A Randomized Controlled Trial, Non-Nutrition Based mHealth Program: The Potential Impact on Dietary Intake in College Students.

The aims of this study were to (1) explore this sample's pre- and post-intervention dietary intake, specifically the macro- and micronutrients, and their eating habits related to location of consumption and use of electronic devices, and (2) compare this sample's nutritional measures to the current Dietary Guidelines 2020 to 2025. Twenty-eight participants were included in the secondary data analysis. Participants reported a total of 822 items consumed during this study. Most items were consumed at home (n = 629, 76.5%). We found significant differences in the intake of energy, protein, total fat, carbohydrates, total vegetables, total grains, and total meat in different locations. For most of these measures, consumption at home and/or restaurants resulted in a greater magnitude of consumption than at other locations (e.g., car, daycare). Participants reported consuming most of their energy and nutrients while either using electronic devices alone (n = 365, 44.4%) or using no devices (n = 346, 42.1%). Significant differences were found among three measures including energy, total fat, and total fiber. The majority of the macronutrients (total fiber, fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy) consumed by our sample were under the threshold recommended in the 2020 to 2025 Dietary Guidelines.

Implications for cisgender female underrepresentation, small sample sizes, and misgendering in sport and exercise science research.

A sex-data gap, from testing primarily males, results in a lack of scientific knowledge for other groups (females, transgender individuals). It is unknown whether typical recruitment and participant characterization causes incorrect statistical decisions, and three factors were evaluated: 1) underrepresenting cisgender females, 2) recruiting small sample sizes, 3) misgendering. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003-2004) were evaluated for sex differences after removing missing values (N = 3,645; F = 1,763). Disparities were determined by utilizing sample sizes common in sport and exercise science research; mean sample size N = 187, median sample size N = 20. Participants were randomly allocated into datasets in an imbalanced manner (33.5% females, 66.5% males). Potential effects of misgendering were determined at rates of 2% and 5%. Differences between the complete data set and expected decisions were conducted through Chi-squared (χ2) goodness of fit with significance at p < .05. When the entire dataset was evaluated as if a sex testing disparity was present, decisions were not altered (χ2 = .52, p = .47). Differences were observed for mean sample size (χ2 = 4.89, p = .027), median sample size (χ2 = 13.52, p < .001), and misgendering at 2% (χ2 = 13.52, p = < .001) and 5% (χ2 = 13.52, p = < .001). Recruitment practices in sport and exercise science research should be revisited, as testing primarily cisgender males has consequences, particularly in small sample sizes. Misgendering participants also has consequences on ultimate decisions and interpretations of data, regardless of sample size. Inclusiveness is needed in helping all individuals feel valued and respected when participating in sport and exercise science research.

Impact of cluster set resistance training on strength, functional capacity, metabolic and inflammatory state in older hemodialysis subjects: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hemodialysis-associated neuromuscular dysfunction appears to be counteracted by resistance training (RT) in older patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of cluster-set RT protocol on anthropometric parameters, functional capacities, and biochemical variables in older patients with CKD. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventy-eight older patients (age: 57.55 ± 4.06 years) with CKD undergoing maintenance hemodialysis participated, and were randomly divided into control group (CG, N = 26), traditional RT (RT, N = 26) and cluster-set RT (RT-CS, N = 26) groups. Participants completed 24 weeks of RT three times per week, 1 h and 30 min before the hemodialysis session. Patients from the RT-CS group displayed increased adherence as compared to the RT group (66.35 % versus 61.73 %, p < 0.0001). There was an improvement of all anthropometric variables, handgrip strength, timed up and-go (TUG) and six-minute walking test (6MWT) following both training protocols when compared to control group and pre-intervention values. Fasting blood glucose decreased for both RT and RT-CS groups as compared with pre-intervention, without differences between training protocols and CG. Glycated hemoglobin, inflammatory cytokines, and triglycerides decreased in RT and RT-CS groups as compared with pre-intervention and CG, without differences between them. Furthermore, the RT-CS protocol resulted in a greater number of people who were responsive to training when compared to traditional training. CONCLUSIONS: RT-CS is a clinically valuable tool to improve anthropometric parameters, handgrip strength, TUG, 6MWT, fasting blood glucose, and cytokines in CKD older patients.

Heart rate processing algorithms and exercise duration on reliability and validity decisions in biceps-worn Polar Verity Sense and OH1 wearables.

Consumer wearable technology use is widespread and there is a need to validate measures obtained in uncontrolled settings. Because no standard exists for the treatment of heart rate data during exercise, the effect of different approaches on reliability (Coefficient of Variation [CV], Intraclass Correlation Coefficient [ICC]) and validity (Mean Absolute Percent Error [MAPE], Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficient [CCC)] were determined in the Polar Verity Sense and OH1 during trail running. The Verity Sense met the reliability (CV < 5%, ICC > 0.7) and validity thresholds (MAPE < 5%, CCC > 0.9) in all cases. The OH1 met reliability thresholds in all cases except entire session average (ICC = 0.57). The OH1 met the validity MAPE threshold in all cases (3.3-4.1%), but not CCC (0.6-0.86). Despite various heart rate data processing methods, the approach may not affect reliability and validity interpretation provided adequate data points are obtained. It is also possible that a large volume of data will artificially inflate metrics.

IJES Self-Study on Participants' Sex in Exercise Science: Sex-Data Gap and Corresponding Author Survey.

A sex-data gap exists between females and males within the sport and exercise science literature, and implications are far-reaching. The purpose of this work was to (a) heed recent calls and scrutinize data from within IJES to address the gap and (b) gain insight on self-identified sex of IJES corresponding authors. The present self-study included all published manuscripts from 2008 through 2021. A total of 851 publications were included, and 806 (94.7%) reported data on participant sex. There was a difference between publications that included only females (n = 132) versus only males (n = 215), and three publications reported data on sex according to non-binary identifications (0.4%). There was an overall difference between the number of female (n = 54,153; 35.9%) and male (n = 96,890; 64.1%) participants. To gain insight on self-identified sex of corresponding authors, we performed an IRB-approved research study. Among 761 unique corresponding authors, 168 individuals provided 157 usable responses-58 biological females (36.9%) and 99 biological males (63.1%). We fully support the prerogative of researchers to ethically conduct investigations and encourage open-mindedness and inclusion in future research. With data revealing an approximate one-third female (36%) and two-thirds male (64%) composition, and corresponding author feedback on self-identified sex being similar (36.9% and 63.1%, respectively), we propose a new concept that should be analyzed: is the sex-data gap representative of the composition of the field? We are not excusing the sex-data gap issue as if it cannot be addressed, and we urge others to join us in researching this line of inquiry.

Time of Day and Chronotype-Dependent Synchrony Effects Exercise-Induced Reduction in Migraine Load: A Pilot Cross-Over Randomized Trial.

Migraines are the most common cause of chronic pain. Effective, non-pharmacological strategies to reduce migraine load, like exercise, are needed, but it is unclear how exercise timing and chronotype modulate the effects. We sought to determine the effects of time-of-day of exercise, and synchrony with one's chronotype, on migraine load. We performed a pilot cross-over randomized trial where participants with chronic migraine completed two one-month exercise interventions, consisting of either morning exercise (before 09:00 a.m.) or evening exercise (after 7:00 p.m.) in a randomized repeated measures cross-over design (Clinical Trial #NCT04553445). Synchrony was determined by exercise time and chronotype (i.e., a morning type participant exercising in the morning is 'in-sync,' while an evening type participant exercising in the morning is 'out-of-sync'). Migraine burden, and anthropometric assessment occurred before and after each month of exercise. Data was analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with significance accepted at p < 0.05. When comparing morning and evening exercise, there was no significant improvements in any migraine-related parameters. However, when comparing in-sync and out-of-sync exercise, we found that migraine burden was only improved following in-sync exercise, while no benefits were seen in out-of-sync exercise. Our data suggests that exercise timing has limited impact, but synchrony with chronotype may be essential to decrease migraine load in chronic migraineurs.

Fear of Falling Avoidance Behavior in Parkinson's Disease: Most Frequently Avoided Activities.

BACKGROUND: Fear of falling avoidance behavior (FFAB) is common in Parkinson's disease (PD). OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study are to determine what activities are most avoided due to FFAB among people with PD and whether any associations exist with demographic factors or fall history. METHOD: Cross-sectional analysis of 174 individuals with PD using the Modified FFAB Questionnaire. RESULTS: Walking in dimly lit, unfamiliar places, and different surfaces, lifting and carrying objects, walking in crowded places, recreational/leisure activities, and going up/downstairs were most avoided. Fallers reported more FFAB (ps < .029). FFAB for certain activities was associated with increased or decreased odds of falling. CONCLUSION: Individuals with PD avoid walking in compromised situations and engaging in recreational/leisure activities due to FFAB. While excessive FFAB may increase the odds of falling, protective forms may be associated with decreased odds. Targeting FFAB among individuals with PD may increase safe participation in meaningful occupations in the home and community.

Psychological Factors Associated With Fear of Falling Avoidance Behavior in Parkinson's Disease: The Role of Depression, Anxiety, and Catastrophizing.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between psychological factors (depression, anxiety, and catastrophizing) and fear of falling avoidance behavior (FFAB) among individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: A secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from 59 individuals with PD using hierarchical multiple regression. RESULTS: Disease severity (Movement Disorder Society - Unified PD Rating Scale) and catastrophizing (Consequences of Falling Questionnaire (CoF)) explained approximately 48.2% of the variance in the FFAB Questionnaire scores (P < .001). Catastrophizing was the only significant psychological variable (P < .001). The damage to identity subscale of the CoF was significant in the final model (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Catastrophizing about the consequences of falls explained the largest portion of variability in FFAB after controlling for disease severity. Catastrophizing about the immediate consequences of falling may play a prominent role in FFAB and may be a potential treatment target for mitigating FFAB.

Assessing the Validity of Several Heart Rate Monitors in Wearable Technology While Mountain Biking.

Purpose: This study sought to assess the validity of several heart rate (HR) monitors in wearable technology during mountain biking (MTB), compared to the Polar H7® HR monitor, used as the criterion device. Methods: A total of 20 participants completed two MTB trials while wearing six HR monitors (5 test devices, 1 criterion). HR was recorded on a second-by-second basis for all devices analyzed. After data processing, validity measures were calculated, including 1. error analysis: mean absolute percentage errors (MAPE), mean absolute error (MAE), and mean error (ME), and 2. Correlation analysis: Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). Thresholds for validity were set at MAPE < 10% and CCC > 0.7. Results: The only device that was found to be valid during mountain biking was the Suunto Spartan Sport watch with accompanying HR monitor, with a MAPE of 0.66% and a CCC of 0.99 for the overall, combined data. Conclusion: If a person would like to track their HR during mountain biking, for pacing, training, or other reasons, the devices best able to produce valid results are chest-based, wireless electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors, secured by elastic straps to minimize the movement of the device, such as the Suunto chest-based HR monitor.

Acute Handgrip Fatigue and Forearm Girth in Recreational Sport Rock Climbers.

Indoor sport rock climbing has been increasing in popularity both recreationally and competitively. Despite this increase in popularity, the physiological responses to sport climbing as an exercise to specific muscle groups are not well defined. The purpose of this study was to quantify the change in handgrip strength over a 30-minute bout of continuous climbing, specifically in intermediate-level sport climbers. Ten intermediate rock climbers (age = 27 ± 2 years; climbing experience: 7.3 ± 1.5 years) completed baseline handgrip strength and forearm girth measurements. Each participant ascended one of two 5.9 difficulty routes as many times as possible in 30 minutes. After each ascent, heart rate was obtained, and handgrip strength and forearm girth were measured. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA with significance set at α < 0.05. Dominant arm handgrip strength decreased by 22%, and non-dominant handgrip strength reduced by 23%. Dominant and non-dominant forearm girth increased by 4.5% and 4.4%, respectively. Weak but significant negative correlations were observed between handgrip strength and forearm girth in dominant (r = -0.311, p = 0.001) and non-dominant limbs (r = -.491, p = 0.001). These results indicate a relationship between increased forearm girth and decreases in muscular strength. Since handgrip strength decreases substantially during a 30-min climb in intermediate rock climbers, this population would be advised to carefully monitor recovery time between bouts.

Effects of nutritional and hydration strategies during ultramarathon events between finishers and non-finishers: A systematic review protocol.

Ultramarathon running is a sport that is growing in popularity. Competing in an ultramarathon event is physiologically taxing on the human body, and it should not be surprising that not all individuals who enroll for an event ultimately finish. While many factors can contribute to this phenomenon, it is likely that nutritional and hydration strategies play a large role between finishing and not finishing an ultramarathon. No published paper has systematically reviewed the effects of nutritional and hydration strategies during ultramarathon events between finishers and non-finishers. This paper details our intended protocol with the following steps that create the flow of the systematic review: 1) Determine the review question and Participant, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome, Study Design (PICOS) criteria; 2) Create inclusion and exclusion criteria; 3) Create and follow a search strategy; 4) Document sources that are included and excluded according to the pre-determined eligibility criteria; 5) Assess final sources for risk of bias; 6) Extract pertinent data from final full-text articles and synthesize the information; and 7) Disseminate findings of the systematic review.

Reliability and validity of the Stryd Power Meter during different walking conditions.

BACKGROUND: The Styrd Power Meter is gaining special interest for on-field gait analyses due to its low-cost and general availability. However, the reliability and validity of the Stryd during walking on positive slopes using different backpack loads have never been investigated. RESEARCH QUESTION: Is the Stryd Power Meter reliable and valid for quantifying gait mechanics during walking on positive inclines and during level walking incorporating load carriage? METHODS: Seventeen participants from a police force rescue team performed 8 submaximal walking trials for 5-min at 3.6 km·h-1 during different positive slope (1%, 10% and 20%) and backpack load (0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% of body mass) conditions. Two Stryd devices were utilized for reliability analyses. Validity of cadence and ground contact time (GCT) were analyzed against a gold standard device (Optojump). RESULTS: The Stryd demonstrated acceptable reliability [mean bias: < 2.5%; effect size (ES): < 0.25; standard error of the mean: < 1.7%; r: > 0.76] for power, cadence, and GCT. Validity measures (mean bias: <0.8%; ES: <0.07; r: >0.96; Lin's Concordance Coefficient: 0.96; Mean Absolute Percent Error: <1%) for cadence were also found to be acceptable. The Stryd overestimated (P < 0.001; ES: >5.1) GCT in all the walking conditions. A significant systematic positive bias (P < 0.022; r = 0.56-0.76) was found in 7 conditions. SIGNIFICANCE: The Stryd Power Meter appears to produce reliable measurements for power output, cadence and GCT. The Stryd produced valid measurements for cadence during walking on positive slopes and during level walking with a loaded backpack. However, the Stryd is not valid for measuring GCT during these walking conditions. This study adds novel data regarding the reliability and validity of this device and might be of particular interest for scientists, practitioners, and first responders seeking reliable devices to quantify gait mechanics during walking.

Muscle Daily Undulating Periodization for Strength and Body Composition: The Proposal of a New Model.

The traditional linear periodization model is designed for modifications to be performed over several weeks, whereas alterations in the undulating model are applied on a more frequent basis. The study investigated a novel periodization scheme, the muscle daily undulating periodization model (mDUP). Thirty-seven men were randomly assigned into 2 groups: (a) a group that performed 12 weeks of daily undulating periodization with fix overload (DUP-F) resistance training (n = 19) and (b) a group that performed 12-weeks of muscle daily undulating periodization with variation overload (mDUP) (n = 18). Body composition and strength assessments (muscular endurance and one repetition maximum [1 RM] for barbell bench press, 45º leg press, lat pull down, and standing arm curl) were completed before and after the program. Two-way MANOVA with repeated measures was used to compare groups with significance set at p<0.05. There were no differences between periodization programs for anthropometric variables (p > 0.05, η2p = 0.04), but improvement was noted over time (p < 0.001, η2p = 0.60). No differences were observed between periodization programs for strength (p > 0.05, η2p = 0.056), but strength increased over time (p < 0.001, η2p = 0.95). Similarly, no muscular endurance differences were seen between periodization programs (p > 0.05, η2p = 0.15), but measures increased over time (p < 0.001, η2p = 0.60). When it comes to body composition, muscle strength, and muscle endurance, the present study provides evidence that both periodization models displayed similar results, with more evident improvements in strength. Thus, it seems pertinent to consider this new periodization model plausible for RT practitioners in order to achieve new adaptations.

A protocol and novel tool for systematically reviewing the effects of mindful walking on mental and cardiovascular health.

To our knowledge, no published systematic review has described the effects of mindful walking on mental and cardiovascular health. We have aimed to fill this gap by first establishing our systematic review protocol. Our protocol was adapted from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and is registered in PROSPERO (Registration Number: CRD42021241180). The protocol is described step-by-step in this paper, which we wrote to achieve three objectives: to adhere to the best practices stated in the PRISMA guidelines, to ensure procedural transparency, and to enable readers to co-opt our protocol for future systematic reviews on mindful walking and related topics. To achieve our third objective, we provide and explain a novel tool we created to track the sources we will find and screen for our review. Ultimately, the protocol and novel tool will lead to the first published systematic review about mindful walking and will also facilitate future systematic reviews.

Combined Physical Training Increases Plasma Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor Levels, But Not Irisin in People Living with HIV/AIDS.

This study evaluated plasma levels of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), irisin, and lactate in people living with HIV/AIDS who completed a combined physical training program. Nineteen HIV+ participants (age: 39.60 ± 10.96 years; carrier time: 7.75 ± 7.88 years; time of ART: 6.41 ± 5.93 years) performed strength/aerobic training (combined physical training) in the same session for 8 weeks and levels of BDNF, irisin, and lactate were assessed. BDNF (pg/mL) was higher post-CPT (Pre: 1258.73 ± 372.30; Post: 1504.17 ± 322.30; p < 0.001). Irisin (ng/mL) showed no change (Pre: 115.61 ± 72.41; Post: 125.87 ± 81.14; p = 0.973). There was positive correlation between irisin and lactate (mmol/L) pre (r = 0.55, p = 0.04), and lactate values were higher in the group with the highest value of irisin (3.65 ± 0.69 × 2.82 ± 0.59, p = 0.02). Combined physical training results in increased basal BDNF in people living with HIV/AIDS, this finding suggests that increased concentration of BDNF may be associated with decreased chances of developing cognitive disorders or HIV-associated dementia. Further studies involving molecular mechanisms on this subject are necessary.

Effects of Resistance Training on Muscle Quality Index, Muscle Strength, Functional Capacity, and Serum Immunoglobulin Levels between Obese and Non-obese Older Women.

Considering the negative impact of obesity on neuromuscular and immune systems, we sought to compare the effects of a 10-week resistance training (RT) program on muscle quality index (MQI), muscle strength, functional capacity, and immunoglobulins in older women with and without obesity. Thirty-nine older women participated in the present study (age: 69.02 ± 6.16, fat (%): 38.80% ± 6.28) and underwent a linear RT program performed on two non-consecutive days of the week. Body composition, functional tests, immunoglobulins, muscle quality of upper and lower limbs and absolute muscular strength of the upper and lower limbs were measured. Both groups displayed an increased statistically significant difference in MQI between pre-post training, however obese participants showed a lower field and laboratory MQI when compared to non-obese participants at the same time-points. Obese participants displayed an increased statistically significant 30-second chair stand test, with no differences for non-obese participants. Obese participants showed a higher statistically significant difference for immunoglobulin M when compared to the non-obese group at post-training. Finally, both groups displayed an increased statistically significant difference in muscle strength between pre-post-training. However, obese participants showed a statistically significant lower 10-RM low row score when compared to non-obese participants at post-training. Obese older women showed a lower field and laboratory MQI when compared to non-obese post-training, besides a lower 10-RM low row score which reinforces that obesity blunts the beneficial effects of RT on muscle quality and strength.

Effects of Acute Beta-Alanine Ingestion and Immersion-Plus-Exercise on Connectedness to Nature and Perceived Pain.

This double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study examined the effect of induced painful sensation (via acute Beta Alanine (B-ALA) ingestion) on Love and Care of Nature (LCN), heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) during outdoor exercise. Twenty participants volunteered on consecutive days to complete a 0.8 km (0.5 mi) up-hill hike after consuming either B-ALA (6.4 g) or placebo. Immediately after consumption participants answered LCN, RPE, and MPQ questionnaires, immersed in a natural environment for 45 min, and then completed a hike as quickly as possible without running. No difference in HR (p = 0.846), or RPE (p = 0.606) were observed between treatments. Total MPQ scores increased with consumption of B-ALA (p = 0.001). An increased LCN score was observed following exercise regardless of condition (p = 0.035). The results demonstrate that acute B-ALA supplementation is effective in increasing perceived pain sensations. The results also demonstrate an increase in LCN in the presence of increased perceptions of pain sensations during exercise.

Skilled Throwing Performance: A Test of the OPTIMAL Theory.

The OPTIMAL theory of motor learning postulates that autonomy support (AS), enhanced expectancies (EE), and an external focus of attention (EF) facilitate improved motor learning and performance. However, its applicability to elite-level throwing athletes has not been investigated by previous literature. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the successive implementation of AS, EE, and EF factors on overhand throwing performance in elite collegiate softball athletes (14.44 ± 2.75 years of softball experience). The secondary purpose was to determine whether self-efficacy beliefs would be augmented by factor manipulation. Twenty-four participants threw softballs at a bullseye target during five blocks. The Baseline test (Block 1) was used to subsequently assign participants to either the OPTIMAL or control group. Three middle blocks (Block 2 to 4) followed with successive factor implementation for the OPTIMAL group and without instruction for the control group. The final block (Block 5) served as the Transfer test, at which time throwing distance was increased. During Blocks 2 to 4, the OPTIMAL group was given the choice between softballs (AS), a liberal definition of successful throwing performance (EE), and instructed to focus on the bullseye (EF). Self-efficacy beliefs were assessed after applying the factors and before all blocks. There were no significant differences between the groups in throwing accuracy or self-efficacy scores across all blocks. The results suggest that the OPTIMAL theory does not augment skilled throwing performance or alter self-efficacy in elite softball throwing, potentially attributed to a natural adoption of EF and previously high self-efficacy.

Effect of exercise in a desert environment on physiological and subjective measures.

Green exercise is beneficial to emotional and physiological measures, however, the US has large desert areas. We aimed to determine if exercise in a desert (brown) environment extends similar benefits to green. Participants (N = 10) completed baseline measures (PRE), 30-min seated rest (SIT), and 30-min self-paced walking (WALK) in: indoor, outdoor urban, green, and two brown environments. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and measures of stress, comfort, and calm were obtained. After SIT, HR was elevated in urban vs green (p = 0.05). Systolic BP was lower after SIT compared to PRE and WALK (p = 0.05). Brown and green returned greater comfort and calm scores (p = 0.001). Stress was lower following WALK than PRE and SIT (p < 0.01). Comfort and calm were greatest in natural environments, and exercise significantly reduced perceived stress. Taken together, these data provide evidence that exercise in a desert environment is just a beneficial as the exercise performed in a green environment. Abbreviations: ANCOVA: analysis of covariance; ANOVA: analysis of variance; AU: arbitrary units; BP: blood pressure; BSL: below sea level; DBP: diastolic blood pressure; HR: heart rate; PRE: baseline measurement; PS: perceived stress; SBP: systolic blood pressure; SIT: measurement following 30-min seated rest; WALK: measurement following 30-min self-paced walking.