Hip thrust and back squat training elicit similar gluteus muscle hypertrophy and transfer similarly to the deadlift

We examined how set-volume equated resistance training using either the back squat (SQ) or hip thrust (HT) affected hypertrophy and various strength outcomes. Untrained college-aged participants were randomized into HT (n = 18) or SQ (n = 16) groups. Surface electromyograms (sEMG) from the right gluteus maximus and medius muscles were obtained during the first training session. Participants completed 9 weeks of supervised training (15–17 sessions), before and after which gluteus and leg muscle cross-sectional area (mCSA) was assessed via magnetic resonance imaging. Strength was also assessed prior to and after the training intervention via three-repetition maximum (3RM) testing and an isometric wall push test. Gluteus mCSA increases were similar across both groups. Specifically, estimates [(−) favors HT (+) favors SQ] modestly favored the HT versus SQ for lower [effect ±SE, −1.6 ± 2.1 cm2; CI95% (−6.1, 2.0)], mid [−0.5 ± 1.7 cm2; CI95% (−4.0, 2.6)], and upper [−0.5 ± 2.6 cm2; CI95% (−5.8, 4.1)] gluteal mCSAs but with appreciable variance. Gluteus medius + minimus [−1.8 ± 1.5 cm2; CI95% (−4.6, 1.4)] and hamstrings [0.1 ± 0.6 cm2; CI95% (−0.9, 1.4)] mCSA demonstrated little to no growth with small differences between groups. mCSA changes were greater in SQ for the quadriceps [3.6 ± 1.5 cm2; CI95% (0.7, 6.4)] and adductors [2.5 ± 0.7 cm2; CI95% (1.2, 3.9)]. Squat 3RM increases favored SQ [14 ± 2 kg; CI95% (9, 18),] and hip thrust 3RM favored HT [−26 ± 5 kg; CI95% (−34, −16)]. 3RM deadlift [0 ± 2 kg; CI95% (−4, 3)] and wall push strength [−7 ± 12N; CI95% (−32, 17)] similarly improved. All measured gluteal sites showed greater mean sEMG amplitudes during the first bout hip thrust versus squat set, but this did not consistently predict gluteal hypertrophy outcomes. Squat and hip thrust training elicited similar gluteal hypertrophy, greater thigh hypertrophy in SQ, strength increases that favored exercise allocation, and similar deadlift and wall push strength increases

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in a Portuguese Immigrant Community in the Central Valley of California

The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) is a healthy eating pattern associated with a better quality of life among older adults and reduced risk of non-communicable diseases. Little is known about the MedDiet in immigrant communities from countries in which the MedDiet is a settled cultural heritage. Thus, we examined MedDiet adherence and perceived knowledge, benefits, and barriers to the MedDiet in a Portuguese immigrant community in Turlock, California. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 208 participants in Turlock and Livermore, California, which was used as a reference population. Univariate, multivariable, and logistic regression models were used for data analysis. Compared to the Livermore group, the Turlock group was younger and less educated, but had a higher average MedDiet score and active adherence to a MedDiet (p < 0.001 for both). In the Turlock group, convenience, sensory appeal, and health were observed to be significant barriers to the MedDiet (p < 0.05), while health, weight loss, natural content, familiarity, price, sensory appeal, and mood were significant benefit factors (p < 0.05). In conclusion, participants in Turlock had greater MedDiet adherence despite lower education attainment. Furthermore, the perceived benefits of the MedDiet were key factors in MedDiet perception and adherence in a Portuguese immigrant community

Development and Validation of the Dietary Habits and Colon Cancer Beliefs Survey (DHCCBS): An Instrument Assessing Health Beliefs Related to Red Meat and Green Leafy Vegetable Consumption

Dietary patterns characterized by higher red meat (RM) consumption are associated with increased colon cancer (CC) risk. Preclinical and epidemiological evidence suggest higher green leafy vegetable (GLV) consumption may mitigate these risks. Determining the relationship between dietary habits and expected health outcomes is needed. Methods. The Health Belief Model (HBM) was used to assess perceived CC susceptibility and severity, and related dietary benefits, barriers, and motivators. RM and GLV consumption were quantified using select DHQII items (n=15) capturing the previous 30 days’ intake. A 34-item Qualtrics survey was provided to a convenience sample of 1,075 adults residing throughout the US Confirmatory factor analysis measured fitness with HBM, and Cronbach’s alpha assessed subscale reliability. A subsample (n=47) completed a 2-week follow-up for test-retest reliability. Independent sample t-tests were used to compare RM and GLV intake and DHCCBS responses between genders. Individual barrier questions and RM and GLV consumption were compared using ANOVA for each gender; post hoc analyses between barrier question responses were assessed with Bonferroni correction. Results were considered significant with a p value of less than 0.05. Results. 990 US adults (52.7% female, 79.1% white, 50.8% aged 35+ years) completed valid surveys. Factor analysis with varimax rotation validated the construct of HBM subscales; only one question had a loading less than 0.745. Subscale Cronbach’s alphas ranged within 0.478-0.845. Overall test-retest reliability was acceptable (r=0.697, p=5.22x10−8). Participant BMI was (mean±SD) 26.7±6.6 kg/m2. Participants consumed (median, IQR) 2.3, 0.9-4.7 cooked cup equivalents GLV/week and 12.2, 5.8-21.5 ounces RM/week. Over half of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement “I can’t imagine never eating red meat,” while less than one eighth of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement “I don’t like the taste of green leafy vegetables.” Conclusion. The DHCCBS is a valid instrument for measuring health beliefs related to red meat, green leafy vegetables, and perceived colon cancer risk. Additionally, these findings suggest increasing GLV may be more feasible than reducing RM for CC risk reduction in meat eaters

Characteristics of cancer patients participating in presurgical lifestyle intervention trials exploring effects on tumor biology

Background: Poor diet and insufficient physical activity are strongly associated with an increased risk of several cancers. Preclinical studies suggest that lifestyle modifications may exert favorable effects on tumor biology. Randomized controlled trials in the presurgical setting serve as an ideal means to translate this research to humans; however, little is known about the characteristics of patients who enroll in these presurgical trials versus those who do not. Methods: Screening databases from three presurgical lifestyle intervention trials for breast and prostate cancer patients conducted at Duke University Medical Center (NCT00049309) and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (NCT02224807 and NCT01886677) were combined for analysis. Demographic and anthropometric differences between enrolled vs. non-enrolled individuals were assessed using Chi-square for categorical variables and t-tests for continuous variables. Results: There was no difference in participation rate when comparing minority status or overweight and obese patients. However, obese females were slightly more likely to enroll than women who were overweight (p = 0.110), a trend not seen in men. Women were also less likely than men to participate if their study site was >25 miles from their home (p = 0.034). Patients who had completed a college degree were somewhat less likely to enroll than those with less educational attainment (p = 0.072). Of those who did not enroll, 80% cited a lack of time. Conclusion: Similar to other clinical trials, lack of time is a leading barrier to enrollment, and travel/distance appears to be a greater barrier for women in presurgical studies. Larger presurgical lifestyle intervention trials will require tailored strategies to enhance recruitment

Systematic Review of Nutrition Interventions to Improve Short Term Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is associated with high rates of malnutrition. We conducted a systematic review and descriptive analysis to determine the effects of nutrition interventions on the nutrition status, quality of life (QOL), and treatment tolerance of HNC patients. PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched to include all potentially relevant studies published between 2006–2022. Meta-analysis was not conducted due to heterogeneity of study designs and outcomes reported. Studies were categorized as nutrition interventions: (1) with oral nutrition supplements (ONS) and medical nutrition therapy (MNT) delivered by an RD; (2) with enteral nutrition (EN) support and MNT delivered by an RD; (3) with motivational interviewing and no ONS or EN; and (4) with ONS and no RD. Seven articles met inclusion criteria. Studies measured outcomes from immediately following treatment to 12 months post-treatment. Interventions resulted in benefits to lean mass/weight maintenance (three studies), QOL (two studies), nutrient intake adequacy (one study) and treatment tolerance (two studies). Nutrition counseling by a registered dietitian leads to improved nutrition status and QOL. Further research is needed to determine best practices related to timing of initiation, duration of nutrition intervention, as well as frequency of dietitian follow-up

Systematic Review of Nutrition Interventions to Improve Short Term Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is associated with high rates of malnutrition. We conducted a systematic review and descriptive analysis to determine the effects of nutrition interventions on the nutrition status, quality of life (QOL), and treatment tolerance of HNC patients. PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched to include all potentially relevant studies published between 2006–2022. Meta-analysis was not conducted due to heterogeneity of study designs and outcomes reported. Studies were categorized as nutrition interventions: (1) with oral nutrition supplements (ONS) and medical nutrition therapy (MNT) delivered by an RD; (2) with enteral nutrition (EN) support and MNT delivered by an RD; (3) with motivational interviewing and no ONS or EN; and (4) with ONS and no RD. Seven articles met inclusion criteria. Studies measured outcomes from immediately following treatment to 12 months post-treatment. Interventions resulted in benefits to lean mass/weight maintenance (three studies), QOL (two studies), nutrient intake adequacy (one study) and treatment tolerance (two studies). Nutrition counseling by a registered dietitian leads to improved nutrition status and QOL. Further research is needed to determine best practices related to timing of initiation, duration of nutrition intervention, as well as frequency of dietitian follow-up

Estimation of energy balance and training volume during Army Initial Entry Training

Abstract Background Adequate dietary intake is important for promoting adaptation and prevention of musculoskeletal injury in response to large volumes of physical training such as Army Initial Entry Training (IET). The purpose of this study was to evaluate training volume and dietary intake and estimate energy balance in Army IET soldiers. Methods Dietary intake was assessed by collecting diet logs for three meals on each of three, non-consecutive days during the first week of IET. Training volume was measured across 13 weeks of training using Actigraph wGT3X accelerometers. Training intensity was classified using Sasaki vector magnitude three cut points. Energy expenditure estimates were calculated during weeks two and three of training using the modified Harris-Benedict equation and by estimation of active energy expenditure using metabolic equivalents for each classification of physical activity. All data is presented as mean ± standard deviation. Results A total of 111 male soldiers (ht. = ± 173 ± 5.8 cm, age = 19 ± 2 years, mass = 71.6. ± 12.4 kg) completed diet logs and were monitored with Actigraphs. IET soldiers performed on average 273 ± 62 min low, 107 ± 42 min moderate, 26 ± 22 min vigorous, and 10 ± 21 min of very vigorous intensity physical activity daily across 13 weeks. The estimated total daily energy expenditure was on average 3238 ± 457 kcals/d during weeks two and three of IET. Compared to week one caloric intake, there was a caloric deficit of 595 ± 896 kcals/d on average during weeks two and three of IET. Regression analysis showed that body weight was a significant predictor for negative energy balance (adj. R2 = 0.54, p < 0.001), whereby a 1 kg increase in body mass was associated with a 53 kcal energy deficit. Conclusions Based on week one dietary assessment, IET soldiers did not consume adequate calories and nutrients to meet training needs during red phase (weeks one through three). This may directly affect soldier performance and injury frequency. IET soldiers undergo rigorous training, and these data may help direct future guidelines for adequate nourishment to optimize soldier health and performance

Associations between Changes in Fat-Free Mass, Fecal Microbe Diversity, and Mood Disturbance in Young Adults after 10-Weeks of Resistance Training

Background: The gut microbiome contributes to numerous physiological processes in humans, and diet and exercise are known to alter both microbial composition and mood. We sought to explore the effect of a 10-week resistance training (RT) regimen with or without peanut protein supplementation (PPS) in untrained young adults on fecal microbiota and mood disturbance (MD). Methods: Participants were randomized into PPS (n = 25) and control (CTL [no supplement]; n = 24) groups and engaged in supervised, full-body RT twice a week. Measures included body composition, fecal microbe relative abundance, alpha- and beta-diversity from 16 s rRNA gene sequencing with QIIME2 processing, dietary intake at baseline and following the 10-week intervention, and post-intervention MD via the profile of mood states (POMS) questionnaire. Independent samples t-tests were used to determine differences between PPS and CTL groups. Paired samples t-tests investigated differences within groups. Results: Our sample was mostly female (69.4%), white (87.8%), normal weight (body mass index 24.6 &plusmn; 4.2 kg/m2), and 21 &plusmn; 2.0 years old. Shannon index significantly increased from baseline in all participants (p = 0.040), with no between-group differences or pre-post beta-diversity dissimilarities. Changes in Blautia abundance were associated with the positive POMS subscales, Vigor and self-esteem-related-affect (SERA) (rho = &minus;0.451, p = 0.04; rho = &minus;0.487, p = 0.025, respectively). Whole tree phylogeny changes were negatively correlated with SERA and Vigor (rho = &minus;0.475, p = 0.046; rho = &minus;0.582, p = 0.011, respectively) as well as change in bodyfat percentage (rho = &minus;0.608, p = 0.007). Mediation analysis results indicate changes in PD Whole Tree Phylogeny was not a significant mediator of the relationship between change in fat-free mass and total MD. Conclusions: Mood state subscales are associated with changes in microbial taxa and body composition. PD Whole Tree Phylogeny increased following the 10-week RT regimen; further research is warranted to explore how RT-induced changes in microbial diversity are related to changes in body composition and mood disturbance