Creatine supplementation on cognitive performance following exercise in female Muay Thai athletes

BACKGROUND: Creatine supplementation has some beneficial effects on cognitive processing in healthy adults, including athletes; however the effects on cognitive function following exhaustive exercise in athletes is unknown. Therefore, the purpose was to determine the effects of 28 days of creatine supplementation on tasks of cognitive performance immediately following exhaustive exercise in Muay Thai female athletes compared to placebo. METHODS: Using a repeated measures, double-blind, placebo controlled design, 26 female Muay Thai athletes (age: 26 ± 5 years; body mass: 65.1 ± 6.6 kg; height: 162 ± 5 cm; training experience: 2.6 ± 0.6 years) were randomized to supplement with creatine monohydrate (3 g/day) or placebo (maltodextrin) for 28 days. Prior to and following supplementation, measures of cognitive performance were assessed (visual and auditory reaction time, corsi block test, visual forward digit span, and Erikson Flanker Task) immediately after exercise. RESULTS: There was a time main effect for auditory reaction time (p = 0.035), with no differences between groups. There was a trend for an interaction effect for visual reaction time (p = 0.067), visual go-no-go reaction time (p = 0.087), and Erikson Flanker task (p = 0.06), with exploratory post hoc tests revealing improvements over time in the creatine group (p \u3c 0.05) with no changes in the PLA group (p \u3e 0.05). CONCLUSION: Twenty-eight days of creatine supplementation appeared to have a small but positive effect on cognitive performance following exhaustive exercise in female Muay Thai athletes. Future research using a larger dose over a longer duration is warranted

Apparatus for testing high pressure injector elements

An apparatus for testing and evaluating the spray pattern of high pressure fuel injector elements for use in supplying fuel to combustion engines is presented. Prior art fuel injector elements were normally tested by use of low pressure apparatuses which did not provide a purge to prevent mist from obscuring the injector element or to prevent frosting of the view windows; could utilize only one fluid during each test; and had their viewing ports positioned one hundred eighty (180 deg) apart, thus preventing optimum use of laser diagnostics. The high pressure fluid injector test apparatus includes an upper hub, an upper weldment or housing, a first clamp and stud/nut assembly for securing the upper hub to the upper weldment, a standoff assembly within the upper weldment, a pair of window housings having view glasses within the upper weldment, an injector block assembly and purge plate within the upper weldment for holding an injector element to be tested and evaluated, a lower weldment or housing, a second clamp and stud/nut assembly for securing the lower weldment to the upper hub, a third clamp and stud/nut assembly for securing the lower hub to the lower weldment, mechanisms for introducing fluid under high pressure for testing an injector element, and mechanisms for purging the apparatus to prevent frosting of view glasses within the window housings and to permit unobstructed viewing of the injector element

Whey Protein Isolate Supplementation While Endurance Training Does Not Alter Cycling Performance or Immune Responses at Rest or After Exercise

This study examined whey protein isolate supplementation combined with endurance training on cycling performance, aerobic fitness and immune cell responses. Eighteen male cyclists were randomly assigned to either placebo (PLA) or whey protein supplementation (WS; 1.0 g·kg body mass−1·d−1 in addition to their dietary intake). Both groups completed the identical endurance training program, 4 days per week for 6 weeks. Blood samples were obtained at rest and after 5 and 60 min of recovery from a simulated 40 km cycling time trial (TT) and were repeated after training. Baseline dietary intake of protein prior to supplementation was 1.52 ± 0.45 and 1.46 ± 0.44 g·kg body mass−1·d−1 for the WS and PLA groups, respectively. There were similar improvements in TT performance (WS: 71.47 ± 12.17 to 64.38 ± 8.09 min; PLA: 72.33 ± 12.79 to 61.13 ± 8.97 min), and peak oxygen uptake (WS: 52.3 ± 6.1 to 56.1 ± 5.4 mL·kg−1·min−1; PLA: 50.0 ± 7.1 to 54.9 ± 5.1 mL·kg−1·min−1) after training in both groups. White blood cells (WBC) and neutrophil counts were elevated 5 min after the TT and further increased after 60 min (P < 0.05). The exercise-induced increase in WBC and neutrophil counts at 5 and 60 min after the TT were attenuated after training compared to before training (P < 0.05). Lymphocytes increased 5 min after the TT and decreased below rest after 60 min of recovery (P < 0.05). Following training lymphocytes were lower after 60 min of recovery compared to before training. There was no change in natural killer cell activity with exercise, training or between groups. It was concluded that whey protein isolate supplementation while endurance training did not differentially change cycling performance or the immune response at rest or after exercise. However, endurance training did alter performance, aerobic fitness and some post exercise immune cell counts

Apparatus for testing high pressure injector elements

An apparatus for testing and evaluating the spray pattern of high pressure fuel injector elements for use in supplying fuel to combustion engines is presented. Prior art fuel injector elements were normally tested by use of low pressure apparatuses which did not provide a purge to prevent mist from obscuring the injector element or to prevent frosting of the view windows; could utilize only one fluid during each test; and had their viewing ports positioned one hundred eighty (180 deg) apart, thus preventing optimum use of laser diagnostics. The high pressure fluid injector test apparatus includes an upper hub, an upper weldment or housing, a first clamp and stud/nut assembly for securing the upper hub to the upper weldment, a standoff assembly within the upper weldment, a pair of window housings having view glasses within the upper weldment, an injector block assembly and purge plate within the upper weldment for holding an injector element to be tested and evaluated, a lower weldment or housing, a second clamp and stud/nut assembly for securing the lower weldment to the upper weldment, a lower hub, a third clamp and stud/nut assembly for securing the lower hub to the lower weldment, mechanisms for introducing fluid under high pressure for testing an injector element, and mechanisms for purging the apparatus to prevent frosting of view glasses within the window housings and to permit unobstructed viewing of the injector element

Anthropometric and physiological predictors of flat-water 1000 m kayak performance in young adolescents and the effectiveness of a high volume training camp.

Our purpose was to determine the relationship of anthropometric and physiological variables with 1000m flat-water kayak (K1000) performance. A secondary purpose was to determine the effectiveness of a high volume training camp. High performance young adolescent kayakers (n=13, 8 males, 5 females, 15±1 yrs) participated in this study. Testing before and after the 3-4 week training camp included anthropometric measurements (height, sitting height, arm span, and body mass), strength (1-RM: bench press and bench pull), flexibility (sit and reach), and an incremental kayak ergometer test to determine peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and anaerobic threshold, and an open water K1000 time trial. K1000 time was significantly correlated with height (r=-0.81; p\u3c0.01), sitting height (r=-0.85; p\u3c0.01), arm span (r=-0.87; p\u3c0.01), bench press (r=-0.92; p\u3c0.01), bench pull (r=-0.85; p\u3c0.01), VO2peak (r=-0.87; p\u3c0.01) and anaerobic threshold (r=-0.83; p\u3c0.05). Following the training camp there were no significant differences in body mass, strength, and VO2 peak, however, anaerobic threshold (33.6±6.2 to 42.3±8.8 ml•kg-1•min-1, p=0.001) and K1000 (302±44 to 289±31 sec, p=0.007) significantly improved. The results of this study suggest that K1000 performance in young adolescent kayakers appears to require a high aerobic and strength contribution and that a high volume training camp is effective for improving anaerobic threshold and performance

Effects of Dietary Protein on Body Composition in Exercising Individuals

Protein is an important component of a healthy diet and appears to be integral to enhancing training adaptations in exercising individuals. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide an evidence-based assessment of the current literature examining increases in dietary protein intake above the recommended dietary allowance (RDA: 0.8 g/kg/d) in conjunction with chronic exercise on body composition (i.e., muscle, fat and bone). We also highlight acute and chronic pre-sleep protein studies as well as the influence of exercise timing on body composition. Overall, a high-protein diet appears to increase muscle accretion and fat loss and may have beneficial effects on bone when combined with exercise. Pre-sleep protein is a viable strategy to help achieve total daily protein goals. Importantly, there appears to be no deleterious effects from a high-protein diet on muscle, fat or bone in exercising individuals

Use of Wearable Activity-Monitoring Technologies to Promote Physical Activity in Cancer Survivors: Challenges and Opportunities for Improved Cancer Care

The aim of this review was to explore the acceptability, opportunities, and challenges associated with wearable activity-monitoring technology to increase physical activity (PA) behavior in cancer survivors. A search of Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and SportDiscus was conducted from 1 January 2011 through 3 October 2022. The search was limited to English language, and peer-reviewed original research. Studies were included if they reported the use of an activity monitor in adults (+18 years) with a history of cancer with the intent to motivate PA behavior. Our search identified 1832 published articles, of which 28 met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Eighteen of these studies included post-treatment cancer survivors, eight were on active cancer treatment, and two were long-term cancer survivor studies. ActiGraph accelerometers were the primary technology used to monitor PA behaviors, with Fitbit as the most commonly utilized self-monitoring wearable technology. Overall, wearable activity monitors were found to be an acceptable and useful tool in improving self-awareness, motivating behavioral change, and increasing PA levels. Self-monitoring wearable activity devices have a positive impact on short-term PA behaviors in cancer survivors, but the increase in PA gradually attenuated through the maintenance phase. Further study is needed to evaluate and increase the sustainability of the use of wearable technologies to support PA in cancer survivors

Interaction between Metformin, Folate and Vitamin B 12 and the Potential Impact on Fetal Growth and Long-Term Metabolic Health in Diabetic Pregnancies

From MDPI via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: accepted 2021-05-25, pub-electronic 2021-05-28Publication status: PublishedFunder: Medical Research Council; Grant(s): MR/R023166/1, MR/T001828/1Funder: British Heart Foundation; Grant(s): FS/4yPhD/F/20/34130Metformin is the first-line treatment for many people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) to maintain glycaemic control. Recent evidence suggests metformin can cross the placenta during pregnancy, thereby exposing the fetus to high concentrations of metformin and potentially restricting placental and fetal growth. Offspring exposed to metformin during gestation are at increased risk of being born small for gestational age (SGA) and show signs of ‘catch up’ growth and obesity during childhood which increases their risk of future cardiometabolic diseases. The mechanisms by which metformin impacts on the fetal growth and long-term health of the offspring remain to be established. Metformin is associated with maternal vitamin B12 deficiency and antifolate like activity. Vitamin B12 and folate balance is vital for one carbon metabolism, which is essential for DNA methylation and purine/pyrimidine synthesis of nucleic acids. Folate:vitamin B12 imbalance induced by metformin may lead to genomic instability and aberrant gene expression, thus promoting fetal programming. Mitochondrial aerobic respiration may also be affected, thereby inhibiting placental and fetal growth, and suppressing mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity for cellular nutrient transport. Vitamin supplementation, before or during metformin treatment in pregnancy, could be a promising strategy to improve maternal vitamin B12 and folate levels and reduce the incidence of SGA births and childhood obesity. Heterogeneous diagnostic and screening criteria for GDM and the transient nature of nutrient biomarkers have led to inconsistencies in clinical study designs to investigate the effects of metformin on folate:vitamin B12 balance and child development. As rates of diabetes in pregnancy continue to escalate, more women are likely to be prescribed metformin; thus, it is of paramount importance to improve our understanding of metformin’s transgenerational effects to develop prophylactic strategies for the prevention of adverse fetal outcomes

Medium-chain triglycerides may improve memory in non-demented older adults: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

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