STRENGTH, BALANCE, AND FLEXIBILITY CHARACTERISTICS OF GOLFERS OF A VARIETY OF HANDICAPS

This research aimed to examine golf drive performance measures and physical performance variables of balance, strength and flexibility, for a wide range of golfing handicap levels. A total of 26 healthy right-handed golfers volunteered to participate in this study (M=17, F=9, 18-50 years, 0-36 handicap). Testing included an assessment of strength (hand grip strength test), balance (3 point star balance test), flexibility (sit and reach and shoulder reach flexibility), and indoor drive shot ball launch characteristics (high speed ball launch monitor). Golfers in the low handicap group had significantly (p?0.05) greater balance, strength, left shoulder flexibility, and better shot performnce than high handicap golfers. This research presents a rationale for the inclusion of strength, balance and flexibility conditioning in golf training programs

Targeted exercise therapy to enhance neural activation

Various types of exercise therapies, have been implemented into treatment for those suffering from psychological disorders and traumatic brain injury. The prefrontal cortex (PFC), which houses key cognitive constructs is responsive to exercise, and is commonly measured using functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Evidence suggests that exercise mediates neural adaptation through increased blood flow and neurogenesis, which enhances neural activation leading to improved cognitive performance. However, the intensity of exercise that has the most robust impact on brain blood flow is currently unknown. Purpose. Therefore, the primary aim of the study is to compare PFC activation during cognitive tasks performed after low-intensity, high intensity, and yoga exercises. Methods. Eight subjects (4=M, 4=F), aged 35±5 years completed a control, high intensity, low intensity, and yoga exercise trial followed by administration of a cognitive task (NIH Toolbox Fluid Cognition). Left and right PFC oxygenation were measured during the post-exercise cognitive assessment using fNIRS technology. Results. Oxygenation during the cognitive task was higher in the left PFC region after low intensity exercise compared to all other trials (control, high intensity, yoga). Regression model analysis showed that a 10% increase in %HRmax up to 70% intensity predicts an increase in left PFC oxygenation by 2.11 umol. Conclusion. Acute exercise below 70% aerobic intensity increased brain blood flow during a post-exercise cognitive task. Therefore, it may be beneficial for those who engage in any cognitive related activity to perform a brief bout of low-intensity exercise prior to the task (e.g. academic-based testing or motor training)

Oral Glutamine Supplement Reduces Subjective Fatigue Ratings during Repeated Bouts of Firefighting Simulations

Wildland firefighting requires repetitive (e.g., consecutive work shifts) physical work in dangerous conditions (e.g., heat and pollution). Workers commonly enter these environments in a nonacclimated state, leading to fatigue and heightened injury risk. Strategies to improve tolerance to these stressors are lacking. Purpose: To determine if glutamine ingestion prior to and after consecutive days of firefighting simulations in the heat attenuates subjective ratings of fatigue, and evaluate if results were supported by glutamine-induced upregulation of biological stress responses. Methods: Participants (5 male, 3 female) ingested glutamine (0.15 g/kg/day) or a placebo before and after two consecutive days (separated by 24 h) of firefighter simulations in a heated chamber (35 degrees C, 35% humidity). Perceived fatigue and biological stress were measured pre-, post-, and 4 h postexercise in each trial. Results: Subjective fatigue was reduced pre-exercise on Day 2 in the glutamine group (p \u3c 0.05). Peripheral mononuclear cell expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and serum antioxidants were elevated at 4 h postexercise on Day 1 in the glutamine trial (p \u3c 0.05). Conclusions: Ingestion of glutamine before and after repeated firefighter simulations in the heat resulted in reduced subjective fatigue on Day 2, which may be a result of the upregulation of biological stress systems (antioxidants, HSPs). This response may support recovery and improve work performance

The Combined Effect of Exercise and Behavioral Therapy for Depression and Anxiety: Systematic Review and Meta−Analysis

Behavioral therapy (BT) and exercise are efficacious treatments for depression and anxiety when employed separately. The combination of BT and exercise (BT+Ex) may augment improvements but the combined effect of these therapies is not fully elucidated. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine if BT+Ex yielded a significant reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms compared to BT alone (BT). Randomized controlled studies published prior to September 2019 were searched among several databases (PUBMED, MEDLINE, PsychArticle, and Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials). Studies that measured depression and anxiety symptoms following BT+Ex vs. BT were extracted and analyzed. The effect of these therapies on depression and anxiety were analyzed. Subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of exercise intensity (moderate and high), exercise type (aerobic and combined exercise), and baseline levels of depression. The moderating effects of gender, age, and treatment duration were performed. Data were extracted from 18 studies (1686 participants, mean age = 47 years, 65% female). There was a significant effect of BT+Ex on symptoms of depression. The effect of BT+Ex was significant for moderate intensity exercise and elevated baseline levels of depression. Age moderated the effect for depression. There was a significant effect of BT+Ex on depressive symptoms in humans. Exercise intensity and elevated depressive symptoms may play a role in the effect of exercise

The Relationship between Physical Activity, Sleep Quality, and Stress: A Study of Teachers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted chaotic changes in the daily lives of K-12 teachers, resulting in increased stress and other mental health problems. Limited evidence regarding the relationship between physical activity, sleep, and perceived stress among teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic exists. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the association between physical activity, sleep quality, and perceived psychological stress among teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey measuring physical activity, sleep quality, and perceived psychological stress was distributed across 47 US states between September and October of 2020. Data provided by 635 teachers (mean age: 42 ± 18 years, 74.6% female) were included in the present analysis. Results suggested a negative association between physical activity and perceived psychological stress. Mediation analyses indicated that teachers engaging in high levels of physical activity were more likely to have good quality sleep and, in turn, were less likely to report high levels of perceived stress. Physical activity and sleep-related interventions could help curtail the rising levels of psychological distress amongst K-12 teachers during stressful times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers, especially those that self-report as female and/or young, report high levels of stress. These high levels of stress are a serious challenge for school districts in terms of attracting and retaining qualified teachers in K-12 classrooms

Effect of Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation on Recovery Following Acute Eccentric Exercise

This study investigated the effect of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation on recovery from eccentric exercise. Twenty males ingested either a BCAA supplement or placebo (PLCB) prior to and following eccentric exercise. Creatine kinase (CK), vertical jump (VJ), maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), jump squat (JS) and perceived soreness were assessed. No significant (p \u3e 0.05) group by time interaction effects were observed for CK, soreness, MVIC, VJ, or JS. CK concentrations were elevated above baseline (p \u3c 0.001) in both groups at 4, 24, 48 and 72 hr, while CK was lower (p = 0.02) in the BCAA group at 48 hr compared to PLCB. Soreness increased significantly from baseline (p \u3c 0.01) in both groups at all time-points; however, BCAA supplemented individuals reported less soreness (p \u3c 0.01) at the 48 and 72 hr time-points. MVIC force output returned to baseline levels (p \u3e 0.05) at 24, 48 and 72 hr for BCAA individuals. No significant difference between groups (p \u3e 0.05) was detected for VJ or JS. BCAA supplementation may mitigate muscle soreness following muscle-damaging exercise. However, when consumed with a diet consisting of ~1.2 g/kg/day protein, the attenuation of muscular performance decrements or corresponding plasma CK levels are likely negligible

Cardiovascular, Cellular, and Neural Adaptations to Hot Yoga versus Normal-Temperature Yoga

Context: Chronic heat exposure promotes cardiovascular and cellular adaptations, improving an organism\u27s ability to tolerate subsequent stressors. Heat exposure may also promote neural adaptations and alter the neural–hormonal stress response. Hot-temperature yoga (HY) combines mind–body exercise with heat exposure. The added heat component in HY may induce cardiovascular and cellular changes, along with neural benefits and modulation of stress hormones. Aims: The purpose of the present study is to compare the cardiovascular, cellular heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), neural, and hormonal adaptations of HY versus normal-temperature yoga (NY). Settings and Design: Twenty-two subjects (males = 11 and females = 11, 26 ± 6 years) completed 4 weeks of NY (n = 11) or HY (n = 11, 41°C, 40% humidity). Yoga sessions were performed 3 times/week following a modified Bikram protocol. Subjects and Methods: Pre- and posttesting included (1) hemodynamic measures during a heat tolerance test and maximal aerobic fitness test; (2) neural and hormonal adaptations using serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), along with a mental stress questionnaire; and (3) cellular adaptations (HSP70) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Statistical Analysis: Within- and between-group Student\u27s t-test analyses were conducted to compare pre- and post-VO2 max, perceived stress, BDNF, HSP70, and ACTH in HY and NY groups. Results: Maximal aerobic fitness increased in the HY group only. No evidence of heat acclimation or change in mental stress was observed. Serum BDNF significantly increased in yoga groups combined. Analysis of HSP70 suggested higher expression of HSP70 in the HY group only. Conclusions: Twelve sessions of HY promoted cardiovascular fitness and cellular thermotolerance adaptations. Serum BDNF increased in response to yoga (NY + HY) and appeared to not be temperature dependent

Reply to “Programming may matter most.” Response to “Metabolic effects of two high-intensity circuit training protocols: Does sequence matter?”

We appreciate the interest that our study elicited and the comments from a reader. We commend the reader of our paper for critically evaluating the protocol and results of the study. Here, we would like to respond to the statement made in the letter. Indeed, the rest intervals were longer and time at VO2max was lower in our study than recommended by Bucheit and Larsen.1 However, because the reader is interested in the practical implications of our study, we ask that they consider the following

Effects of high-intensity interval training while using a breathing-restrictive mask compared to intermittent hypobaric hypoxia

Background: Previous studies of the Elevation Training Mask (ETM) describe comparisons between groups using the ETM and controls for effects on aerobic performance. However, comparisons have not been made to intermittent hypoxic training (IHT). Further, how the ETM impacts exercise economy is unknown. Therefore, we sought to determine the effects of training with the ETM compared to IHT on aerobic performance and cycling economy. Methods: Thirty participants were randomized into an ETM, IHT, or control group (n = 10 each). Pre- and post-testing occurred using a ramp VO2max test on a cycle ergometer allowing submaximal power output (PO) measures of economy. Economy was measured using POs of 100, 125, and 150W. High-intensity cycling interval training (HIIT) occurred 2x/week for 30 min/session for six weeks. Sessions were 20 min of HIIT (30s at 100% peak power output (PPO) of pre VO2max, 90s active recovery at 25W, 10 bouts) with a 5-minute warm-up and cool-down. Repeated measures ANOVA was used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: All participants improved VO2max, PPO, and PO at ventilatory threshold 2 pre- to post-training (p < 0.05). Interactions between groups showed that the RER for the IHT group increased at 100W and 125W, and decreased at RERmax pre- to post-training while the ETM group showed the opposite response (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The ETM and IHT groups performed similarly to the control at maximal and submaximal effort following six weeks of training. The IHT group, but not the ETM group, experienced an increased glycolytic energy shift during submaximal exercise.This project was funded by the University of the New Mexico Graduate and Professional Student Association grants

Proceedings of the Thirteenth International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) Conference and Expo

Meeting Abstracts: Proceedings of the Thirteenth International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) Conference and Expo Clearwater Beach, FL, USA. 9-11 June 201