Athlete External Load Measures Across a Competitive Season in High School Basketball.

ABSTRACT: Askow, AT, Jennings, W, Jagim, AR, Fields, JB, Beaudoin, RG, Sanchez, GM, Weeks, JE, Oliver, JM, and Jones, MT. Athlete external load measures across a competitive season in high school basketball. J Strength Cond Res 37(11): 2206-2212, 2023-The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to quantify in-season external load and to determine if relationships existed between load metrics and basketball performance. Eleven male high school varsity basketball athletes (n = 11; mass 80.5 ± 9.6 kg, height 190.2 ± 9.4 cm, age 17.6 ± 0.7 years) were monitored across a season. PlayerLoad (PL), PL per minute (PL·min -1 ), total jumps, and explosive movements (EMs) were quantified using a commercially available local positioning unit. Basketball-specific performance metrics, including points scored, points allowed, point differentials, and shooting percentages for each quarter and game, were compiled. Data were analyzed using repeated-measure analysis of variance to evaluate differences in load by starting status, session type, game outcome, and game type. Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to assess relationships between load metrics and basketball performance. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The mean values across 23 games for PL, PL·min -1 , total jumps, and EMs were 457 ± 104 AU, 10.9 ± 1.6 AU, 42.6 ± 9.6, and 46.7 ± 7.2, respectively. Relationships were observed ( p < 0.05) between PL and points scored ( r = 0.38) and free throw percentage ( r = 0.21). Further relationships were observed between PL·min -1 and free throw shooting percentage ( r = -0.27), and between points scored and total jumps ( r = 0.28), and EMs ( r = 0.26). Notable differences in game demands were observed for playing status. Meaningful differences in measures of external load were observed between each quarter of play, with the highest measures evident in quarters 1 and 3. Guards and forwards experienced minimal differences in external load during gameplay, and game outcome did not result in differences. Higher point totals corresponded with higher PL, total jumps, and EM.

The Dose-Response Effect of Docosahexaenoic Acid on the Omega-3 Index in American Football Athletes.

PURPOSE: American-style football (ASF) players are at increased risk for head injuries and cardiovascular disease. n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are cardioprotective, and emerging evidence suggests benefits for protection against head injuries. However, fundamental knowledge of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid dosing in athletes such as ASF players remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study investigated the dose-response effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation in red blood cells (RBC) and as the Omega-3 Index (O3I), in collegiate ASF players throughout a competitive season. METHODS: Sixty-nine ASF players were randomly assigned placebo (corn oil), or 2, 4, or 6 g·d -1 of DHA supplement. Blood samples were collected at eight time points (T1-T8) over 27 wk. RBC were extracted and analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography. Compliant players who had samples collected at all time points were analyzed. A repeated-measures ANOVA was conducted to assess the dose-response effect of DHA over time, and between-group differences at individual time points were assessed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey post hoc test. RESULTS: A significant dose and time interaction was found, and all supplement groups had significantly greater DHA in RBC compared with placebo from T2-T8 ( P < 0.05). Athletes receiving 6 g·d -1 of DHA had the greatest O3I, relative to other groups, and the O3I reached steady state by 15 wk. The 6 g·d -1 group surpassed >8% on the O3I at approximately twice the rate of the 4 g·d -1 group (8 vs 15 wk). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide important fundamental knowledge demonstrating a dose-response incorporation of DHA into RBC membranes up to 6 g·d -1 . Furthermore, 6 g·d -1 of DHA can be used to rapidly achieve a desired O3I (>8%) in athletes in only 8 wk.

Comparison of Two Diet and Exercise Approaches on Weight Loss and Health Outcomes in Obese Women.

AIM: To compare the efficacy of two popular weight loss approaches on weight loss, body composition, and markers of health in sedentary obese women. METHODS: In total, 51 sedentary women (age 34.5 ± 7.7 yrs.; weight 90.0 ± 14.5 kg; BMI 34.0 ± 5.1 kg/m2; 46.5 ± 7.0% fat) were matched and randomized to participate in the Weight Watchers® Momentum™ (WW) or Curves® (CV) Fitness and Weight Management program for 16 weeks. Participants in the WW group (n = 27) were provided a point-based diet program, received weekly progress checks and counseling, and were encouraged to exercise. Participants in the CV group (n = 24) followed a menu-based higher protein/low-fat diet (1200 kcal/d) for 1 week; 1500 kcal/d diet for 3 weeks; and 2000-2500 kcals/d for 2 weeks that was repeated three times (except the last segment) while participating in a supervised circuit-style resistance training program (3 d/wk). A general linear model (GLM) with repeated measures was used to analyze data and are presented as mean changes from baseline (mean [UL, LL]). RESULTS: Supervised CV training resulted in greater amounts of vigorous and total physical activity. After 16 weeks, both groups lost weight (WW -6.1 [-7.8, -4.6], CV -4.9 [-6.2, -3.2] kg, p = 0.264). Participants in the CV group observed greater reductions in fat mass (WW -2.9 [-6.7, -0.2], CV -6.4 [-9.2, -3.6] kg, p = 0.081) and increases in lean mass (WW -2.5 [-4.3, -0.7], CV 1.3 [-0.6, 3.2] kg, p = 0.005) resulting in more favorable changes in percent body fat (WW -1.4 [-4.1, 1.2], CV -4.7 [-7.5, -1.8]%, p = 0.098). Both groups observed improvements in peak aerobic capacity and muscular endurance, although bench press lifting volume was greater in the CV group. Those in the CV group experienced a greater increase in HDLc and reduction in the CHL-HDLc ratio and triglycerides. CONCLUSION: Both interventions promoted weight loss and improvements in fitness and markers of health. The CV program, which included supervised resistance training and higher protein diet menus, promoted greater fat loss, increases in lean mass, and improvements in percent body fat and blood lipids. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov, #NCT04372771, registered retrospectively 1 May 2020.

Session Rating of Perceived Exertion (sRPE) Load and Training Impulse Are Strongly Correlated to GPS-Derived Measures of External Load in NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Athletes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether session rating of perceived exertion-derived training load (sRPE-TL) correlates with GPS-derived measures of external load in National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division I female soccer athletes. METHODS: Twenty-one NCAA Division 1 collegiate women's soccer athletes (11 starters, 10 non-starters; 65.1 ± 7.2 kg, 168.4 ± 7.9 cm, 20.3 ± 1.5 yrs) volunteered to take part in this study. Data for this study were collected over the course of 16 weeks during the 2018 NCAA women's soccer season. External load and heart rate (HR) data were collected during each training session and match during the season. At least 30 min after the end of an activity (e.g., match or practice), athletes were prompted to complete a questionnaire reporting their perceived exertion for the session. sRPE-TL was calculated at the end of the season by multiplying perceived exertion by the respective session duration. RESULTS: sRPE-TL was very strongly correlated with total distance, distance covered in velocity zones 1-3, the number of accelerations in zones 4 and 5, total PlayerLoad™, and PlayerLoad™. For internal load, sRPE-TL correlated very strongly (0.70 ≤ |r| < 0.90) with Edward's and Bannister's TRIMP and strongly (0.50 ≤ |r| < 0.70) with duration spent in in heart rate zones 5 and 6 (80-90% and 90-100% max HR, respectively) while correlations with maximum HR (bpm), mean HR (bpm), and mean HR (%) and sRPE-TL were moderate (0.30 ≤ |r| < 0.50). CONCLUSIONS: In NCAA Division I women soccer, sRPE-TL is strongly associated with external measures of workload. These relationships were stronger during match play, with acceleration load and total distance exhibiting the strongest relationship with sRPE-TL.

An Evaluation of Omega-3 Status and Intake in Canadian Elite Rugby 7s Players.

BACKGROUND: EPA and DHA n-3 FA play crucial roles in both neurological and cardiovascular health and high dietary intakes along with supplementation suggest potential neuroprotection and concussion recovery support. Rugby athletes have a high risk of repetitive sub-concussive head impacts which may lead to long-term neurological deficits, but there is a lack of research looking into n-3 FA status in rugby players. We examined the dietary n-3 FA intake through a FFQ and n-3 FA status by measuring the percentage of n-3 FA and O3I in elite Canadian Rugby 7s players to show distribution across O3I risk zones; high risk, <4%; intermediate risk, 4 to 8%; and low risk, >8%. METHODS: n-3 FA profile and dietary intake as per FFQ were collected at the beginning of the 2017-2018 Rugby 7s season in male (n = 19; 24.84 ± 2.32 years; 95.23 ± 6.93 kg) and female (n = 15; 23.45 ± 3.10 years; 71.21 ± 5.79 kg) athletes. RESULTS: O3I averaged 4.54% ± 1.77, with female athlete scores slightly higher, and higher O3I scores in supplemented athletes (4.82% vs. 3.94%, p = 0.183), with a greater proportion of non-supplemented athletes in the high-risk category (45.5% vs. 39.1%). Dietary intake in non-supplemented athletes did not meet daily dietary recommendations for ALA or EPA + DHA compared to supplemented athletes. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, despite supplementation, O3I score remained in the high-risk category in a proportion of athletes who met recommended n-3 FA dietary intakes, and non-supplemented athletes had a higher proportion of O3I scores in the high-risk category, suggesting that dietary intake alone may not be enough and athletes may require additional dietary and n-3 FA supplementation to reduce neurological and cardiovascular risk.

The effect of omega-3 fatty acids on a biomarker of head trauma in NCAA football athletes: a multi-site, non-randomized study.

BACKGROUND: American-style football (ASF) athletes are at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and exhibit elevated levels of serum neurofilament light (Nf-L), a biomarker of axonal injury that is associated with repetitive head impact exposure over the course of a season of competition. Supplementation with the w-3 fatty acid (FA) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) attenuates serum Nf-L elevations and improves aspects of CVD, such as the omega-3 index (O3I). However, the effect of combining the w-3 FA eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) with DHA on, specifically, serum Nf-L in ASF athletes is unknown. Therefore, this study assessed the effect of supplemental w-3 FA (EPA+DPA+DHA) on serum Nf-L, plasma w-3 FAs, the O3I, and surrogate markers of inflammation over the course of a season. METHODS: A multi-site, non-randomized design, utilizing two American football teams was employed. One team (n = 3 1) received supplementation with a highly bioavailablew-3 FA formulation (2000mg DHA, 560mg EPA, 320mg DPA, Mindset®, Struct Nutrition, Missoula, MT) during pre-season and throughout the regular season, while the second team served as the control (n = 35) and did not undergo supplementation. Blood was sampled at specific times throughout pre- and regular season coincident w ith changes in intensity, physical contact, and changes in the incidence and severity of head impacts. Group differences were determined via a mixed-model between-within subjects ANOVA. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's dfor all between-group differences. Significance was set a priori at p< .05. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, ASF athletes in the treatment group experienced large increases in plasma EPA (p < .001, d = 1.71) and DHA (p < .001, d = 2.10) which contributed to increases in the O3I (p < .001, d = 2.16) and the EPA:AA ratio (p = .001, d = 0.83) and a reduction in the w-6: w-3 ratio (p < .001, d = 1.80). w-3 FA supplementation attenuated elevations in Nf-L (p = .024). The control group experienced a significant increase in Nf-L compared to baseline at several measurement time points (T2, T3, and T4 [p range < .001 - .005, drange = 0.59-0.85]). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest a cardio- and neuroprotective effect of combined EPA+DPA+DHA w-3 FA supplementation in American-style football athletes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered with the ISRCTN registry ( ISRCTN90306741 ).

Relationship between training load and recovery in collegiate American football players during pre-season training.

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between training load and next-day recovery in collegiate American football (AF) players during pre-season.Methods: Seventeen athletes (Linemen, n = 6; Non-linemen, n = 11) participated in the 14-day study wearing monitoring (accelerometer + heart rate) sensors during on-field practice sessions throughout pre-season to assess the physiological (PL), mechanical load (ML) and recording of session RPE (sRPE load) immediately post-practice. Prior to practice, participants completed a drop-jump reactive strength index (RSI) test and reported perceived recovery status (PRS). Loaded counter movement vertical jump was assessed before and after pre-season.Results: For every one unit increase in sRPE load, RSI declined by 0.03. Non-linemen had a lower RSI value of 73.1 units compared to linemen. For every one unit increase in ML, the PRS decreased by 0.01. Non-linemen recorded higher average ML during week 2 (ES = 1.17) compared to linemen. Non-linemen recorded higher RSI values in weeks 1 (ES = -1.41) and 2 (ES = -1.72) compared to linemen. All training load and recovery parameters were lower week 2 compared to week 1 (p < 0.05) for all players.Conclusions: Next-day RSI values were influenced by sRPE load while next-day PRS appears to be more influenced by ML. No difference in PL or sRPE load was observed been groups despite non-linemen completing a higher ML throughout the preseason. A combination of training load and recovery metrics may be needed to monitor the fatigue and state of readiness of each player.

Blood Biomarkers of Sports-Related Concussion in Pediatric Athletes.

OBJECTIVE: To examine changes in blood biomarkers, serum neurofilament light (Nf-L), and plasma tau, as well as the relationship between blood biomarkers and symptom reports, in athletes with a sports-related concussion. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Private community-based concussion clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Athletes aged 13 to 18 years old with a diagnosed sports-related concussion presenting to a concussion clinic within 7 days of injury and noninjured athletes with no history of concussion aged 13 to 23 years old. ASSESSMENT AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Injured athletes provided a blood sample at the initial clinical evaluation and again at least 6 months after injury. Noninjured athletes provided a single blood sample. All participants completed symptom reports during each visit. Statistical comparisons of biomarker concentrations and symptom reports were conducted. RESULTS: The mean rank for tau was significantly lower for concussed athletes compared with nonconcussed athletes. In contrast, the mean rank of Nf-L was higher for concussed athletes than for nonconcussed athletes, although the difference was nonsignificant. Plasma tau was significantly lower postinjury compared with 6 months after injury, whereas serum Nf-L was significantly higher postinjury. There was a weak but significant inverse relationship observed between tau and the number of symptoms reported, but no relationship was observed between Nf-L and the number of symptoms reported. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that in the days following a sports-related concussion, the blood biomarkers tau and Nf-L display contrasting patterns of change but may not be related to self-reported symptom scores.

Positional Body Composition of Female Division I Collegiate Volleyball Players.

Bisch, KL, Bosch, TA, Carbuhn, A, Stanforth, PR, Oliver, JM, Bach, CW, and Dengel, DR. Positional body composition of female division I collegiate volleyball players. J Strength Cond Res 34(11): 3055-3061, 2020-The primary study objective was to measure positional differences in total and regional body composition among female NCAA Division I collegiate volleyball players using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The secondary objective was to examine normative age curves for fat and lean mass (LM) variables. Ninety female volleyball players from 5 universities received a DXA scan. Athletes were categorized by position: middle blocker (MB = 31), outside hitter (OH = 32), setter (ST = 9), and Libero (LB = 18). Height, body mass, total and regional fat mass (FM), LM, bone mineral density (BMD), and abdominal visceral adipose tissue were measured by DXA. Body mass distribution ratios were calculated. The secondary age analysis included a subset of 153 DXA scans (n = 83, ages 18-21 years). Front row players (i.e., MB and OH) had significantly greater total and regional LM and BMD measures (p < 0.05, all), compared with non-front row players (i.e., LB and ST). Differences in total LM (p < 0.001) were significantly influenced by height. Front row players had consistently lower mass distribution ratios compared with non-front row players (p < 0.05, all). Lean mass index (LMI, p = 0.752) and FM index (FMI, p = 0.392) were not significantly different across ages. Back row players have greater relative upper body mass, whereas mass in front row players is more evenly distributed between the upper and lower body. Bone mineral density differences may be influenced by repeated impact of jumping during the attacking and blocking actions of front row players. Minimal changes in LMI and fluctuations in FMI can be expected across an athlete's career.

Rest Redistribution Does Not Alter Hormone Responses in Resistance-Trained Women.

Merrigan, JJ, Tufano, JJ, Fields, JB, Oliver, JM, and Jones, MT. Rest redistribution does not alter hormone responses in resistance-trained women. J Strength Cond Res 34(7): 1867-1874, 2020-The purpose was to examine acute effects of rest redistribution (RR) on perceptual, metabolic, and hormonal responses during back squats. Twelve resistance-trained women (training age 5 ± 2 years; one repetition maximum [1-RM] per body mass, 1.6 ± 0.2) performed traditional (TS, 4 sets of 10 repetitions with 120 seconds interset rest) and RR sets (4 sets of two 5 repetition clusters with 30-second intraset rest and 90-second interset rest) in counterbalanced order, separated by 72 hours. Both conditions were performed at 70% 1RM with 360 seconds of total rest. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were taken after each set. Blood was sampled at baseline, after each set, and at 5, 15, 30, and 60 minutes, as well as 24 and 48 hours after training. Alpha level was p ≤ 0.05. The RPE progressively increased throughout both conditions (p = 0.002) with a greater overall mean for TS (5.81 ± 0.14) than RR (4.71 ± 0.14; p = 0.003). Lactate increased above baseline and remained elevated through 15 minutes post in both conditions (4.00 ± 0.76; p = 0.001), with greater lactate levels for TS (6.33 ± 0.47) than RR (4.71 ± 0.53; p < 0.001). Total testosterone was elevated after set 2 (0.125 ± 0.02; p = 0.011), but no other time point, while free testosterone remained unchanged. Growth hormone continually rose from baseline to set 3 and returned to baseline by 60 minutes post (20.58 ± 3.19). Cortisol and creatine kinase did not change over time. No condition × time interactions existed for any hormone (p > 0.05). Use of rest redistribution resulted in lower perceived effort and lactate responses. Yet, hormone responses during rest redistribution were no different from TS.

Probiotic Administration Increases Amino Acid Absorption from Plant Protein: a Placebo-Controlled, Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter, Crossover Study.

The fate of dietary protein in the gut is determined by microbial and host digestion and utilization. Fermentation of proteins generates bioactive molecules that have wide-ranging health effects on the host. The type of protein can affect amino acid absorption, with animal proteins generally being more efficiently absorbed compared with plant proteins. In contrast to animal proteins, most plant proteins, such as pea protein, are incomplete proteins. Pea protein is low in methionine and contains lower amounts of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which play a crucial role in muscle health. We hypothesized that probiotic supplementation results in favorable changes in the gut microbiota, aiding the absorption of amino acids from plant proteins by the host. Fifteen physically active men (24.2 ± 5.0 years; 85.3 ± 12.9 kg; 178.0 ± 7.6 cm; 16.7 ± 5.8% body fat) co-ingested 20 g of pea protein with either AminoAlta™, a multi-strain probiotic (5 billion CFU L. paracasei LP-DG® (CNCM I-1572) plus 5 billion CFU L. paracasei LPC-S01 (DSM 26760), SOFAR S.p.A., Italy) or a placebo for 2 weeks in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design, separated by a 4-week washout period. Blood samples were taken at baseline and at 30-, 60-, 120-, and 180-min post-ingestion and analyzed for amino acid content. Probiotic administration significantly increased methionine, histidine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, total BCAA, and total EAA maximum concentrations (Cmax) and AUC without significantly changing the time to reach maximum concentrations. Probiotic supplementation can be an important nutritional strategy to improve post-prandial changes in blood amino acids and to overcome compositional shortcomings of plant proteins. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: ISRCTN38903788.

Sports-related concussions and subconcussive impacts in athletes: incidence, diagnosis, and the emerging role of EPA and DHA.

Sports-related concussions (SRC) are traumatic brain injuries induced as the result of a biomechanical force to the body that temporarily impair neurological functions. Not all traumatic impacts reach the threshold necessary to produce concussive symptoms; however, the culmination of these events is known as a subconcussive impact (SCI). Athletes who have been diagnosed with a SRC or those who accumulate multiple SCI have exhibited structural damage to the brain, impairments to learning and memory, and an increase in depressive symptoms. This area is rapidly evolving, and current clinical definitions of injury, diagnosis, and treatment of SRC and SCI are reviewed. In tandem, there is also growing research examining the role of nutrition in brain injuries, focusing primarily on n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The potential role of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in reducing inflammation and promoting recovery following brain injury are also reviewed. Overall, advancements in the evaluation of SRC and SCI coupled with n-3 PUFA supplementation show promise in the management of brain injuries, leading to better long-term health outcomes for athletes. Novelty SRC have garnered widespread attention due to the growing body of reported prevalence in youth and professional sports. Current definitions and protocol(s) for diagnosing SRC and SCI have improved, but still require further evaluation. n-3, EPA and DHA, reduce inflammation and promote recovery following brain injuries in experimental models.

Reducing the Loss of Velocity and Power in Women Athletes via Rest Redistribution.

PURPOSE: To examine rest redistribution (RR) effects on back squat kinetics and kinematics in resistance-trained women. METHODS: Twelve women from strength and college sports (5.0 [2.2] y training history) participated in the randomized crossover design study with 72 hours between sessions (3 total). Participants completed 4 sets of 10 repetitions using traditional sets (120-s interset rest) and RR (30-s intraset rest in the middle of each set; 90-s interset rest) with 70% of their 1-repetition maximum. Kinetics and kinematics were sampled via force plate and 4 linear position transducers. The greatest value of repetitions 1 to 3 (peak repetition) was used to calculate percentage loss, [(repetition 10-peak repetition)/(peak repetition) × 100], and maintenance, {100-[(set mean-peak repetition)/(peak repetition)] × 100}, of velocity and power for each set. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used for analyses (P < .05). RESULTS: Mean and peak force did not differ between conditions. A condition × repetition interaction existed for peak power (P = .049) but not for peak velocity (P = .110). Peak power was greater in repetitions 7 to 9 (P < .05; d = 1.12-1.27) during RR. The percentage loss of velocity (95% confidence interval, -0.22% to -7.22%; P = .039) and power (95% confidence interval, -1.53% to -7.87%; P = .008) were reduced in RR. Mean velocity maintenance of sets 3 (P = .036; d = 1.90) and 4 (P = .015; d = 2.30) and mean power maintenance of set 4 (P = .006; d = 2.65) were greater in RR. CONCLUSION: By redistributing a portion of long interset rest into the middle of a set, velocity and power were better maintained. Therefore, redistributing rest may be beneficial for reducing fatigue in resistance-trained women.

Body Composition and Bone Mineral Density of Division 1 Collegiate Track and Field Athletes, a Consortium of College Athlete Research (C-CAR) Study.

The purpose of the present study was to generate normative values for total and regional body composition in male and female Division 1 collegiate track and field athletes using dual X-ray absorptiometry. We also sought to examine body composition by event and sex. Data were used from the Consortium of College Athlete Research group. A total of 590 (male [M]/female [F] = 274/316) athletes had their height, weight, total and regional fat mass (FM), lean mass, and bone mineral density (BMD) measured. Athletes were classified into 1 of 7 categories: Jumps (M/F = 28/30); Long Distance (M/F = 104/110), Middle Distance (M/F = 27/24), Multievent (M/F = 11/9), Pole Vault (M/F = 21/27), Sprints (M/F = 54/96), and Throws (M/F = 29/20). Total and regional differences between events and sex were assessed by analysis of variance. Except for male and female throwers, all other track and field athletes' mean percent body fat (M: 10.3%-12.6%, F: 17.5%-21.6%) and visceral FM (<500 g) was low, but in a healthy range. As expected, throwers had significantly (p < 0.05) higher total and regional FM and lean mass than other events. In addition, male (1.55 ± 0.11 g/cm2) and female (1.40 ± 0.12 g/cm2) throwers had significantly greater BMD than all other events while male (1.25 ± 0.10 g/cm2) and female (1.16 ± 0.09 g/cm2) distance runners had significantly lower BMD than all other events. In conclusion, track athletes' body composition differed across events for both males and females. These measurements provide normative data on NCAA Division 1 male and female track and field athletes.

Resistance Exercise-induced Regulation of Muscle Protein Synthesis to Intraset Rest.

During a traditional set configuration of resistance exercise (TRD), characterized by a continuous completion of repetitions, a decrease in power output tends to occur throughout a set of repetitions. Inclusion of intraset rest, otherwise known as a cluster set configuration (CLU), counteracts this power decline. However, the effect of a CLU configuration on postexercise myofibrillar protein synthesis rates (MPS) and anabolic signaling has not been investigated. PURPOSE: We aimed to determine if any mechanistic differences exist between TRD and CLU signaling events associated with muscle anabolism. METHODS: In randomized crossover trials, eight resistance-trained participants (23 ± 1 yr, 81 ± 4.7 kg, body fat: 18% ± 1.9%; 1 repetition maximum [1RM], 150 ± 9.1 kg) performed an acute bout of CLU (4 sets × (2 × 5) repetitions, 30-s intraset rest, 90-s interset rest) and TRD (4 sets × 10 repetitions, 120-s interset rest) barbell back squats at approximately 70% 1RM with total volume load equated during primed continuous L-[ring-C6]phenylalanine infusions. Blood and muscle biopsy samples were collected at rest and after exercise at 0, 2, and 5 h. RESULTS: There was no difference in postexercise MPS between the CLU and TRD condition (P > 0.05) and no changes in phosphorylation of mTORC1 downstream targets (p70S6K and 4EBP1). Total and phosphorylated yes-associated protein on Ser127 transiently increased (P < 0.01) immediately after exercise (t = 0) in CLU (~2.1-fold) and TRD condition (~2.2-fold). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that CLU is a viable anabolic option by preserving power output with similar MPS stimulation when compared with the TRD condition in trained young adults.

Total and Regional Body Composition of NCAA Division I Collegiate Female Softball Athletes.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate total, regional, and throwing versus non-throwing arm body composition measures across the 4 major positions of NCAA Division I female softball players using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) (n=128). Total and regional total mass (TM), fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and visceral adipose tissue were measured. Athletes were separated into: pitchers (n=32), catchers (n=13), outfielders (n=39), and infielders (n=44). ANOVA and Tukey's HSD assessed total and regional differences between positions. Although no significant total or regional LM differences were observed across positions, outfielders had significantly (p=0.006-0.047) lower total-body, arm, and trunk TM and FM, leg FM, and leg BMC in comparison to pitchers. The throwing arm had significantly (p<0.0001-0.018) greater LM, BMD, and BMC than the non-throwing arm for all positions. Notably, there were minimal body composition differences among softball positions, with the primary differences being that pitchers had larger total and regional fat values than outfielders. The throwing arm of all positions had greater LM, BMD, and BMC than the non-throwing arm. These values can be used by coaches and trainers as descriptive DXA data for collegiate softball players.

Total and Regional Body Composition of NCAA Division I Collegiate Baseball Athletes.

This study's purpose was to evaluate total, regional, and throwing versus non-throwing arm body composition measurements between various positions of NCAA Division I male baseball players using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Two hundred and one collegiate baseball athletes were measured using DXA. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT), total and regional fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured. Athletes were separated into: pitchers (n=92), catchers (n=25), outfielders (n=43), and infielders (n=41). ANOVA and Tukey's honest significant difference assessed total and regional differences between positions. Infielders had significantly (p<0.05) lower total LM than pitchers and outfielders. Additionally, outfielders had significantly lower total FM compared to pitchers and catchers. No significant differences between positions were observed for total BMD and VAT. Pitchers' and infielders' throwing arm demonstrated significantly greater total mass, FM, LM, and BMD compared to the non-throwing arm. Further, outfielders' throwing arm total mass, LM, and BMD were significantly higher vs. the non-throwing arm. Significant differences were observed in total and regional body composition measurements across position, in addition to differences in throwing arm vs. non-throwing arm composition. These measurement values are important to coaches and trainers as normative positional DXA data for collegiate baseball players.

Body Composition and Visceral Adipose Tissue in Female Collegiate Equestrian Athletes.

To examine measures of total and regional body composition using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in NCAA Division I collegiate equestrian athletes, 31 female collegiate equestrian athletes were matched to a population of normal controls by age and body mass index. Total and regional fat tissue mass (FM), lean tissue mass (LM), bone mineral density (BMD), and abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were measured by DXA. Equestrian athletes had a significantly (p=0.03) lower total body fat percentage (%fat) than controls. There were no significant differences in total LM and VAT between equestrian athletes and controls. However, equestrian athletes, when compared to the controls, had significantly lower leg %fat, leg FM and higher leg LM. The greater leg LM in equestrian riders resulted in a smaller upper to lower body LM ratio compared to controls. There was no difference in leg BMD between equestrian athletes and controls. There were no significant differences between the 2 styles of riding (i. e., hunt seat and western style) in regards to body composition. The lower total %fat in equestrian athletes seems to be influenced by differences in leg composition, with equestrian athletes having significantly more LM and less FM.

The Omega-3 Index in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Collegiate Football Athletes.

CONTEXT: The essential omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FAs) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) exhibit vital biological roles and are critical for cardiovascular and neurologic health. Compared with the general population, football athletes may be at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Further, those same athletes are also exposed to repetitive head impacts, which may lead to long-term neurologic deficits. Both diets high in ω-3 FAs and supplementation with ω-3 FAs have been reported to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and early evidence suggests a potential neuroprotective effect of supplementation. OBJECTIVE: To determine the (1) erythrocyte content of DHA and EPA, as measured by the Omega-3 Index, expressed as a percentage of total fatty acids, in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I football athletes and (2) distribution across the Omega-3 Index risk zones established for cardiovascular disease: high risk, <4%; intermediate risk, 4% to 8%; and low risk, >8%. DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive study. SETTING: Multicenter trial. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Deidentified data including complete erythrocyte fatty acid profile from the 2017-2018 season, age at time of testing, height, weight, and ethnicity were collected from 404 athletes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Omega-3 Index. RESULTS: About 34% of athletes (n = 138) had an Omega-3 Index considered high risk (<4%), and 66% (n = 266) had a risk considered intermediate (4%-8%). None had a low-risk Omega-3 Index. CONCLUSIONS: The Omega-3 Index is a simple, minimally invasive test of ω-3 FA status. Our data indicate that football athletes may be deficient in the ω-3 FAs DHA and EPA. The fact that no athlete had an Omega-3 Index associated with low risk suggests football athletes may be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease in later life.