The Influence of Easing COVID-19 Restrictions on the Physical Activity Intentions and Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity in UK Older Adults.

COVID-19 has had profound effects on physical activity behaviours of older adults, and understanding this impact is essential to driving public health policies to promote healthy ageing. The present study aimed to determine; (1) intended physical activity behaviours of older adults following the easing of UK COVID-19 restrictions; (2) the relationship between self-reported physical activity and intended physical activity behaviour; (3) perceived barriers to achieving the intended physical activity goal. Ninety-six participants (74.8 ± 4.4 years; 52 female) from a longitudinal study examining the impact of COVID-19 on physical activity were recruited. Participants outlined their future physical activity intentions and completed the COM-B Self Evaluation Questionnaire. Participants were split into groups based on their intention to 'Maintain' (n = 29), 'Increase' (n = 38) or 'Return' (n = 29) to pre-COVID-19 physical activity. Self-reported physical activity undulated over the pandemic but was mostly equivalent between groups. Intended physical activity behaviour was independent of self-report physical activity. Capability and motivation factors were the most frequently cited barriers to the intended physical activity behaviour, with a greater number of capability barriers in the 'Return' group. Such barriers should be considered in the COVID-19 recovery public health physical activity strategy for promoting healthy ageing.

Resolving ecosystem complexity in ecological risk assessment for mine site rehabilitation.

CONTEXT: Ecological Risk Assessments (ERAs) are important tools for supporting evidence-based decision making. However, most ERA frameworks rarely consider complex ecological feedbacks, which limit their capacity to evaluate risks at community and ecosystem levels of organisation. METHOD: We used qualitative mathematical modelling to add additional perspectives to previously conducted ERAs for the rehabilitation of the Ranger uranium mine (Northern Territory, Australia) and support an assessment of the cumulative risks from the mine site. Using expert elicitation workshops, separate qualitative models and scenarios were developed for aquatic and terrestrial systems. The models developed in the workshops were used to construct Bayes Nets that predicted whole-of-ecosystem outcomes after components were perturbed. RESULTS: The terrestrial model considered the effect of fire and weeds on established native vegetation that will be important for the successful rehabilitation of Ranger. It predicted that a combined intervention that suppresses both weeds and fire intensity gave similar response predictions as for weed control alone, except for lower levels of certainty to tall grasses and fire intensity in models with immature trees or tall grasses. However, this had ambiguous predictions for short grasses and forbs, and tall grasses in models representing mature vegetation. The aquatic model considered the effects of magnesium (Mg), a key solute in current and predicted mine runoff and groundwater egress, which is known to adversely affect many aquatic species. The aquatic models provided support that attached algae and phytoplankton assemblages are the key trophic base for food webs. It predicted that shifts in phytoplankton abundance arising from increase in Mg to receiving waters, may result in cascading effects through the food-chain. CONCLUSION: The qualitative modelling approach was flexible and capable of modelling both gradual (i.e. decadal) processes in the mine-site restoration and the comparatively more rapid (seasonal) processes of the aquatic ecosystem. The modelling also provides a useful decision tool for identifying important ecosystem sub-systems for further research efforts.

The ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on perceived physical activity, physical function and mood of older adults in the U.K: A follow-up study (March 2020-June 2021).

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its variants, continue to spread globally more than two years after the discovery of the wild-type virus in Wuhan, China. Following the onset of COVID-19, fluctuating restrictions have likely impacted the daily lives of older adults living in the United Kingdom (UK). Subsequently, the longer term effects of COVID-19 on physical activity levels, perceived physical function and mood of older adults are unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to follow a group of older adult's living in the UK for one year, to monitor physical activity levels, perceived physical function and mood. A longitudinal, mixed-methods, observational study was conducted using self-administered, online surveys at 3-month intervals between March 2020 and June 2021. A total of 100 participants (46 males [age: 76 ± 5 years] and 54 females [age:74 ± 4 years]) completed all surveys. Bayesian analysis allowed calculation of direct probabilities whilst incorporating our prior knowledge. Throughout this period, older adults maintained or increased their pre-lockdown physical activity levels despite a decrease in intensity of effort of physical activity tasks, whilst sitting time increased at two of the follow-up time-points. Furthermore, perceived physical function decreased (ps = 91.78%;>1.21 AU) and mood undulated in a pattern that reflected the tightening and easing of restrictions. Despite total physical activity being maintained, perceived physical function decreased by a small but clinically meaningful margin.

The effect of fatigue on first stance phase kinetics during acceleration sprint running in professional football players.

Nineteen professional football players (Age: 26±5 years; Height: 1.84±0.08 m; Mass: 83.4±8.9 kg) completed three x 30 m maximal acceleration sprints from a standing start before completing the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1. Three x 30 m maximal acceleration sprints were then repeated post-fatigue. Light gates recorded sprint times from 0-5 m, 0-10 m, 0-15 m and 0-30 m. Force platforms collected ground reaction force of the first stance phase of the sprint run. Differences between pre- and post-fatigue were observed in the sprint times over 0-15 m (P = 0.015; CI [0.007, 0.110]) and 0-30 m (P = 0.004; CI [0.056, 0.234]). Peak medial-lateral ground reaction force was lower (P = 0.045; CI [-0.146, -0.005]) post- than pre-fatigue. The ratio of force were significantly different between pre- and post-fatigue for the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior comparison (P = 0.017; CI [-0.063, -0.010]), and the medial-lateral and vertical comparison (P = 0.012; CI [-0.036, -0.007]). Football players altered their sprint mechanics to reduce medial-lateral loading and orient the force in an increased anteroposterior and vertical direction in order to maintain 0-10 m sprint performance. Practitioners should observe medial-lateral force contributions and improve sprint technical efficacy.

Habitual Caffeine Consumption Does Not Affect the Ergogenicity of Coffee Ingestion During a 5 km Cycling Time Trial.

There is growing evidence that caffeine and coffee ingestion prior to exercise provide similar ergogenic benefits. However, there has been a long-standing paradigm that habitual caffeine intake may influence the ergogenicity of caffeine supplementation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of habitual caffeine intake on 5-km cycling time-trial performance following the ingestion of caffeinated coffee. Following institutional ethical approval, in a double-blind, randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled design, 46 recreationally active participants (27 men and 19 women) completed a 5-km cycling time trial on a cycle ergometer 60 m in following the ingestion of 0.09 g/kg coffee providing 3 mg/kg of caffeine, or a placebo. Habitual caffeine consumption was assessed using a caffeine consumption questionnaire with low habitual caffeine consumption defined as <3 and ≥6 mg · kg-1 · day-1 defined as high. An analysis of covariance using habitual caffeine intake as a covariant was performed to establish if habitual caffeine consumption had an impact on the ergogenic effect of coffee ingestion. Sixteen participants were classified as high-caffeine users and 30 as low. Ingesting caffeinated coffee improved 5-km cycling time-trial performance by 8 ± 12 s; 95% confidence interval (CI) [5, 13]; p < .001; d = 0.30, with low, 9±14 s; 95% CI [3, 14]; p = .002; d = 0.18, and high, 8 ± 10 s; 95% CI [-1, 17]; p = .008; d = 0.06, users improving by a similar magnitude, 95% CI [-12, 12]; p = .946; d = 0.08. In conclusion, habitual caffeine consumption did not affect the ergogenicity of coffee ingestion prior to a 5-km cycling time trial.

The influence of COVID-19 measures in the United Kingdom on physical activity levels, perceived physical function and mood in older adults: A survey-based observational study.

In March 2020, the spreading Coronavirus (COVID-19) prompted the United Kingdom government to introduce a societal shutdown, accompanied by self-isolation and social-distancing measures to reduce virus transmission. In doing so, opportunities for physical activity were likely reduced, potentially causing detrimental effects to older adults. Therefore, the present study investigated the influence of the initial six weeks of lockdown on physical activity levels, perceived physical function and mood in older adults. A cross-sectional, mixed-methods, observational study was conducted using self-administered, fortnightly online surveys throughout the UK between 21st March-4 May 2020. A total of 117 participants (52 males [age: 76 ± 4 years] and 65 females [age: 76 ± 4 years]) completed all surveys. Despite lockdown restrictions, this group of older adults maintained their pre-lockdown physical activity levels, but also increased their self-reported sedentary time. Subsequently, perception of physical function was maintained across lockdown. With regards to mood; the only strong evidence for an increase in depression was for males (ps = 95.35%; >0.3 AU), although self-reported levels of depression were similar between sexes at week six. Given the link between sedentary behaviour and negative health outcomes in older adults, strategies to reduce sedentariness during the COVID-19 pandemic are required.

Affective responses to supervised 10-week programs of resistance exercise in older adults.

BACKGROUND: Resistance exercise has numerous, well-documented benefits on the health and functional performance of older adults. However, little information exists on the affective responses to resistance exercise in this population. As affective responses can predict continued exercise behavior, examining if and how they differ between resistance exercise intensities and frequencies in older adults may provide important data to improve resistance exercise prescription. METHODS: We monitored the affective responses of older adults when performing high-velocity, low-load (HVLL) or low-velocity, high-load (LVHL) resistance exercise once or twice weekly. A total of 40 moderately to highly active, but resistance-exercise naïve, older adults (60-79 years) completed 1 of 4 randomly assigned progressive resistance exercise conditions: HVLL once weekly (HVLL1: n = 10), HVLL twice weekly (HVLL2: n = 10), LVHL once weekly (LVHL1: n = 10), or LVHL twice weekly (LVHL2: n = 10). The Physical Activity Affect Scale, Felt Arousal Scale, Feeling Scale, rating of perceived exertion, Visual Analog Scale, and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale were used to assess enjoyment and affective responses. RESULTS: The results from Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (out of 35) suggest that all exercise conditions were largely and similarly enjoyable to older adults (HVLL1: 30.9 ± 2.4; LVHL1: 31.9 ± 3.6; HVLL2: 30.9 ± 3.5; LVHL2: 30.2 ± 3.7) despite greater fatigue (p = 0.033; ηp2= 0.22) and perceived workload (p = 0.042; ηp2 = 0.20) in LVHL (results from Visual Analog Scale). CONCLUSION: Moderately to highly physically active older adults may tolerate higher intensities of resistance exercise performed once or twice weekly without experiencing a negative impact on enjoyment. However, the role that supervision and social interaction played in shaping the participants' responses is unclear.

Coffee Ingestion Improves 5 km Cycling Performance in Men and Women by a Similar Magnitude.

Caffeine is a well-established ergogenic aid, although research to date has predominantly focused on anhydrous caffeine, and in men. The primary aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of coffee ingestion on 5 km cycling time trial performance, and to establish whether sex differences exist. A total of 38 participants (19 men and 19 women) completed a 5 km time trial following the ingestion of 0.09 g·kg-1 coffee providing 3 mg·kg-1 of caffeine (COF), a placebo (PLA), in 300 mL of water, or control (CON). Coffee ingestion significantly increased salivary caffeine levels (p < 0.001; η P 2 = 0.75) and, overall, resulted in improved 5 km time trial performance (p < 0.001; η P 2 = 0.23). Performance following COF (482 ± 51 s) was faster than PLA (491 ± 53 s; p = 0.002; d = 0.17) and CON (487 ± 52 s; p =0.002; d = 0.10) trials, with men and women both improving by approximately 9 seconds and 6 seconds following coffee ingestion compared with placebo and control, respectively. However, no differences were observed between CON and PLA (p = 0.321; d = 0.08). In conclusion, ingesting coffee providing 3 mg·kg-1 of caffeine increased salivary caffeine levels and improved 5 km cycling time trial performance in men and women by a similar magnitude.

Effects of movement velocity and training frequency of resistance exercise on functional performance in older adults: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects that high-velocity, low-load (HVLL) and low-velocity, high-load (LVHL) resistance exercise, performed once or twice-weekly, have on indices of functional performance (primary outcome), maximal strength, and body composition (secondary outcomes) in older adults. METHODS: In a randomised, controlled, multi-armed, parallel design, 54 moderately-highly active, but resistance exercise naïve older adults (aged 60-79 years), attended baseline and post-10-week intervention assessment sessions. Physical and functional assessments were completed, and predicted one-repetition maximums (1-RM) were obtained for eight exercises. Participants were then randomised into one of five conditions: HVLL once-weekly (HVLL1: n = 11) or twice-weekly (HVLL2: n = 11), LVHL once-weekly (LVHL1: n = 10) or twice-weekly (LVHL2: n = 11), no-exercise control condition (CON: n = 11). The HVLL conditions completed 3 sets of 14 repetitions at 40% 1-RM and the LVHL conditions, 3 sets of 7 repetitions at 80% 1-RM. In total, 50 participants completed all testing and were included in analyses. RESULTS: Only LVHL2 improved 30-sec chair stand performance (p = .035; g = 0.89), arm curls (p = .011; g = 1.65) and grip-strength (p = .015; g = 0.34) compared to CON. LVHL2 improved maximal strength compared to CON for 7/8 exercises (p < .05). Whereas, LVHL1 and HVLL2 only improved seated row and chest press compared to CON (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Possibly due to the lower intensity nature of the HVLL conditions, LVHL, twice-weekly was most beneficial for improving functional performance and strength in moderately-highly active older adults. Therefore, we recommend that exercise professionals ensure resistance exercise sessions have sufficient intensity of effort and volume, in order to maximise functional performance and strength gains in older adults.

The acute physiological effects of high- and low-velocity resistance exercise in older adults.

The aim of the present study was to determine if workload matched, high-velocity (HVE) and low-velocity (LVE) resistance exercise protocols, elicit differing acute physiological responses in older adults. Ten older adults completed three sets of eight exercises on six separate occasions (three HVE and three LVE sessions). Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and blood lactate were measured pre- and post-exercise, heart rate was measured before exercise and following each set of each exercise. Finally, a rating of perceived exertion was measured following each set of each exercise. There were no significant differences in blood lactate (F(1,9) = 0.028; P = 0.872; η P 2  = 0.003), heart rate (F(1,9) = 0.045; P = 0.837; η P 2  = 0.005), systolic blood pressure (F(1,9) = 0.023; P = 0.884; η P 2  = 0.003) or diastolic blood pressure (F(1,9) = 1.516; P = 0.249; η P 2  = 0.144) between HVE and LVE. However, LVE elicited significantly greater ratings of perceived exertion compared to HVE (F(1,9) = 13.059; P = 0.006; η P 2  = 0.592). The present workload matched HVE and LVE protocols produced comparable physiological responses, although greater exertion was perceived during LVE.

The perceptual responses to high-velocity, low-load and low-velocity, high-load resistance exercise in older adults.

The present study examined exercise affect during volume-load matched, high-velocity, low-load and low-velocity, high-load resistance exercise conditions in older adults. Ten older adults completed three sets of eight exercises on six separate occasions (three high-velocity, low-load and three low-velocity, high-load sessions) in a crossover study design. High-velocity, low-load was performed at 40% of predicted one repetition maximum, and low-velocity, high-load at 80%. The Physical Activity Affect Scale, Felt Arousal Scale, Feeling Scale, Rating of Perceived Exertion, Visual Analogue Scales, and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale examined exercise intensity and affect. There were moderate effects of exercise condition on positive exercise affect (P = 0.067; [Formula: see text] = 0.33), and trivial effects on negative exercise affect (P = 0.904; [Formula: see text] = 0.002). Rating of perceived exertion (P < 0.001; [Formula: see text] = 0.41) and fatigue (P = 0.012; [Formula: see text] = 0.52) were greater during low-velocity, high-load. Furthermore, high-velocity, low-load facilitated statistically insignificant, favourable changes (less exertion, more enjoyment etc.) for all other measures. These findings combined with emerging evidence that high-velocity, low-load is superior for improving muscle power and/or functional performance, indicates that high-velocity, low-load should be prescribed preferentially. However, both exercise conditions were enjoyed similarly, demonstrating that individual preference is an important consideration.

Coffee Ingestion Enhances 1-Mile Running Race Performance.

CONTEXT: Caffeine, often in the form of coffee, is frequently used as a supplement by athletes in an attempt to facilitate improved performance during exercise. PURPOSE: To investigate the effectiveness of coffee ingestion as an ergogenic aid prior to a 1-mile (1609 m) race. METHODS: In a double-blind, randomized, cross-over, and placebo-controlled design, 13 trained male runners completed a 1-mile race 60 minutes following the ingestion of 0.09 g·kg-1 coffee (COF), 0.09 g·kg-1 decaffeinated coffee (DEC), or a placebo (PLA). All trials were dissolved in 300 mL of hot water. RESULTS: The race completion time was 1.3% faster following the ingestion of COF (04:35.37 [00:10.51] min:s.ms) compared with DEC (04:39.14 [00:11.21] min:s.ms; P = .018; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.11 to -0.01; d = 0.32) and 1.9% faster compared with PLA (04:41.00 [00:09.57] min:s.ms; P = .006; 95% CI, -0.15 to -0.03; d = 0.51). A large trial and time interaction for salivary caffeine concentration was observed (P < .001; [Formula: see text]), with a very large increase (6.40 [1.57] µg·mL-1; 95% CI, 5.5-7.3; d = 3.86) following the ingestion of COF. However, only a trivial difference between DEC and PLA was observed (P = .602; 95% CI, -0.09 to 0.03; d = 0.17). Furthermore, only trivial differences were observed for blood glucose (P = .839; [Formula: see text]) and lactate (P = .096; [Formula: see text]) and maximal heart rate (P = .286; [Formula: see text]) between trials. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that 60 minutes after ingesting 0.09 g·kg-1 of caffeinated coffee, 1-mile race performance was enhanced by 1.9% and 1.3% compared with placebo and decaffeinated coffee, respectively, in trained male runners.

Movement velocity during high- and low-velocity resistance exercise protocols in older adults.

The primary aim of the present study was to determine the actual movement velocity of high-velocity, low-load (HVLL) and low-velocity, high-load (LVHL) resistance exercise in a group of older adults. The secondary aim was to examine the differences in velocities produced between male and females. In a crossover study design, four males (age: 67±3years) and five females (age: 68±2years) completed three sets of leg press, calf raise, leg curl, leg extension, chest press, seated row, bicep curl and tricep extension on six separate occasions (three HVLL and three LVHL sessions). The command "as fast as possible" was given for the concentric phase of HVLL, and 2s using a 60-bpm metronome controlled the concentric phase during LVHL. Participants had three days of recovery between each session, and a 7-day period before crossing over to the other protocol. Movement velocity was measured during the concentric and eccentric phases of resistance exercise using two-dimensional video analysis. The concentric phases for all exercises were significantly faster (P<0.001) during HVLL compared to LVHL. Furthermore, males produced significantly greater velocities than females during the concentric phase of the chest press, seated row, bicep curl, and tricep extension for both HVLL and LVHL (P<0.05). These protocols provide a simple solution for exercise professionals to ensure that older adults are training at desired velocities when carrying out resistance exercise, without the need for equipment that measures velocity.

Effect of Coffee and Caffeine Ingestion on Resistance Exercise Performance.

Richardson, DL and Clarke, ND. Effect of coffee and caffeine ingestion on resistance exercise performance. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2892-2900, 2016-The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of ingesting caffeine dose-matched anhydrous caffeine, coffee, or decaffeinated coffee plus anhydrous caffeine during resistance exercise on performance. Nine resistance-trained men (mean ± SD: age, 24 ± 2 years; weight, 84 ± 8 kg; height, 180 ± 8 cm) completed a squat and bench press exercise protocol at 60% 1 repetition maximum until failure on 5 occasions consuming 0.15 g·kg caffeinated coffee (COF), 0.15 g·kg decaffeinated coffee (DEC), 0.15 g·kg decaffeinated coffee plus 5 mg·kg anhydrous caffeine (D + C), 5 mg·kg anhydrous caffeine (CAF), or a placebo (PLA). Felt arousal and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were used to assess perceptual variables and heart rate (HR) to assess physiological responses between trials. There were significant differences in total weight lifted for the squat between conditions (p < 0.01; (Equation is included in full-text article.)= 0.54) with a greater amount lifted during D + C compared with DEC (p < 0.01), CAF (p ≤ 0.05), and PLA (p ≤ 0.05) conditions. Total weight lifted during the COF condition was significantly greater than that lifted under PLA (p < 0.01), although not significantly greater than the amount of weight lifted during the DEC condition (p = 0.082). No significant differences were observed in total weight lifted in the bench press protocol between conditions (p = 0.186; (Equation is included in full-text article.)= 0.17). Significant differences in HR (p < 0.01; (Equation is included in full-text article.)= 0.39) but not RPE (squat: p = 0.690; (Equation is included in full-text article.)= 0.07; bench press: p = 0.165; (Equation is included in full-text article.)= 0.18) and felt arousal (p = 0.056; (Equation is included in full-text article.)= 0.24) were observed between conditions. Coffee and decaffeinated coffee plus caffeine have the ability to improve performance during a resistance exercise protocol, although possibly not over multiple bouts.

Carbohydrate and Caffeine Mouth Rinses Do Not Affect Maximum Strength and Muscular Endurance Performance.

Oral carbohydrate (CHO) rinsing has beneficial effects on endurance performance and caffeine (CAF) mouth rinsing either independently or in conjunction with CHO may enhance sprinting performance. However, the effects of CHO and CAF mouth rinses on resistance exercise have not been examined previously. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of CHO and CAF rinsing on maximum strength and muscular endurance performance. Fifteen recreationally resistance-trained males completed an exercise protocol, which involved a 1 repetition maximum (RM) bench press followed by 60% of their 1RM to failure in a double-blind, randomized, counterbalanced crossover design. Before exercise, 25 ml of a 6% (15 g; 0.20 ± 0.02 g·kg(-1)) CHO, 1.2% (300 mg; 3.9 ± 0.3 mg·kg(-1)) CAF, carbohydrate with caffeine (C + C) solutions, or water (placebo; PLA) were rinsed for 10 seconds. During the remaining session, no solution was rinsed (control; CON). All solutions were flavored with (200 mg) sucralose. Felt arousal was recorded pre- and post-rinse, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded immediately after the repetitions to failure. There were no significant differences in 1RM (p = 0.808; ηp(2)= 0.02), the number of repetitions performed (p = 0.682; ηp(2)= 0.03), or the total exercise volume (p = 0.482; ηp(2)= 0.03) between conditions. Rating of perceived exertion was similar for all trials (p = 0.330; ηp(2)= 0.08), whereas Felt arousal increased as a consequence of rinsing (p = 0.001; ηp(2)= 0.58), but was not different between trials (p = 0.335; ηp(2)= 0.08). These results suggest that rinsing with a CHO and CAF solution either independently or combined has no significant effect on maximum strength or muscular endurance performance.