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Browsing by Author "Volpe, Stella L."

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    Association between protein intake and lean body mass in a group of Masters Athletes
    Stanzione, Joseph R.; Boullata, Joseph I.; Bruneau, Michael L., Jr.; Volpe, Stella L. (Cambridge University Press, 2022-04-27)
    Recommendations for protein intake are based on total body weight; however, these recommendations do not consider lean body mass (LBM). The purpose of the present study was to identify the average protein intake in g/kg LBM in a group of healthy Masters Athletes (>= 26 years of age, exercising >= 2 d/week). Data were obtained from a cross-sectional study. Body weight (kg), height (cm) and LBM via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were measured. Dietary intake was measured using a 2005 Block Food Frequency Questionnaire. The average energy intake, the percent energy from protein and the average protein intake in g/kg LBM were calculated. Differences between protein intake and the US Recommended Dietary Allowance (US RDA) (0.8 g/kg body weight) were determined. Alpha levels were set a priori to P < 0.05. A total of 176 participants (94 women, 82 men; 39 +/- 11 years of age; body mass index: 24.6 +/- 3.4 kg/m(2)) were analysed. The average energy intake, the percent protein energy and the average protein intake were 7996.9 +/- 110.9 kilojoules (kJ)/d (1,910.4 +/- 26.5 kcal), 15.5 +/- 2.6 % and 1.43 +/- 0.53 g/kg LBM, respectively. No differences existed between women and men for protein intake/kg LBM. Both sexes had significantly higher protein intakes than the US RDA (P < 0.001). We identified the average protein intake (g/kg LBM) in healthy Masters Athletes that may contribute to evolving perspectives on the determination of protein needs. The present study helps establish the relationship between protein intake and LBM so that we may further increase our accuracy when developing future protein recommendations.
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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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    The effect of boron supplementation on bone mineral density and hormonal status in college female athletes
    Volpe, Stella L. (Virginia Tech, 1991)
    Twenty-eight college female volunteers, 18 to 24 years of age, were studied to determine their bone mineral density and hormonal status following 10 months of supplementation with boron. Seventeen of the subjects were college athletes (A) who participated in either varsity basketball, tennis, track, triathlons, or volleyball. Eleven eumenorrheic subjects were placed in the sedentary group (S). All athletes were eumenorrheic, except for two, who were amenorrheic. The subjects were randomly assigned to either a placebo (cornstarch) or 3 mg of Tri-Boron (TWin Labs, Ronkonkoma, NY) per day. The study was single blind; the placebo and boron supplements were identical in appearance. The subjects' maximal oxygen consumption (V02max ) was assessed at month 0 only, in order to compare the athletes' aerobic capacity to that of the sedentary group. Subjects were measured at time 0 and 10 months for the following: average daily food intake, bone mineral density, plasma 1,2 5-dihydroxyvi tamin D3 , and plasma alkaline phosphatase. The following parameters were determined at 0, 6, and 10 months: serum 17-Beta estradiol progesterone, and testosterone, and percent body fat, and body weight. The athletes had a significantly greater V02MX (p < 0.05) than the sedentary group. There were no differences between the A and the S groups' food intake as measured in kcals, protein, fat, carbohydrate and fiber content. Although average body weight did not differ between activity groups, the athletes had a significantly lower (p < 0.05) percent body fat than the sedentary group. The athletes showed a slight increase in bone mineral density, whereas the sedentary group showed a slight decrease. The difference between these changes was significant (p < 0.05) between the activity groups. Furthermore, the athletes showed a slight increase in plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 , while the sedentary group showed a decrease in this measure; the difference between these changes also proved to be significant (p < 0.05) between activity groups. There were no significant differences in plasma alkaline phosphatase values. Serum 17-B estradiol and testosterone values exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) increase for all groups combined at 6 months. There were no significant changes observed in serum progesterone. Although significant changes were observed in some of the variables measured, none of the changes were a result of the boron supplementation.
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    The Effect of Curcumin on Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Markers in Recreationally Active Women and Men
    Ramadoss, Rohit Kumar (Virginia Tech, 2024-06-06)
    Oxidative stress is a state characterized by an imbalance between the production and elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within cells. ROS, also known as free radicals, are crucial for cellular signaling and are generated through natural processes. The antioxidant defense system typically regulates their concentrations to prevent oxidative stress-related damage. However, when ROS concentrations surpass a certain threshold and overwhelm the antioxidant defense system, it can lead to physiological issues and impairments in athletic performance. Additionally, oxidative stress and inflammation are closely related phenomena that can exacerbate each other, creating a vicious cycle. Both oxidative stress and inflammation play key roles in the pathophysiology of various chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, diabetes mellitus, autoimmune diseases, and accelerated aging. Furthermore, acute oxidative stress and inflammation have been shown to negatively affect performance by reducing skeletal muscle force output and increasing fatigue. Therefore, it is crucial to explore strategies to mitigate uncontrolled elevations of oxidative stress and inflammation. Curcumin, a bioactive compound found in turmeric, has been linked to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While cell line and animal studies have demonstrated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of curcumin, its effects in humans remain inconclusive. This dissertation project aimed to evaluate the effect of a four-week turmeric supplementation intervention on biomarkers associated with exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in recreationally active individuals, 18 to 45 years of age. The study investigated curcumin's potential as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, while contributing to the existing literature on strategies for managing oxidative stress and inflammation. The findings from this research may offer valuable insights for promoting health, well-being, and athletic performance.
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    The effect of endurance running on training adaptations in women participating in a weight lifting program
    Volpe, Stella L. (Virginia Tech, 1987)
    Twenty-five sedentary female volunteers, 18-30 years of age, were studied to determine the effects of an endurance running program on leg strength gains from a weight training program. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a weight training group (W), a weight training plus running group (RW), or a control group (C). The subjects trained three days per week, approximately one hour per day, for nine weeks. The RW group ran for 25 min then weight trained for 30 min, whereas the W group weight trained for one hour. Subjects were tested for one-repetition maximum (l-RM) pre-training, at two week intervals during training, and post-training. Thigh girth (midpoint [MG] and 1.18 cm above the patella [AP]) and percent body fat were measured pre- and post-training, only weekly on a calibrated scale. Body weight was measured. Significant improvements in isotonic leg strength of 56% for W and 66% for RW were observed, with no difference between the groups. W and RW also achieved a significantly greater isotonic leg strength than the C group. The experimental groups had a significantly greater posttest AP as compared to the C group. No significant differences were observed over the experimental period in MG, percent body fat and body weight of any of the groups. In conclusion, the running program used in the present study did not interfere with leg strength or girth gains achieved through weight training. These results are in contrast to those reported in other studies which found that aerobic training impaired strength gains.
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    Effects of 8 Weeks of High-Intensity Interval Training and Spirulina Supplementation on Immunoglobin Levels, Cardio-Respiratory Fitness, and Body Composition of Overweight and Obese Women
    Nobari, Hadi; Gandomani, Elham Eyni; Reisi, Jalil; Vahabidelshad, Reyhaneh; Suzuki, Katsuhiko; Volpe, Stella L.; Pérez-Gómez, Jorge (MDPI, 2022-01-26)
    Our study examined the effect of 8 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and spirulina supplementation on the humoral immunity, cardio-respiratory fitness, and body composition of overweight and obese women. Thirty sedentary women (height: 161.7 ± 2.8 cm, body mass: 75.8 ± 8.4 kg, body mass index [BMI]: 28.8 ± 2.5 kg/m2, age: 25.1 ± 6.7 years) were divided into three groups: placebo with HIIT group, spirulina group (SG), or combined group (CG). Exercise groups performed HIIT for 8 weeks, with three sessions per week and four to seven repetitions in each session of 30 s running and 30 s walking; the intensity was established at 90% of the maximum heart rate. Supplementation groups received 6 g of spirulina powder per day. Fasting blood samples were collected before and after 8 weeks to determine the concentrations of immunoglobulins (IgA and IgG). There was a significant group-by-time interaction for fat free mass (FFM; p = 0.001, f = 8.52, ηp2 = 0.39) and IgA (p = 0.036, f = 3.86, ηp2 = 0.22). The post hoc analysis revealed that CG reduced FFM significantly (p = 0.012, g = −0.55) after training. CG and SG showed significantly greater IgA concentrations after 8 weeks (p = 0.02, g = 0.70 and p = 0.001, g = 0.34, respectively). We conclude that spirulina supplementation with HIIT affects the body composition (lower FFM) but also boosts IgA, which plays an important role in the immune system.
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    The Effects of Low Energy Availability and High-Impact Exercise on Bone and Body Composition
    Sterringer, Trisha Marie (Virginia Tech, 2024-05-28)
    Low energy availability (LEA) has been identified as the underlying etiology of the Female Athlete Triad and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) syndrome. The term energy availability (EA) describes the amount of dietary energy intake (EI) that is remaining to support physiological function after accounting for the energy cost of exercise. Exposure to LEA stimulates metabolic adaptations that may disrupt certain biological systems, such as endocrine function, and impair sports performance. Controlled laboratory research has shown suppression of bone formation biomarkers with accelerated rates of bone resorption after only three to five days of LEA in active females. Correcting LEA by increasing EI or decreasing exercise energy expenditure (EEE) may not be feasible for all athletes and additional approaches for protecting bone health during LEA require further investigation. Recent evidence suggests that brief bouts of high-impact exercise attenuate the increased rate of bone resorption in females with diet-induced LEA. However, it is unknown whether similar exercises have a protective effect on bone health when LEA is induced through a combination of dietary restriction and exercise. A gap also remains in the understanding of how EA fluctuates throughout the athletic season and what potential effect that has on body composition and performance outcomes. To address these gaps, we conducted two studies to investigate the interactions of EA, bone health, and body composition. The first investigation employed a randomized crossover design in which female runners underwent two, five-day experimental conditions of LEA consisting of dietary restriction and daily running (EA = 15 kcal·kg FFM-1·day-1). During one of the experimental conditions, participants also completed a bout of 50 jumping exercises daily. Serum markers of bone resorption (C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type 1 collagen [CTX-I]), bone formation (N-terminal propeptide of type 1 procollagen [PINP]), and hormonal profiles were compared between baseline and post-intervention using linear mixed effects modeling. We hypothesized that daily high-impact exercise would have a positive effect on bone by attenuating the rise in bone resorption. In contrast to our hypothesis, bone resorption marker CTX-I increased following both LEA conditions (+12%, P=0.004) with no difference in the response between the jumping and non-jumping conditions. Bone formation was not suppressed following either LEA condition. Concentrations of free triiodothyronine (T3), insulin-like growth factor-1, leptin, and insulin decreased in response to five days of LEA independent of condition (P<0.05); however, when taking into account condition, the decrease in free T3 was only statistically significant following the LEA condition without jumping (-27%, P=0.022, Cohen's d=0.87). Our findings suggest that high-impact jumping exercises are not an effective countermeasure to protect bone health during short-term LEA in female runners who continue to run routinely. In a second study, we conducted a longitudinal, observational study in collegiate male soccer players to investigate seasonal changes in EA and body composition. Measurements of EA, body composition, and sports performance were assessed at the start and end of the non-championship Spring athletic season. We hypothesized that EA would be positively associated with changes in body composition at the end of the three-month season. Despite most athletes reporting desires to gain total and/or lean body mass, no changes in EA or body composition were detected at the end of the season compared to the start. Furthermore, sports performance and bone density improved across the season regardless of individual changes in EA. These results indicate EA of collegiate male soccer players during the Spring season is sufficient to maintain current body composition and improve sports performance, but insufficient to support total and/or lean body mass gains.
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    The Effects of Subconcussive Head Impacts on Neurocognitive Performance in Collegiate Football Athletes
    Torino, Leigha (Virginia Tech, 2022-08-26)
    Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is progressive degeneration of the brain that has been found in multiple case reports of American football athletes. A major predictor of CTE are subconcussive head impacts. Repetitive head impacts that do not result in signs or symptoms of a concussion have been termed ‘subconcussive head impacts.’ Researchers have begun to identify characteristics of subconcussive head impacts experienced during football (e.g., amount, force, speed, and direction of impacts), but to date, changes in these characteristics have not been described over the course of a full collegiate football season. In addition, research on the effects of subconcussive head impacts on neurocognitive performance is inconsistent. Neurocognitive performance is defined as the capability to think and reason through concentration, recall, learning, and processing information. Therefore, in this study we aimed to describe subconcussive head impacts experienced by American football athletes throughout a full collegiate season, and to evaluate the effect of a full season of subconcussive head impacts on neurocognitive performance through the assessment of complex brain activities, or cognition. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Football athletes from two programs served as participants (n=39, age 20.4+1.6 years). The data to describe subconcussive head impacts were collected through an accelerometer that attached to the participants’ helmets during all practices and games. The assessment of cognition was conducted through a testing battery, the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). We found that over the course of one full season, participants experienced a mean of 824.5 head impacts at varying forces. Performance on assessments of memory, reaction time, and flexible thinking decreased from the start of the season to the end of the season. In addition, participants who experienced a higher amount of head impacts and who experienced a higher rotational speed of the head upon impact, performed worse on the assessments of neurocognitive performance. These results suggest an important target for decreasing the consequences of repetitive head impacts, such as a reduction in the amount of contact practices in exchange for film study or other non-contact options.
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    Effects of Water Consumption and Body Water Content on Exercise Performance in Recreational Athletes
    Brown, Meghan (Virginia Tech, 2024-06-05)
    Objective: To evaluate water consumption and body water content of recreational athletes to determine their effects on physical fitness and performance. Methods: This secondary cross-sectional investigation utilized data from Drexel University. Participants had their data collected over two visits to the laboratory. Measurements taken in the original study included: aerobic fitness assessed via maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) using a metabolic cart, resting metabolic rate (RMR) evaluated using a metabolic cart, body composition measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), body water content measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), kilocalories (kcals) from vigorous physical activity measured using Actical accelerometers, water consumption assessed by asking participants how much water they consumed the day prior to each visit (at both time points), and dietary data from the 2005 Block Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). R studio (RStudio 2023.12.1 Build 402 "Ocean Storm" for Windows, 2024, Posit Software, PBC, Boston, MA) was utilized to run linear models that fit all covariates (age, sex, body weight, height, body mass index [BMI], kcals from vigorous activity), water consumption obtained at time points 1 and 2, extracellular water [ECW], intracellular water [ICW], total body water [TWC] obtained by BIA at time point 1 only). These models analyzed the two-way interaction of VO2max to the water variables or covariates. These models also analyzed three-way interactions of VO2max to water variables and covariates combined. A stepwise linear regression was then used, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were performed. Linear regression of the significant water variables was plotted showing variations in age and sex. Results: A total of 141 individuals (65 females and 76 males), 18 to 64 years of age, were included in the secondary cross-sectional analyses. The youngest age group had the highest mean VO2max and body water content (47.8 mL/kg/minute and 98.34 L (TWC), respectively). Changes in the covariates (age, height, BMI, kcals from vigorous activity) were each found to significantly affect VO2max (all P<0.001). ECW (P=0.0005), ICW (P=0.01) and TCW (P=0.016) were significantly associated with VO2max. Water consumption at both time points were not significantly associated with VO2max. ECW had a strong positive relationship with VO2max for those 18 to 29 and ≥50 years of age. There was an inverse relationship between ICW and VO2max for those 18 to 29 years of age and those ≥50 years of age (P=0.0020 and P= 0.59, respectively). In those 18 to 29 years of age, as ICW increased VO2max increased, while for those ≥50 years of age, as ICW increased VO2max decreased. Conclusion: There were no significant associations found between water consumption and VO2max; however, significant correlations with water content assessed by BIA and VO2max were found. The significant positive relationship among ECW, ICW and VO2max, with variations by age, indicate that further research for these populations should be conducted because body water content may play a role in exercise performance. Keywords: Adult athletes, Body water content, Exercise performance, Recreational athletes, VO2max, Water consumption
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    Evaluating Nutrition Recommendations and Identifying Predictors to Promote Healthy Weight Gain through Whole Foods in Athletic Individuals
    Sanchez, Allison Diane (Virginia Tech, 2024-06-07)
    Athletes from an array of sports and military personnel often desire weight gain, ideally as lean body mass (LBM), to improve performance in sport or military operations. These athletic individuals are commonly encouraged to increase energy intake by ~500 kcal/day with an emphasis on adequate protein and carbohydrate (CHO) and judicious inclusion of healthy fat-containing energy-dense foods (including nuts/nut butters), along with rigorous resistance training (RT). These guidelines target gains of ~0.23 kg/wk (0.5 lb/wk). However, little is known about the efficacy of such regimens, particularly in female athletes. Purpose: 1) to evaluate the outcomes of a 10-wk diet and exercise regimen designed to promote healthy weight gain with excess energy from protein- or CHO-dominant foods, 2) to determine the predictors of weight gain under these conditions, and 3) to survey the methods that athletes currently use to achieve weight gain for athletic purposes. Methods: Two projects included 19 male and 13 female athletes (from a variety of athletic backgrounds with previous RT experience; mean age 25±6 years) who were randomly assigned to receive 500 additional kcal/day above weight maintenance diet through provision of either peanut-based whole foods/snacks (PNT group) or a similar, high-CHO, peanut-free snack (CHO group) along with a supervised RT regimen (60 to 120 min, 3 day/wk targeting major muscle groups). Body composition (via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), basic anthropometric measurements, resting metabolic rate, hormonal profile, muscular strength, aerobic fitness (VO2max), and food intake records were assessed at baseline (BSL) and post-intervention with some measurements also assessed at weeks 3 and 7. Predictors of weight gain were determined following the intervention. A third project included an online survey with targeted questions regarding athletes' habits for promoting weight gain. Results: 1) Total body mass (TBM) increased 2.2±1.3 kg with 1.5±1.1 kg as LBM after week 10. The PNT group (n=16; 10 men, 6 women) gained less TBM than the CHO group (n=16; 9 men, 7 women) (1.6±1.1 kg vs 2.7±1.2 kg, respectively, P=0.007) with no differences in LBM (1.2±1.1 kg vs 1.9±1.0 kg, P=0.136). 2) 15 (47% women) of 32 participants gained at least 2.27 kg after 10 weeks with 70% as LBM. Over time, from linear mixed effects models, increased free thyroxine (T4) and increased blood urea nitrogen concentration (as a marker of protein intake) predicted TBM and LBM gains. From general linear models, the CHO energy surplus was a significant predictor of TBM and LBM gains, while the female sex alone was significant for LBM gains at study completion. 3) 168 athletic participants (mean age 24±5 years; 29% female, 71% male) completed the survey and were actively attempting or had attempted weight gain in the last 12 months to gain muscle mass (87.5%), for aesthetic reasons (66.1%), or to improve athletic performance (63.7%). The most prevalent dietary strategies reported to help promote weight gain were consuming more energy than usual (88.0%) from mainly protein foods (83.9%) and using protein powders (67.3). 9.6% of participants reported using anabolic hormones. The main exercise change was increased RT (81.5%). Conclusions: 1) These results suggest that the addition of 500 kcal/day from whole foods/snacks in combination with a rigorous RT program promotes a similar weight gain of ~0.22 kg/week, primarily as LBM, over 10 weeks in both male and female athletes. However, snack macronutrient content may impact the effectiveness of this regimen. 2) Factors that predict ability to gain body weight as expected under these circumstances are incorporating a CHO-dominant energy surplus, consuming overall adequate protein (~1.6 g/kg/day), and free T4 status. Furthermore, athletic women are able to gain LBM as effectively as athletic men. 3) Results confirm that both male and female athletic individuals intentionally attempt to gain weight. Nutrition and exercise professionals may use the findings to be aware of these common dietary and exercise strategies and to better educate their athletic clients on appropriate methods that are evidence-based and not detrimental to health.
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    Exerkines, Nutrition, and Systemic Metabolism
    Watkins, Bruce A.; Smith, Brenda J.; Volpe, Stella L.; Shen, Chwan-Li (MDPI, 2024-01-30)
    The cornerstones of good health are exercise, proper food, and sound nutrition. Physical exercise should be a lifelong routine, supported by proper food selections to satisfy nutrient requirements based on energy needs, energy management, and variety to achieve optimal metabolism and physiology. The human body is sustained by intermediary and systemic metabolism integrating the physiologic processes for cells, tissues, organs, and systems. Recently, interest in specific metabolites, growth factors, cytokines, and hormones called exerkines has emerged to explain cooperation between nutrient supply organs and the brain during exercise. Exerkines consist of different compounds described as signaling moiety released during and after exercise. Examples of exerkines include oxylipin 12, 13 diHOME, lipid hormone adiponectin, growth factor BDNF, metabolite lactate, reactive oxygen species (ROS), including products of fatty acid oxidation, and cytokines such as interleukin-6. At this point, it is believed that exerkines are immediate, fast, and long-lasting factors resulting from exercise to support body energy needs with an emphasis on the brain. Although exerkines that are directly a product of macronutrient metabolism such as lactate, and result from catabolism is not surprising. Furthermore, other metabolites of macronutrient metabolism seem to be candidate exerkines. The exerkines originate from muscle, adipose, and liver and support brain metabolism, energy, and physiology. The purpose of this review is to integrate the actions of exerkines with respect to metabolism that occurs during exercise and propose other participating factors of exercise and brain physiology. The role of diet and macronutrients that influence metabolism and, consequently, the impact of exercise will be discussed. This review will also describe the evidence for PUFA, their metabolic and physiologic derivatives endocannabinoids, and oxylipins that validate them being exerkines. The intent is to present additional insights to better understand exerkines with respect to systemic metabolism.
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    Factors Related to Diabetes Mellitus among Asian-American Adults in the United States Using the 2011 to 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
    Nichols, Quentin Zacharias (Virginia Tech, 2023-09-01)
    Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) disproportionality affects under-represented groups, specifically Asian Americans. Asian Americans are less likely to receive proper diabetes mellitus screening compared to other racial and ethnic groups, potentially due to improper screening guidelines by clinicians, and Asian Americans being unaware of their increased risk for diabetes mellitus. There are differences in the etiology of T2DM in Asian Americans compared to White Americans. Due to the increasing rates of T2DM among Asian Americans, new approaches in the screening of T2DM should be tailored based on race and ethnicity. The aging process is frequently associated with decreased muscle mass and increased adipose tissue, which can contribute to insulin resistance and lead to elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) percentages. Although sex has not been classified as an independent risk factor for T2DM, it is important to consider sex-specific conditions in the context of the disease. Body mass index (BMI) alone is insufficient to properly evaluate adiposity in Asian-American adults due to Asian Americans having a lower BMI with a higher body fat percentage. Waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and visceral adiposity index (VAI) may be better for screening Asian Americans for T2DM. Multiple modifiable risk factors, such as sedentary behavior, and dietary intake (specifically dietary magnesium intake) can increase the risk for T2DM. Lack of physical activity can result in insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism as a result of muscle disuse and decreased lean body mass. Half of the Asian-American population is not consuming the recommended amounts of magnesium from foods, drinks, and dietary supplements. There is an inverse relationship between increased dietary magnesium intake and the risk of T2DM. In addition, the main language spoken in the household may influence lifestyle and risk of T2DM. The overarching goal of the present study was to establish which independent variables (age, sex, BMI, waist circumference, WHtR, VAI, sedentary behavior time, dietary magnesium intake, self-reported healthy diet status, and language) were the strongest predictors of HbA1c percentage (a measure of blood glucose control) in Asian-American adults using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2011 to 2020. The present study also evaluated the relationship among multiple predictors of HbA1c percentage, including age, sex, body composition, sedentary behavior time, dietary magnesium intake, self-reported healthy diet status, and language among Asian-American adults, 18 years of age and older, using the NHANES data from 2011 to 2020.
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    Improving the Accessibility of Smartwatches as Research Tools by Developing a Software Library
    Wanjara, Dhwan Devendra (Virginia Tech, 2022-06-13)
    Over the past 10 years, smartwatches have become increasingly popular for commercial use. Their ever-increasing capabilities, accuracy, and sophistication of smartwatches is making them increasingly appealing to physical activity researchers as a valuable research tool. The non-invasive nature, prevalence, and versatility of smartwatches is being utilized to track heart rate, blood-oxygen levels, activity and movement, and sleep. However, the current state of the art lacks a uniform method to extract, organize, and analyze data collected from these devices. The objective of this research was to develop a Python software library that is widely available, highly capable, and easy to use with the data collected by the Apple Watch. The library was designed to offer data science, visualization, and mining features that help physical activity research find and communicate patterns in the Apple Health data. The custom-built caching system of the library provides near-instant runtime to parse and analyze large files without trading off on memory usage. The Wanjara Smartwatch Library has significantly better performance, proven reliability and robustness, and improved usability than the alternatives discovered in the review of the literature.
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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.
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    The Perceptions of the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) by Female Army Officers on Event Physical Effectiveness and Assessed Practicality of the Assessment’s Scoring System
    Nostrant, Valerie (Virginia Tech, 2024-04-27)
    During nine years of active-duty service in the United States Army as an Officer, it has always been abundantly clear that there are discernable differences between male and female soldiers, which is amplified when you compare their physical abilities and performances. With the development of the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), set to replace the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), it was a concern from Congress to the US public what would the impacts of this test change would be on the careers of service members. The female US Army Officer population was underrepresented in both the beta testing and in the development of the ACFT events. This survey investigated the perceptions of these women on individual event effectiveness and the ongoing revisions of the scoring systems. Overwhelmingly, this survey showed the efficacy of many of the events in which the desired targeted skills were not being evaluated and that a gender based scale was required so as not to have a biased or unfair test of physical abilities.
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    Personalized Nutrition as a Key Contributor to Improving Radiation Response in Breast Cancer
    Shastri, Anuradha A.; Lombardo, Joseph; Okere, Samantha C.; Higgins, Stephanie; Smith, Brittany C.; DeAngelis, Tiziana; Palagani, Ajay; Hines, Kamryn; Monti, Daniel A.; Volpe, Stella L.; Mitchell, Edith P.; Simone, Nicole L. (MDPI, 2021-12-24)
    Understanding metabolic and immune regulation inherent to patient populations is key to improving the radiation response for our patients. To date, radiation therapy regimens are prescribed based on tumor type and stage. Patient populations who are noted to have a poor response to radiation such as those of African American descent, those who have obesity or metabolic syndrome, or senior adult oncology patients, should be considered for concurrent therapies with radiation that will improve response. Here, we explore these populations of breast cancer patients, who frequently display radiation resistance and increased mortality rates, and identify the molecular underpinnings that are, in part, responsible for the radiation response and that result in an immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment. The resulting immune phenotype is discussed to understand how antitumor immunity could be improved. Correcting nutrient deficiencies observed in these populations should be considered as a means to improve the therapeutic index of radiation therapy.
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    Tibial Acceleration and Shock Attenuation in Female and Male Distance Runners at Different Levels of Body Weight Unloading
    Leatham, Cheyenne Liahona (Virginia Tech, 2024-05-28)
    Running popularity has led to a rise in chronic lower limb injuries resulting from cumulative loading. Many of these injuries are tibial stress fractures. Tibial accelerometers are commonly used to measure tibial stress and may even be predictive of injury at the distal limb. Lower body positive pressure (LBPP) treadmills have become increasingly popular amongst athletes and practitioners to prevent and treat lower limb injuries by reducing effective body weight (BW) through mechanical support. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate if BW unloading affects tibial acceleration (TA) and shock attenuation. Twelve trained distance runners (Sex: 6 males and 6 females; Age: 18-30 years) were recruited for this study. TA was measured through two Blue Trident, IMeasureU step units located at the distal tibiae. A STATSports Apex unit was also used to measure acceleration at the superior trunk and calculate shock attenuation for each limb. It was found that BW unloading had no discernable effect on mean peak TA and shock attenuation, bone stimulus, or contact time, regardless of running speed. However, a significant relationship was observed between running speed and both mean peak TA and bone stimulus where an increase in speed led to an increase in TA and bone stimulus. Furthermore, running speed did not affect shock attenuation or contact time. In conclusion, BW unloading did not alter gait kinematics in trained distance runners.
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    Vitamin D deficiency and metabolic syndrome: The joint effect on cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in the United States adults
    Liu, Longjian; Cui, Saishi; Volpe, Stella L.; May, Nathalie S.; Sukumar, Deeptha; DiMaria-Ghalili, Rose Ann; Eisen, Howard J. (Baishideng Publishing Group, 2022-07-26)
    BACKGROUND The long-term impact of vitamin D deficiency and metabolic syndrome (MetS) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality are still a matter of debate. AIM To test the hypotheses that lower serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations (a marker of vitamin D level) and MetS have a long-term impact on the risk of CVD and all-cause mortality, and individuals with vitamin D deficiency can be identified by multiple factors. METHODS A sample of 9094 adults, 20 to 90 years of age, who participated in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III, 1988 to 1994) were followed through December 2015 was analyzed. The associations of serum 25(OH)D concentrations and MetS with CVD and all-cause mortality were analyzed longitudinally using Cox regression models. Classification and regression tree (CART) for machine learning was applied to classify individuals with vitamin D deficiency. RESULTS Of 9094 participants, 30% had serum 25(OH)D concentrations < 20 ng/mL (defined as vitamin D deficiency), 39% had serum 25(OH)D concentrations between 20 to 29 ng/mL (insufficiency), and 31% had serum 25(OH)D concentrations & GE;30 ng/mL (sufficiency). Prevalence of MetS was 28.4%. During a mean of 18 years follow-up, vitamin D deficiency and MetS were significantly associated with increased risk of CVD and all-cause mortality. Subjects with both vitamin D deficiency and MetS had the highest risk of CVD mortality (HR = 1.77, 95%CI: 1.22-2.58) and all-cause mortality (HR = 1.62, 95%CI: 1.26-2.09), followed by those with both vitamin D insufficiency and MetS for CVD mortality (HR = 1.59, 95%CI: 1.12-2.24), and all-cause mortality (HR = 1.41, 95%CI: 1.08-1.85). Meanwhile, vitamin D sufficiency significantly decreased the risk of CVD and all-cause mortality for those who even had MetS. Among the total study sample, CART analysis suggests that being non-Hispanic Black, having lower serum folate level, and being female were the first three predictors for those with serum 25(OH)D deficiency. CONCLUSION Vitamin D deficiency and MetS were significantly associated with increased risk of CVD and all-cause mortality. There was a significant joint effect of vitamin D deficiency and MetS on the risk of mortality. Findings of the CART analysis may be useful to identify individuals positioned to benefit from interventions to reduce the risk of CVD and all-cause mortality.