A Comparison of Continuous and Interval Exercise on Cognition in Young Adults.

Exercise stimulates the production and secretion of testosterone, cortisol, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and affects cognitive performance. However, the interaction of these variables is unknown. To investigate these interactions, 21 college-aged men completed two work-matched exercise protocols: continuous (CONT) exercise and an interval protocol (INT). Blood and saliva samples were collected before and after exercise to quantify BDNF, cortisol, and testosterone. Participants completed a battery of cognitive assessments after exercise. A MANOVA analysis of condition demonstrated that no domains were significantly different after CONT and INT (p > 0.05). A repeated measures ANOVA of time by condition demonstrated increases in BDNF in after both CONT and INT (p = 0.05), elevated cortisol after CONT (p = 0.05), and an interaction of testosterone (p = 0.027). Work matched continuous and interval exercise appears to promote serum BDNF but do not result in different post exercise cognitive performance.

No significant effect of caffeine on five kilometer running performance after muscle damage.

Caffeine has documented hypoalgesic effects during exercise. However, there is a lack of research focusing on caffeine's potential analgesic effects to ameliorate delayed onset muscle soreness. A placebo controlled randomized cross-over trial was carried out to determine if 5 mg/kg of body weight (mg/kgBW) of caffeine attenuates muscle pain and improves 5 k running performance following delayed onset muscle soreness. Prior to participating, eleven runners (9 male; 2 female; age, 24.5 ± 6.3 years; height, 173.6 ± 7.8 cm; body mass, 66.3 ± 7.5 kg; BMI, 23.18 kg/m2 ± 1.6; VO2max 61.0 ± 6.1 ml/kg/min-1), were asked to discontinue supplement use for 72 hours and abstain from caffeine consumption for 48 hours. Participants performed a 30-minute downhill run on a treadmill set at -10% grade at 70% VO2max to induce delayed onset of muscle soreness. Participants then returned 48 hours after to complete a 5 k time trial run where they consumed either 5 mg/kgBW of caffeine or a placebo. Rate of perceived exertion and heart rate were taken every two minutes during the trial. There was no detectable statistical difference between 5 k performance between caffeine (1074.9 ± 119.7 sec) or placebo (1053.8 ± 86.8 sec) (p = .41). Algometer readings were similar between both treatments for muscle soreness in the rectus femoris (p = .791) and the vastus medialis oblique (p = .371). Muscle soreness ratings were found to be greater in the caffeine condition compared to the placebo condition (p = .030). There was no effect of treatment on rating of perceived exertion between conditions (p = .574). The present study suggests that caffeine is not effective at reducing muscle soreness, rating of perceived exertion, or improving running performance in a time trial in the presence of muscle soreness.

Time-Restricted Feeding and Aerobic Performance in Elite Runners: Ramadan Fasting as a Model.

A distance runner's performance is generally limited by energy availability when competing or training. Modifying meal frequency and timing by abstaining from eating or drinking, from dawn to dusk, during Ramadan fasting is hypothesized to induce hypohydration and reduced caloric and nutrient intake. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of Ramadan fasting on runners' performances. Fifteen trained male distance runners who observed Ramadan participated in this study (Age = 23.9 ± 3.1 years; Peak VO2 = 71.1 ± 3.4 ml/kg/min). Each participant reported to the human performance lab on two testing occasions (pre-Ramadan and the last week of Ramadan). In each visit, participants performed a graded exercise test on the treadmill (Conconi protocol) and their VO2, Heart Rate, time to exhaustion, RPE, and running speed were recorded. Detailed anthropometrics, food records, and exercise logs were kept for the entire period of the study. Repeated measure ANOVA, paired t-test, and Cohen's effect size analysis were carried out. Results indicated no significant influence for Ramadan fasting on body mass (p = 0.201), body fat (p = 0.488), lean body mass (p = 0.525), VO2max (p = 0.960), energy availability (p = 0.137), and protein intake (p = 0.124). However, carbohydrate (p = 0.026), lipid (p = 0.009), water (p < 0.001), and caloric intakes (p = 0.002) were significantly reduced during Ramadan Fasting. Daily training duration (p < 0.001) and exercise energy expenditure (p = 0.001) were also reduced after Ramadan. Time to exhaustion (p = 0.049), and maximal running speed (p = 0.048) were improved. Overall, time to exhaustion and maximal running speed of the distance runners was improved during Ramadan fasting, independent of changes in nutrients intake observed during the current study. With proper modulation of training, distance runners performance can be maintained or even slightly improved following the month of Ramadan fasting.

Hydration to Maximize Performance and Recovery: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Among Collegiate Track and Field Throwers.

Hydration plays an important role in performance, injury prevention, and recovery for athletes engaged in competitive sports. Therefore, it is important that strength and conditioning coaches understand an athlete's hydration needs to prevent illness and enhance performance. The purpose of this study was to identify hydration knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of collegiate track and field throwers, as well as identify barriers to hydration and sources of nutritional information. The Rehydration and Refueling in Collegiate Track and Field Throwers Survey was sent to 271 track and field thrower coaches with a request to forward the email to current track and field throwers. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated regarding knowledge, attitude, and behavior scores among the participants in this sample. Differences among response patterns were assessed via Chi-square analysis. Alpha level was set at p = .05. Results demonstrated that 97.3% (n = 287) of respondents knew that dehydration would decrease performance, but 50.5% (n = 149) erroneously believed thirst was the best indicator of dehydration. Chi-square analysis demonstrated a significant difference in reported values between participants who intended to eat a performance-enhancing diet and those who consumed less fluid than recomended values (207 - 295 m)l in the 2-3 hours prior to competition (χ2 = 10.87, p < .05). Pearson correlation coefficients demonstrated a large association between knowledge and behavior (r = .70, p < .05), a medium association between knowledge and attitude (r = .41, p < .05), and a small association between attitude and behavior (r = .21, p < .05). This suggests that strength and conditioning coaches and health staff need to educate and monitor hydration behaviors among collegiate track and field throwers to optimize performance.

Efficacy Sources that Predict Leadership Behaviors in Coaches of Athletes with Disabilities.

Researchers suggest that sport participation among athletes with disabilities promotes healthier lifestyles, increases self-esteem, and enhances peer acceptance. Ideally, coaches should be confident in teaching skills, tactics, and sportsmanship, while exhibiting appropriate leadership behaviors in order to positively impact the psychosocial development of any athlete. Thus, the present research examined sources of coaching efficacy that predict leadership behaviors in coaches who work with athletes who have physical disabilities. Seventy international Paralympic coaches of female and male sport teams completed a modified version of the Coaching Success Questionnaire-2, the Coaching Efficacy Scale and the Leadership Scale for Sports. Regression models indicated that total coaching efficacy was a significant predictor of instructional and positive feedback leadership behaviors, with prior success also being a significant predictor of instructional behavior.

Growing the Youth Olympic Games: Comparing Millennial Generation Sport Festival Engagement.

Despite the continued growth of the Olympic Games (OG), the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) has received minimal attention from mainstream media since its introduction in 2010. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare event awareness and consumption intention for the 2012 Winter YOG to two international sport events occurring in the same year. A survey instrument was utilized to examine and compare event awareness, consumption intention, and logo identification for three international sport events within a millennial generation sample. The study showed significant differences in personal and public awareness between the three sport events, with personal (r = .313, p ≤ .001) and public (r = .331, p ≤ .001) awareness for the YOG demonstrating a positive correlation with consumption intention. This study is an important assessment of the YOG event awareness that can be utilized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to better understand and engage their participants and audience. Successful promotion of the YOG may require a transformation of the current marketing strategies that are utilized. The YOG has great opportunity for success in the global sport market to leave behind the status of the best kept secret in sport.

The effect of landing type on kinematics and kinetics during single-leg landings.

Landing research attempts to simulate sport activities; however, movements performed pre- or post-landing may alter landing mechanics and injury risk. Therefore, this study compared lower extremity biomechanics of single-leg drop landings, drop jump (DJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) landings as well as sex-related differences. A total of 25 recreational athletes (11 females) performed landings from 80% maximum jump height with impact forces, kinematics and joint moments measured during each landing. Altered kinematic and kinetic variables were revealed when a jump was performed pre- or post-landing. CMJ landings were generally performed with a more extended lower extremity at ground contact, less hip and knee motion in the frontal and transverse planes and larger joint moments compared to other landings (p < 0.01). The DJ landings demonstrated greater joint flexion and large frontal and transverse plane motion, paired with decreased impact forces and joint moments (p < 0.05). Across all landings, males displayed larger impact forces and joint moments (p < 0.01), and females demonstrated frontal plane kinematics associated with increased injury risk (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that activities surrounding the landing directly impact landing mechanics and overall risk. Therefore, matching landing type to sport-specific activities increases the efficacy of assessing injury risk during training or rehabilitation programmes.

Supplemental vitamin D3 does not affect musculoskeletal or psychomotor performance in college aged males.

The experiment examined the effects 4 weeks of vitamin D (Vit D) supplementation versus placebo on musculoskeletal and psychomotor performance. Thirty-two college age males (Age: 22 ± 4 y, Height: 177.7 ± 8.3 cm, Weight: 81.5 ± 14.6 kg, BF%: 19.6 ± 7.9, Vit D: 20.0 ± 7.2 ng/ml). Participants were assigned to group (Vit D vs placebo) and remained blind throughout the study. The treatments were 4000 IU of Vit D3 or placebo (dextrose) administered daily for 4 weeks. The participants underwent baseline testing for isometric strength, explosive ability and psychomotor performance, which was repeated at week 2 and week 4. Isometric tests consisted of an Isometric Mid Thigh Pull on a Force Plate (IMTP) and an upper body isometric test (UBIST) using a load cell. Peak force during a countermovement jump (CMJ) was also determined via force plate. A psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) was used to measure sustained reaction time. Analysis of the UBIST data did not reveal a significant group × time interaction (p = 0.14; Vit D pre: 553.7 ± 168.3 N, post: 585.5 ± 150.2 N; Placebo pre: 677.7 ± 182.3 N, post: 649.8 ± 236.9 N). For IMTP no significant group × time interaction (p = 0.83; Vit D pre: 2596.4 ± 342.3 N, post: 2606.9 ± 378.3 N; Placebo pre: 2684.0 ± 432.9 N, post: 2762.6 ± 440.4 N) was found. CMJ analysis did not reveal interaction effects for group × time (p = 0.21; Vit D pre: 4429.7 ± 1619.0 N, post: 4938.5 ± 2374.8 N; Placebo pre: 5537.3 ± 3027.0 N, post: 6266.9 ± 4577.3 N). For PVT (mean reaction time) there was no significant interaction effects for group × time (p = 0.35; Vit D pre: 0.304 ± 0.041 sec, post: 0.301 ± 0.053 sec; Placebo pre: 0.295 ± 0.044 sec, post: 0.284 ± 0.029 sec). In conclusion, four weeks of Vit D supplementation was not effective in increasing musculoskeletal or psychomotor performance.

Predictive Validity of a Functional Movement Screen in Professional Basketball Players.

Background and objectives: Striking a balance between maximizing performance and preventing injury remains elusive in many professional sports. The purpose of this study was to assess the relative risk of non-contact injuries in professional basketball players based on predictive cut scores on the Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS). Materials and Methods: Thirty-two professional basketball players from the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) participated in this study. This observational pilot cohort study assessed and scored each participant using the FMS during training camp. Each athlete was then tracked throughout the season while recording the number, type, and time lost due to injuries. Possible exposures, actual exposures, and exposures missed due to non-contact injury (NCI) for each athlete were calculated and then used to determine the crude and specific incident rates for exposures missed due to NCI per 1000 exposures. Results: Linear regression models were used to evaluate the predictive ability of the FMS score for total missed exposures, NCI, and CI missed exposures. In all models, the FMS total score failed to attain significance as a predictor (p > 0.05). FMS scores ranged from 5 to 18. The recommended cut score of 14 showed a sensitivity of 0.474 and a specificity of 0.750. The cut score of 15 showed the best combination, exhibiting a sensitivity of 0.579 and specificity of 0.625. A total of 5784 exposures to NCI were possible for the men and women combined, and 681 possible exposures were missed. Of these, 23.5% were due to NCI, 16.5% were due to contact injuries (CI), and 60% were due to illnesses and personal reasons. Conclusions: The FMS proved to be a measure that was not associated with any injury measure in this sample of professional basketball players, suggesting the instrument lacks predictive validity in this population.

A Fraction of Recommended Practices: Implementation of the FIFA 11+ in NCAA Soccer Programs.

Background and Objectives: National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) soccer coaches implement numerous warm-up and flexibility strategies to prepare athletes for training and competition. The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) developed the 11+ injury prevention program to reduce non-contact injuries. This study aimed to analyze the level of familiarity with and implementation of the evidence-based FIFA 11+ amongst NCAA Division I (DI) and Division III (DIII) men's and women's soccer coaches. Materials and Methods: NCAA soccer coaches in the United States received an Institutional Review Board-approved survey hyperlink. A total of 240 coaches completed the survey. The respondents represented 47.5% men's and 52.5% women's teams distributed within DI and DIII programs. Descriptive statistics are reported as frequency counts and mean ± standard deviation where applicable. Pearson's chi-square tests were performed to assess potential differences with a significance level set at α < 0.05. Results: The results indicated that approximately 62% of the respondents reported being familiar with the FIFA 11+ program. Of those coaches familiar with the program, 15.0% reported full implementation, 57.5% reported partial implementation, and 27.5% reported no implementation. Chi-square analyses revealed significant differences in FIFA 11+ implementation based upon division level (χ2 = 4.56, p = 0.033) and coaching certification levels (χ2 = 13.11, p = 0.011). Conclusions: This study indicates that there is a gap between FIFA 11+ knowledge and actual implementation. To reduce the risk of non-contact injury, there is a need to educate coaches and athletic trainers on the purpose of the FIFA 11+ program and how to perform the exercises correctly.

Pre- and Post-Activity Stretching Practices of Collegiate Soccer Coaches in the United State.

Current pre- and post-activity stretching guidelines are designed to optimize performance and reduce injury risk. However, it is unclear whether soccer coaches adhere to these recommendations. The purpose of this study was to determine if collegiate soccer coaches' perceptions and practices align with current scientific recommendations. A total of 781 questionnaires were electronically distributed to soccer coaches from NCAA Division I and III universities. The questionnaire obtained demographic, professional, and educational information, as well as stretching practices. Statistical analysis consisted of computing frequency counts and means where applicable. Pearson's Chi-square tests were performed to assess the potential differences in stretching perceptions and practices among the cohort of soccer coaches. Results suggest that soccer coaches are choosing some forms of stretching more frequently than other coaches (χ2 = 342.7, p < 0.001). Further analysis failed to determine significant associations between stretching type and coaching certification, level, sex, years of experience, and age. Of the 209 respondents, 84.9% believed pre-activity stretching to be of greater than average importance on a seven-point Likert scale. Dynamic stretching (68.7%) or a combination of static and ballistic stretching (18.0%) prior to athletic events was the most typical stretching prescribed. Current post-activity practices demonstrate that most coaches (95.4%) are using some form of a general cool-down following practice or competition. This study is an important assessment of the extent to which collegiate coaches administer appropriate stretching techniques. Most coaches adhere to current recommendations; however, they should continue to evaluate their practices against ongoing research and the practices of their peers.

The biomechanical effect of warm-up stretching strategies on landing mechanics in female volleyball athletes.

Female volleyball athletes incorporate dynamic and static stretching into a warm-up, with evidence generally supporting dynamic stretching to improve performance. However, the effects of these stretching practices on injury risk during subsequent volleyball manoeuvres have yet to be fully elucidated in the warm-up literature. Three-dimensional kinematic data associated with non-contact, lower extremity injury were recorded on 12 female collegiate club volleyball athletes during unilateral landing tasks on the dominant and non-dominant limb. Participants performed landings as part of a volleyball-simulated manoeuvre prior to and post-dynamic (DWU) and combined dynamic-static (CDS) warm-ups. A significant reduction in non-dominant hip adduction angle was found at 15 min post CDS warm-up (p = 0.016; d = 0.38), however, no other warm-up differences were detected. The non-dominant limb demonstrated greater knee abduction (p = 0.006; d = 0.69) and internal rotation angle (p = 0.004; d = 0.88), suggesting that this limb demonstrates more risky landing patterns that are potentially due to altered trunk positioning upon landing. The results show that the majority of selected landing kinematics are unaffected by additional static stretching to a dynamic warm-up and that the non-dominant limb may be at a higher injury risk in female volleyball athletes.

Anticipatory effects on lower extremity kinetics during a land and cross step maneuver in female volleyball players.

BACKGROUND: Anticipation has been previously shown to affect lower extremity mechanics during both landing and cutting maneuvers. However, little research has been conducted looking at the effects of anticipation on lower body kinetics and kinematics during a land and cross step maneuver, which due to similar kinematics, may elicit injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate competitive female volleyball players and the effect of anticipation on lower extremity mechanics during a landing and subsequent cross stepping maneuver. METHODS: Twelve female, college-level volleyball players performed right and left cross step maneuvers following a landing under anticipated and unanticipated conditions. Kinetics were measured for the ankle, knee and hip of the dominant limb during the landing phase of the land and cross step anticipatory conditions. RESULTS: An interaction effect (anticipation x direction; P=0.001) was observed for vertical ground reaction force (VGRF), in which greater VGRF was found during unanticipated pivoting maneuvers. Additional interaction effects were determined for ankle (P=0.004) and hip (P=0.037) power absorption, in which greater absorption was found during anticipated, push off conditions. Frontal plant knee kinetics revealed a higher-order interaction, as a larger knee adduction moment was shown during anticipated, push off trials (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: High risk cross step maneuvers were found during unanticipated and anticipated conditions, as athletes demonstrated movement mechanics that may increase the risk of knee injury when performing movements away from the dominant limb. Consideration should be given to drills familiarizing volleyball players with unanticipated and anticipated changes of direction, as well as improving strength of the lower extremity muscles required to effectively decelerate the body, as both training modalities may minimize injury risk during cross step maneuvers.

Kinetic Analysis of Unilateral Landings in Female Volleyball Players After a Dynamic and Combined Dynamic-Static Warm-up.

Avedesian, JM, Judge, LW, Wang, H, and Dickin, DC. Kinetic analysis of unilateral landings in female volleyball players after a dynamic and combined dynamic-static warm-up. J Strength Cond Res 33(6): 1524-1533, 2019-A warm-up is an important period before training or competition to prepare an athlete for the physical demands of subsequent activity. Previous research has extensively focused on the effects of warm-up in relation to various jumping performance attributes; however, limited research has examined the biomechanical nature of landings after common warm-up practices. Twelve female, collegiate-level volleyball players performed unilateral landings on the dominant and nondominant limb before and after dynamic warm-ups and combined dynamic-static (CDS) warm-ups. Kinetic variables of interest were measured at the hip and knee during the landing phase of a volleyball-simulated jump-landing maneuver. A significant 3-way interaction (warm-up × limb × time) for peak internal knee adduction moment was observed, as this kinetic parameter significantly increased (p = 0.01; d = 0.79) in the nondominant limb at 1-minute post-CDS warm-up. No other warm-up differences were detected; however, significant main effects of limb were determined for dominant-limb internal hip abduction moment (p < 0.01; d = 1.32), dominant-knee internal rotation moment (p < 0.01; d = 1.88), and nondominant-knee external rotation moment (p < 0.01; d = 1.86), which may be due to altered hip and trunk mechanics during the jump landings. This information provides strength and conditioning professionals with biomechanical information to determine warm-up protocols that reduce the risk of injury in female volleyball athletes.

The Acute Effects of Different Forms of Suspension Push-Ups on Oxygen Consumption, Salivary Testosterone and Cortisol and Isometric Strength.

Suspension exercise systems are being used in strength and conditioning facilities, fitness centers, rehabilitation centers and home gyms. Though some evidence exists regarding the impact of training with these systems, more work is needed for a better understanding. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the acute effects of an exercise session with 2 (hands only) and 4 straps (hands and feet) in the push-up exercise compared to a work-matched bench press exercise session. The participants for this repeated measures, cross-over investigation were 18 healthy college-aged males (age: 24.8 ± 3.5 yrs, body mass: 81.8 ± 7.8 kg, body height: 178.9 ± 4.5 cm). The conditions were 6 sets of 10 repetitions of suspension push-ups using two straps (DUAL) for the hands, fours straps (QUAD) for hands and feet and a traditional bench press exercise matched to the average resistance during the suspension push-up. The participants performed all repetitions at a controlled cadence. Expired gases, and heart rate were monitored continuously during the exercise session. Pre and post exercise saliva samples were collected to quantify changes in testosterone and cortisol. Upper body isometric strength tests ( UBIST) were performed (Post, 1 hr, 24 hr, 48 hr) to evaluate changes in force production during recovery. Data analysis via repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant trend for increased oxygen consumption in the QUAD condition compared to the bench press (p = 0.019). Additionally, both suspension conditions resulted in a reduced respiratory exchange ratio as compared to the bench press (p < 0.05). A significant main effect was noted for time in all conditions regarding isometric strength (p < 0.001), but no differences between conditions were revealed. Testosterone and cortisol responses did not differ between conditions. Based upon these data, it appears that when matched for work, suspension exercise results in equivalent reductions in muscle force, but greater oxygen consumption compared to isotonic exercise.

Practices, Perceived Benefits, and Barriers to Resistance Training Among Women Enrolled in College.

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has recommended that resistance training be performed at least twice per week, with 8-12 repetitions of 8-10 exercises targeting all major muscle groups (1). However, Kruger, Carlson, and Kohl (18) reported that women were participating less than the U.S. population on the whole, as only 20% of women were engaging in resistance training two or more times per week. In order to better understand why only 1 in 5 women participate regularly in this form of physical activity, this study investigated current resistance training practices, perceived benefits, and barriers to resistance training among college women. One-hundred and sixteen women college students from a large, public, Midwestern university participated in this study. Correlation and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to identify the strongest predictors of resistance training behaviors. The predictors in the regression model included demographic characteristics in block one, perceived barriers to resistance training in block two, and perceived benefits of resistance training in block three. Results indicated that the level of perceived "time/effort" barriers significantly predicted resistance training behavior. Findings in this area may help researchers, university recreation programmers, personal trainers, and other health and fitness professionals better understand the attitudes and actions of college women regarding resistance training, toward the goal of promoting fitness center environments that college women find more inviting.

Impact of carbohydrate mouth rinsing on time to exhaustion during Ramadan: A randomized controlled trial in Jordanian men.

Mouth rinsing using a carbohydrate (CHO) solution has been suggested to improve physical performance in fasting participants. This study examined the effects of CHO mouth rinsing during Ramadan fasting on running time to exhaustion and on peak treadmill speed (Vpeak). In a counterbalanced crossover design, 18 sub-elite male runners (Age: 21 ± 2 years, Weight: 68.1 ± 5.7 kg, VO2max: 55.4 ± 4.8 ml/kg/min) who observed Ramadan completed a familiarization trial and three experimental trials. The three trials included rinsing and expectorating a 25 mL bolus of either a 7.5% sucrose solution (CHO), a flavour and taste matched placebo solution (PLA) for 10 s, or no rinse (CON). The treatments were performed prior to an incremental treadmill test to exhaustion. Three-day dietary and exercise records were obtained on two occasions and analysed. Anthropometric characteristics were obtained and recorded for all participants. A main effect for mouth rinse on peak velocity (Vpeak) (CHO: 17.6 ± 1.5 km/h; PLA: 17.1 ± 1.4 km/h; CON: 16.7 ± 1.2 km/h; P < .001, ηp2 = 0.49) and time to exhaustion (CHO: 1282.0 ± 121.3 s; PLA: 1258.1 ± 113.4 s; CON: 1228.7 ± 98.5 s; P = .002, ηp2 = 0.41) was detected, with CHO significantly higher than PLA (P < .05) and CON (P < .05). Oxygen consumption, heart rate, respiratory exchange ratio, and rating of perceived exertion were not significantly different between treatments or trials (P > .05). Energy availability from dietary analysis, body weight, and fat-free mass did not change during the last two weeks of Ramadan (P > .05). This study concludes that carbohydrate mouth rinsing improves running time to exhaustion and peak treadmill speed under Ramadan fasting conditions.

Evaluation of the effects of two doses of alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine on physical and psychomotor performance.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have suggested that alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine (A-GPC) may be an effective ergogenic aid. The present study was designed to assess the efficacy of two doses of A-GPC in comparison to placebo and caffeine for increasing countermovement jump performance, isometric strength, and psychomotor function. METHODS: Forty-eight healthy, college aged males volunteered for the present study and underwent baseline assessment of countermovement jump (CMJ), isometric mid thigh pull (IMTP), upper body isometric strength test (UBIST), and psychomotor vigilance (PVT). Following this assessment participants were randomly assigned to groups consisting of 500 mg A-GPC, 250 mg A-GPC, 200 mg Caffeine or Placebo taken daily. Blood samples were collected 1 h and 2 h post initial dose to quantify serum free choline and thyroid stimulating hormone then subjects returned after 7 days of supplementation to repeat CMJ, IMTP, UBIST and PVT. RESULTS: No differences were noted between groups for IMTP, UBIST or PVT performance. Serum free choline was found to be elevated in the two A-GPC groups as compared to placebo (132% and 59% respectively). Serum TSH was found to be significantly depressed in the 500 mg A-GPC group compared to other treatments (p < 0.04). Group differences were noted for maximum velocity and maximum mechanical power on the CMJ (p < 0.05) with the 250 mg A-GPC group demonstrating the greatest improvements in result. CONCLUSIONS: Based upon this evidence, and previous evidence regarding A-GPC, it should be considered as an emerging ergogenic supplement.

Mood and Performance Anxiety in High School Basketball Players: A Pilot Study.

Participation in competitive sport may impact psychological measures, such as mood and performance anxiety, which in turn may impact enjoyment, adherence, continued participation, and so on. This study assessed the feasibility - in terms of process, resources, management, and potential scientific value- of measuring the effect of varying competitive challenges upon the mood and performance anxiety measures of high school athletes. The participants (n=12) consisted of the boys' varsity basketball team at a high school in a rural Midwestern community. Participants completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS) to assess mood and the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2) to assess performance anxiety, respectively. Survey administration occurred at baseline and prior to games designated as non-conference, conference, and state tournament. A-priori feasibility measures were achieved in this prospective design. Significant correlations on the subscale measures were found on the POMS and SAS-2 administered before the four conditions in this study; Chronbach's alpha ranged from 0.54-0.94 across conditions for POMS subscales, and Chronbach's alpha ranged from 0.73-0.97 across all conditions for SAS-2 subscales, respectively. Significant differences were found across conditions in the POMS subscale confusion [F(3,33) = 5.71, p = 0.01] and in the SAS-2 subscale worry [F(3,33) = 6.13, p=0.01]. These preliminary findings suggest that the competitive conditions in this study significantly affected some measures of mood and performance anxiety in high school basketball players. These findings warrant further investigation, as well as suggest coaches could gather such information from their players, ultimately aiding in player development and team performance.

Passion for Academics and Problematic Health Behaviors.

According to the Dualistic Model of Passion (39), passion entails valuing, liking, and spending time on an activity. The Dualistic Model also posits two types of passion for activities: harmonious passion (individual voluntarily engages in the activity) and obsessive passion (individual is compelled to engage in the activity). The purpose of the present study was to examine the possible links between college students' passion for academic activities and problematic health behaviors including smoking, excessive drinking, exercise addiction, disordered eating, and sleepiness, which is a possible indicator of sleep deprivation. Participants (n = 502) completed a survey gauging passion type and health behaviors. Regression analyses revealed obsessive passion for academic activities was positively associated with scores on measures of excessive drinking (ß = .15, p= .008), exercise addiction (ß = .19, p<.001), and disordered eating (ß = .17, p < .001) but was not associated with sleep deprivation (ß = .07, p = .15). Harmonious passion for academic activities, in contrast, was negatively associated with excessive drinking behavior (ß = -.16, p = .002) and sleep deprivation (ß = -.13, p = .007) but was not associated with exercise addiction (ß = .002, p = .97) and disordered eating (ß = -.04, p = .37). These findings provide further support for the Dualistic Model of Passion. Students who are obsessively passionate about their academic activities are more likely to engage in poor health behaviors and, in turn, may experience greater negative outcomes than students who are harmoniously passionate about their academics.