Browsing by Author "Ramadoss, Rohit"

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    A Comparison of Substrate Utilization Profiles During Maximal and Submaximal Exercise Tests in Athletes
    Ramadoss, Rohit; Stanzione, Joseph R.; Volpe, Stella L. (Frontiers, 2022-04-08)
    BackgroundExercise is primarily sustained by energy derived from lipids (plasma free fatty acids and intramuscular triglycerides), and glucose (plasma glucose and muscle glycogen). Substrate utilization is the pattern by which these fuel sources are used during activity. There are many factors that influence substrate utilization. We aim to delineate the effect of exercise intensity and body composition on substrate utilization. ObjectiveThe objective of our study was to discern the differences in substrate utilization profiles during a maximal and submaximal graded exercise test, and to determine the extent to which body composition influences substrate utilization during the exercise tests. MethodsA total of 27 male athletes, 32.5 +/- 11 years of age, were recruited for this study. Body composition was analyzed using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Maximal and submaximal exercise tests were performed on a treadmill. A novel graded submaximal treadmill protocol was used for the submaximal test. ResultsAverage percent body fat (PBF) was 15.8 +/- 5%. Average maximal oxygen consumption (VO(2)max) was 47.6 +/- 9 mL/kg/min, while the average exercise intensity (percent VO(2)max) at which participants were shifting to glucose predominance for energy during the maximal and submaximal tests were 76 +/- 8.3% and 58.4 +/- 21.1%, respectively. A paired-samples t-test was conducted to compare percent VO(2)max at crossover point in maximal and submaximal graded exercise tests. There was a significant difference in percent VO(2)max at the crossover point for maximal (76 +/- 8.3%) and submaximal (58 +/- 21.1%) tests (t = 4.752, p = 0.001). A linear regression was performed to elucidate the interaction between exercise intensity at the crossover point and body composition during a maximal and submaximal graded exercise test. There was a significant effect of PBF on percent VO(2)max at crossover point during the maximal graded exercise test [F(1,24) = 9.10, P = 0.006] with an R-2 of 0.245. However, there was no significant effect of PBF on percent VO(2)max at crossover point during the submaximal graded exercise test (P > 0.05). ConclusionSubstrate utilization, represented by the crossover point, is dependent on the rate of increase in exercise intensity. At maximal efforts, the crossover to carbohydrates from fats as the predominant fuel source occurs at a significantly later stage of percent VO(2)max than at submaximal efforts. Furthermore, body composition represented by PBF is a significant predictor of substrate utilization during maximal efforts. Athletes with a relatively higher PBF are more likely to have increased lipid oxidation during high intensity exercises than those with a lower body fat percentage.
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    Micronutrient supplement intakes among collegiate and masters athletes: A cross-sectional study
    Nichols, Quentin Z.; Ramadoss, Rohit; Stanzione, Joseph R.; Volpe, Stella L. (Frontiers, 2023-04)
    ObjectiveIn our cross-sectional study, we evaluated micronutrient supplementation intake among Collegiate and Masters Athletes. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study to assess micronutrient supplementation consumption in Collegiate and Masters Athletes, comparing sex and sport classification within each respective group. Micronutrient supplement consumption data were measured using a Food Frequency Questionnaire. A two-way analysis of variance was used to explore the differences among Collegiate and Masters Athletes' supplement intakes of the following vitamins and minerals: vitamins A, B-6, B-12, C, E, D, and calcium, folate, iron, magnesium niacin, riboflavin, selenium, thiamine, and zinc. When significant differences were found, a Bonferroni post hoc test was performed to identify specific group differences. The significance level was set a priori at p < 0.05. ResultsA total of 198 athletes (105 females and 93 males) were included in the study. Participants were 36.16 +/- 12.33 years of age. Collegiate male athletes had significantly greater vitamin A [1,090.51 +/- 154.72 vs. 473.93 +/- 233.18 mg retinol activity equivalents (RAE)/day] (p < 0.036), folate [337.14 +/- 44.79 vs. 148.67 +/- 67.50 mcg dietary folate equivalents (DFE)/day] (p < 0.027), and magnesium (65.35 +/- 8.28 vs. 31.28 +/- 12.48 mg/day) (p < 0.031) intakes compared to Collegiate female athletes. Collegiate CrossFit Athletes (940.71 +/- 157.54 mg/day) had a significantly greater vitamin C intake compared to Collegiate General Athletes (156.34 +/- 67.79 mg/day) (p < 0.005), Collegiate Triathletes (88.57 +/- 148.53 mg/day) (p < 0.027), Collegiate Resistance Training Athletes (74.28 +/- 143.81 mg/day) (p < 0.020), and Collegiate Powerlifters (175.71 +/- 128.63 mg/day) (p < 0.044). Masters females had significantly greater calcium intakes compared to Masters males (494.09 +/- 65.73 vs.187.89 +/- 77.23 mg/day, respectively) (p < 0.002). Collegiate Runners (41.35 +/- 6.53 mg/day) had a significantly greater iron intake compared to Collegiate Powerlifters (4.50 +/- 6.53 mg/day) (p < 0.024). Masters Swimmers (61.43 +/- 12.10 mg/day) had significantly greater iron intakes compared to Masters General Athletes (13.97 +/- 3.56 mg/day) (p < 0.014), Masters Runners (17.74 +/- 2.32 mg/day) (p < 0.03), Masters Triathletes (11.95 +/- 3.73 mg/day) (p < 0.008), Masters CrossFit Athletes (15.93 +/- 5.36 mg/day) (p < 0.043), Masters Rowers (9.10 +/- 3.36 mg/day) (p < 0.003), and Masters Cyclists (1.71 +/- 9.88 mg/day) (p < 0.011). Masters Powerlifters (47.14 +/- 9.65 mg/day) had significantly greater zinc intakes compared to Masters General Athletes (9.57 +/- 2.84 mg/day) (p < 0.015), Masters Runners (10.67 +/- 1.85 mg/day) (p < 0.017), Masters Triathletes (10.24 +/- 2.98 mg/day) (p < 0.020), Masters Rowers (9.33 +/- 2.68 mg/day) (p < 0.013), and Masters Cyclists (1.43 +/- 7.88 mg/day) (p < 0.019). There were no other significant differences among the other micronutrient supplement intakes between the sexes or among the sport classification. ConclusionWe reported significant differences among female and male Collegiate and Masters Athletes. Additionally, we reported significant differences among Collegiate and Masters Athletes sport classifications. Further research should examine both dietary and micronutrient supplement intake among Collegiate and Masters Athletes to examine the extent that athletes exceed the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA), and the potential effects on health and performance.