.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with disabilities are at higher risk of health conditions; thus, there is a need to provide hands-on opportunities for pre-healthcare professionals to interact with individual with disabilities as well as deliver wellness services to this population. OBJECTIVE: Examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a student-led wellness program for individuals with disabilities. METHODS: Thirty-two undergraduate student wellness coaches between the ages of 19-23 years, and fifteen participants with disabilities, ranging in ages from 28 to 74 years were included in this study. Every participant was assigned to at least 1 student wellness coach with the purpose of establishing an individualized wellness plan. RESULTS: After 3 months (fall 2013 academic semester), all wellness coaches demonstrated improved clinical interaction and confidence toward working with the participants. The participants had an average weight loss of 2.0 ± 2.9 kg, ranging from 0.0 to 9.0 kg. All participants had improved functionality and fitness and reported high satisfaction toward the program. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the impact of a unique program on the education of pre-healthcare professionals and the overall wellness of participants with disabilities. The program model has the potential to provide clinical health education among pre-healthcare professionals through interacting with individuals with disabilities.