Fatigue Induced Changes in Muscle Strength and Gait Following Two Different Intensity, Energy Expenditure Matched Runs

Purpose: To investigate changes in hip and knee strength, kinematics, and running variability following two energy expenditure matched training runs; a medium intensity continuous run (MICR) and a high intensity interval training session (HIIT). Methods: Twenty (10F, 10M) healthy master class runners were recruited. Each participant completed the HIIT consisting of six repetitions of 800 meters with a 1:1 work: rest ratio. The MICR duration was set to match energy expenditure of the HIIT session. Hip and knee muscular strength were examined pre and post both HIIT and MICR. Kinematics and running variability for hip and knee, along with spatiotemporal parameters were assessed at start and end of each run-type. Changes in variables were examined using both 2 x 2 ANOVAs with repeated measures and on an individual level when the change in a variable exceeded the minimum detectable change (MDC). Results: All strength measures exhibited significant reductions at the hip and knee (P < .05) with time for both run-types; 12% following HIIT, 10.6% post MICR. Hip frontal plane kinematics increased post run for both maximum angle (P < 0.001) and range of motion (P = 0.003). Runners exhibited increased running variability for nearly all variables, with the HIIT having a greater effect. Individual assessment revealed that not all runners were effected post run and that following HIIT more runners had reduced muscular strength, altered kinematics and increased running variability. Conclusion: Runners exhibited fatigue induced changes following typical training runs, which could potentially increase risk of injury development. Group and individual assessment revealed different findings where the use of MDC is recommended over that of P values

Clover Trapping Mule Deer in Northwest Montana: Lessons Learned in a Unique Environment

Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) populations are in decline in many parts of western Montana, and in 2017, harvest in Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (MFWP) management region 1 (R1) reached an all-time low. This prompts a need to better understand mule deer habitat selection behaviors in a range of ecosystems. Using resource selection functions (RSFs), we will compare how GPS-collared mule deer select nutritional resources and hiding cover at large scales (home range level) and fine scales (within-home ranges) relative to forage quality in 3 distinct ecosystems throughout western Montana. In February of 2017, we successfully captured 30 mule deer does along the Rocky Mountain Front using helicopternet-gunning, but were unsuccessful in the Whitefish Range and Fisher River drainage of R1 due to dense canopy cover. From December 2017 to present, we have relied on a crew of graduate students, MFWP game wardens and biologists, technicians, volunteers, and private citizens to scout for and clover-trap mule deer in R1. Here we present our capture success rate thus far, though trapping efforts are ongoing. We wish highlight how creative methods and recruitment of help from across a state agency can be pooled to initiate rigorous research in a thickly forested environment on a scarcely seen ungulate

Short-term and lifelong exercise training lowers inflammatory mediators in older men

Increased basal low-grade inflammation is observed with advancing age, which is augmented by physical inactivity. However, data regarding the influence of lifelong exercise training and particularly high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on inflammatory mediators in older men are scarce. Therefore, we examined effects of 6weeks of aerobic preconditioning followed by 6weeks of HIIT on inflammatory mediators [interleukin (IL)-6, homocysteine, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP)] in previously sedentary older men (SED) and masters athletes (LEX). Further, we investigated whether SED exhibited greater basal inflammatory biomarkers compared to LEX. Twenty-two men (aged 62±2years) participated in the SED group, while 17 age-matched LEX men (aged 60±5years) also participated as a positive comparison group. In SED, preconditioning (P=0.030, d=0.34) and HIIT (P=0.030, d=0.48) caused a reduction in IL-6 compared to enrollment. SED homocysteine did not change throughout (P>0.57; d0.42; d0.72), but homocysteine was not different (all P >0.131; d<0.41). Results of this study suggest moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and HIIT lowers IL-6 (and possible hsCRP) in previously sedentary older men. Moreover, lifelong exercise is associated with reduced concentrations of some inflammatory biomarkers in older males, and therefore, physical activity, rather than age per se, is implicated in chronic low-grade inflammation. Moreover, physical inactivity-induced inflammation may be partly salvaged by short-term exercise training

Measuring patient satisfaction with urinary incontinence treatment

Background: A number of patient satisfaction measures were trialed in a cross-sectional survey of women who had treatment for urinary incontinence (N=187). The psychometric properties of these measures were examined and a short measure for patient satisfaction was developed. Methods: Participants completed a questionnaire comprising items covering incontinence status, treatment type and three generic patient satisfaction questionnaires: the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-18), the Consultation Satisfaction Questionnaire (Consult SQ), and the Patient Satisfaction Index (PSI). Donabedian\u27s model postulates that satisfaction is the patient\u27s judgment on the quality of care. The seven dimensions in this model provide the conceptual framework against which the measures were reviewed. Results: The instruments were examined by their descriptive systems, internal structures and responsiveness. The items from the instruments were examined through iterative Mokken and partial credit IRT analyses against Donabedian\u27s model. Seven items were selected which formed a Short Assessment of Patient Satisfaction (SAPS) scale. Its internal psychometric properties were excellent (α = 0.86) and it provided a patient satisfaction perspective that was most consistent with Donabedian\u27s model. In summary, the internal structures of the instruments suggested that all SAPS items were responsive, but some items on the other measures were insensitive. Also, all measures were shown to be unidimensional. Tests of response bias suggested that this was present in the CSQ-18 and the PSI. Redundancy was observed in the Consult SQ, CSQ-18 and PSI. Conclusions: This study has provided evidence that patient satisfaction can be assessed validly, reliably and sensitively using the much shorter SAPS instrument. This new short measure of patient satisfaction with treatment will be a useful tool for clinicians and evaluators as the population ages

Ultra-brief non-expert-delivered defusion and acceptance exercises for food cravings: A partial replication study

Food cravings are a common barrier to losing weight. This paper presents a randomised comparison of non-expert group-delivered ultra-brief defusion and acceptance interventions against a distraction control. Sixty-three participants were asked to carry a bag of chocolates for a week whilst trying to resist the temptation to eat them. A behavioural rebound measure was administered. Each intervention out-performed control in respect of consumption, but not cravings. These techniques may have a place in the clinical management of food cravings. We provide tentative evidence that the mechanism of action is through decreased reactivity to cravings, not through reduced frequency of cravings

Gait and Neuromuscular Changes Are Evident in Some Masters Club Level Runners 24-h After Interval Training Run

Purpose: To examine the time course of recovery for gait and neuromuscular function immediately after and 24-h post interval training. In addition, this study compared the impact of different statistical approaches on detecting changes. Methods: Twenty (10F, 10M) healthy, recreational club runners performed a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session consisting of six repetitions of 800 m. A 6-min medium intensity run was performed pre, post, and 24-h post HIIT to assess hip and knee kinematics and coordination variability. Voluntary activation and twitch force of the quadriceps, along with maximum isometric force were examined pre, post, and 24-h post significance HIIT. The time course of changes were examined using two different statistical approaches: traditional null hypothesis significance tests and “real” changes using minimum detectable change. Results: Immediately following the run, there were significant (P < 0.05) increases in the hip frontal kinematics and coordination variability. The runners also experienced a loss of muscular strength and neuromuscular function immediately post HIIT (P < 0.05). Individual assessment, however, showed that not all runners experienced fatigue effects immediately post HIIT. Null hypothesis significance testing revealed a lack of recovery in hip frontal kinematics, coordination variability, muscle strength, and neuromuscular function at 24-h post, however, the use of minimum detectable change suggested that most runners had recovered. Conclusion: High intensity interval training resulted in altered running kinematics along with central and peripheral decrements in neuromuscular function. Most runners had recovered within 24-h, although a minority still exhibited signs of fatigue. The runners that were not able to recover prior to their run at 24-h were identified to be at an increased risk of running-related injury