Is the pink ball still under review? Cricket umpires' perceptions of the pink ball for day/night matches.

OBJECTIVES: The visibility of the pink ball used in day/night Test cricket has been under scrutiny, with recent research suggesting cricketers find the pink ball less visible at dusk under floodlights. With increasing interest in this match format, this study sought to investigate elite umpires' opinions pertaining to the visibility of the pink cricket ball during day/night matches. DESIGN: Purposeful sampling of a cross-section of elite umpires with experience adjudicating matches played using a pink cricket ball. METHODS: Twenty-seven international/first-class umpires completed a questionnaire consisting of Likert scale and free text responses covering perceptions of the pink cricket ball, with a particular emphasis on visibility. RESULTS: The pink ball when viewed at night under floodlights was rated as being significantly more visible than the red ball during natural lighting (ps<0.050). Umpires who actively participated in training reported a significantly higher rating of the visibility of the pink ball (mean -3.14) at night under floodlights compared to those who didn't (mean p=0.010). No significant difference was reported in visibility in natural light or dusk under floodlights. Free text responses (n=10) revealed the following themes: use of eyewear (coverage 0.30), and adjustment to positioning (coverage 0.20) to improve visibility of the pink ball. CONCLUSIONS: Umpires report the visibility of the pink ball is equal to the red in natural light and at dusk but is significantly better at night. Preference for the pink ball is likely due to the predominantly perceptual nature of visual tasks performed by umpires.

Changes in body dysmorphic disorder, eating disorder, and exercise addiction symptomology during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study of 319 health club users.

The aim of this longitudinal study was to examine the effect of COVID-19 quarantines on morbid exercise, eating, and body image behaviours pre vs post COVID-19 lockdown. Participants (n=319; mean age 36.77 SD=11.75; 84% female) were recruited to complete a battery of questions with 14 month follow-up. Exercise addiction scores were significantly lower post-lockdown; eating disorder symptomology scores were significantly higher post-COVID-19 lockdown; and leisure-time exercise significantly increased post-COVID-19 lockdown. No differences in body dysmorphic disorder were found. If future lockdowns are enforced, practitioners working with people with suspected morbid eating habits should monitor this closely.

Home Administration of CVD 103-HgR: A Live Attenuated Oral Cholera Vaccine.

Vaccination is a well-established means for prevention and spread of disease in people traveling abroad. Although vaccines to diseases such as cholera are recommended by world health agencies, they are seldom required even when traveling to endemic regions. Consequences of noncompliance can affect traveler's health and spread diseases to new regions, as occurred in Haiti in 2010 when United Nations peacekeepers from Nepal, where a cholera outbreak was underway, introduced the disease to the region. Steps to increase vaccine recommendation compliance should therefore be an integral part of vaccine development. PXVX0200 contains Center for Vaccine Development 103-HgR live, attenuated recombinant Vibrio cholerae vaccine strain, and is indicated for single-dose immunization against the bacteria that causes cholera. It is supplied as one buffer and one active component packet to be mixed into water and ingested. Administration instructions are designed to be "user friendly" with flexibility for self-administration, thus promoting compliance. Studies to support self-administration were conducted to cover stability of the vaccine outside of normal storage conditions, potency in case of misadministration, and disposal procedures to minimize environmental impact. The principal findings showed that the stability of vaccine was maintained under conditions allowing for transport times and temperature conditions as well as when misadministration errors were made. Finally, the vaccine was effectively neutralized with hot water and soap to prevent bacterial environmental contamination in the event of an accidental spill. The conclusion is that PXVX0200 oral vaccine is stable, easy to formulate and dispose of, and is amenable to self-administration.

Prevalence and correlates of body dysmorphic disorder in health club users in the presence vs absence of eating disorder symptomology.

PURPOSE: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) has been consistently linked with eating disorders, however studies that stratify associations between BDD in subjects with and without eating disorder symptomology are sparse. It was, therefore, the aim of this study to assess correlates of BDD (including social media use, motivations for exercise, exercise addiction, and sexuality) stratified by eating disorder symptomology. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 1665 health club users recruited online completed a battery of surveys. BDD prevalence rates were calculated and logistic regression models were created in two sub-samples: indicated or no-indicated eating disorder symptomology. RESULTS: The key findings showed the prevalence of BDD in participants with indicated-eating disorder symptomology was significantly higher than in participants without indicated-eating disorder symptomology, yielding an odds ratio of 12.23. Furthermore, several correlates were associated with BDD only participants with an absence of eating disorder symptomology (gender, BMI, exercise addiction, exercising for mood improvement, attractiveness and tone), with others being significantly associated with BDD in participants in the presence of indicated eating disorders symptomology (exercising for health and enjoyment, relationship status, and ethnicity). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides more evidence of the complex relationship that exists between BDD and eating disorders. Furthermore, it is recommended that practitioners working with BDD subjects should screen for eating disorders due to the high morbidity associated with eating disorders. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III: case-control analytic study.

Cricketers are not tickled pink by the new coloured ball.

OBJECTIVES: Cricket administrators have started scheduling long-form matches which finish at night and are played with a pink as opposed to a red ball. However, there are reports that the pink ball may introduce new dangers and alter performance. The aim of this study was to investigate professional cricketers' opinions about the visibility of the pink ball whilst playing in different lighting conditions (afternoon, dusk and night). DESIGN: Purposeful sampling of a cross-section of elite cricketers with pink ball experiences playing in the United Kingdom. METHODS: Eighty-eight international or first-class professional cricketers completed a questionnaire consisting of Likert scale and free text responses to questions covering perceptions of the pink ball, with a particular emphasis on visibility. RESULTS: The pink ball was reported as less visible than the red ball when batting (p<0.001) and fielding (p<0.001). Within the three lighting conditions the pink ball was significantly less visible at dusk under floodlights compared to afternoon and night both when batting and fielding (ps<0.001). Free text comments confirmed that visibility of the pink cricket ball was most challenging at dusk (coverage 0.37), and that players sometimes experienced a blurring sensation with the pink ball leaving a visual 'trail' when viewed under floodlights (coverage 0.24). CONCLUSIONS: Results advocate that governing bodies should consider the inclusion of a break in play during dusk to enhance player safety and performance. Empirical research is needed to quantify the risks to player safety in different lighting conditions.

Exercise Addiction Prevalence and Correlates in the Absence of Eating Disorder Symptomology: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Exercise addiction (EA) can be debilitating and can be a symptom of an eating disorder. To date, the prevalence rates of EA without indicated eating disorders in the general population and associated correlates remain unreported. METHODS: Two authors searched major databases from inception to 31/12/2018 to identify studies investigating the prevalence of EA in any population without indicated eating disorders. We conducted a random effects meta-analysis to report (i) prevalence rates of EA using the exercise addiction inventory and exercise dependence scale and compare sub-populations, (ii) compare methods of EA measurement and explore heterogeneity, and (iii) report on correlates. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies including 3635 people were included. The prevalence of EA among general exercisers was 8.1% (95% CI 1.5%-34.2%), amateur competitive athletes was 5.0% (95% CI 1.3%-17.3%), and university students was 5.5% (95% CI 1.4-19.1%%). Overall prevalence rates varied depending on the EA measurement tool. EA subjects were more likely to have lower levels of overall wellbeing (only in amateur competitive athletes), higher anxiety levels, and have greater frontal brain activity. CONCLUSIONS: EA is prevalent in the absence of indicated eating disorders across populations but varies depending on measurement tool. Further research is needed to explore EA without indicated eating disorders in different populations using homogenous measurement tools, further determine psychological correlates, and examine which measures of EA without indicated eating disorders predict poor health outcomes.

Correction: Roberts et al. "Satiating Effect of High Protein Diets on Resistance-Trained Individuals in Energy Deficit" Nutrients 2019, 11(1), 56.

The authors wish to make a correction to the published version of their paper [...].

Leisure-Time Sedentary Behavior, Alcohol Consumption, and Sexual Intercourse Among Adolescents Aged 12-15 Years in 19 Countries From Africa, the Americas, and Asia.

BACKGROUND: The association between sedentary behavior and sexual behavior has not been investigated among adolescents. AIM: The aim of this study was to: (i) investigate the association between leisure-time sedentary behavior and sexual intercourse, and (ii) test for mediation by alcohol consumption, drug use, physical activity, bullying victimization, parental support/monitoring, loneliness, and depressive symptoms in a large global sample of young adolescents. METHODS: Data were analyzed from 34,674 adolescents aged 12-15 years participating in the Global School-based Student Health Survey. Participants reported the number of hours spent in leisure-time sedentary behavior on a typical day (<1, 1-2, 3-4, 5-8, and >8 hours). Data on alcohol consumption, drug use, physical activity, bullying victimization, parental support/monitoring, loneliness, and depressive symptoms were considered as potential mediators. OUTCOME: Participants reported whether or not they had sexual intercourse in the past 12 months (yes/no). RESULTS: The prevalence of past 12-month sexual intercourse was 11.9%, whereas the prevalence of <1, 1-2, 3-4, 5-8, and >8 hours per day of leisure-time sedentary behavior were 26.7%, 35.6%, 21.4%, 11.5%, and 4.9%, respectively. There was a dose-dependent relationship between sedentary behavior and odds of reporting sexual intercourse: compared with <1 hour/day of sedentary behavior, the odds ratio (95% CI) of sexual intercourse associated with 1-2, 3-4, 5-8, and >8 hours/day of sedentary behavior were 1.12 (0.94-1.33), 1.22 (1.01-1.48), 1.34 (1.08-1.66), and 1.76 (1.37-2.27), respectively. There was no significant interaction by sex. The largest proportion of the association between sedentary behavior and sexual intercourse was explained by alcohol use (% mediated 21.2%), with other factors explaining an additional 11.2%. CLINICAL TRANSLATION: Interventions to reduce leisure-time sedentary and/or alcohol consumption may contribute to a reduction in the proportion of adolescents engaging in sexual intercourse at a young age. The strengths and limitations of this study are the large, representative sample of adolescents from 19 countries. However, the cross-sectional design means causality or temporal associations could not be established. CONCLUSIONS: In young adolescents, leisure-time sedentary behavior is positively associated with odds of having sexual intercourse in both boys and girls, in a dose-dependent manner. Alcohol consumption seems to be a key mediator of this relationship. Smith L, Jackson SE, Jacob L, et al. Leisure-Time Sedentary Behavior, Alcohol Consumption, and Sexual Intercourse Among Adolescents Aged 12-15 Years in 19 Countries From Africa, the Americas, and Asia. J Sex Med 2019;16:1355-1363.

Health behaviours and mental and physical health status in older adults with a history of homelessness: a cross-sectional population-based study in England.

OBJECTIVES: This study compared (1) levels of engagement in lifestyle risk behaviours and (2) mental and physical health status in individuals who have previously been homeless to those of individuals who have not. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. PARTICIPANTS: Data were from participants (n=6931) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. : Measures : Participants reported whether they had ever been homeless. We used regression models to analyse associations between homelessness and (1) cigarette smoking, daily alcohol consumption and physical inactivity, adjusting for sociodemographic covariates (age, sex, ethnicity, highest level of education, marital status and household non-pension wealth) and (2) self-rated health, limiting long-standing illness, depressive symptoms, life satisfaction, quality of life and loneliness, adjusting for sociodemographics and health behaviours. RESULTS: 104 participants (1.5%) reported having been homeless. Individuals who had been homeless were significantly more likely to be physically inactive (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.52), report fair/bad/very bad self-rated health (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.86), have a limiting long-standing illness (OR 2.66, 95% CI 1.65 to 4.30) and be depressed (OR 3.06, 95% CI 1.85 to 5.05) and scored lower on measures of life satisfaction (17.34 vs 19.96, p<0.001) and quality of life (39.02 vs 41.21, p=0.013). Rates of smoking (20.2% vs 15.4%, p=0.436), daily drinking (27.6% vs 22.8%, p=0.385) and loneliness (27.1% vs 21.0%, p=0.080) were also elevated. CONCLUSIONS: Those who were once homeless have poorer mental and physical health outcomes and are more likely to be physically inactive. Interventions to improve their health and quality of life are required.

Asymmetric diosmium sawhorse complexes.

Three asymmetric diosmium(I) carbonyl sawhorse complexes have been prepared by microwave heating. One of these complexes is of the type Os2(µ-O2CR)(µ-O2CR')(CO)4L2, with two different bridging carboxylate ligands, while the other two complexes are of the type Os2(µ-O2CR)2(CO)5L, with one axial CO ligand and one axial phosphane ligand. The mixed carboxylate complex Os2(µ-acetate)(µ-propionate)(CO)4[P(p-tolyl)3]2, (1), was prepared by heating Os3(CO)12 with a mixture of acetic and propionic acids, isolating Os2(µ-acetate)(µ-propionate)(CO)6, and then replacing two CO ligands with two phosphane ligands. This is the first example of an Os2 sawhorse complex with two different carboxylate bridges. The syntheses of Os2(µ-acetate)2(CO)5[P(p-tolyl)3], (3), and Os2(µ-propionate)2(CO)5[P(p-tolyl)3], (6), involved the reaction of Os3(CO)12 with the appropriate carboxylic acid to initially produce Os2(µ-carboxylate)2(CO)6, followed by treatment with refluxing tetrahydrofuran (THF) to form Os2(µ-carboxylate)2(CO)5(THF), and finally addition of tri-p-tolylphosphane to replace the THF ligand with the P(p-tolyl)3 ligand. Neutral complexes of the type Os2(µ-O2CR)2(CO)5L had not previously been subjected to X-ray crystallographic analysis. The more symmetrical disubstituted complexes, i.e. Os2(µ-formate)2(CO)4[P(p-tolyl)3]2, (8), Os2(µ-acetate)2(CO)4[P(p-tolyl)3]2, (4), and Os2(µ-propionate)2(CO)4[P(p-tolyl)3]2, (7), as well as the previously reported symmetrical unsubstituted complexes Os2(µ-acetate)2(CO)6, (2), and Os2(µ-propionate)2(CO)6, (5), were also prepared in order to examine the influence of axial ligand substitution on the Os-Os bond distance in these sawhorse molecules. Eight crystal structures have been determined and studied, namely µ-acetato-1κO:2κO'-µ-propanoato-1κO:2κO'-bis[tris(4-methylphenyl)phosphane]-1κP,2κP'-bis(dicarbonylosmium)(Os-Os) dichloromethane monosolvate, [Os2(C2H3O2)(C3H5O2)(C21H21P)2(CO)4]·CH2Cl2, (1), bis(µ-acetato-1κO:2κO')bis(tricarbonylosmium)(Os-Os), [Os2(C2H3O2)2(CO)6], (2) (redetermined structure), bis(µ-acetato-1κO:2κO')pentacarbonyl-1κ2C,2κ3C-[tris(4-methylphenyl)phosphane-1κP]diosmium(Os-Os), [Os2(C2H3O2)2(C21H21P)(CO)5], (3), bis(µ-acetato-1κO:2κO')bis[tris(4-methylphenyl)phosphane]-1κP,2κP-bis(dicarbonylosmium)(Os-Os) p-xylene sesquisolvate, [Os2(C2H3O2)2(C21H21P)2(CO)4]·1.5C8H10, (4), bis(µ-propanoato-1κO:2κO')bis(tricarbonylosmium)(Os-Os), [Os2(C3H5O2)2(CO)6], (5), pentacarbonyl-1κ2C,2κ3C-bis(µ-propanoato-1κO:2κO')[tris(4-methylphenyl)phosphane-1κP]diosmium(Os-Os), [Os2(C3H5O2)2(C21H21P)(CO)5], (6), bis(µ-propanoato-1κO:2κO')bis[tris(4-methylphenyl)phosphane]-1κP,2κP-bis(dicarbonylosmium)(Os-Os) dichloromethane monosolvate, [Os2(C3H5O2)2(C21H21P)2(CO)4]·CH2Cl2, (7), and bis(µ-formato-1κO:2κO')bis[tris(4-methylphenyl)phosphane]-1κP,2κP-bis(dicarbonylosmium)(Os-Os), [Os2(CHO2)2(C21H21P)2(CO)4], (8).

Promoting physical activity in vulnerable adults 'at risk' of homelessness: a randomised controlled trial protocol.

INTRODUCTION: People who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, have substantially poorer health. Sustained and regular participation in physical activity is beneficial for both mental and physical health. Limited data suggest that levels of physical activity in the homeless and those at risk of homelessness are low, and access to community-based exercise is limited or non-existent for this population. Nonetheless, exercise programmes for the homeless could provide a feasible and scalable intervention for providing beneficial effects on physical and mental health in this population. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of a group exercise intervention on activity levels in people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in central London, UK. The secondary aim is to evaluate the impact of the intervention on mental and physical health outcomes. METHOD AND ANALYSIS: A 2-arm, individually randomised controlled trial in people who are homeless and those vulnerable and at risk of homelessness in central London, UK. Participants will be recruited through a London-based homeless charity, Single Homeless Project. Following baseline assessments and allocation to intervention (exercise classes) or control (usual care), participants will be followed up at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. The primary outcomes will be change in objective physical activity. The secondary outcomes will include change in fitness assessments and mental health parameters. Changes in drug use and alcohol dependency will also be explored. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval to process and analyse data and disseminate findings was obtained through the Anglia Ruskin University Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Ethics Committee. Results of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.

Telomere length and health outcomes: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies.

The aim of the present study was to map and grade evidence for the relationships between telomere length with a diverse range of health outcomes, using an umbrella review of systematic reviews with meta-analyses. We searched for meta-analyses of observational studies reporting on the association of telomere length with any health outcome (clinical disease outcomes and intermediate traits). For each association, random-effects summary effect size, 95% confidence interval (CI), and 95% prediction interval were calculated. To evaluate the credibility of the identified evidence, we assessed also heterogeneity, evidence for small-study effect and evidence for excess significance bias. Twenty-one relevant meta-analyses were identified reporting on 50 different outcomes. The level of evidence was high only for the association of short telomeres with higher risk of gastric cancer in the general population (relative risk, RR = 1.95, 95%CI: 1.68-2.26), and moderate for the association of shorter telomeres with diabetes or with Alzheimer's disease, even if limited to meta-analyses of case-control studies. There was weak evidence for twenty outcomes and not significant association for 27 health outcomes. The present umbrella review demonstrates that shorter telomere length may have an important role in incidence gastric cancer and, probably, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. At the same time, conversely to general assumptions, it does not find strong evidence supporting the notion that shorter telomere length plays an important role in many health outcomes that have been studied thus far.

Effect of a short-term low fermentable oligiosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide and polyol (FODMAP) diet on exercise-related gastrointestinal symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Research has demonstrated that low fermentable oligiosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide and polyol (FODMAP) diets improve gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome sufferers. Exercise-related GI issues are a common cause of underperformance, with current evidence focusing on the use of FODMAP approaches with recreationally competitive or highly trained athletes. However, there is a paucity of research exploring the potential benefit of FODMAP strategies to support healthy, recreational athletes who experience GI  issues during training. This study therefore aimed to assess whether a short-term LOWFODMAP diet improved exercise-related GI symptoms and the perceived ability to exercise in recreational runners. METHODS: Sixteen healthy volunteers were randomly assigned in a crossover design manner to either a LOWFODMAP (16.06 ± 1.79 g·d- 1) or HIGHFODMAP (38.65 ± 6.66 g·d- 1) diet for 7 days, with a one week washout period followed by a further 7 days on the alternate diet. Participants rated their gastrointestinal symptoms on an adapted version of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS) questionnaire before and at the end of each dietary period. Perceived ability to exercise (frequency, intensity and duration) in relation to each dietary period was also rated using a visual analogue scale. Resting blood samples were collected prior to and on completion of each diet to determine plasma intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) as a marker of acute GI injury. RESULTS: Overall IBS-SSS score significantly reduced in the LOWFODMAP condition from 81.1 ± 16.4 to 31.3 ± 9.2 (arbitrary units; P = 0.004). Perceived exercise frequency (z = 2.309, P = 0.02) and intensity (z = 2.687, P = 0.007) was significantly improved following a short-term LOWFODMAP approach compared to HIGHFODMAP. No significant differences were reported between dietary conditions for plasma I-FABP (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A short-term LOWFODMAP diet under free-living conditions reduced exercise-related GI symptoms and improved the perceived ability to exercise in otherwise healthy, recreational runners. These findings may be explained by a reduction in indigestible carbohydrates available for fermentation in the gut. The therapeutic benefits of LOWFODMAP diets in recreational and trained athletes during sustained training periods warrants further investigation.

The effect of two ß-alanine dosing strategies on 30-minute rowing performance: a randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: ß-alanine (ßA) supplementation has been shown to increase intramuscular carnosine content and subsequent high-intensity performance in events lasting < 4 minutes (min), which may be dependent on total, as opposed to daily, dose. The ergogenic effect of ßA has also been demonstrated for 2000-m rowing performance prompting interest in whether ßA may be beneficial for sustained aerobic exercise. This study therefore investigated the effect of two ßA dosing strategies on 30-min rowing and subsequent sprint performance. METHODS: Following University Ethics approval, twenty-seven healthy, male rowers (age: 24 ± 2 years; body-height: 1.81 ± 0.02 m; body-mass: 82.3 ± 2.5 kg; body-fat: 14.2 ± 1.0%) were randomised in a double-blind manner to 4 weeks of: i) ßA (2.4 g·d- 1, ßA1); ii) matched total ßA (4.8 g on alternate days, ßA2); or iii) cornflour placebo (2.4 g·d- 1, PL). Participants completed a laboratory 30-min rowing time-trial, followed by 3x30-seconds (s) maximal sprint efforts at days 0, 14 and 28 (T1-T3). Total distance (m), average power (W), relative average power (W·kg- 1), cardio-respiratory measures and perceived exertion were assessed for each 10-min split. Blood lactate ([La-]b mmol·L- 1) was monitored pre-post time-trial and following maximal sprint efforts. A 3-way repeated measures ANOVA was employed for main analyses, with Bonferonni post-hoc assessment (P ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: Total 30-min time-trial distance significantly increased from T1-T3 within ßA1 only (7397 ± 195 m to 7580 ± 171 m, P = 0.002, ƞp2 = 0.196), including absolute average power (194.8 ± 18.3 W to 204.2 ± 15.5 W, P = 0.04, ƞp2 = 0.115) and relative average power output (2.28 ± 0.15 W·kg- 1 to 2.41 ± 0.12 W·kg- 1, P = 0.031, ƞp2 = 0.122). These findings were potentially explained by within-group significance for the same variables for the first 10 min split (P ≤ 0.01), and for distance covered (P = 0.01) in the second 10-min split. However, no condition x time interactions were observed. No significant effects were found for sprint variables (P > 0.05) with comparable values at T3 for mean distance (ßA1: 163.9 ± 3.8 m; ßA2: 161.2 ± 3.5 m; PL: 162.7 ± 3.6 m), average power (ßA1: 352.7 ± 14.5 W; ßA2: 342.2 ± 13.5 W; PL: 348.2 ± 13.9 W) and lactate (ßA1: 10.0 ± 0.9 mmol·L- 1; ßA2: 9.2 ± 1.1 mmol·L- 1; PL: 8.7 ± 0.9 mmol·L- 1). CONCLUSIONS: Whilst daily ßA may confer individual benefits, these results demonstrate limited impact of ßA (irrespective of dosing strategy) on 30-min rowing or subsequent sprint performance. Further investigation of ßA dosage > 2.4 g·d- 1 and/or chronic intervention periods (> 4-8 weeks) may be warranted based on within-group observations.

Satiating Effect of High Protein Diets on Resistance-Trained Subjects in Energy Deficit.

Short-term energy deficit strategies are practiced by weight class and physique athletes, often involving high protein intakes to maximize satiety and maintain lean mass despite a paucity of research. This study compared the satiating effect of two protein diets on resistance-trained individuals during short-term energy deficit. Following ethical approval, 16 participants (age: 28 ± 2 years; height: 1.72 ± 0.03 m; body-mass: 88.83 ± 5.54 kg; body-fat: 21.85 ± 1.82%) were randomly assigned to 7-days moderate (PROMOD: 1.8 g·kg-1·d-1) or high protein (PROHIGH: 2.9 g·kg-1·d-1) matched calorie-deficit diets in a cross-over design. Daily satiety responses were recorded throughout interventions. Pre-post diet, plasma ghrelin and peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY), and satiety ratings were assessed in response to a protein-rich meal. Only perceived satisfaction was significantly greater following PROHIGH (67.29 ± 4.28 v 58.96 ± 4.51 mm, p = 0.04). Perceived cravings increased following PROMOD only (46.25 ± 4.96 to 57.60 ± 4.41 mm, p = 0.01). Absolute ghrelin concentration significantly reduced post-meal following PROMOD (972.8 ± 130.4 to 613.6 ± 114.3 pg·mL-1; p = 0.003), remaining lower than PROHIGH at 2 h (-0.40 ± 0.06 v -0.26 ± 0.06 pg·mL-1 normalized relative change; p = 0.015). Absolute PYY concentration increased to a similar extent post-meal (PROMOD: 84.9 ± 8.9 to 147.1 ± 11.9 pg·mL-1, PROHIGH: 100.6 ± 9.5 to 143.3 ± 12.0 pg·mL-1; p < 0.001), but expressed as relative change difference was significantly greater for PROMOD at 2 h (+0.39 ± 0.20 pg·mL-1 v -0.28 ± 0.12 pg·mL-1; p = 0.001). Perceived hunger, fullness and satisfaction post-meal were comparable between diets (p > 0.05). However, desire to eat remained significantly blunted for PROMOD (p = 0.048). PROHIGH does not confer additional satiating benefits in resistance-trained individuals during short-term energy deficit. Ghrelin and PYY responses to a test-meal support the contention that satiety was maintained following PROMOD, although athletes experiencing negative symptoms (i.e., cravings) may benefit from protein-rich meals as opposed to over-consumption of protein.

Physiological and training characteristics of recreational marathon runners.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the physical and training characteristics of recreational marathon runners within finish time bandings (2.5-3 h, 3-3.5 h, 3.5-4 h, 4-4.5 h and >4.5 h). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 97 recreational marathon runners (age 42.4 ± 9.9 years; mass 69.2 ± 11.3 kg; stature 172.8 ± 9.1 cm), with a marathon finish time of 229.1 ± 48.7 min, of whom n = 34 were female and n = 63 were male, completed an incremental treadmill test for the determination of lactate threshold (LT1), lactate turn point (LT2) and running economy (RE). Following a 7-min recovery, they completed a test to volitional exhaustion starting at LT2 for the assessment of [Formula: see text]. In addition, all participants completed a questionnaire gathering information on their current training regimes exploring weekly distances, training frequencies, types of sessions, longest run in a week, with estimations of training speed, and load and volume derived from these data. RESULTS: Training frequency was shown to be significantly greater for the 2.5-3 h group compared to the 3.5-4 h runners (P < 0.001) and >4.5 h group (P = 0.004), while distance per session (km·session-1) was significantly greater for the 2.5-3 h group (16.1 ± 4.2) compared to the 3.5-4 h group (15.5 ± 5.2; P = 0.01) and >4.5 h group (10.3 ± 2.6; P = 0.001). Race speed correlated with LT1 (r = 0.791), LT2 (r = 0.721) and distance per session (r = 0.563). CONCLUSION: The data highlight profound differences for key components of marathon running ([Formula: see text], LT1, LT2, RE and % [Formula: see text]) within a group of recreational runners with the discriminating training variables being training frequency and the absolute training speed.

The short-term effect of high versus moderate protein intake on recovery after strength training in resistance-trained individuals.

BACKGROUND: Dietary protein intakes up to 2.9 g.kg-1.d-1 and protein consumption before and after resistance training may enhance recovery, resulting in hypertrophy and strength gains. However, it remains unclear whether protein quantity or nutrient timing is central to positive adaptations. This study investigated the effect of total dietary protein content, whilst controlling for protein timing, on recovery in resistance trainees. METHODS: Fourteen resistance-trained individuals underwent two 10-day isocaloric dietary regimes with a protein content of 1.8 g.kg-1.d-1 (PROMOD) or 2.9 g.kg-1.d-1 (PROHIGH) in a randomised, counterbalanced, crossover design. On days 8-10 (T1-T3), participants undertook resistance exercise under controlled conditions, performing 3 sets of squat, bench press and bent-over rows at 80% 1 repetition maximum until volitional exhaustion. Additionally, participants consumed a 0.4 g.kg-1 whey protein concentrate/isolate mix 30 min before and after exercise sessions to standardise protein timing specific to training. Recovery was assessed via daily repetition performance, muscle soreness, bioelectrical impedance phase angle, plasma creatine kinase (CK) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). RESULTS: No significant differences were reported between conditions for any of the performance repetition count variables (p > 0.05). However, within PROMOD only, squat performance total repetition count was significantly lower at T3 (19.7 ± 6.8) compared to T1 (23.0 ± 7.5; p = 0.006). Pre and post-exercise CK concentrations significantly increased across test days (p ≤ 0.003), although no differences were reported between conditions. No differences for TNF-α or muscle soreness were reported between dietary conditions. Phase angle was significantly greater at T3 for PROHIGH (8.26 ± 0.82°) compared with PROMOD (8.08 ± 0.80°; p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: When energy intake and peri-exercise protein intake was controlled for, a short term PROHIGH diet did not improve markers of muscle damage or soreness in comparison to a PROMOD approach following repeated days of intensive training. Whilst it is therefore likely that moderate protein intakes (1.8 g.kg-1.d-1) may be sufficient for resistance-trained individuals, it is noteworthy that both lower body exercise performance and bioelectrical phase angle were maintained with PROHIGH. Longer term interventions are warranted to determine whether PROMOD intakes are sufficient during prolonged training periods or when extensive exercise (e.g. training twice daily) is undertaken.

Prospective associations between measures of gross and fine motor coordination in infants and objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behavior in childhood.

One important determinant of childhood physical activity and sedentary behavior may be that of motor development in infancy. The present analyses aimed to investigate whether gross and fine motor delays in infants were associated with objective and self-reported activity in childhood. Data were from the UK Millennium Cohort Study, a prospective cohort study, involving UK children born on or around the millennium (September 2000 and January 2002). When children were 9 months old, parents reported children's fine and gross motor-coordination, and at 7 years, sports club attendance and daily TV viewing time. Children's physical activity was measured using accelerometers at 7 years. Adjusted regression models were used to examine associations between delayed motor development and accelerometry measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary behavior, and parent-reported sport club attendance and TV viewing time. In this sample (n = 13,021), gross motor delay in infancy was associated with less time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (B -5.0 95% confidence interval [CI] -6.8, -3.2) and more time sedentary (B 13.5 95% CI 9.3, 17.8) in childhood. Gross and fine motor delays during infancy were associated with a reduced risk of having high attendance at sports clubs in childhood (both relative risk [RR] 0.7, 95% CI 0.6, 0.9). Fine motor delays, but not gross delays, were also associated with an increased risk of having high TV viewing time (RR 1.3 95% CI 1.0, 1.6). Findings from the present study suggest that delays in motor development in infancy are associated with physical activity and sedentary time in childhood.

Accelerometery and Heart Rate Responses of Professional Fast-Medium Bowlers in One-Day and Multi-Day Cricket.

The physical demands of fast-medium bowling are increasingly being recognised, yet comparative exploration of the differing demands between competitive formats (i.e. one-day [OD] versus multi-day [MD] matches) remain minimal. The aim of this study was to describe in-match physiological profiles of professional fast-medium bowlers from England across different versions of competitive matches using a multivariable wearable monitoring device. Seven professional cricket fast-medium bowlers wore the BioharnessTM monitoring device during matches, over three seasons (>80 hours in-match). Heart Rate (HR) and Acceleromety (ACC) was compared across match types (OD, MD) and different in-match activity states (Bowling, Between over bowling, Fielding). Peak acceleration during OD bowling was significantly higher in comparison to MD cricket ([OD vs. MD] 234.1 ± 57.9 vs 226.6 ± 32.9 ct·episode-1, p < 0.05, ES = 0.11-0.30). Data for ACC were also higher during OD than MD fielding activities (p < 0.01, ES = 0.11-.30). OD bowling stimulated higher mean HR responses (143 ± 14 vs 137 ± 16 beats·min-1, p < 0.05, ES = 0.21) when compared to MD matches. This increase in OD cricket was evident for both between over (129 ± 9 vs 120 ± 13 beats·min-1,p < 0.01, ES = 0.11-0.50) and during fielding (115 ± 12 vs 106 ± 12 beats·min-1, p < 0.01, ES = 0.36) activity. The increased HR and ACC evident in OD matches suggest greater acute physical loads than MD formats. Therefore, use of wearable technology and the findings provided give a valuable appreciation of the differences in match loads, and thus required physiological preparation and recovery in fast-medium bowlers.

Correlates of children's independent outdoor play: Cross-sectional analyses from the Millennium Cohort Study.

Time spent outdoors is associated with higher levels of physical activity. To date, correlates of independent outdoor play have not been investigated. This study aimed to identify potential demographic, behavioural, environmental and social correlates of children's independent outdoor play. Data were from the Millennium Cohort Study when children were aged 7 years. Parents reported whether their children played out unsupervised (yes/no) as well as the above mentioned correlates of unsupervised outdoor play. Children's physical activity levels were measured using waist worn accelerometry. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine associations between correlates and odds of independent (unsupervised) outdoor play. Adjusted multiple linear regression was used to estimate associations between independent outdoor play and objective measures of physical activity. Activity was measured as average daily moderate-to-vigorous activity, steps, and sedentary behaviour. 3856 (n = 29%) participants were categorised as engaging in independent outdoor play. Older age, being white British, being in poverty, living in close proximity to both family friends and family, having fewer internalising problems, having more externalising conduct problems and fewer pro-social behaviours were associated with higher odds of independent outdoor play. Independent outdoor play was associated with > 2 additional minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity (B = 2.21 95% CI, 1.09 to 3.34), > 330 additional steps per day (B = 336.66 95% CI 209.80 to 463.51), and nearly 5 min less time spent sedentary per day (B = - 4.91 95% CI - 7.54, - 2.29) Younger children, those from a higher socio-economic-status, those isolated in location from family friends and family, and those with high levels of prosocial behaviour have lower levels of independent outdoor play. Independent outdoor play was associated with higher levels of physical activity and less time sedentary. Future interventions to promote independent outdoor play should target such populations.