Browsing by Author "Zabinsky, Jennifer S."
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- Body Project Implementation in Virginia Tech Athletics: Effect on Body Image Satisfaction and Thin IdealizationLabiaga, Janelle S. C. (Virginia Tech, 2020-05-21)Eating disorders and disordered eating have a prevalence of 6% to 45% in collegiate female athletes (Knapp, Aerni, & Anderson, 2014). Thin idealization and body image dissatisfaction are risk factors for the development of disordered eating and eating disorders. Dissonance-based prevention programs have been shown to be effective in reducing thin idealization and body image dissatisfaction, as well as lessening risk of developing disordered eating and eating disorders. Currently, Virginia Tech Athletics does not utilize a group-based eating disorder prevention program for its female athletes. The purpose of this pilot project was to administer the Body Project, a dissonance-based prevention program aimed at reducing thin idealization and body image dissatisfaction, to female swimmers at Virginia Tech and evaluate the program’s effect on thin idealization and body image dissatisfaction. Thin idealization and body image dissatisfaction were evaluated via the Body Parts Satisfaction Survey-Revised (BPSS-R) and the Ideal Body Stereotype Survey-Revised (IBSS-R), respectively, before and after completion of the Body Project. Ten female swimmers, without current eating disorders, volunteered to participate, and nine swimmers (19.44 ± 1.42 years old; 5 freshmen, 2 juniors, and 2 seniors) completed the full project. Sixty-seven percent of participants (6 out of 9) experienced a reduction in their subscription to thin-ideal internalization (IBSS-R 2.96 ± 0.92 pre, 1.85 ± 0.88 post, p<0.05), while 78% of participants (7 out of 9) experienced an increase in body satisfaction (BPSS-R 4.42 ± 1.35 pre, 5.08 ± 0.90 post, p<0.05, p< 0.05). The findings of this pilot project suggest that the Body Project is an effective tool to influence subscription to thin-ideal internalization and body satisfaction in female college athletes. Continued effort to refine and implement the Body Project as group-based eating disorder prevention program for female college athletes is needed.
- Dietary & Biological Assessment of Omega-3 Status of Collegiate Athletes: A Cross-Sectional AnalysisRitz, Peter (Virginia Tech, 2019-11-17)The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) recently made changes to its supplement policies, allowing Division I schools to provide fish oil/ omega-3 supplements to athletes. Given the relatively small body of research available on the topic, the purpose of this project was to assess the current intake of omega-3 fats in NCAA Division I athletes in their diets and their corresponding Omega-3 Index (O3i) blood levels, a blood measure suggested to be associated with the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease. In a total sample of 1528 participants (51% male, 19.9 ± 1.4 years of age) from 29 sports, only 6% (n=93) of participants achieved the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics’ recommendation to consume 500 mg DHA+EPA/ day. Use of fish oil/ omega-3 supplements was reported by 15% (n=229) of participants. In a subset of 298 participants, zero participants met the suggested Omega-3 Index of >8%.This project produced similar findings to smaller previous studies, suggesting that collegiate athletes are not meeting the general recommendations for omega-3 fats.
- Dietary and Biological Assessment of the Omega-3 Status of Collegiate Athletes: A Cross-Sectional AnalysisRitz, Peter P.; Rogers, Mark B.; Zabinsky, Jennifer S.; Hedric, Valisa E.; Rockwell, John A.; Rimef, Ernest G.; Kostelnik, Samantha B.; Hulver, Matthew W.; Rockwell, Michelle S. (PLOS, 2020-04-29)Omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FA) are associated with cardiovascular health, brain function, reduction of inflammation, and several other physiological roles of importance to competitive athletes. The ω-3 FA status of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I athletes has not been well-described. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ω-3 FA status of NCAA Division I athletes using dietary and biological assessment methodology. Athletes from nine NCAA Division I institutions from throughout the U.S. (n = 1,528, 51% male, 34 sports represented, 19.9 ± 1.4 years of age) completed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess ω-3 FA from diet and supplements. Omega-3 Index (O3i) was evaluated in a sub-set of these participants (n = 298, 55% male, 21 sports represented, 20.0 ± 1.3 years of age) using dried blood spot sampling. Only 6% (n = 93) of athletes achieved the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics’ recommendation to consume 500 mg DHA+EPA per day. Use of ω-3 FA supplements was reported by 15% (n = 229) of participants. O3i was 4.33 ± 0.81%, with no participants meeting the O3i benchmark of 8% associated with the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease. Every additional weekly serving of fish or seafood was associated with an absolute O3i increase of 0.27%. Overall, sub-optimal ω-3 FA status was observed among a large, geographically diverse group of male and female NCAA Division I athletes. These findings may inform interventions aimed at improving ω-3 FA status of collegiate athletes. Further research on athlete-specific ω-3 FA requirements is needed. Introduction
- The effect of weight loss on circulating biomarkers of brain health and executive functionHerra, Lindsay Marie (Virginia Tech, 2020-06-04)Obesity is associated with deficits in cognitive function, particularly within the domain of executive function (EF). EF refers to higher order cognitive processes that regulate our ability to sustain attention, inhibit subconscious tendencies, remember and manipulate information for immediate use, and remain cognitively flexible. Deficits in EF in overweight and obese individuals may impact the success of weight loss and maintenance efforts. Therefore, understanding the biological links between obesity and EF, as well as the ability to reverse EF deficits with weight loss, is imperative. The first study aimed to determine the effect of weight loss in overweight and obese, middle-aged and older adults on serum brain-derived neurotrophic fact (BDNF), S100 calcium binding protein B (S100B), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Serum samples (n=21; 50-75 years, BMI 25-40 kg/m2) were pooled from two prior weight loss studies. Fasting blood measurements were taken before and after 8- or 12-weeks of hypocaloric diet-induced weight loss (1200 or 1500 kcal/d). Body Mass Index (BMI), body weight, waist circumference, and percent body fat (All p<0.001) decreased with weight loss. Serum BDNF (p=0.871), S100B (p=0.898), and GFAP (p=0.506) did not change following weight loss. The second study aimed to determine the correlation between the magnitude of change in serum BDNF, S100B, and GFAP and the magnitude of improvement in EF performance on three computer-based tests. Participants (n=8; 50-75 years, BMI 25-40 kg/m2) completed 4-weeks of hypocaloric diet-induced weight loss (1200 or 1500 kcal/d), followed by 4-weeks of weight maintenance (hypocaloric diet + steps/d goal). Fasting blood and EF measurements were completed at baseline, and weeks 4 and 8. BMI (p=0.001), body weight (p=0.001), waist circumference (p=0.002), and percent body fat (p=0.001) decreased from baseline to week 8. Serum BDNF (p=0.359), S100B (p=0.277), and GFAP (p=0.585) did not change following weight loss. Go/No-Go (GNG) errors of commission (p=0.009) and AX-Continuous Performance Test (AX-CPT) correct response time (p=0.041) decreased following the weight loss. The change in serum GFAP was inversely correlated with GNG errors of omission (r=-0.716, p=0.046) and AX-CPT correct hits (r=-0.737, p=0.037), and positively correlated with AX-CPT correct response time (r=0.859, p=0.006). In conclusion, although weight loss does not influence serum BDNF, S100B, or GFAP levels, it may have a positive effect on inhibitory control in overweight and obese, middle-aged and older adults. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between serum BDNF, S100B, and GFAP and executive function.
- Effects of an active halftime rewarm-up, with carbohydrate supplementation, on player's blood glucose and second half performance during a collegiate soccer matchO'Brien, Patrick C. (Virginia Tech, 2017-09-27)BACKGROUND: The half-time (HT) period of a soccer match is viewed as a period for recovery. Completely inactive and passive HT has implications on metabolic responses and subsequent performance during the initial phases of the second half. PURPOSE: Determine the effects of an active rewarm-up, compared to a passive period, at halftime on various measures of performance during the first 15-minutes of the second half using global positioning system (GPS) units. Identify the effects of the active versus passive HT period, with CHO beverage supplementation, on blood parameters. METHODS: Crossover design study, twenty collegiate male soccer players participated in two 90-minute soccer matches with passive rest (CON) or a moderate-intensity rewarm-up (RWU) during HT with CHO supplementation. Subjects received five fingerstick blood samples throughout the match (BG) and four subjects had serum insulin/BG taken three times during the match. RESULTS: RWU had significantly (p<0.05) higher measures for total distance, average speed, speed exertion, accelerations, HMP distance, decelerations, and EE during TI-4 half when compared to CON. No subjects experienced hypoglycemia. However, CON did have a significant drop in BG after HT and the lowest mean BG taken at 60-minutes. Tendency for CON and RWU to have HT insulin levels that were elevated and reduced, respectively. CONCLUSION: A passive HT period is not optimal, given its causal role in temporary physical performance deficits in the second half of soccer matches. The results provide a strong rationale for collegiate soccer players and teams to incorporate the 8-minute RWU into the HT regime to optimize second half performance.
- Effects of Dehydration on Cognitive and Physical Performance in Female Golfers: A Randomized Crossover Pilot StudyStevenson, Whitney; Zabinsky, Jennifer S.; Hedrick, Valisa E. (MDPI, 2019-11-13)Athletes' commitments to nutrition practices can set them apart in their field. Few studies have investigated the impact of hydration practices on golfers' performance who compete for up to eight hours a day, and none have studied female golfers. In this pilot, randomized crossover study, female elite golfers (n = 6) completed 4 simulated golf holes in both euhydrated and dehydrated states. Euhydration was attained by following NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) hydration guidelines; dehydration was attained by a 12-h overnight fluid fast. Before any fluid intervention, five out of six participants were dehydrated at baseline using urinary specific gravity (USG) classifications for euhydration (USG < 1.010) and dehydration (USG > 1.010). No significant condition by time interactions were found between hydration conditions. Although not significant, participants in a dehydrated state demonstrated lesser mean 7-iron distance (141.9 ± 10.0 vs 144.2 ± 8.0 m), lower putting accuracy (2.4 ± 1.0 vs 2.7 ± 10.0 putts made out of 4 attempts), and greater perceived effort (10.9 ± 2.1 vs 10.5 ± 1.6) as compared to their euhydrated state. The finding of one participant out of six with significant dehydration (USG = 1.021) during attempted euhydrated state may suggest the need for alternative methods to promote adequate hydration in future studies and possibly in golf practice.
- Moving Online Together: Enhancing Mental Health and Social Connection Through a Virtual Dance Class During COVID-19Humphries, Ashlee; Basso, Julia C.; Rockwell, Michelle S.; Zabinsky, Jennifer S. (Virginia Tech, 2021-05-19)Physical activity has profound acute effects on the body and brain, causing a cascade of beneficial physiological and psychological processes to occur. Dance, a multidimensional form of physical activity, has shown similar positive effects in long-term studies, but no studies to date have looked at the relationship between mental health and social outcomes of dance. In March of 2020, the quarantine that took place due to COVID-19 caused a sense of social isolation, lack of physical connection, and increased mental health issues. In this study, we explore the hypothesis that online dance can acutely improve mental health and connection during a time of isolation. N=47 healthy adults completed a series of self-reported Qualtrics questionnaires before and after a single 60- minute online dance session. Data were analyzed using paired-samples t-tests, Pearson's correlations, and linear regressions. Online dance acutely improved mental health by increasing positive affect and self-esteem while decreasing negative affect and depression. Social and community connectedness were also enhanced, with those who experienced the largest decreases in negative affect demonstrating the largest gains in social connectivity. Further, an individual’s trait learning style influenced class efficacy, with tactile learners benefitting the most in mood state and visual learners benefitting the most socially. Finally, we found that greater levels of experienced enjoyment improved mood state, whereas greater levels of perceived difficulty resulted in increased anxiety. We suggest best practices for online dance, provide future areas of research, and highlight the importance of using online learning to increase dance accessibility to diverse populations.
- Screening, Assessment, and Treatment for Inadequate Vitamin D Status in Athletes: Development of a Policy for Virginia Tech AthleticsBechard, Alexandra L. (Virginia Tech, 2020-04-29)In the general population, up to 77% of individuals have inadequate vitamin D concentrations. Athletes are not immune to this pandemic, as many have been identified as having insufficient or deficient 25(OH)D concentrations as well. Insufficient and deficient concentrations of 25(OH)D in athletes have been linked to development of stress fracture, soft tissue injury and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). With the appropriate tools, sports medicine and sports nutrition practitioners can provide care for at-risk athletes and attenuate the financial, health and sport participation costs of vitamin D related illness and injury. Inconsistencies in the literature and a lack of universal recommendations make it challenging to develop department policies and protocols for athletic education tools. The purpose of this project was twofold: firstly, to create a vitamin D policy based on the literature that may be used by the Virginia Tech Athletic Department. Secondly, to evaluate current Virginia Tech Sports Medicine and Sports Nutrition vitamin D practices and tools to understand the costs and systems that may influence the adoption of the policy while also ensuring current practices and tools are up to date.
- Walking Distance Covered During Golf: A Comparison of Fitbit and GPSports DevicesHollandsworth, Amanda (Virginia Tech, 2019-05-14)The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of distance measurements obtained using a Fitbit device compared to a highly accurate GPS-embedded accelerometer device. The participants of this study completed two, 18-hole rounds of golf on two different courses. Prior to each round, participants were fitted with Fitbit device worn on the wrist and a GPSports device secured to the lower back. The participants were eight student-athletes on the Virginia Tech Women’s golf team who completed the quantitative case study that assessed the accuracy of the Fitbit devices. The objective of this project was to provide those who play golf with a better understanding on whether or not a Fitbit can be trusted to provide accurate results when competing in a round of 18 holes of golf. A t-test was used to analyze the data once collected. Results of this study show signs that the Fitbit underestimates the distance traveled when compared with the GPS device. For future research we recommend using more specific ranges when comparing the two devices rather than just the two separate 18 hole rounds.