Changes in Body Composition and Aerobic Fitness Levels in College Students’ First Semester of Freshman Year

Research has shown that college students exhibit gains in fat mass up to 5.5 times greater than their peers of the same age that do not attend college (Mihalopoulos, Auinger & Klein, 2008).Because of concerns over increasing rates of obesity, college campuses nationwide are engaging in campaigns designed to target college youth and educate them about the benefits of healthy lifestyle behaviors. However, in order to implement effective intervention strategies, a clear picture of current student health must be acquired. It was hypothesized that body weight, specifically fat mass, would be increased in the first semester of college. It was also expected that there would be a decrease in cardiorespiratory fitness. PURPOSE: The purpose of this preliminary study was to collect objective measures of body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness levels within the first semester of current freshman students of a rural university. METHODS: 20 participants (17F/3M, 18yr±1, 167.5 ±72.0cm, 67.9±17.1kg, 41.6±11.8 ml/kg/min) underwent dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and performed the Astrand submaximal bicycle ergometer test with metabolic measurements (e.g., VO2). Estimated maximal VO2 was extrapolated. One assessment took place within the first month of the semester start and a second assessment took place 8 weeks later. RESULTS: Body weight increased significantly (p=0.022) by 1.68% (from 67.1±16.8 to 68.2±16.9kg), resulting in an increased BMI (p=0.018) by 1.8% (from 24.5±5.2 to 24.9±5.3 kg/m2). Lean mass increased significantly (p=0.037) by 1.7% (42.5±9.6 to 43.2±9.6kg) and fat mass increased not significantly (p=0.068) by 2.5% (from 21.74±8.5 to 22.3±8.5kg), whereas body fat percentage decreased significantly (p=0.022) by 4.1% (32.9±6.9 to 31.6±6.7%). Absolute VO2 decreased not significantly (p=0.18) by 5.1% (from 2.68±0.54 to 2.54±0.62 L/min). CONCLUSION: As expected, this preliminary assessment revealed that body weight and fat mass increased in students within the first semester of freshman year. This increase in body weight – and therefore BMI – was due to both lean and fat mass increases. In these 8 weeks, there was no change in cardiorespiratory fitness. Future analyses will be conducted on these participants 1 year after the first assessment to evaluate changes over the first full year of college

Comparison Of Cognitive Performance Following One Hour Of Passive Heating Or Walking In Older Adults: A Preliminary Analysis

Moderate-intensity exercise increases measures of cognitive performance such as working memory and cognitive flexibility. Hyperthermia can result in declines in cognitive performance through reduced motor function and response inhibition. However, these results have been observed during cognitive performance in the heat while core temperatures remain elevated. Heat therapy may promote improvements in cognitive function after treatment similar to exercise training by inducing a stress-related response. The purpose of this study was to compare cognitive performance immediately following one hour of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or one hour of whole-body passive heating. METHODS: Four adults (age: 67.3 + 3.3 years, BMI: 29.0 + 5.4 kg/m2, 2 female) participated in a randomized repeated measures study. Participants completed either one hour of moderate intensity walking on a treadmill (TM; 65-75% age-predicted maximum heart rate) or one hour of seated passive heating (HEAT) in a controlled environmental heat chamber (32-35 degrees Celsius, \u3c 40% humidity). Cognitive performance was measured using computerized software (Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics, ANAM, Vista LifeSciences, Inc.), which provides objective measures of cognitive performance through a variety of test batteries designed to measure variables such as motor coordination, cognitive flexibility, and response inhibition. Variables were analyzed as a change in score from the familiarization exam (pre- or post-treatment minus – baseline) to minimize the learning effect. RESULTS: No differences between measures of motor coordination (TM: 6 + 12.7 vs. 5 + 12.7; HEAT: 0 + 1.4 vs. -1 + 1.4), cognitive flexibility (TM: -1 + 1.4 vs. 1.5 + 0.7; HEAT: 3.5 + 0.7 vs. 3.5 + 0.7), or response inhibition (TM: 17 + 22.6 vs. 23.5 + 23.3; HEAT: 1.5 + 2.1 vs. 8 + 2.8) were found following either treatment. CONCLUSION: One bout of moderate intensity aerobic exercise or whole-body passive heating does not impair cognitive performance. In addition, one hour of passive heating does not result in decreased cognitive performance in older adults. Post-hyperthermic stress response did not impair cognitive function

Anaerobic Performance in Female Collegiate Wrestlers During Ovulation Versus the Mid-luteal Phase of the Menstrual Cycle: A Pilot Study

Anaerobic performance may vary during different phases of the menstrual cycle. The greatest differences occur between the late-follicular phase (i.e., ovulation) and the mid-luteal phase. Optimal anaerobic performance may be observed during the mid-luteal phase. PURPOSE: To explore differences in upper and lower body anaerobic performance during ovulation versus the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle in collegiate female wrestlers. METHODS: Six female collegiate wrestlers (age = 18.6 ± 0.2 yrs; height = 165.0 ± 0.5 cm; body mass = 79.7 ± 9.6 kg; lean body mass = 45.6 ± 2.8 kg; % body fat = 31.4 ± 6.6%) performed both upper and lower body Wingate tests, each lasting 30 seconds, during the ovulation and the mid-luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Upper and lower body tests were performed 24 hours apart. Menstrual cycle phases were determined by calendar tracking, reverse estimation of ovulation, and administration of a urinary luteinizing hormone test assessed daily until positive results indicated ovulation. Lower body power was measured using a Velotron cycle ergometer, with a resistance of 0.075 kg/kg applied after a 5-second sprint at a resistance of 1 kg (50 W). Peak power (W) and relative power (W/kg) were measured. Upper body power was measured using a Monark hand ergometer with a 0.045 kg/kg resistance applied after a 5-second sprint at a resistance of 0.5 kg (25 W). Peak power (W) and relative power (W/kg) was calculated using rotation count, weight applied, and distance per rotation. Paired t-tests were used to analyze differences in means during the ovulation vs mid-luteal phases with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between trials for any variables measured. Lower body peak power (W) was 848.3 ± 126.1W vs 855.0 ± 143.9W. Lower body relative power (W/kg) was 11.8 ± 0.7W/kg vs 11.9 ± 0.8W/kg. Upper body peak power (W) was 162.1 ± 29.6 vs 160.2 ± 13.2W. Upper body relative power (W/kg) was 2.3 ± 0.4W/kg vs 2.2 ± 0.2W/kg. CONCLUSION: There may not be an optimal timing of significantly increased anaerobic performance in regard to menstrual phase in these wrestlers

A menthol-enhanced “cooling” energy gel does not influence laboratory time trial performance in trained runners

l-menthol (menthol) is an organic compound derived from peppermint which imparts a refreshing mint flavor and aroma to oral hygiene products, chewing gum, and topical analgesics. Menthol has been identified as a non-thermal sensory cooling strategy for athletes when ingested or mouth-rinsed during exercise in hot environments. Therefore, sports nutrition products delivering a controlled concentration of menthol could be beneficial for athletes exercising in the heat. We sought to test the performance and perceptual outcomes of a novel menthol energy gel during treadmill running in the heat (33 °C, 49% RH). Fourteen trained runners (mean ± SD; age: 31 ± 6 years, VO2max: 56.5 ± 10.1 mL·kg−1·min−1, BMI: 23.2 ± 2.4 kg/m2; six female) participated in a randomized, crossover, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study. A menthol-enhanced energy gel (0.5% concentration; MEN) or flavor-matched placebo (PLA) was ingested 5 min before and again at 20 and 40 min of a 40 min treadmill exercise preload at 60% VO2max, followed by a 20 min self-paced time trial. The total distance, vertical distance, perceptual measures (thermal comfort, thermal sensation, rating of perceived exertion, and affect), and cognitive performance via computerized neurocognitive assessment were measured. No difference between 20 min self-paced time trial total distance (MEN: 4.22 ± 0.54 km, PLA: 4.22 ± 0.55 km, p = 0.867), vertical distance (MEN: 49.2 ± 24.6 m, PLA: 44.4 ± 11.4 m, p = 0.516), or any perceptual measures was observed (all p > 0.05). Cognitive performance was not different between the trials (all p > 0.05). These results suggest that a menthol energy gel is not superior to a non-menthol gel in terms of performance or perception during treadmill running in the heat. More research is needed to confirm whether these findings translate to ecologically valid settings, including outdoor exercise in ambient heat and during competition

The Effects of Cannabidiol Supplementation on Measures of Performance and Fatigue Following Eccentric Exercise

Following intense exercise, there is a period of time where performance is decreased. This period of reduced performance is characterized by several factors including myofibrillar disruption, reduced range-of-motion, inflammation, and an influx of enzymes and proteins. Cannabidiol (CBD) has been marketed as a recovery supplement capable of reducing markers of fatigue and inflammation following exercise, yet this claim has not been investigated. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if CBD supplementation limits fatigue and expedites a return to performance following intense eccentric exercise. METHODS: A double-blind, crossover design with repeated measures was used. Twenty-four NCAA female athletes (age = 21.2 ± 1.8 yrs., height = 166.4 ± 8 cm, weight = 64.9 ± 9.1 kg) were randomized to either receive 5 mg/kg of CBD in pill form (Cannabidiol Life, Longwood, FL) or a matched weight placebo. Treatments were consumed two hours prior to, immediately following, and ten hours following muscle damage sessions. All participants consumed both treatments, with each separated by approximately 28 days to control for the menstrual cycle. To induce muscle damage, participants completed 10 sets of 10 repetitions of unilateral eccentric leg extension at 60°/sec on an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex Medical Systems Inc., Shirley, NY). Concentrations of a blood marker indicative of muscle damage (myoglobin), in addition to measures of fatigue (visual analogue fatigue scale [VAFS]) and performance (vertical jump, peak dynamic knee extensor torque at 60, 180, and 300°/sec, and peak isometric knee extensor torque), were collected before and 4, 24, and 48 hours following muscle damaging sessions. A repeated measures MANOVA was conducted to analyze the performance measures, and separate repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted to analyze myoglobin concentrations and results from the VAFS with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: A significant increase (p = 0.002) in myoglobin levels was observed for both treatments 4 hours following the muscle damaging session but no significant differences (p \u3e 0.05) were observed between the CBD and placebo groups at any of the 4 measured time points. Peak torque at 60°/sec (p = 0.001) and peak isometric torque (p = 0.02) were significantly lower 24 hours following muscle damage, but none of the 5 measured performance variables were significantly different (p \u3e 0.05 for all) between the CBD and placebo treatment at any time point. Subjective fatigue as measured by the VAFS was not significantly different (p \u3e 0.05) between the CBD and placebo treatments at any measured time point. CONCLUSION: Cannabidiol supplementation was unable to reduce fatigue and restore performance when compared to a placebo in well-trained female participants. It does not appear that CBD supplementation is of beneficial use as a recovery supplement following intense exercise in athletes

TRY plant trait database – enhanced coverage and open access

Plant traits - the morphological, anatomical, physiological, biochemical and phenological characteristics of plants - determine how plants respond to environmental factors, affect other trophic levels, and influence ecosystem properties and their benefits and detriments to people. Plant trait data thus represent the basis for a vast area of research spanning from evolutionary biology, community and functional ecology, to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem and landscape management, restoration, biogeography and earth system modelling. Since its foundation in 2007, the TRY database of plant traits has grown continuously. It now provides unprecedented data coverage under an open access data policy and is the main plant trait database used by the research community worldwide. Increasingly, the TRY database also supports new frontiers of trait‐based plant research, including the identification of data gaps and the subsequent mobilization or measurement of new data. To support this development, in this article we evaluate the extent of the trait data compiled in TRY and analyse emerging patterns of data coverage and representativeness. Best species coverage is achieved for categorical traits - almost complete coverage for ‘plant growth form’. However, most traits relevant for ecology and vegetation modelling are characterized by continuous intraspecific variation and trait–environmental relationships. These traits have to be measured on individual plants in their respective environment. Despite unprecedented data coverage, we observe a humbling lack of completeness and representativeness of these continuous traits in many aspects. We, therefore, conclude that reducing data gaps and biases in the TRY database remains a key challenge and requires a coordinated approach to data mobilization and trait measurements. This can only be achieved in collaboration with other initiatives

Changes in Body Composition and Aerobic Fitness Levels in College Students\u27 First Semester

BACKGROUND: College students have been shown to increase in weight at a higher rate than young adults who do not attend college(Mihalopoulos et al, 2008). The greatest increases have been found to occur in the first semester of freshman year with the majority of increased mass believed to be fat mass(Hootman et al, 2007). Conversely, engagement in physical activity and thus aerobic fitness declines throughout the college years(De Bourdeaudhuij et al, 2002). PURPOSE: This study examined changes in body composition (i.e., fat and lean mass) and cardiorespiratory fitness levels in college students in their first semester of college. METHODS: 28 first-semester students (20F/8M, 18±1yr) underwent dual energy X-ray absorptiometry for body composition measurement and an Astrand-Rhyming bicycle ergometer protocol for VO2max estimation. Questionnaires were administered to examine the role of peer stress, quality of life, and dietary efficacy. All measures were collected at the beginning of the semester and again at the end, with at least 8 weeks between data collection visits. RESULTS: BMI, total mass, fat mass, and lean mass all increased significantly (p\u3c0.05). VO2max declined, but not significantly. Subjective self-reported perceptions of emotional well-being, role limitations due to emotional well-being, and energy significantly declined. Stress significantly correlated with many quality of life factors. CONCLUSION: Body mass significantly increased due to an increase in both fat mass and lean mass. Secondary factors such as stress and diet, did not significantly correlate to any body composition or cardiorespiratory factor measured. Utilizing these data to understand trends in body composition and aerobic fitness changes as well as any interplay from the secondary measures may assist in the creation of future intervention strategies designed to promote healthy lifestyle behavior changes in college students

Defining artificial intelligence as a policy problem: A discourse network analysis from Germany

Abstract Scholars agree that digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) pose a political challenge. In this article, we study empirically how different actors in the German political system define AI as a policy problem. We use an original data set of 6421 statements by representatives of political parties, interest groups, scientific experts, and public officials in parliamentary debates, government consultations, and quality newspapers. Through Discourse Network Analysis and quantitative text analyses we show that most actors define AI as technology (innovation) policy and link it to government operations, international cooperation, and macroeconomics. Although they are present, consumer protection, labor, and education seem to be less important policy issues concerning AI. The results imply that the capacity of the national government to reduce problem definition uncertainty and to steer the political agenda is difficult and that most actors focus on technological innovation rather than civil rights‐related aspects.</p

Comparison of Heat Shock Protein Expression, Cognitive Performance, and Self-Reported Pain Following One Hour of Passive Heating or Walking in Older Adults: A Preliminary Analysis

Heat shock proteins (HSP) are major components of the cellular chaperone network responsible for regulating protein amyloid aggregation, and may have a neuroprotective effect against certain diseases. PURPOSE: This study aims to observe the level of HSP expression following one hour of aerobic exercise or whole-body passive heating in older adults. METHODS: Twenty older adults (age: 68.5 + 4.23 years, BMI: 26.9 + 4.3 kg/m2, 11 female) participated in a randomized controlled trial, repeated for time. Participants completed either one hour of moderate intensity walking on a treadmill (TM; 65-75% of age-predicted maximum heart rate), one hour of seated passive heating (HEAT) in a controlled environmental heat chamber (35-40ºC, \u3c 40% humidity), or one-hour of seated control (CON) in a neutral climate (21-24ºC). Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention (CON: n=6, HEAT: n=7, TM: n=7). HSP expression was measured via blood samples with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit for HSP70 (Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Waltham, MA). Blood samples were collected immediately and 24 hours following each intervention. Cognitive performance was measured after each intervention using computerized software (Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics, ANAM, Vista LifeSciences, Inc.), including tasks such as reaction time, cognitive flexibility, and response inhibition. Pain was assessed via a self-reported pain scale questionnaire (McGill Pain Questionnaire) immediately following each intervention. RESULTS: Detectable amounts of HSP70 were analyzed for 6 participants. There were no statistical differences for HSP70 concentration between groups immediately or 24 hours following each intervention (p \u3e 0.05). Reaction time improved following passive heating compared to control (p=0.027), but did not change from baseline to immediately following each intervention (pre- vs. post- HEAT: 1827.6±194.9 vs 1583.0±397.2 ms; CON: 2331.0±853.1 vs 2077.3±643.1 ms; TM: 1904.4±214.5 vs 1682.3±385.1 ms; p=0.107). Measures of cognitive flexibility were higher for the HEAT group (26.6±6.9) compared to the TM group (23.6±5.0, p=0.215) or CON (19.9±6.6, p=0.11). Response inhibition was greater for HEAT compared to CON (35.2±8.6 vs 25.2±9.9, p=0.004), but TM did not differ between groups (p \u3e 0.05). Pain was perceived greater for TM and HEAT when compared to CON (TM: 28±21, p = 0.003; HEAT: 29±10, p=0.004; CON: 10±12) with no differences pre vs post (p \u3e 0.05). CONCLUSION: One bout of moderate intensity aerobic exercise or whole-body passive heating may not illicit changes in HSP70 expression or impair cognitive performance in older adults. There could be an anticipatory psychological affect resulting in different perceptions of pain for passive heating and exercise

Acute Supplementation with Cannabidiol Does Not Attenuate Inflammation or Improve Measures of Performance following Strenuous Exercise

Supplementation with cannabidiol (CBD) may expedite recovery when consumed after exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine if supplementation with CBD reduces inflammation and enhances performance following strenuous eccentric exercise in collegiate athletes. Twenty-four well-trained females (age = 21.2 &plusmn; 1.8 years, height = 166.4 &plusmn; 8 cm, weight = 64.9 &plusmn; 9.1 kg) completed 100 repetitions of unilateral eccentric leg extension to induce muscle damage. In this crossover design, participants were randomized to receive 5 mg/kg of CBD in pill form or a placebo 2 h prior to, immediately following, and 10 h following muscle damage. Blood was collected, and performance and fatigue were measured prior to, and 4 h, 24 h, and 48 h following the muscle damage. Approximately 28 days separated treatment administration to control for the menstrual cycle. No significant differences were observed between the treatments for inflammation, muscle damage, or subjective fatigue. Peak torque at 60&deg;/s (p = 0.001) and peak isometric torque (p = 0.02) were significantly lower 24 h following muscle damage, but no difference in performance was observed between treatments at any timepoint. Cannabidiol supplementation was unable to reduce fatigue, limit inflammation, or restore performance in well-trained female athletes