Using Focus Groups to Identify Nutrition Education Needs and Implementation Strategies for the Wildland Firefighter.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study are to describe the current state, identify topics of importance, and suggest implementation strategies for tailored nutrition education for the WLFFs. METHODS: Focus groups were conducted and survey data was collected to gather qualitative and quantitative data from a sample of WLFFs. Constant comparative strategy was used to generate themes from transcripts. RESULTS: Wildland firefighters showed interest in early-introduced, multimodal, and specific nutrition education tailored to the demands of the WLFF. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings provide nutrition topics of interest and importance to WLFFs and may be used to develop educational materials.

The Relationship Between Health and Movement Screens and Field-Based Physical Fitness Tests in Reserve Officer Training Corps Students.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between scores achieved in physical fitness tests and outcomes of health and movement screens (HMS) in ROTC students. Twenty-eight students (20 males: 21.8 yrs [± 3.4] & 8 females: 20.7 yrs [± 1.8]) enrolled in an ROTC branch (Army, Air Force, Navy, or Marines) completed a series of screens, including body composition analysis via Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA), balance and functional movement tasks via a lower-quarter Y-Balance test, and knee and hip joint concentric strength testing on an isokinetic dynamometer. Official ROTC PFT scores were collected from the respective military branch leadership. HMS outcomes were compared to PFT scores via Pearson Product-Moment Correlation and linear regression analyses. Across branches, total PFT scores were significantly correlated to visceral adipose tissue (r = -0.52, p = 0.01) and android:gynoid fat ratio (r = -0.43, p = 0.04). Visceral adipose tissue (R 2 = 0.27, p = 0.011) and android to gynoid ratio (R 2 = 0.18, p = 0.042) significantly predicted total PFT scores. No further significant correlations between HMS and overall PFT scores were observed. HMS scores revealed significant bilateral differences in lower extremity body composition (p < 0.001; d = 0.23) and strength (p = 0.002; d = 0.23). Across ROTC branches, HMS were poorly correlated with PFT performance yet indicated significant bilateral differences in lower extremity strength and body composition. The inclusion of HMS may ease the increasing injury rate among the military population by assisting in detection of movement shortcomings.

Creatine monohydrate supplementation changes total body water and DXA lean mass estimates in female collegiate dancers.

Collegiate dance is unique because it requires athletic and academic performance; therefore, optimizing physical and mental function is crucial. Research among athletic populations demonstrate improvements in body composition, performance, and cognition following creatine monohydrate (CR) supplementation, yet dancers have not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of CR supplementation on body composition, performance, and cognitive function in female collegiate dancers. Participants were randomized to CR (CR; n = 7; 0.1 g·kg -1·day -1 CM +0.1 g·kg -1·day -1 corn-starch maltodextrin) or placebo (PL; n = 6; 0.2 g·kg -1·day -1 corn-starch maltodextrin) for 42 days. Pre- and post-testing included body composition, total body water (TBW), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, Diet History Questionnaire, the National Institute of Health Toolbox fluid cognition battery and isokinetic strength, vertical jump, medicine ball throw, and Wingate anaerobic power test. CR demonstrated a significant increase in TBW (pre, 32.2 ± 3.5 kg; post, 32.7 ± 3.6 kg; p = 0.024) and lean mass (LM; pre, 39.8 ± 3.6 kg; post, 41.5 ± 4.5 kg; p = 0.020). CR supplementation may be an effective strategy to increase TBW and estimates of LM in female collegiate dancers. Although this may optimize aesthetics, larger samples sizes with resistance training are needed to determine if CR supplementation increases muscle mass and translates to improved performance.

The Effect of Foot Position and Lean Mass on Jumping and Landing Mechanics in Collegiate Dancers.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of foot positioning and lean mass on jumping and landing mechanics in collegiate dancers. Thirteen dancers performed 3 unilateral and bilateral vertical jumps with feet in neutral and turnout positions. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans, jump height, vertical stiffness, and joint stiffness were assessed for relationships between foot positions. Jump heights were greater in right compared with left limb (P = .029) and neutral compared with turnout (P = .020) during unilateral jumping. In unilateral landing, knee stiffness was greater in turnout compared with neutral (P = .004) during the loading phase. Jump height (P < .001) was significantly increased, and vertical stiffness (P = .003) was significantly decreased during bilateral jumping in neutral compared with turnout. Significantly increased hip stiffness during the attenuation phase was observed in neutral compared with turnout (P = .006). Left-limb lean mass was significantly less than the right limb (P < .05). Adjustments for bilateral jumping were focused on hip stiffness, whereas there was a slight shift to knee strategy for unilateral jump.

Effect of a Multi-Ingredient Supplement Designed to Regulate Mood on Physiological and Psychological Outcomes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Stress is inevitable in college, and many students utilize alternatives to professional help such as supplements to manage stress, anxiety, or depression. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a multi-ingredient supplement (MIS) in supporting optimal mood balance and reducing daily stress among healthy collegiate-aged students (clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05109923). Participants (age 18-22) were randomly assigned to a placebo (PLA; n = 29) or MIS (n = 27) group and were asked to consume 2 capsules upon waking and before bed. Resting heart rate, blood pressure and salivary cortisol awakening response (CAR) were measured at weeks 2, 5 and 8. Depression, anxiety, stress, and affect were assessed weekly. There was a significant negative linear change in CAR, depression, stress, positive and negative affect throughout the study although only CAR differed by group. From week 2 to 5, MIS decreased, on average, from 0.22 µg/dL to 0.14 µg/dL (-0.8 µg/dL), whereas PLA, on average, increased from 0.11 µg/dL to 0.17 µg/dL. MIS continued to experience a decline in CAR, ending the study with an average CAR of 0.08 µg/dL. These results suggest that MIS may help maintain a healthy physiological response during stressful life events.

Nutrient Intake of Wildland Firefighters During Arduous Wildfire Suppression: Macronutrient and Micronutrient Consumption.

Wildland firefighters (WLFFs) perform in adverse environments making rapid adjustments to dietary needs. The National Mobile Food Services (NMFS) contract details WLFF dietary provisions on wildfire incidents. OBJECTIVE: Determine the nutrient content of food and drink provided to and consumed by WLFFs under the NMFS contract. METHODS: Individual (n = 122) dietary provisions and consumption was recorded during 1 workday. Nutritional analysis of items provided was compared with consumption and the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). RESULTS: WLFFs consumed significantly (P < 0.05) fewer macronutrients than provided for calories, protein, and fat. Provided and consumed micronutrients were below the RDA for vitamins D and E, magnesium, and manganese. CONCLUSION: Most dietary recommendations were met by NMFS provisions. Next steps include WLFF nutrition education to improve consumption and contract revisions to meet micronutrient recommendations.

Protein Supplementation Does Not Improve Aerobic and Anaerobic Fitness in Collegiate Dancers Performing Cycling Based High Intensity Interval Training.

The effects of a 6-week cycling high-intensity interval training (HIIT) concurrently with protein supplementation on aerobic and anaerobic fitness and body composition in collegiate dancers was investigated. Eighteen participants enrolled in a collegiate dance program were matched into three groups: high-protein (HP; 90 g˙d-1), moderate-protein (MP; 40 g˙d-1), and control (C; 0 g˙d-1). All participants performed a 6-week HIIT intervention. Participants completed a graded exercise test, Wingate anaerobic test (Wingate), and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scan before and after the intervention. Peak heart rate (HRpeak), peak oxygen uptake (VOpeak), peak power output (PPO), lactate threshold (LT), and ventilatory thresholds 1 (VT1 ) and 2 (VT2) were assessed during the graded exercise test. Peak power output, mean power output (MPO), and fatigue index (FI) were assessed during the Wingate. Lean mass (LM), fat mass (FM), visceral adipose tissue, appendicular skeletal muscle mass, and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index were assessed during dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Body composition index (BCI) was calculated from pre and post LM and FM. Habitual diet was recorded weekly. Significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. No significant differences in VO2peak and percent fat mass (%FM) were observed between groups prior to the intervention. Significant main effects for time were observed for HRpeak (p = 0.02), VO2peak (p < 0.001), PPO (p < 0.01), LT (p < 0.001), VT1 (p < 0.001), and VT2 (p < 0.001) during the graded exercise test, and PPO (p < 0.01) and FI (p < 0.01) during the Wingate. Significant main effects for time were observed for LM (kg; p = 0.01) and FM (kg; p < 0.01). Body composition index was improved for all groups, however, no significant differences by group were observed. No significant differences were observed between groups for the measured outcomes (p > 0.05). Therefore, there was no effect of protein supplementation in the short 6-week intervention. This cycling based HIIT routine increased physical fitness, optimized aesthetics, and was a simple addition to an existing collegiate dance curriculum.

Prevalence of Normal Weight Obesity and Health Risk Factors for the Female Collegiate Dancer.

ABSTRACT: Brown, AF, Alfiero, CJ, Brooks, SJ, Kviatkovsky, SA, Smith-Ryan, AE, and Ormsbee, MJ. Prevalence of normal weight obesity and health risk factors for the female collegiate dancer. J Strength Cond Res 35(8): 2321-2326, 2021-The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of normal weight obesity (NWO) and evaluate the relationship between NWO and health risk factors in a collegiate dancer population. Reanalysis of data of female dancers (N = 42) from 2 larger studies was used to assess prevalence and health risk factors of NWO. Dancers completed a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan to assess fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and a 3-day food record. Normal weight obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5-24.9 kg·m-2 and body fat (BF) ≥30%. Twenty-five (60%) dancers were classified as normal weight lean (NWL), and 17 dancers (40%) were classified as NWO. Significant differences were observed for BMI (NWL: 21.1 ± 1.7, NWO: 23.1 ± 1.6, p < 0.001), LM (NWL: 71.0 ± 2.9%, NWO: 62.5 ± 2.7%, p < 0.001), %BF (NWL: 24.8 ± 3.1%, NWO: 33.9 ± 2.6%, p < 0.001), and VAT (NWL: 130.6 ± 43.0 g, NWO: 232.3 ± 70.8 g, p < 0.001) between NWL and NWO. A significant difference was observed for carbohydrate intake (NWL: 4.7 ± 1.8 g·kg-1, NWO: 3.7 ± 1.0 g·kg-1, p = 0.020) between groups. Significant positive correlations with FM were observed between carbohydrate (kcal, p = 0.048), fat (kcal, p = 0.018; g·kg-1, p = 0.040), and total calories (p = 0.019) in NWO. Normal weight obesity in collegiate dancers may be more prevalent than previously perceived and may be significantly related to important health risk factors. The current study demonstrates the need for body composition assessments and emphasizing on promoting overall health in collegiate dancers.

Nutrition Periodization in Dancers.

Dancers' energy demands fluctuate across the season. Accordingly, dancers should adapt their training and nutrition. Still, how to periodize nutrition in dancers remains unclear. This article aims to (1) introduce nutrition periodization and (2) provide recommendations for nutrition periodization in dancers. During preseason, dancers design, rehearse, and train. During in-season, dancers have one or more daily performances. During postseason, dancers rest and prepare for the next season. Nutrition periodization is the strategic and timed nutrient intake to meet varying seasonal energy demands. Overall, nutrition periodization can support dancers' training goals, enhance their performance, and support optimal recovery.

Increased Female Athlete Triad Knowledge Among Collegiate Dancers Following a Brief Educational Video Intervention.

The female athlete triad (triad) is prevalent among aesthetic athletes, including dancers. However, there is limited research regarding triad knowledge or triad educational interventions among collegiate dancers. This study was intended to help correct that shortage. Participants (N = 24) completed two questionnaires: one assessed demographics, triad risk, and disordered eating (DE) risk; the other measured triad knowledge before and after viewing a 10-minute triad video. Twenty-seven percent of participants were found to be at risk for DE, 27% were at risk for the triad, and 8% were at risk for both. Significant improvements in triad knowledge were observed following the educational video; 4.08 ± 1.83 pre-intervention to 6.75 ± 0.09 post-intervention out of a possible 7, p < 0.001. There were no differences in triad knowledge when comparing freshmen and sophomores to juniors, seniors, and graduate students. This research confirms that triad education should be a continuous component of collegiate dancers' curricula to promote their overall health and wellness, and that the triad video can be an effective educational tool for supporting that goal.

Female Collegiate Dancers Body Composition, Macronutrient and Micronutrient Intake Over Two Academic Years: A Longitudinal Analysis.

Collegiate dancers face unique challenges to maintain a lean aesthetic, optimal diet, and a high-performance level due to the various stressors in college. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in body composition (BC) and diet over two years. Participants (N = 17, 19.6 ± 1.6 years) completed two laboratory sessions per semester. Sessions included height and weight, BC, dietary intake, and a health history questionnaire. Regardless of rigorous dance training and variations in the academic calendar, no significant changes in BC or diet were observed within semesters of over two years. BMI was normal (24.9 ± 4.1 kg/m2) with fat mass exceeding 30% at all timepoints. Fat mass was negatively correlated with carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake (g/kg/day; r = -0.291, p = 0.004; r = -0.372, p < 0.0001; r = -0.398, p < 0.0001; respectively). Energy intake was within the recommended daily allowance (2040 ± 710 kcal/day), however may be insufficient for an active dance population. Protein (1.1 ± 0.5 g/kg), carbohydrate (3.7 ± 1.6 g/kg), calcium (835 ± 405 mg/day), iron (17 ± 15 mg/day), and potassium (1628 ± 1736 mg/day) intake fell below recommendations for an active population. Alterations in dance training and the demands of the academic calendar may be contributing to suboptimal dietary intake and BC in female collegiate dancers.

Higher-protein intake improves body composition index in female collegiate dancers.

Aesthetic athletes strive to attain an ideal body image and the physical demands placed on dancers make their body composition and fitness equally as important as their technique. Body composition has shown positive changes in response to increased protein intake and may improve aesthetics of dance performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which supplemental whey protein (PRO) would improve body composition in female collegiate dancers compared with an isocaloric placebo (PLA). Twenty-one (age, 19.6 ± 1.4 years) female collegiate dancers were randomly assigned to consume PRO or PLA (25 g, 3×/day) for 12 weeks. Laboratory testing at weeks 0, 6, and 12 included 24-h urine collection, body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), resting metabolic rate, and performance. Data were reported as means ± SD. Significance was accepted at p < 0.05. Body weight, fat mass, and lean soft tissue did not change between groups or over time. Body composition index (BCI = [(LSTpost - LSTpre) + (FMpre - FMpost)]; where LST is lean soft tissue, FM is fat mass, pre is pre-intervention, and post is post-intervention) significantly improved over time in PRO (+0.6 ± 1.9) but not PLA (-1.8 ± 3.1; p = 0.048); however, neither group demonstrated changes in laboratory performance tests. Protein supplementation for 12 weeks significantly improved BCI and provided a simple way to improve the diet in female collegiate dancers. Novelty Twelve weeks of protein supplementation does not change body weight in female collegiate dancers. BCI improves following protein supplementation in female collegiate dancers.

Higher-protein intake and physical activity are associated with healthier body composition and cardiometabolic health in Hispanic adults.

BACKGROUND: Higher protein (HP) intake and physical activity (PA) have been associated with improved lean soft tissue (LST) and reduced fat mass (FM). Puerto Ricans have among the highest age-adjusted prevalence (42.5%) of obesity, which may be associated with inadequate protein consumption and PA. We examined the relationship between protein intake and PA with body composition and biomarkers of cardiometabolic health in Puerto Rican adults. METHODS: Participants included 959 Puerto Rican adults (71.4% women, 28.6% men) from the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study (BPRHS), aged 46-79 y (Women: age, 60.4 ± 7.6 y, BMI, 32.9 ± 6.8 kg/m2; Men: age, 59.8 ± 7.9 y, BMI, 30.1 ± 5.2 kg/m2). Protein intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and expressed as g/kg body weight/day in energy intake-adjusted equal cut point tertile categories (lower, moderate, higher: LP < 0.91 g/kg/d, MP ≥ 0.91 ≤ 1.11 g/kg/d, and HP > 1.11 g/kg/d). PA was assessed by questionnaire and expressed in tertile categories (low, moderate and high; PA1: <0.8 km/d, PA2: ≥0.8  ≤ 3.2 km/d, PA3: >3.2 km/d). RESULTS: Participants with energy-adjusted HP had lower appendicular LST (ALST: 16.2 ± 3.8 kg), LST (39.7 ± 8.0 kg) and FM (25.6 ± 8.1 kg) when compared to LP (ALST: 20.1 ± 4.5 kg; LST: 49.5 ± 10.0 kg; FM: 40.8 ± 12.3 kg; P < 0.001) and MP (ALST: 18.2 ± 4.3 kg; LST: 44.1 ± 8.8 kg; FM: 32.2 ± 9.8 kg; P < 0.001). However, when adjusted for total body weight (kg), relative LST was significantly greater in HP (58 ± 9%) when compared to LP (53 ± 9%; P < 0.001) and MP (56 ± 9%; P < 0.001). Participants in PA3 had greater ALST (19.5 ± 5.4 kg), and LST (58 ± 10%), compared to PA1 (ALST: 17.2 ± 4.3 kg; LST: 53 ± 9%; P < 0.001) or PA2 (ALST: 17.7 ± 4.7 kg; LST: 56 ± 9%; P < 0.05). Those in HP + PA3 or MP + PA2 had lower c-reactive protein (CRP; HP + PA3: 5.1 ± 6.8 mg/L; MP + PA2: 6.4 ± 10.0 mg/L), when compared to LP + PA1 (8.7 ± 8.8 mg/L; P < 0.05). Insulin concentration was lower for those in both the HP and PA3 (HP + PA3; 11.4 ± 7.9 IU/mL) compared to those in both the LP and PA1 (LP + PA1; 20.7 ± 16.3 UI/mL) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The highest tertiles of energy-adjusted protein intake (≥1.11 g/kg/d) and PA (>3.2 km/d) were associated with more desirable indicators of overall body composition and cardiometabolic health, when adjusted for body weight, than those in the lower protein intake and PA in Puerto Rican adults.

Anthropometric Characteristics and Performance Capabilities of Highly Trained Motocross Athletes Compared With Physically Active Men.

Motocross (MX) is a physically demanding sport with little research concerning the physiological characteristics of these athletes. The purpose of this study was to assess the anthropometric characteristics and performance capabilities of highly trained MX athletes (n = 20; 19 ± 1.6 years) compared with age-matched physically active (PA) men (n = 22; 22 ± 2.9 years). Testing was performed on 2 occasions. The initial visit consisted of a personality assessment in addition to the following (in order): anthropometrics, body composition, anaerobic power/fatigue, isokinetic/isometric strength and fatigue, and flexibility. The second visit consisted of peak oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak), handgrip strength, maximum push-ups in 1 minute, extended arm hang time to exhaustion (TTE), and 90° weighted wall-sit tests. All anthropometric and performance data were analyzed using independent samples t-tests to compare group means. Significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Data are reported as mean ± SD. There were no significant differences between groups in anthropometric or body composition measurements except android fat (MX: 11.7 ± 1.9% vs. PA: 16.4 ± 8.4%, p = 0.04) and biceps circumference (MX: 30.1 ± 2.0 vs. PA: 33.1 ± 3.2 cm, p = 0.001). MX had significantly higher absolute and relative mean anaerobic power (747.3 ± 63.7 vs. 679.7 ± 93.5 W, p = 0.009 and 10.0 ± 0.6 vs. 9.2 ± 1.3 W·kg, p = 0.002, respectively), relative anaerobic peak power (12.7 ± 0.8 vs. 11.9 ± 1.4 W·kg, p = 0.029), TTE (550.1 ± 70.6 vs. 470.1 ± 93.2 seconds, p = 0.004), and extended arm hang duration (113.3 ± 44.9 vs. 73.4 ± 25.3 seconds, p = 0.001). These results suggest highly trained MX athletes possess certain physiological adaptations that likely result from sport-specific demands compared with PA.