Ultraprocessed Food Consumption and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children.

Importance: High intake of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) has been associated with higher cardiometabolic risk in adults; however, the evidence in children is limited. Objective: To investigate the association between UPF consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors in the Childhood Obesity Risk Assessment Longitudinal Study (CORALS). Design, Setting, and Participants: This baseline cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the data of CORALS participants recruited between March 22, 2019, and June 30, 2022. Preschool children (aged 3-6 years) were recruited from schools and centers in 7 cities in Spain. Inclusion criteria included informed consent signed by parents or caregivers and having a completed a set of questionnaires about the child's prenatal history at home. Exclusion criteria included low command of Spanish or unstable residence. Exposure: Energy-adjusted UPF consumption (in grams per day) from food frequency questionnaires and based on the NOVA food classification system. Main Outcomes and Measures: Age- and sex-specific z scores of adiposity parameters (body mass index [BMI], fat mass index, waist-to-height ratio, and waist circumference) and cardiometabolic parameters (diastolic and systolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides) were estimated using linear regression models. Results: Of 1509 enrolled CORALS participants, 1426 (mean [SD] age, 5.8 [1.1] years; 698 boys [49.0%]) were included in this study. Mothers of children with high UPF consumption were younger, had a higher BMI, were more likely to have overweight or obesity, and had lower education levels and employment rates. Compared with participants in the lowest tertile of energy-adjusted UPF consumption, those in the highest tertile showed higher z scores of BMI (ß coefficient, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05-0.35), waist circumference (ß coefficient, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05-0.35), fat mass index (ß coefficient, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.00-0.32), and fasting plasma glucose (ß coefficient, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.06-0.37) and lower z scores for HDL cholesterol (ß coefficient, -0.19; 95% CI, -0.36 to -0.02). One-SD increments in energy-adjusted UPF consumption were associated with higher z scores for BMI (ß coefficient, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.05-0.17), waist circumference (ß coefficient, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.02-0.15), fat mass index (ß coefficient, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.04-1.18), and fasting plasma glucose (ß coefficient, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.03-0.17) and lower HDL cholesterol (ß coefficient, -0.07; 95% CI, -0.15 to -0.00). Substituting 100 g of UPFs with 100 g of unprocessed or minimally processed foods was associated with lower z scores of BMI (ß coefficient, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.06 to -0.01), fat mass index (ß coefficient, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.06 to 0.00), and fasting plasma glucose (ß coefficient, -0.04; 95% CI, -0.07 to -0.01). Conclusions and Relevance: These findings suggest that high UPF consumption in young children is associated with adiposity and other cardiometabolic risk factors, highlighting the need for public health initiatives to promote the replacement of UPFs with unprocessed or minimally processed foods.

Improvements in Jump Height, Speed, and Quality of Life through an 8-Week Strength Program in Male Adolescents Soccer Players.

This study aimed to assess the enhancement of physical fitness and quality of life through an 8-week strength training program in male adolescent soccer players aged between 12 and 13 years. A lower body muscle group intervention was performed, with 17 players in the experimental group (EG) and 15 players in the control group (CG). The EG carried out soccer training complemented by specific strength work. Pre- and post- intervention assessments included body composition, jump height, speed with change of direction, maximum speed in 20 m, movement velocity in back-squat, perceived fatigue effort, academic performance, and quality of life. A general linear repeated measures model analysis was used considering each variable, the interaction between groups (EG, CG) and time (basal, 8-week), to analyze the differences between and within groups. The results showed a reduction in fat in the upper limbs and trunk, improvements in jump height, maximum speed of 20 m, and changes of direction, and increased quality of life (p < 0.05) in the EG. It was concluded that a strength program could improve some components of physical performance in male adolescent soccer players.

Adherence to a healthy lifestyle behavior composite score and cardiometabolic risk factors in Spanish children from the CORALS cohort.

To assess the associations between the adherence to a composite score comprised of 6 healthy lifestyle behaviors and its individual components with several cardiometabolic risk factors in Spanish preschool children. Cross-sectional analyses were conducted in 938 participants included in the CORALS cohort aged 3-6 years. Six recognized healthy lifestyle behaviors (breastfeeding, sleep duration, physical activity, screentime, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and eating speed) were assessed in a composite score. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were fitted to assess the associations with cardiometabolic risk factors (weight status, waist circumference, fat mass index, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, and lipid profile). In the adjusted multiple linear and logistic regression models, compared with the reference category of adherence to the healthy lifestyle behavior composite score, those participants in the category of the highest adherence showed significant decreased prevalence risk of overweight or obesity [OR (95% CI), 0.4 (0.2, 0.6)] as well as significant lower waist circumference, fat mass index (FMI), systolic blood pressure and fasting plasma glucose concentration [ß (95% CI), - 1.4 cm (- 2.5, - 0.4); - 0.3 kg/m2 (- 0.5, - 0.1); and - 3.0 mmHg (- 5.2, - 0.9); - 1.9 mg/dL (- 3.5, - 0.4), respectively]. Slow eating speed was individually associated with most of the cardiometabolic risk factors.   Conclusions: Higher adherence to the healthy lifestyle behavior composite score was associated with lower waist circumference, FMI, other cardiometabolic risk factors, and risk of overweight or obesity in Spanish preschool children. Further studies are required to confirm these associations. What is Known: • Lifestyle is a well-recognized etiologic factor of obesity and its comorbidities. • Certain healthy behaviors such as adhering to a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and decreasing screentime are strategies for prevention and treatment of childhood obesity. What is New: • Higher adherence to the healthy lifestyle behavior composite score to 6 healthy behaviors (breastfeeding, sleep duration, physical activity, screentime, eating speed, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet) was associated with decreased adiposity, including prevalence risk of overweight or obesity, and cardiometabolic risk in preschool children. • Slow eating and greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet were mainly associated to lower fasting plasma and serum triglycerides concentration, respectively.

Influence of limb dominance on body and jump asymmetries in elite female handball.

Handball is a team sport subjected to asymmetric actions that require high physical capacity demands on players. The development of large asymmetries could negatively affect sports performance. However, few studies have analyzed body composition and the force asymmetries in elite female handball players. The aim of this study was to analyze the presence of asymmetries based on limb dominance in body composition parameters and lower limb power in jumping performances in an elite women's handball team. An entire elite women's handball team, comprised by of 14 players, was analyzed. Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) and bioimpedance were used to analyze body composition. Force plates were used to evaluate jump performance. Results show the presence of differences between all the players in the different parameters of the CMJ jump. In addition, an asymmetry between the power of the dominant and non-dominant lower limb was observed between the players. The results show differences in muscle mass between the upper limbs, but not in the lower limbs in terms of both muscle and fat mass. However, there were no crossed asymmetries or significant differences between members based on dominance. The results suggest that the presence of asymmetries does not have to be one of the main parameters to be taken into account by coaches in elite athletes and to highlight the importance of including specific analyzes of body composition and sports performance in an individualized way.

Acute Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Movement Velocity and Neuromuscular Signal during the Back Squat Exercise.

The aim of this study was to verify the effects of blood flow restriction on movement velocity and muscle activity during the back squat exercise. METHODS: Twenty-four university students participated in this study. In two randomized sessions 72 h apart, participants performed a 4-set protocol consisting of 30-15-15-15 repetitions performed at 30% of their one-repetition maximum in the back squat exercise. In both sessions, neuromuscular function was monitored by surface electromyography (EMG) and movement velocity (mean propulsive velocity (MPV), peak concentric velocity (Vmax), and the effort index (EI)). Blood flow restriction (BFR) was applied during exercise in one of the experimental sessions with 80% of full arterial occlusion pressure over lower limbs. RESULTS: The BFR condition showed higher (p < 0.05) EI, peak, and rooted mean square normalized EMG in Set 1 compared to Set 2. Similar MPV and Vmax were observed in each set for both the BFR and control conditions. No significant differences were observed between conditions in any set. CONCLUSIONS: BFR did not imply changes in neuromuscular performance during low-intensity resistance training, but it might induce greater intra-series velocity loss and less excitation of the muscles involved.

Effectiveness of real-time classroom interactive competition on academic performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

In recent years, different tools have been introduced into the educational landscape to promote active participation and interaction between students and teachers through personal response systems. The evolution of this methodology has allowed students to participate in real-time by answering questions posed. Previous reviews on the effectiveness of real-time classroom interactive competition (RCIC) on academic performance have been performed; however, this research was based only on Kahoot, without considering other RCIC tools or programs. In addition, the RCIC effectiveness at different educational levels and its effect according to the duration of the intervention has not been meta-analytically analyzed until to date. The aim of this meta-analysis was to analyze the RCIC effectiveness in improving academic performance. A search focused on studies from the educational field published from 2010 until September 2022 was performed. Experimental studies with objective and valid data (scores based on tests or exams) were included. From a total of 397 studies considered potentially eligible, 23 studies met the inclusion criteria. The sample was n = 1,877 for the experimental group and n = 1,765 for the control group with an academic improvement in favor to experimental group (MD 7.34; CI [5.31-9.43]; p < 0.001). There was also significant improvement in academic performance when analyzing different educational levels and different tools. In addition, both short-term interventions (two weeks or less in duration) and long-term (from two weeks to one year in duration) were effective. Therefore, RCIC interventions seem to be an effective strategy to improve academic performance.

Efficacy of progressive versus severe energy restriction on body composition and strength in concurrent trained women.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the concurrent training (CT) effect in combination with either progressive energy restriction (PER) or severe energy restriction (SER) on body composition and strength-related variables in resistance-trained women. METHODS: Fourteen women (29.5 ± 3.8 years; 23.8 ± 2.8 kg·m-2) were randomly assigned to a PER (n = 7) or SER (n = 7) group. Participants performed an 8-week CT program. Pre- and post-intervention measures of fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and strength-related variables were assessed through 1-repetition maximum (in the squat and bench press) and countermovement jump. RESULTS: Significant reductions in FM were observed in PER and SER (Δ = - 1.7 ± 0.4 kg; P = < 0.001; ES = - 0.39 and Δ = - 1.2 ± 0.6 kg; P = 0.002; ES = - 0.20, respectively). After correcting FFM for fat-free adipose tissue (FFAT), no significant differences for this variable were found either in PER (Δ = - 0.3 ± 0.1; P = 0.071; ES = - 0.06) or in SER (Δ = - 0.2 ± 0.1; P = 0.578; ES = - 0.04). There were no significant changes in the strength-related variables. No between-group differences were found in any of the variables. CONCLUSION: A PER has similar effects to a SER on body composition and strength in resistance-trained women performing a CT program. Given that PER is more flexible and thus may enhance dietary adherence, it might be a better alternative for FM reduction compared to SER.

Associations Between Eating Speed, Diet Quality, Adiposity, and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the associations between eating speed, adiposity, cardiometabolic risk factors, and diet quality in a cohort of Spanish preschool-children. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study in 1371 preschool age children (49% girls; mean age, 4.8 ± 1.0 years) from the Childhood Obesity Risk Assessment Longitudinal Study (CORALS) cohort was conducted. After exclusions, 956 participants were included in the analyses. The eating speed was estimated by summing the total minutes used in each of the 3 main meals and then categorized into slow, moderate, or fast. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were fitted to assess the ß-coefficient, or OR and 95% CI, between eating speed and body mass index, waist circumference, fat mass index (FMI), blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, and lipid profile. RESULTS: Compared with participants in the slow-eating category, those in the fast-eating category had a higher prevalence risk of overweight/obesity (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.8-4.4; P < .01); larger waist circumference (ß, 2.6 cm; 95% CI, 1.5-3.8 cm); and greater FMI (ß, 0.3 kg/m2; 95% CI, 0.1-0.5 kg/m2), systolic blood pressure (ß, 2.8 mmHg; 95% CI, 0.6-4.9 mmHg), and fasting plasma glucose levels (ß, 2.7 mg/dL, 95% CI, 1.2-4.2 mg/dL) but lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet (ß, -0.5 points; 95% CI, -0.9 to -0.1 points). CONCLUSIONS: Eating fast is associated with higher adiposity, certain cardiometabolic risk factors, and lower adherence to a Mediterranean diet. Further long-term and interventional studies are warranted to confirm these associations.

Corrigendum: Reliability and validation of the child eating behavior questionnaire in 3- to 6-year-old Spanish children.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.705912.].

Beetroot Juice Produces Changes in Heart Rate Variability and Reduces Internal Load during Resistance Training in Men: A Randomized Double-Blind Crossover.

Beetroot juice (BJ) has been used as a sport supplement, improving performance in resistance training (RT). However, its effect on the modulation of the autonomic nervous system has not yet been widely studied. Therefore, the objective of this randomized double-blind crossover study was to assess the effect of acute BJ supplementation compared to placebo in blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) and internal load during RT measure as Root Mean Square of the Successive Differences between adjacent RR intervals Slope (RMSSD and RMSSD-Slope, respectively). Eleven men performed an incremental RT test (three sets at 60%, 70% and 80% of their repetition maximum) composed by back squat and bench press with. HR, HRV and RMSSD-Slope were measured during and post exercise. As the main results, RMSSD during exercise decrease in the BJ group compared to placebo (p = 0.023; ES = 0.999), there were no differences in RMSSD post-exercise, and there were differences in RMSSD-Slope between groups in favor of the BJ group (p = 0.025; ES = 1.104) with a lower internal load. In conclusion, BJ supplementation seems to be a valuable tool for the reduction in the internal load of exercise during RT measured as RMSSD-Slope while enhancing performance.

Effectiveness of Exercise in Patients with Overweight or Obesity Suffering from Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The main purpose of this study was to review the evidence about the effectiveness of exercise in patients with overweight or obesity suffering from knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published between January 2002 and May 2022 were included. RESULTS: A total of 64 articles were identified, of which six met the criteria for meta-analysis. The pain scale score was higher in the control group (mean difference 0.95; confidence interval 0.42-1.47; p < 0.001; I2 = 44%). The physical function scale (lower scores indicate lower levels of symptoms or physical disability) presented a higher score in the control group (mean difference 3.74; confidence interval 0.85-6.53; p < 0.05; I2 = 56%). Moreover, the intervention group achieved a greater distance (meters) walking in a 6 min interval (mean difference 38.18; confidence interval 20.01-56.35; p < 0.001; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSIONS: Exercise interventions seem effective in improving quality of life in people with overweight or obesity suffering from knee osteoarthritis, reducing pain and improving physical function.

Methods recently used for the assessment of physical activity in children and adolescents.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this review is to summarize recent evidences and advances on the implementation and the use of new tools to assessing physical activity (PA) in children. RECENT FINDINGS: Technological advances provide, increasingly, new objective methods for the evaluation of PA in children. In addition to accelerometry, there are other objective methods for assessing PA in children such as new wearable monitoring and activity bracelets, smartphone and recording software applications, Global Positioning System or Inertial Sensors Devices. SUMMARY: Doubly labeled water and calorimetry are reference methods to assessing PA but with limitations of use. Accelerometry is an accurate method for measuring sedentary behavior and PA levels in children. In fact, it is a real alternative reference method for the validation of methods and tools of assessing PA. However, there is still no consensus about the most appropriate approach to analyze the duration and intensity of PA in children. Therefore, the implementation of other alternative objective methods, as well as complementation with PA questionnaires, can provide a more precise evaluation of different patterns and behaviors related with sedentarism and PA.

Reliability and Validation of the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire in 3- to 6-Year-Old Spanish Children.

Introduction: Eating behavior is often established during the first years of life. Therefore, it is important to make a research on it to understand the relationships that children have with food and how this can contribute to prevent the development of childhood obesity. An appropriate assessment of eating behavior can be achieved using the "Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire" (CEBQ). This questionnaire has been validated in several populations and languages, but it has never been translated, adapted, and validated for Spanish children. Aim: To evaluate the reliability and internal consistency of the CEBQ questionnaire, culturally adapted and translated into Spanish (Spain), in Spanish families with children aged 3 to 6 years, as well as its association with children's body mass index (BMI) to test its construct validity. Materials and Methods: Children between 3 and 6 years old were recruited from the ongoing MELI-POP randomized controlled clinical trial, as well as from public schools located in middle class neighborhoods of Zaragoza, Spain, to complete the sample. Sociodemographic characteristics and anthropometric measures were obtained according to standardized methods. The 35-item CEBQ questionnaire was completed twice with a time difference of 3 weeks between each response. Statistical analyses included the evaluation of internal consistency and reliability of the questionnaire, a confirmatory factor analysis, and the association between the different CEBQ scales and the children's BMI. Results: A total of 197 children completed variables; 97 of them were boys (49.2%) and 100 girls (50.8%). Mean age of the total sample was 4.7 ± 0.9 years. There was a high test-re-test reliability of the questionnaire with values close to 1, with an average of 0.66 and a good internal consistency (Cronbach alpha with values above 0.7), so that a high reliability is established between the items in each scale. A gradual positive association was found between the score of different "pro-intake" scales of the CEBQ: "Food Responsiveness," "Emotional Overeating," and "Enjoyment of food" and the children's BMI; at the opposite, negative associations were observed between BMI and the score of anti-intake scales "Satiety Responsiveness," "Slowness in Eating," and "Emotional Undereating." Conclusion: The Spanish version of the CEBQ is a useful tool to assess the eating behavior of Spanish children because the high reliability and internal validity. There is a significant association between eating behavior and BMI in Spanish children.

Acute Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplements on Lower-Body Strength in Female Athletes: Double-Blind Crossover Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Beetroot juice (BRJ) is used as an ergogenic aid, but no previous study has analyzed the effect this supplement has on the production of explosive force and muscular endurance in physically active women. HYPOTHESIS: BRJ improves explosive force and muscular endurance in the lower limbs of physically active women. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized double-blind crossover study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: Fourteen physically active women performed a countermovement jump (CMJ) test, a back squat test for assessing velocity and power at 50% and 75% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), and the number of repetitions on a muscular endurance test consisting of 3 sets at 75% of 1RM in a resistance training protocol comprising 3 exercises (back squat, leg press, and leg extension). The participants performed the test in 2 sessions, 150 minutes after ingesting 70 mL of either BRJ (400 mg of nitrate) or a placebo (PLA). RESULTS: A greater maximum height was achieved in the CMJ after consuming BRJ compared with a PLA (P = 0.04; effect size (ES) = 0.34). After a BRJ supplement at 50% 1RM, a higher mean velocity [+6.7%; P = 0.03; (ES) = 0.39 (-0.40 to 1.17)], peak velocity (+6%; P = 0.04; ES = 0.39 [-0.40 to 1.17]), mean power (+7.3%; P = 0.02; ES = 0.30 [-0.48 to 1.08]) and peak power (+6%; P = 0.04; ES = 0.20 [-0.59 to 0.98]) were attained in the back squat test. In the muscular endurance test, BRJ increased performance compared with the PLA (P < 0.00; ηp2 = 0.651). CONCLUSION: BRJ supplements exert an ergogenic effect on the ability to produce explosive force and muscular endurance in the lower limbs in physically active women. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: If physically active women took a BRJ supplement 120 minutes before resistance training their performance could be enhanced.

Effects of ß-Hydroxy ß-Methylbutyric Supplementation in Combination with Conservative Non-Invasive Treatments in Athletes with Patellar Tendinopathy: A Pilot Study.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of conservative non-invasive treatments based on eccentric training, stretching and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) supplemented with ß-Hydroxy ß-methylbutyric (HMB) or placebo (PLAC) on body composition, pain and muscular function (jump ability, muscular power and muscular strength) in athletes with patellar tendinopathy (PT). In a double-blind randomized trial, 8 athletes (4 males and 4 females) performed a physical rehabilitation for 4 weeks. They were randomly divided into two experimental groups (two males and two females in each one) that ingested HMB (HMBG) or PLAC (PLACG). In pre- and post-intervention were assessed body composition, pain, countermovement jump (CMJ), back-squat (BS) for analyzing peak power (W) (PPPP), load (kg) associated to PPPP (PPKG) and mean velocity (m/s) (PPMV) in addition to a 5-RM leg extension tests. An interaction intervention·supplementation (p = 0.049; È 2p = 0.774) was observed in the height reached in the CMJ as an intervention effect in PPPP detected for the HMBG (p = 0.049). In addition, an enhancement in PPKG (p = 0.028; È 2p = 0.842) was detected in the intervention, but not in PPMV, as an increase in the intervention in the 5-RM test (p = 0.001; È 2p = 0.981) was observed. No changes were noted on body composition or pain (p > 0.05). The combination of eccentric training with stretching and ESWT increased concentric muscular power and strength after 4 weeks without changes in body lean mass or pain. In addition, HMB supplementation could enhance the power muscular performance in athletes with PT, optimizing the intervention adaptions.

Evaluation of Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity Levels Using Different Accelerometry Protocols in Children from the GENOBOX Study.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) has acquired a significant relevance due to the health benefits associated with its practice. Accelerometers are an effective tool to assess PA; however, the diversity of cut-off points used to define different PA intensities through accelerometry could interfere in the interpretation of the findings among studies. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to examine the sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity (PA) levels in children using six selected accelerometry protocols based on diverse cut-off points. METHODS: Clinical examination, anthropometric measurements, and PA evaluation by accelerometry were assessed in 543 selected children (10 ± 2.4 years old) from the Spanish GENOBOX study. The ActiLife data scoring program was used to determine daily min spent in SB, and light, moderate, vigorous and moderate-vigorous PA using six validated accelerometry protocols differing in their cut-off points. RESULTS: Very different estimations for SB and PA intensity levels were found in children, independently of the non-wear-time algorithm selected, and considering puberty stages, age and body mass index. The time spent in daily SB varied from 471 to 663.7 min, PA ranged from 141 to 301.6 min, and the moderate-vigorous PA was reported between 20.7 and 180.2 min. CONCLUSION: The choice of a particular accelerometry protocol considering these factors is important to evaluate SB or PA intensities to suit the characteristics of the sample researched. It seems necessary to establish future lines of research that include different analytical approaches to measure SB and PA by accelerometry based on standardized and validated methodology.

Acute Effects of a Percussive Massage Treatment on Movement Velocity during Resistance Training.

The aim of this research was to verify whether the application of percussion therapy during inter-set rest periods increases the number of repetitions performed before reaching a 30% velocity loss threshold during a bench press exercise. Methods: Twenty-four male university students participated in this study (24.3 ± 1.3 years; 77.5 ± 8.3 kg; 177.0 ± 5.6 cm; 24.7 ± 2.6 kg∙m-2). Participants were randomized into two groups: a percussion therapy group (PTG) and a control group (CG). They performed 4 sets at 70% of a one-repetition maximum before reaching a 30% velocity loss threshold with an inter-set recovery of 3 min. Results: The PTG performed a greater total number of repetitions compared to the CG (44.6 ± 4.8 vs. 39.5 ± 6.8; p = 0.047; ES = 0.867). No differences were observed for the different movement velocity variables and fatigue control (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Percussion therapy is an effective method to delay the loss of movement velocity in the bench press exercise.

Timing óptimo en la suplementación con creatina para la mejora del rendimiento deportivo / Optimal timing in creatine supplementation to improve sports performance

La creatina es un suplemento deportivo con una elevada evidencia científica sobre sus efectos en el rendimiento y con resultados emergentes en la salud, incluida la de deportistas vegetarianos y adultos mayores. El tipo de creatina y las dosis efectivas, han sido bien estudiadas presentando resultados consistentes. Sin embargo, no son muchos los estudios que han evaluado el momento de la ingesta en cuanto a su interacción con los efectos de la creatina. El objetivo de esta revisión, es analizar la diferente literatura científica existente sobre los protocolos de suplementación con creatina y su interacción con el momento de la ingesta, con el fin de evaluar si existe un efecto mayor de la dosis ergogénica considerada efectiva de creatina cuando esta es ingerida antes, después del entrenamiento o en otro momento del día. Los resultados de este trabajo presentaron diferentes tipos de protocolos y dosis en la suplementación con creatina, a pesar de ser diversos los protocolos mostrados en la literatura, el más efectivo constó de un consumo de 0,3 g/kg/d durante cinco días, seguido de un consumo de 0,03 g/kg/d consiguiendo de esta forma, una mayor reserva de PCr en el músculo esquelético. Los estudios mostraron mayores beneficios cuando la ingesta de creatina se realizó en los momentos cercanos al entreno debido al mayor flujo sanguíneo, apuntando los estudios a mejoras significativas en un consumo post-entreno, debido a que la creatina puede aumentar la formación de glucógeno en el músculo y aumentar la sensibilidad a la insulina

Creatine is a sports supplement with high scientific evidence on its effects on performance and with emerging health's results, including for vegetarian athletes and older adults. The creatine type and effective doses have been well studied, presenting consistent results. However, not many studies have evaluated the ingestion timing in terms of its interaction with the creatine effects. The aim of this review is to analyze the different existing scientific literature on creatine supplementation protocols and their interaction with the timing of ingestion, in order to assess whether there is a greater effect of the ergogenic dose of creatine considered effective when It is ingested before, post workout or at another time of the day. The results of this work presented different types of protocols and doses in creatine supplementation, despite being diverse the protocols shown in the literature, the most effective consisted of a consumption of 0.3 g/kg/d for five days, followed by a consumption of 0.03 g/kg/d, thus achieving a greater reserve of PCr in skeletal muscle. Studies showed greater benefits when creatine intake was carried out in the moments close to workout due to greater blood flow, the studies pointing to significant improvements in post-workout consumption, since creatine can increase the rate of glycogen uptake in muscle and increase insulin sensitivity

Morning versus Evening Intake of Creatine in Elite Female Handball Players.

A great deal of evidence has been gathered on the use of creatine as an ergogenic supplement. Recent studies show greater benefits when creatine ingestion is performed close in time to training, but few studies tackle the way that circadian rhythms could influence creatine consumption. The aim of this study was therefore to observe the influence circadian rhythms exert on sports performance after creatine supplementation. Our method involved randomly assigning fourteen women players of a handball team into two groups in a single-blind study: one that consumed the supplement in the morning and one that consumed it in the evening, with both groups following a specific training program. After twelve weeks, the participants exhibited a decreased fat percentage, increased body weight and body water, and improved performance, with these results being very similar in the two groups. It is therefore concluded that, although circadian rhythms may influence performance, these appear not to affect creatine supplementation, as creatine is stored intramuscularly and is available for those moments of high energy demand, regardless of the time of day.

Impact of a Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Program at a Regional University Hospital and Predictive Variables of Being a Smoker among Hospital Workers.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a comprehensive anti-smoking health program conducted over twelve years at a regional university hospital in southern Spain. Prevalence of tobacco was compared retrospectively using data collected during occupational health assessments (n = 4291). Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were carried out to evaluate tobacco consumption differences according to age, sex, professional category, and workplace building. The results show a reduction in the active smoking rate among hospital staff evaluated (from 22.8% to 19.8%) with significant differences between non-health and health workers. Accumulated smoking consumption fell to 13.45 ± 14.60 packs/year with men presenting a higher consumption (p < 0.001). The predictive variables of tobacco use were sex (greater consumption among men, p = 0.021), number of cigarettes (greater consumption among professionals who smoked less than 1 pack/day, p < 0.001), and time smoking (greater use among professionals with more than 10 years smoking, p < 0.001). There was a higher rate of staff smokers at the hospital building with a majority of mental health inpatients. This study provides a practical example of making the optimum use of digital medical records in the evaluation of a comprehensive anti-smoking health program.