Improving Access to Clean Water Through Autonomous Monitoring of Hand Pump Operation

Millions of people in developing countries rely on hand pumps for access to clean water. Proper maintenance of these pumps is impossible without timely reporting on the pump’s operation and state of repair. The Intelligent Water System, which improves access to clean water by autonomously monitoring and reporting on the health of hand pumps, has been under development for several years. The next stage for the IWP team is to prepare for field testing in Zimbabwe. Because of this, the team has been working on improving the accuracy of the calculations made by the Intelligent Water System as well as simplifying the installation procedures to allow installation by in-country pump technicians. This poster shows the progress made by the IWP team during this stage of development including the improvements in the volume calculation algorithm as well as the installation jig and procedures. Funding for this work provided by The Collaboratory for Strategic Partnerships and Applied Research.https://mosaic.messiah.edu/engr2022/1008/thumbnail.jp

Recovery using “float” from high intensity stress on growth hormone-like molecules in resistance trained men

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of a novel “floatation-restricted environmental stimulation therapy” (floatation-REST) on growth hormone responses to an intense resistance exercise stress. Design Nine resistance trained men (age: 23.4 ± 2.5 yrs.; height: 175.3 ± 5.4 cm; body mass: 85.3 ± 7.9 kg) completed a balanced, crossover-controlled study design with two identical exercise trials, differing only in post-exercise recovery intervention (i.e., control or floatation-REST). A two-week washout period was used between experimental conditions. Plasma lactate was measured pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise and after the 1 h. recovery interventions. Plasma iGH was measured pre-exercise, immediately-post exercise, and after the recovery intervention, as well as 24 h and 48 h after the exercise test. The bGH-L was measured only at pre-exercise and following each recovery intervention. Results For both experimental conditions, a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in lactate concentrations were observed immediately post-exercise (~14 mmol • L-1) and remained slightly elevated after the recovery condition. The same pattern of responses was observed for iGH with no differences from resting values at 24 and 48 h of recovery. The bGH-L showed no exercise-induced changes following recovery with either treatment condition, however concentration values were dramatically lower than ever reported. Conclusion The use of floatation-REST therapy immediately following intense resistance exercise does not appear to influence anterior pituitary function in highly resistance trained men. However, the lower values of bGH suggest dramatically different molecular processing mechanisms at work in this highly trained population

Resistance Training and Milk-Substitution Enhance Body Composition and Bone Health in Adolescent Girls

Background: Increased soft-drink consumption has contributed to poor calcium intake with 90% of adolescent girls consuming less than the RDA for calcium. Purpose/objectives: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the independent and additive effects of two interventions (milk and resistance training) on nutrient adequacy, body composition, and bone health in adolescent girls. Methods: The experimental design consisted of four experimental groups of adolescent girls 14–17 years of age: (1) Milk + resistance training [MRT]; n = 15; (2) Resistance training only [RT]; n = 15; (3) Milk only [M] n = 20; (4) Control [C] n = 16. A few significant differences were observed at baseline between the groups for subject characteristics. Testing was performed pre and post-12 week training period for all groups. Milk was provided (3, 8 oz servings) for both the MRT and the M groups. The MRT group and the RT groups performed a supervised periodized resistance training program consisting of supervised one-hour exercise sessions 3 d/wk (M, W, F) for 12 wk. Baseline dietary data was collected utilizing the NUT-P-FFQ and/or a 120 item FFQ developed by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (Seattle, Washington). Body composition was measured in the morning after an overnight fast using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) with a total body scanner (ProdigyTM, Lunar Corporation, Madison, WI). A whole body scan for bone density and lumbar spine scans were performed on all subjects. Maximal strength of the upper and lower body was assessed via a one-repetition maximum (1-RM) squat and bench press exercise protocols. Significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: Significant differences in nutrient intakes between groups generally reflected the nutrient composition of milk with greater intakes of protein and improved nutrient adequacy for several B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. Mean calcium intake was 758 and 1581 mg/d, in the non-milk and milk groups, respectively, with 100% of girls in the milk groups consuming \u3e RDA of 1300 mg/d. There were no effects of milk on body composition or muscle performance, but resistance training had a main effect and significantly increased body mass, lean body mass, muscle strength, and muscle endurance. There was a main effect of milk and resistance training on several measures of bone mineral density (BMD). Changes in whole body BMD in the M, RT, MRT, and CON were 0.45, 0.52, 1.32, and −0.19%, respectively (P \u3c 0.01). Conclusions: Over the course of 12 weeks the effects of 1300 mg/d of calcium in the form of fluid milk combined with a heavy resistance training program resulted in the additive effects of greater nutrient adequacy and BMD in adolescent girls. While further studies are needed, combining increased milk consumption with resistance training appears to optimize bone health in adolescent girls

The Effects of a Korean Ginseng, GINST15, on Hypo-Pituitary-Adrenal and Oxidative Activity Induced by Intense Work Stress

The effect of GINST15, an enzyme fermented ginseng supplement, on hormonal and inflammatory responses to physical stress in humans is unknown. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the constitutive and stress-induced effects of GINST15 supplement on hypo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and antioxidant activity in addition to muscle damage. Ten women (age: 38.7 ± 7.8 years; height: 163.81 ± 4.4 cm; body mass 76.0 ± 11.6 kg) and nine men (age: 41.2. ± 9.7 years; height: 177.4 ± 5.3 cm; body mass: 88.5 ± 5.0 kg) participated in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced within-group study. Participants completed three 14-day treatment cycles with different doses (high: 960 mg; low: 160 mg; placebo: 0 mg) separated by a 1-week washout period. At the end of treatment, physical stress was imposed with intense resistance exercise work stress. Participants provided blood at rest and various time points after exercise (immediately [IP], 30 min [30], 60 min [60], 24 h [+24HR]). Cortisol (CORT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total glutathione, nonspecific antioxidant activity, total antioxidant power (TAP), and creatine kinase were measured. GINST15 supplementation produced stress-inducible dose-dependent reductions in circulating cortisol and increased enzymatic and nonspecific antioxidant activity. Twenty-four hours after intense exercise, a high dose GINST15, a bioactive ginsenoside metabolite, significantly reduces muscle damage and HPA responses to physical stress in humans; these effects may result from increased antioxidant expression

The Effects of a Korean Ginseng, GINST15, on Perceptual Effort, Psychomotor Performance, and Physical Performance in Men and Women

The purpose of this double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation was to examine the effects of a Korean Ginseng (GINST15) on measures of perception and physical performance following an acute bout of resistance exercise. Ten women (age: 38.7 ± 7.8 years; height: 1.64 ± 0.05 m; body mass: 76.0 ± 11.6 kg) and nine men (age: 41.2. ± 9.7 years; height: 1.77 ± 0.05 m; body mass: 88.5 ± 5.0 kg) completed the investigation. Participants were randomized to a three-cycle testing scheme consisting of high dose ginseng (HIGH: 960 mg/day), low dose ginseng (LOW: 160 mg/day) and placebo (PBO: 0 mg/day). After 14 days of supplementation participants returned to the laboratory for an acute resistance exercise trial (5 sets of 12 repetitions of the leg press at 70% of one-repetition-maximum [1RM]). Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed after each set. Muscle pain/soreness was assessed before exercise and 24 hours post exercise. Psychomotor performance and peak power were measured before exercise, immediately post exercise and 24 hours after exercise. Each treatment cycle was separated by a minimum one-week washout period. HIGH significantly reduced perceived exertion during exercise. HIGH and LOW significantly reduced change in muscle soreness at 24 hours post exercise. Analysis of peak power demonstrated the presence of responders (n = 13) and non-responders (n = 6). Responders showed a significant effect of HIGH GINST15 on maintenance of neuromuscular function. The appearance of responders and non-responders, could explain the mixed literature base on the ergogenic properties of ginseng

Changes of Hydration Measures in Elite National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Wrestlers

Purpose: To evaluate the changes in the state of hydration in elite National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I college wrestlers during and after a season. Methods: Ohio State University wrestling team members (N = 6; mean [SD] age = 19.6 [1.1] y; height = 171.6 [2.9] cm; body mass = 69.5 [8.1] kg) gave informed consent to participate in the investigation with measurements (ie, body mass, urine-specific gravity [USG; 2 methods], Visual Analog Scale thirst scale, plasma osmolality) obtained during and after the season. Results: Measurements for USG, regardless of methods, were not significantly different between visits, but plasma osmolality was significantly (P = .001) higher at the beginning of the season—295.5 (4.9) mOsm·kg−1 compared with 279.6 (6.1) mOsm·kg−1 after the season. No changes in thirst ratings were observed, and the 2 measures of USG were highly correlated (r \u3e .9, P = .000) at each time point, but USG and plasma osmolality were not related. Conclusions: A paradox in the clinical interpretation of euhydration in the beginning of the season was observed with the USG, indicating that the wrestlers were properly hydrated, while the plasma osmolality showed they were not. Thus, the tracking of hydration status during the season is a concern when using only NCAA policies and procedures. The wrestlers did return to normal euhydration levels after the season on both biomarkers, which is remarkable, as previous studies have indicated that this may not happen because of the reregulation of the osmol-regulatory center in the brain

The Effects Combining Cryocompression Therapy following an Acute Bout of Resistance Exercise on Performance and Recovery

Compression and cold therapy used separately have shown to reduce negative effects of tissue damage. The combining compression and cold therapy (cryocompression) as a single recovery modality has yet to be fully examined. To examine the effects of cryocompression on recovery following a bout of heavy resistance exercise, recreationally resistance trained men (n =16) were recruited, matched, and randomly assigned to either a cryocompression group (CRC) or control group (CON). Testing was performed before and then immediately after exercise, 60 minutes, 24 hours, and 48 hours after a heavy resistance exercise workout (barbell back squats for 4 sets of 6 reps at 80% 1RM, 90 sec rest between sets, stiff legged deadlifts for 4 sets of 8 reps at 1.0 X body mass with 60 sec rest between sets, 4 sets of 10 eccentric Nordic hamstring curls, 45 sec rest between sets). The CRC group used the CRC system for 20-mins of cryocompression treatment immediately after exercise, 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise. CON sat quietly for 20-mins at the same time points. Muscle damage [creatine kinase], soreness (visual analog scale, 0-100), pain (McGill Pain Q, 0-5), fatigue, sleep quality, and jump power were significantly (p \u3c 0.05) improved for CRC compared to CON at 24 and 48 hours after exercise. Pain was also significantly lower for CRC compared to CON at 60-mins post exercise. These findings show that cryocompression can enhance recovery and performance following a heavy resistance exercise workout

Effect of Specific Gait Modifications on Medial Knee Loading, Metabolic Cost and Perception of Task Difficulty

Background: The metabolic cost and cognitive demand of altering natural gait have not been well studied. The purpose of this investigation was to assess three modified patterns – toe out, ipsilateral trunk lean and a medial weight shift at the foot – on the basis of 1) medial knee joint load reduction, 2) metabolic cost of performance and 3) subject perception of task difficulty. Methods: 12 healthy individuals underwent 3 dimensional motion analysis and metabolic testing to assess the gait mechanics and energy expenditure of natural gait and the three experimental gait patterns, performed to a self-selected moderate degree. Walking speed was controlled. Perceived workload was assessed using the NASA Task Load Index. Findings: Trunk lean significantly reduced first peak knee adduction moment (↓32%, P \u3c 0.001) as well as KAM impulse (↓35%, P \u3c 0.001), but was costly in terms of energy expenditure (↑11%, P \u3c 0.001) and perceived workload (↑1178%, P \u3c 0.001). A moderate toe-out pattern significantly reduced the second peak knee adduction moment (↓32%, P \u3c 0.001) and KAM impulse (↓14%, P = 0.026), but had no effect on the first peak. Conversely, toe-out was least demanding in terms of additional energy expenditure (↑2%, P = 0.001) and perceived workload (↑314%, P = 0.001). Medial shift did not reduce knee adduction moment. Interpretation: The prioritization of joint load reduction versus additional metabolic and cognitive demands could play a substantial role in the clinical decision making process of selecting a modified gait pattern

No Effect of Curcumin Supplementation on Inflammatory Response to Resistance Exercise in Resistance-Trained Young Women

INTRODUCTION: Resistance exercise can often lead to muscle damage and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). The discomfort associated with these side effects could affect training frequency and intensity and thus optimal chronic adaptation. Further, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to counteract DOMS may affect muscle adaptation responses. However, curcumin (CUR), a polyphenol found in the spice turmeric, has been shown to attenuate these undesirable effects through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of 8 days (400 mg/d) of a commercially available CUR supplement on muscle soreness and inflammation following fatiguing back squat exercise in resistance-trained (RT) women. METHODS: In this randomized crossover design, 8 RT women (mean±SD; age: 24±4 y; BMI: 24.6±2.4 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to receive placebo (PLA, rice flour) or CUR supplement for 8 days during their follicular phase. On the 7th day, participants arrived at the laboratory fasted and completed 5 sets of 10 repetitions of back squat exercise at 70% 1RM. Blood was drawn at baseline (0h), 3h-post, and 24h-post exercise, and participants were asked to rate their muscle soreness from a seated-to-stand position using a visual analog scale line. Circulating inflammatory markers (IFNγ, IL-6, TNFα) were measured using the EllaTM Simple PlexTM assay system and data were analyzed using a 2x3 ANOVA. RESULTS: Participants experienced a significant increase in perceived muscle soreness from 0h (5.6±8.2mm) to 24h (39.2±26.2mm, PCONCLUSIONS:In this small group of young, resistance-trained women, 8 days of CUR did not influence the inflammatory response to 70% 1RM back squat exercise, despite increased perceived muscle soreness. Previous work has shown a reduction in TNFα following eccentric-damaging exercise with similar CUR dose in untrained adults who were novice to the exercise. Future work should examine the impact of CUR on skeletal muscle metabolism and adaptive responses, as well as the effect of chronic supplementation in both trained and untrained adults

Acute Floatation-REST Improves Perceived Recovery Following a High-Intensity Resistance Exercise Stress in Trained Men

Purpose The aim of the present investigation was to determine whether a one-hour floatation-REST session could augment recovery from high-intensity resistance exercise (6 x10 back squats, 2 minutes rest) known to induce significant metabolic, adrenergic, and mechanical stress. Methods Eleven healthy resistance-trained males (age: 22.5 ± 2.3 years; height: 176.4 ± 6.0 cm; weight: 85.7 ± 6.2 kg, back squat 1RM: 153.1 ± 20.1 kg; strength to weight ratio: 1.8 ± 0.2) completed the within-subjects, cross-over controlled study design. Participants completed two exercise testing blocks separated by a two-week washout. In one block, the high-intensity resistance exercise protocol was followed by a one-hour floatation-REST session, while recovery in the alternate block consisted of a passive sensory-stimulating control. Markers of metabolic stress, neuroendocrine signaling, structural damage, inflammation, and perceptions of soreness, mood state and fatigue were assessed over a 48-hour recovery window. Results Floatation-REST significantly attenuated muscle soreness across recovery (p = 0.035) with greatest treatment difference immediately following the intervention (p = 0.002, ES = 1.3). Significant differences in norepinephrine (p = 0.028, ES = 0.81) and testosterone (p = 0.028, ES = 0.81) immediately following treatment revealed modification of neuroendocrine signaling pathways which were accompanied by greater improvements in mood disturbance (p = 0.029, ES = 0.81) and fatigue (p = 0.001, ES = 1.04). Conclusions As no adverse effects and significant and meaningful benefits were observed, floatation-REST may prove a valuable intervention for managing soreness and enhancing performance readiness following exercise.peerReviewe