The Impact of a Short-Term Ketogenic Low-Carbohydrate High-Fat Diet on Biomarkers of Intestinal Epithelial Integrity and Gastrointestinal Symptoms.

Endurance exercise can disturb intestinal epithelial integrity, leading to increased systemic indicators of cell injury, hyperpermeability, and pathogenic translocation. However, the interaction between exercise, diet, and gastrointestinal disturbance still warrants exploration. This study examined whether a 6-day dietary intervention influenced perturbations to intestinal epithelial disruption in response to a 25-km race walk. Twenty-eight male race walkers adhered to a high carbohydrate (CHO)/energy diet (65% CHO, energy availability = 40 kcal·kg FFM-1·day-1) for 6 days prior to a Baseline 25-km race walk. Athletes were then split into three subgroups: high CHO/energy diet (n = 10); low-CHO, high-fat diet (LCHF: n = 8; <50 g/day CHO, energy availability = 40 kcal·kg FFM-1·day-1); and low energy availability (n = 10; 65% CHO, energy availability = 15 kcal·kg FFM-1·day-1) for a further 6-day dietary intervention period prior to a second 25-km race walk (Adaptation). During both trials, venous blood was collected pre-, post-, and 1 hr postexercise and analyzed for markers of intestinal epithelial disruption. Intestinal fatty acid-binding protein concentration was significantly higher (twofold increase) in response to exercise during Adaptation compared to Baseline in the LCHF group (p = .001). Similar findings were observed for soluble CD14 (p < .001) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (p = .003), where postexercise concentrations were higher (53% and 36%, respectively) during Adaptation than Baseline in LCHF. No differences in high CHO/energy diet or low energy availability were apparent for any blood markers assessed (p > .05). A short-term LCHF diet increased intestinal epithelial cell injury in response to a 25-km race walk. No effect of low energy availability on gastrointestinal injury or symptoms was observed.

Repeated-Sprint Exercise in the Heat Increases Indirect Markers of Gastrointestinal Damage in Well-Trained Team-Sport Athletes.

INTRODUCTION: Athletes engaged in repeated-sprint training in the heat can be at an increased risk of gastrointestinal ischemia and damage in response to a redistribution of blood to working skeletal muscles and the skin. This study investigated the effects of repeated sprinting in hot and cool conditions on markers of gastrointestinal damage. METHODS: Twenty-five, well-trained, nonheat acclimated male team-sport athletes completed a five-session, repeated-sprint training regimen over 7 days in either HOT (40 °C and 40% relative humidity [RH]) or COOL (20 °C and 40% RH) conditions. Participants underwent a 20-min warm-up and four sets of 5 × 6-s maximal cycling sprints, with 24-s rest and 5-min recovery between sets. Venous blood was collected pre-, post-, and 1 hr postexercise and analyzed for intestinal fatty acid binding protein, lipopolysaccharide binding protein, soluble CD14, and heat-shock protein. RESULTS: Intestinal fatty acid binding protein concentrations were significantly increased (p < .004) postexercise (593 and 454 pg/ml) and 1 hr postexercise (466 and 410 pg/ml) on both Days 1 and 5 in HOT. Soluble CD14 increased by 398 and 308 ng/ml postexercise (p = .041), and lipopolysaccharide binding protein increased by 1,694 ng/ml postexercise on Day 1 in HOT (p < .05) and by 1,520 ng/ml on Day 5 in COOL (p = .026). Core and skin temperature, rating of perceived exertion, and thermal sensation were higher (p < .05) in HOT on Days 1 and 5 during sprinting. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated sprinting in the heat induced greater thermal strain and mild changes in gastrointestinal damage, likely attributable to the combination of environmental conditions and maximal-intensity exercise.

Hydrogen Rich Water Consumption Positively Affects Muscle Performance, Lactate Response, and Alleviates Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness After Resistance Training.

ABSTRACT: Botek, M, Krejcí, J, McKune, A, Valenta, M, and Sládecková, B. Hydrogen rich water consumption positively affects muscle performance, lactate response, and alleviates delayed onset of muscle soreness after resistance training. J Strength Cond Res 36(10): 2792-2799, 2022-Positive outcomes of hydrogen rich water (HRW) supplementation on endurance performance have been shown, but the effects of HRW in resistance training are unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of 1,260 ml of HRW intake on physiological, perceptual, and performance responses to a resistance training and after 24 hours of recovery. This randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled cross-over study included 12 men aged 23.8 ± 1.9 years. Subjects performed a half squat, knee flexion, and extension exercises with the load set at 70% of 1 repetition maximum for 3 sets (10 reps/set). Lunges were performed with a load of 30% of body mass for 3 sets (20 reps/set). Time of each set, lactate, and ratings of perceived exertion were assessed mid-way through exercise and immediately after the exercise. Creatine kinase, muscle soreness visual analog scale ratings, countermovement jump, and heart rate variability were evaluated before the training and at 30 minutes, 6, and 24 hours of recovery. Lunges were performed faster with HRW compared with placebo ( p < 0.001). Hydrogen rich water reduced lactate at mid-way and immediately after the exercise (HRW: 5.3 ± 2.1 and 5.1 ± 2.2, placebo: 6.5 ± 1.8 and 6.3 ± 2.2 mmol·L -1 , p ≤ 0.008). Visual analog scale ratings were significantly lower with HRW (26 ± 11 vs. 41 ± 20 mm, p = 0.002) after 24 hours of recovery. In conclusion, an acute intermittent HRW hydration improved muscle function, reduced the lactate response, and alleviated delayed onset of muscle soreness.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Game Day Preparation for Team Sports: A Delphi Study With Expert Consensus.

ABSTRACT: Mason, BRJ, Pumpa, KL, McKune, AJ, Gill, ND, and Ball, NB. A multidisciplinary approach to game day preparation for team sports: A Delphi study with expert consensus. J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1345-1352, 2022-The aim of this study was to identify game day preparation strategies used by performance staff to improve team sport performance and to determine consensus regarding the application and importance of these strategies. Twenty-five performance staff working in high performance or professional team sports participated in this Delphi study, which implemented 3 survey rounds. The first round sought responses to open-ended questions relating to the use of game day preparation strategies. These responses were developed into statements and recirculated (round-2 survey), with subjects asked to rate their level of agreement with each statement. The third and final survey presented revised versions of statements that did not reach a consensus in the previous round, along with new statements derived from subject responses. A thematic analysis of the open-ended responses in the first survey identified 5 key themes relating to game day preparation strategies: "exercise," "nutrition," "psychological," "technical and tactical," and "other." The round-2 survey included 38 statements across the 5 themes, with 22 reaching the consensus threshold (≥75%) for agreement. The remaining 16 statements did not reach consensus. The final survey included 18 statements (16 revised and 2 new) with 12 reaching the consensus threshold for agreement. Key preparation strategies identified in this study include structured and progressive warm-ups, strength and power-based priming sessions, individualized nutrition plans, and precooling in hot conditions. Performance staff working in similar environments should consider adopting these strategies to improve athlete or team performance.

Application of acute pre-exercise partial-body cryotherapy promotes jump performance, salivary α-amylase and athlete readiness.

This study aimed to evaluate the application of a single pre-exercise bout of partial-body cryotherapy (PBC) to augment jump performance, salivary biomarkers and self-reported performance readiness. Twelve male rugby union players (age 20.7 ± 3.2 yr; body mass 93.1 ± 13.9 kg; mean ± SD) were exposed to PBC for 3 min at -140°C or control condition prior to a pre-post series of loaded countermovement jumps (CMJ), salivary biomarker samples and performance readiness questionnaires. PBC elicited a moderately greater improvement in CMJ velocity of +4.7 ± 3.5% (mean ± 90% confidence limits) from baseline to 15 min in comparison with a -1.9 ± 4.8% mean difference in the control condition. The mean change in concentration of salivary α-amylase at 15 min was substantially increased by +131 ± 109% after PBC exposure, compared to a -4.2 ± 42% decrease in the control. Salivary testosterone concentrations were unclear at all timepoints in both the PBC and control interventions. Self-reported perceptions of overall performance readiness indicated small to moderate increases in mental fatigue, mood, muscle soreness and overall questionnaire score after PBC compared to control with a higher score more favourable for performance. The application of pre-exercise PBC can elicit favourable outcomes in controlled physical performance tests and holds promise to be applied to training or competition settings.

Physicochemical, antioxidant and sensory properties of Mango Sorbet containing L-theanine as a potential functional food product.

The non-proteinous amino acid L-theanine (L-THE) is associated with a range of health benefits including improvements in immune function, cardiovascular outcomes and cognition. The aims of this study were to develop a food product (mango sorbet; ms-L-THE) containing physiologically relevant doses of L-THE (0.2/100 g w/w) and determine its antioxidant, physicochemical and sensory properties in comparison to a mango sorbet without L-THE (ms). Total phenolic and flavanol content, and antioxidant analysis (DPPH, FRAP and ABTS) were determined spectrophotometrically. Both products were also evaluated for acceptability and likeability in healthy participants using the 9-point hedonic scale. Any differences that could be caused by the addition of L-THE were examined using the triangle test. Results indicated no significant differences between ms-L-THE and ms in taste of the products (p > 0.05), and the ms-L-THE was well received and accepted as a potential commercial product. Findings of the DPPH assay indicated significant difference between the two products (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we have successfully created a mango sorbet that contains a potentially physiologically relevant concentration of L-THE with antioxidant properties that could be used as a novel method of L-THE delivery to clinical and healthy populations.

Effect of Exercising in the Heat on Intestinal Fatty Acid-Binding Protein, Endotoxins, and Lipopolysaccharide-Binding Protein Markers in Trained Athletic Populations: A Systematic Literature Review.

Along with digestion and absorption of nutrients, the gastrointestinal epithelium acts as a primary intestinal defense layer, preventing luminal pathogens from entering the circulation. During exercise in the heat, epithelial integrity can become compromised, allowing bacteria and bacterial endotoxins to translocate into circulation, triggering a systemic inflammatory response and exacerbating gastrointestinal damage. While this relationship seems clear in the general population in endurance/ultraendurance exercise, the aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of exercise in the heat on blood markers of gastrointestinal epithelial disturbance in well-trained individuals. Following the 2009 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviewed and Meta-Analyses guidelines, five electronic databases were searched for appropriate research, and 1,885 studies were identified. Five studies met the inclusion criteria and were subject to full methodological appraisal by two reviewers. Critical appraisal of the studies was conducted using the McMasters Critical Review Form. The studies investigated changes in markers of gastrointestinal damage (intestinal fatty acid-binding protein, endotoxin, and/or lipopolysaccharide-binding protein) following acute exercise in warm to hot conditions (≥ 30 °C) and included trained or well-trained participants with direct comparisons to a control temperate condition (≤ 22 °C). The studies found that prolonged submaximal and strenuous exercise in hot environmental conditions can acutely increase epithelial disturbance compared with exercise in cooler conditions, with disturbances not being clinically relevant. However, trained and well-trained populations appear to tolerate exercise-induced gastrointestinal disturbance in the heat. Whether this is an acquired tolerance related to regular training remains to be investigated.

The impact of high-intensity interval training exercise on breast cancer survivors: a pilot study to explore fitness, cardiac regulation and biomarkers of the stress systems.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the largest cause of death in breast cancer survivors. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of exercise intensity on aerobic fitness and autonomic cardiac regulation (heart rate variability (HRV)) and salivary biomarkers of the stress systems (HPA-axis, cortisol; sympathetic nervous system, α-amylase) and mucosal immunity (secretory(s)-IgA), markers of increased risk of CVD in breast cancer survivors. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to; 1) high intensity interval training (HIIT); 2) moderate-intensity, continuous aerobic training (CMIT); or 3) a wait-list control (CON) for a 12-week (36 session) stationary cycling intervention. Cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak), resting HRV and salivary biomarkers were measured at baseline 2-4 d pre-intervention and 2-4 d post the last exercise session. RESULTS: Seventeen participants were included in this study (62 ± 8 years, HIIT; n = 6, CMIT; n = 5, CON; n = 6). A significant improvement (p ≤ 0.05) was observed for VO2peak in the HIIT group; 19.3% (B = 3.98, 95%CI = [1.89; 4.02]) and a non-significant increase in the CMIT group; 5.6% (B = 1.96, 95%CI = [- 0.11; 4.03]), compared with a 2.6% (B = - 0.64, 95%CI = [- 2.10; 0.82]) decrease in the CON group. Post intervention improvements in HRV markers of vagal activity (log (ln)LF/HF, LnRMSSD) and sympathetic nervous system (α-amylase waking response) occurred for individuals exhibiting outlying (> 95% CI) levels at baseline compared to general population. CONCLUSION: High intensity interval training improved cardiovascular fitness in breast cancer survivors and improved cardiac regulation, and sympathetic nervous system (stress) responses in some individuals. High-intensity interval training was safe and effective for breast cancer survivors to participate in with promising results as a time efficient intensity to improve physical health and stress, reducing CVD risk. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This pilot study was retrospectively registered through the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12620000684921 .

Assessing the diet quality of individuals with rheumatic conditions: a cross-sectional study.

Arthritis is a significant cause of chronic pain and disability, affecting around 3.5 million Australians. However, little is known regarding the overall diet quality of those living with arthritis. This study aimed to assess the dietary quality of Australians living in the Australian Capital Territory region with arthritis. This cross-sectional study analysed dietary intake data of individuals living with arthritis using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Dietary quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) to examine associations between diet composition, age, income and arthritis impact using the short form of the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2 (AIMS2-SF). Participants, predominantly female (82.6%), were grouped by age: 18-50 years (n = 32), 50-64 years (n = 31), and 65 + years (n = 23). Significant correlations were observed between age and HEI-2015 (rs = 0.337, p = 0.002) and income and AIMS2-SF (rs = - 0.353, p < 0.001). The mean HEI-2015 score for the 18-49 years group was fair (72.1 ± 12.3), lower than both the 50-64 years group score of good (81.5 ± 9.72) (p = 0.004), and the 65 + years group score of good (81.8 ± 12.1) (p = 0.007). Dietary fibre, seafood and plant protein, fatty acids, and refined grains were identified as dietary components of concern for the 18-49 years group, and total fruit and added sugar were components of concern for people in the worst tertile for the AIMS2-SF. People aged between 18 and 49 years are consuming a lower quality diet compared to people aged 50 years and over. Further research is needed to understand why this association is occurring in this high socioeconomic region of Australia (a high-income country).

Consensus on a video analysis framework of descriptors and definitions by the Rugby Union Video Analysis Consensus group.

Using an expert consensus-based approach, a rugby union Video Analysis Consensus (RUVAC) group was formed to develop a framework for video analysis research in rugby union. The aim of the framework is to improve the consistency of video analysis work in rugby union and help enhance the overall quality of future research in the sport. To reach consensus, a systematic review and Delphi method study design was used. After a systematic search of the literature, 17 articles were used to develop the final framework that described and defined key actions and events in rugby union (rugby). Thereafter, a group of researchers and practitioners with experience and expertise in rugby video analysis formed the RUVAC group. Each member of the group examined the framework of descriptors and definitions and rated their level of agreement on a 5-point agreement Likert scale (1: strongly disagree; 2: disagree; 3: neither agree or disagree; 4: agree; 5: strongly agree). The mean rating of agreement on the five-point scale (1: strongly disagree; 5: strongly agree) was 4.6 (4.3-4.9), 4.6 (4.4-4.9), 4.7 (4.5-4.9), 4.8 (4.6-5.0) and 4.8 (4.6-5.0) for the tackle, ruck, scrum, line-out and maul, respectively. The RUVAC group recommends using this consensus as the starting framework when conducting rugby video analysis research. Which variables to use (if not all) depends on the objectives of the study. Furthermore, the intention of this consensus is to help integrate video data with other data (eg, injury surveillance).

The Effects of Green Tea Amino Acid L-Theanine Consumption on the Ability to Manage Stress and Anxiety Levels: a Systematic Review.

The green tea amino acid, L-theanine (L-THE) is associated with several health benefits, including improvements in mood, cognition and a reduction of stress and anxiety-like symptoms. This systematic review evaluated the effect of pure L-THE intake, in the form of orally administered nutritional supplements, on stress responses and anxiety levels in human randomised controlled trials. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist, 9 peer-reviewed journal articles were identified where L-THE as a supplement was compared to a control. Our findings suggest that supplementation of 200-400 mg/day of L-THE may assist in the reduction of stress and anxiety in people exposed to stressful conditions. Despite this finding, longer-term and larger cohort clinical studies, including those where L-THE is incorporated into the diet regularly, are needed to clinically justify the use of L-THE as a therapeutic agent to reduce stress and anxiety in people exposed to stressful conditions.

Evaluation of dietary and lifestyle changes as modifiers of S100ß levels in Alzheimer's disease.

There is a significant body of research undertaken in order to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), as well as to discover early detection biomarkers and potential therapeutic strategies. One such proposed biomarker is the calcium binding protein S100ß, which, depending on its local concentration, is known to exhibit both neurotrophic and neuroinflammatory properties in the central nervous system. At present, relatively little is known regarding the effect of chronic S100ß disruption in AD. Dietary intake has been identified as a modifiable risk factor for AD. Preliminary in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated an association between S100ß expression and dietary intake which links to AD pathophysiology. This review describes the association of S100ß to fatty acids, ketone bodies, insulin, and botanicals as well as the potential impact of physical activity as a lifestyle factor. We also discuss the prospective implications of these findings, including support of the use of a Mediterranean dietary pattern and/or the ketogenic diet as an approach to modify AD risk.

A Mini-Review of Virtual Reality-Based Interventions to Promote Well-Being for People Living with Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Assistive technology including virtual reality and augmented reality has gained interest as a novel intervention in a range of clinical settings. This technology has the potential to provide mental stimulation, a connection to autobiographical memory through reminiscence, and enhanced quality of life (QoL) to people living with dementia (PLWD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In this mini-review, we examine the available evidence from studies reporting on the potential benefits of virtual and augmented reality to provide enjoyable, leisurely activities that may promote QoL and psychological well-being and facilitate social interaction. In total, 10 studies of varying study designs and durations (5 min to 6 months) using virtual (n = 9) and augmented reality (n = 1) were examined in PLWD (n = 6) and MCI (n= 3), in addition to 1 study that included participants with both conditions. Overall, the virtual experiences were enjoyed by the participants, improved their mood and apathy, and were preferred when compared with nonvirtual experiences. However, small sample sizes and variations in study design limit the generalizability of the results. Nevertheless, the use of virtual and augmented reality technology for PLWD and MCI is a novel and emerging method which may provide cognitive stimulation and improve well-being. Future research should explore the potential application of this technology to promote social interaction in both the community and aged care settings. We suggest future studies in PLWD and MCI assess the effects of more sustained use of virtual and augmented reality technology on psychological outcomes including QoL, apathy, and depressive symptoms, with the incorporation of physiological biomarker outcomes.

The beneficial health effects of green tea amino acid l-theanine in animal models: Promises and prospects for human trials.

l-Theanine (l-THE) is a nonproteinogenic amino acid derived from green tea (Camellia sinensis), which exhibits strong antioxidant-like properties and contributes to the favourable umami taste sensation. Several studies have reported that the consumption of this amino acid has many therapeutic effects, including improvements in brain and gastrointestinal function, cancer drug therapeutic efficacies, antihypertensive effects, and improved immune function. Considering the recent Western commercialisation and popularity of green tea consumption as a nootropic agent in humans, the aims of this review were to consolidate the existing knowledge from ex vivo and in vitro animal models and attempt to highlight the applicability of l-THE towards the human clinical trials. Considering the anti-inflammatory and antioxidants effects of l-THE presented in the current review, further research must translate the existing knowledge gained from animal and cell models to exploring the potential metabolic health benefits and moderating effects on the pathogenesis of conditions such as obesity, arthritis, depression, and type 2 diabetes in human trials. This will bridge the gap in literature and provide more insights into the mechanisms driving pathologies characterised by the inflammatory response and oxidative stress.

Hydrogen Rich Water Improved Ventilatory, Perceptual and Lactate Responses to Exercise.

The potential anti-fatigue and performance benefits of hydrogen rich water (HRW) have resulted in increased research interest over the past 5 years. The aim of this study was to assess physiological and perceptual responses to an incremental exercise protocol after administration of 600 ml HRW within 30 min before exercise. This randomized, double blinded placebo-controlled cross over study included twelve healthy males aged 27.1±4.9 years. The exercise protocol consisted of a 10 min warm-up at 1.0 W.kg-1, followed by 8 min at 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 W.kg-1, respectively. Cardio-respiratory variables, lactate and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed in the last minute of each step. A significantly lower blood lactate was found with HRW (4.0±1.6 and 8.9±2.2 mmol.l-1) compared to Placebo (5.1±1.9 and 10.6±3.0 mmol.l-1) at 3.0, and 4.0 W.kg-1, respectively. Ventilatory equivalent for oxygen and RPE exhibited significantly lower values with HRW (32.3±7.2, and 17.8±1.2 points, respectively) compared to Placebo (35.0±8.4, and 18.5±0.8 points, respectively) at 4 W.kg-1. To conclude, acute pre-exercise supplementation with HRW reduced blood lactate at higher exercise intensities, improved exercise-induced perception of effort, and ventilatory efficiency.

Effects of the Consumption of Prickly Pear Cacti (Opuntia spp.) and its Products on Blood Glucose Levels and Insulin: A Systematic Review.

Background and Objectives: There is confusion as to which component of the Opuntia spp. cacti has demonstrated anti-hyperglycemic effects or anti-diabetic properties. It is important to clarify these health benefits due to the increasing need for prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. The aim of this review is to identify the effects of Opuntia spp. cacti consumption on biomedical measures; glucose and insulin with consideration of its' components; fruit, leaf and combined or unidentified Opuntia spp. products. Materials and Methods: Prior to commencing the searches, this systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42018108765). Following the PRISMA 2009 guidelines, six electronic databases (Food Science and Technology Abstracts (EBSCO), Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science and Cochrane) were searched for articles investigating the effect of Opuntia spp. consumption on glucose and insulin in humans. Results: Initially, 335 articles were sourced and filtered by exclusion criteria (human interventions, control trials and articles published in English) resulting in 20 relevant articles. The included studies were characterized by such plant components as fruit (n = 4), cladode (n = 12), and other Opuntia spp. products (n = 4), further separated by clinical populations ('healthy', hyperlipidemic, hypercholesterolemic, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus). The findings of this review indicate variations in effects between cacti components and products. Cladode and select Opuntia spp. products predominately demonstrated significant reductions in serum glucose and insulin, indicating potential as a functional food candidate. Prickly Pear fruit was predominately reported to have no significant effects on glucose or insulin. The quality of evidence appeared to vary based on the type of Opuntia spp. product used. Studies that used specifically the fruit or cladode had high risk of bias, whereas studies which used combined Opuntia spp. products had a lower risk of bias. Numerous mechanisms of action were proposed where positive findings were reported, with emphasis on dualistic glucose-dependent and independent actions, however, mechanisms require further elucidation. Conclusion: Currently, there is a lack of evidence to support the recommendation of using Opuntia spp. fruit products as an alternative or complementary therapy in the reduction of risk or management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The Cladode does however show promise in potential glucose-lowering effects which warrant further investigation.

Do Short-Term Exercise Interventions Improve Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children?

OBJECTIVES: To explore the impact of short-term exercise of varying intensity on traditional risk factors for cardiometabolic disease. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 109 children (mean age, 11.1 ± 0.8 years) were conveniently assigned to 5 weeks of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT; n = 29) set at 65%-70% of maximum heart rate, high-intensity interval training (HIIT; n = 29; >80% maximum heart rate), combined training (HIIT + MICT; n = 27), or no training (control; n = 24). Two-way ANOVA (group × time) was used to evaluate the effects of training on all cardiometabolic disease risk factors. Effect sizes were calculated to assess the magnitude of difference. RESULTS: MICT, HIIT, and HIIT + MICT were associated with significantly improved resting heart rate (effect size, -0.4, -1.1, and -1.1, respectively; P < .0001), fasting glucose (effect size, -0.6, -0.9, and -0.1, respectively; P = .0004), peak oxygen consumption (effect size, 0.5, 0.9, and 0.5, respectively; P < .0001), and c-reactive protein (effect size, -0.2, -1.0, and -0.5, respectively; P = .0016). HIIT + MICT was significantly associated with reduced waist circumference (-5.4%; P < .0001) and waist-to-hip ratio (-2.5%; P < .0002) compared with MICT (7.0% and 6.3%, respectively) and HIIT (-0.5% and -1.3%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Short-term HIIT and MICT interventions are useful for improving cardiometabolic health in children. HIIT + MICT may provide superior reductions in central obesity indicators.

Effect of long-term nutraceutical and dietary supplement use on cognition in the elderly: a 10-year systematic review of randomised controlled trials.

Nutraceuticals have generated interest as a way to mitigate the cognitive decline in older adults. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the evidence for these claims from the scientific literature in randomised, double-blinded, controlled trials (duration: ≥1 year; participants: n≥100; age(mean): ≥65 years). Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we searched four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL and Web of Science) and identified twenty-five studies published between the 15·June·2006 and 14·June·2016. Interventions included B-vitamins, n-3 fatty acids, antioxidant vitamins and herbs. Of the B-vitamin studies, four found benefits to cognition with supplementation. The first of these B-vitamin studies, in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (n 266; duration=2 years), included benefit to executive function (P=0·015) and improvements in the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) among participants with baseline homocysteine above 11·3 µmol/l (P<0·001). In the same sample, the second study found cognitive benefits of B-vitamins dependent on the higher baseline plasma n-3 fatty acid status. The third B-vitamin study (n 900; duration=2 years) reported improved performance in immediate (P=0·046) and delayed recall (P=0·013), whereas the fourth study (n 856; duration=2 years) reported slower rate of cognitive decline in the MMSE (P=0·05). One study investigating DHA treatment (n 402; duration=1·5 years) revealed the slower rate of cognitive change in apoE e4 non-carriers (P=0·03). As only five included studies revealed notable benefits, presently based on the specific compounds explored here, there is not compelling evidence to support the use nutraceuticals to improve cognition in the elderly. Future long-term trials of nutraceuticals should investigate interactions with lifestyle, blood biomarkers and genetic risk factors.

Short-Term High-Intensity Interval Training Is Superior to Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training in Improving Cardiac Autonomic Function in Children.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the impact of 3 isocaloric exercise programs on cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS) functioning in children. METHODS: One hundred nine children (39% boys and 61% girls) aged 10-13 years (mean 11.07 ± 0.81) were conveniently assigned to 1 of 4 groups as follows: Moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT; n = 29) at 65-70% of the predicted maximum heart rate (MHR), High-intensity interval training (HIIT; n = 29) at > 80% of the predicted MHR, HIIT and MICT combined on alternate weeks (ALT; n = 27), and a control group (n = 24). Morning ANS activity was assessed via analysis of heart rate variability (HRV), with the patient in supine position for 10 min, before and after the exercise intervention. DATA ANALYSIS: A 2-way analysis of variance was used to evaluate the effects of training on all HRV parameters (p < 0.05/4 = 0.0125). RESULTS: After 5 weeks of training, significant improvements were observed for ln of the standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (p < 0.0001), ln of the root mean square of successive difference (p < 0.0001), and ln of standard deviation 1 (p < 0.0001), with superior results reported in the HIIT group (effect size [ES] = 2.22, 2.69, and 2.69) compared with the MICT (ES = 1.67, 1.75, and 1.75) and ALT (ES = 0.87, 1.06, and 1.06) groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Short-term HIIT seems to induce superior alterations in cardiac ANS activity compared to MICT and ALT in children through enhanced vagal activity.

One night of partial sleep deprivation impairs recovery from a single exercise training session.

PURPOSE: The effects of sleep deprivation on physical performance are well documented, but data on the consequence of sleep deprivation on recovery from exercise are limited. The aim was to compare cyclists' recovery from a single bout of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) after which they were given either a normal night of sleep (CON, 7.56 ± 0.63 h) or half of their usual time in bed (DEP, 3.83 ± 0.33 h). METHODS: In this randomized cross-over intervention study, 16 trained male cyclists (age 32 ± 7 years), relative peak power output (PPO 4.6 ± 0.7 W kg-1) performed a HIIT session at ±18:00 followed by either the CON or DEP sleep condition. Recovery from the HIIT session was assessed the following day by comparing pre-HIIT variables to those measured 12 and 24 h after the session. Following a 2-week washout, cyclists repeated the trial, but under the alternate sleep condition. RESULTS: PPO was reduced more 24 h after the HIIT session in the DEP (ΔPPO -0.22 ± 0.22 W kg-1; range -0.75 to 0.1 W kg-1) compared to the CON condition (ΔPPO -0.05 ± 0.09 W kg-1, range -0.19 to 0.17 W kg-1, p = 0.008, d = -2.16). Cyclists were sleepier (12 h: p = 0.002, d = 1.90; 24 h: p = 0.001, d = 1.41) and felt less motivated to train (12 h, p = 0.012, d = -0.89) during the 24 h recovery phase when the HIIT session was followed by the DEP condition. The exercise-induced 24 h reduction in systolic blood pressure observed in the CON condition was absent in the DEP condition (p = 0.039, d = 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: One night of partial sleep deprivation impairs recovery from a single HIIT session in cyclists. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this observation.