Cancer prevention, aerobic capacity, and physical functioning in survivors related to physical activity: a recent review

According to recent published reports, over 12 million new cases of cancer were estimated worldwide for 2007. Estimates from 2008 predict that cancer will account for 22.8% of all deaths in the US. Another report stated 50% to 75% of cancer deaths in the US are related to smoking, poor dietary choices, and physical inactivity. A 2004 report indicated obesity and/or a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of developing several types of cancer. Conversely, several large-scale cohort studies point to the positive relationship between physical activity and a reduction in cancer risk. In addition, research over the last few years has clearly shown cardiorespiratory benefits, increases in quality of life (QOL), and increases in physical functioning for cancer survivors who engage in exercise programs. Thus, the purpose of this review is to highlight three areas related to cancer and physical activity. First, information concerning the prevention of cancer through physical activity is addressed. Second, recent studies identifying changes in volume of oxygen uptake (VO2) and/or cardiorespiratory functioning involving exercise with cancer survivors is presented. Third, studies identifying changes in cancer survivors’ physical functional capacity and QOL are presented. Finally, a summary of the review is offered

The effects of six weeks of supplementation with multi-ingredient performance supplements and resistance training on anabolic hormones, body composition, strength, and power in resistance-trained men

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Resistance training (RT) enhances muscle protein synthesis and hypertrophy while increasing strength and power. Some multi-ingredient performance supplements (MIPS) have been shown to augment the physiological improvements associated with RT. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of specific pre- and post-workout MIPS on anabolic hormones, body composition, muscle strength, and power in resistance-trained men participating in a periodized RT program.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Twenty-four ( mean ± SE; 24.0 ± 0.9 years; 180.5 ± 5.8 cm; 83.7 ± 0.5 kg) resistance-trained men completed 6 wks of periodized RT (3x/wk). Participants were assigned to one of two groups based upon maximal voluntary contraction of the quadriceps (Biodex) to lean mass (LM) ratio. Group 1 (n = 13; MIPS) consumed one serving of NO-Shotgun® (whey protein, casein protein, branched-chain amino acids, creatine, beta alanine, and caffeine) before each workout and one serving of NO-Synthesize® (whey protein, casein protein, branched-chain amino acids, creatine, and beta alanine; Vital Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Davie, FL) immediately after each workout and on non-RT days. Group 2 (n = 11; Placebo; PLA) consumed a flavor-matched isocaloric maltodextrin placebo. Serum insulin-like growth factor 1, human growth hormone, testosterone, body composition (DXA), circumferences, 1-repetition maximal strength (1RM) of the upper (chest press) and lower body (leg press), and anaerobic power (Wingate test) were assessed before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis included a 2 × 2 (group x time) ANOVA with repeated measures. Tukey LSD post hoc tests were used to examine pairwise differences. Significance was set at p < 0.05.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>There was a main time effect (p = 0.035) for testosterone to increase, but no differences between groups were observed. There were no differences in the other blood hormones. Group x time interactions were observed for LM (MIPS: PRE, 62.9 ± 2.1 to POST, 65.7 ± 2.0 vs. PLA: PRE, 63.5 ± 2.3 to POST, 64.8 ± 2.5 kg; p = 0.017). Only a main effect of time was noted for circumference measures. Both groups increased upper and lower body 1RM strength to a similar degree. MIPS significantly increased peak anaerobic power (PRE, 932.7 ± 172.5 W vs. POST, 1119.2 ± 183.8 W, p = 0.002) while PLA remained unchanged (PRE, 974.4 ± 44.1 W vs. POST, 1033.7 ± 48.6 W, p = 0.166).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Consumption of MIPS during the course of a periodized RT program facilitated training-induced improvement in LM in trained males, whereas the consumption of PLA did not. MIPS improved measures of anaerobic power while PLA did not.</p