Repeated supra-maximal sprint cycling with and without sodium bicarbonate supplementation induces endothelial microparticle release

Under normal homeostatic conditions, the endothelium releases microparticles (MP), which are known to increase under stressful conditions and in disease states. CD105 (endoglin) and CD106 (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) are expressed on the surface of endothelial cells and increased expression in response to stress may be observed. A randomised-controlled double-blinded study aimed to examine the use of endothelial microparticles as a marker for the state of one’s endothelium, as well as whether maintaining acid-base homeostasis affects the release of these MP. This study tested seven healthy male volunteers, who completed a strenuous cycling protocol, with venous blood analysed for CD105+ and CD106+ MP by flow cytometry at regular intervals. Prior to each trial participants consumed either 0.3 g·kg-1 body mass of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), or 0.045 g·kg-1 body mass of sodium chloride (NaCl). A significant rise in endothelial CD105+MP and CD106+MP (p < 0.05) was observed at 90 minutes post exercise. A significant trend was shown for these MP to return to resting levels 180 minutes post exercise in both groups. No significance was found between experimental groups, suggesting that maintaining acid-base variables closer to basal levels has little effect upon the endothelial stress response for this particular exercise mode. In conclusion, strenuous exercise is accompanied by MP release and the endothelium is able to rapidly recover in healthy individuals, whilst maintaining acid-base homeostasis does not attenuate the MP release from the endothelium after exercise

Implications of a pre-exercise alkalosis-mediated attenuation of HSP72 on its response to a subsequent bout of exercise

The aim of this study was to investigate if a pre-exercise alkalosis-mediated attenuation of HSP72 had any effect on the response of the same stress protein after a subsequent exercise. Seven physically active males [25.0 ± 6.5 years, 182.1 ± 6.0 cm, 74.0 ± 8.3 kg, peak aerobic power (PPO) 316 ± 46 W] performed a repeated sprint exercise (EXB1) following a dose of 0.3 g kg⁻¹ body mass of sodium bicarbonate (BICARB), or a placebo of 0.045 g kg⁻¹ body mass of sodium chloride (PLAC). Participants then completed a 90-min intermittent cycling protocol (EXB2). Monocyte expressed HSP72 was significantly attenuated after EXB1 in BICARB compared to PLAC, however, there was no difference in the HSP72 response to the subsequent EXB2 between conditions. Furthermore there was no difference between conditions for measures of oxidative stress (protein carbonyl and HSP32). These findings confirm the sensitivity of the HSP72 response to exercise-induced changes in acid–base status in vivo, but suggest that the attenuated response has little effect upon subsequent stress in the same day

A step in the right direction: Tiered library instruction for ESL Writing classes at Murray State University

This presentation will describe the collaboration between the University Libraries and Writing Instructors for the English as a Second Language (ESL) program at Murray State University. A discussion between the groups about needs of ESL students and their level of language understanding resulted in a tiered approach to library research for ESL students. The 3-tiers prepare students for mainstream classes by introducing them to academic writing at an American university while building on a foundation of understanding of the research process and using academic databases to find reliable information.The presenters for this session represent both groups involved in the collaboration, a librarian and a writing instructor, who will address how the tiers were developed, the learning outcomes for each, and how the scaffolded approach learning has impacted the students’ ability to locate and use academic resources to improve their writing assignments

Implications of a Pre-Exercise Alkalosis Mediated Attenuation of HSP72 on its Response to a Subsequent Bout of Exercise

The aim of this study was to investigate if a pre-exercise alkalosis mediated attenuation of HSP72 had any effect on the response of the same stress protein after a subsequent exercise. Seven physically active males (25.0 ± 6.5 years, 182.1 ± 6.0 cm, 74.0 ± 8.3 kg, peak aerobic power (PPO) 316 ± 46 W) performed a repeated sprint exercise (EXB1) following a dose of 0.3 g kg-1 body mass of sodium bicarbonate (BICARB), or a placebo of 0.045 g kg-1 body mass of sodium chloride (PLAC). Participants then completed a 90-min intermittent cycling protocol (EXB2). Monocyte expressed HSP72 was significantly attenuated after EXB1 in BICARB compared to PLAC, however there was no difference in the HSP72 response to the subsequent EXB2 between conditions. Furthermore there was no difference between conditions for measures of oxidative stress (protein carbonyl and HSP32). These findings confirm the sensitivity of the HSP72 response to exercise induced changes in acid-base status in vivo, but suggest that the attenuated response has little effect upon subsequent stress in the same day

Aspartame in conjunction with carbohydrate reduces insulin levels during endurance exercise

Gold OAAs most sport drinks contain some form of non-nutritive sweetener (e.g. aspartame), and with the variation in blood glucose regulation and insulin secretion reportedly associated with aspartame, a further understanding of the effects on insulin and blood glucose regulation during exercise is warranted. Therefore, the aim of this preliminary study was to profile the insulin and blood glucose responses in healthy individuals after aspartame and carbohydrate ingestion during rest and exercise. Each participant completed four trials under the same conditions (45 min rest + 60 min self-paced intense exercise) differing only in their fluid intake: 1) carbohydrate (2% maltodextrin and 5% sucrose (C)); 2) 0.04% aspartame with 2% maltodextrin and 5% sucrose (CA)); 3) water (W); and 4) aspartame (0.04% aspartame with 2% maltodextrin (A)). Insulin levels dropped significantly for CA versus C alone (43%) between pre-exercise and 30 min, while W and A insulin levels did not differ between these time points. Aspartame with carbohydrate significantly lowered insulin levels during exercise versus carbohydrate alone.Peer Reviewe

Resistance training leads to large improvements in strength and moderate improvements in physical function in adults who are overweight or obese: a systematic review

QuestionsWhat are the effects of resistance training on muscle strength, physical function and muscle power in adults who are overweight or obese? Which factors moderate the effects?DesignSystematic review of randomised controlled trials, with random effects meta-analyses and meta-regressions.ParticipantsAdults who are overweight or obese.InterventionResistance training lasting ≥ 4 weeks.Outcome measuresMuscle strength, muscle power and physical function.ResultsThirty trials with 1,416 participants met the eligibility criteria. Pooled analyses indicated that resistance training has a large beneficial effect on muscle strength (SMD 1.39, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.73, I2 = 85%) and a moderate effect on physical function (SMD 0.67, 95% CI 0.25 to 1.08, I2 = 71%) in adults who are overweight or obese. However, the effect of resistance training on muscle power was unclear (SMD 0.42, 95% CI −3.3 to 4.2, I2 = 46%). The effect of resistance training on strength was greatest for the upper body (versus lower/whole body: β = 0.35, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.66) and in dynamic strength tests (versus isometric/isokinetic: β = 1.20, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.81), although trials judged to have good methodological quality reported statistically smaller effects (versus poor/fair quality: β = −1.21, 95% CI −2.35 to −0.07). Concomitant calorie restriction did not modify strength gains but reduced the effect of resistance training on physical function (β = −0.79, 95% CI −1.41 to −0.17). Small study effects were evident for strength outcomes (β = 5.9, p < 0.001).ConclusionsResistance training has a large positive effect on muscle strength and a moderate effect on physical function in adults who are overweight or obese. However, the effect of resistance training on muscle power is uncertain. In addition, concomitant calorie restriction may compromise the functional adaptations to resistance training

Exercise prehabilitation in elective intra-cavity surgery: A role within the ERAS pathway? A narrative review

The Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) model integrates several elements of perioperative care into a standardised clinical pathway for surgical patients. ERAS programmes aim to reduce the rate of complications, improve surgical recovery, and limit postoperative length of hospital stay (LOHS). One area of growing interest that is not currently included within ERAS protocols is the use of exercise prehabilitation (PREHAB) interventions. PREHAB refers to the systematic process of improving functional capacity of the patient to withstand the upcoming physiological stress of surgery. A number of recent systematic reviews have examined the role of PREHAB prior to elective intra-cavity surgery. However, the results have been conflicting and a definitive conclusion has not been obtained. Furthermore, a summary of the research area focussing exclusively on the therapeutic potential of exercise prior to intra-cavity surgery is yet to be undertaken. Clarification is required to better inform perioperative care and advance the research field. Therefore, this “review of reviews” provides a critical overview of currently available evidence on the effect of exercise PREHAB in patients undergoing i) coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), ii) lung resection surgery, and iii) gastrointestinal and colorectal surgery. We discuss the findings of systematic reviews and meta-analyses and supplement these with recently published clinical trials. This article summarises the research findings and identifies pertinent gaps in the research area that warrant further investigation. Finally, studies are conceptually synthesised to discuss the feasibility of PREHAB in clinical practice and its potential role within the ERAS pathway

Short-Term Training and Detraining Effects of Supervised vs. Unsupervised Resistance Exercise in Aging Adults

Orange, ST, Marshall, P, Madden, LA, and Vince, RV. Short-term training and detraining effects of supervised vs. unsupervised resistance exercise in aging adults. J Strength Cond Res 33(10): 2733-2742, 2019-This study compared the effects of a 4-week supervised (SUP) resistance training program and unsupervised (UNSUP) resistance training program followed by 12 weeks of detraining (DET). Thirty-six healthy aging adults (age: 53.6 ± 3.6 years; body mass index: 28.3 ± 5.1 kg·m) were randomly allocated to an SUP group (n = 17) or a UNSUP group (n = 19). Participants completed 3 training sessions per week using resistance bands and body weight movements. Measures of physical performance were administered at baseline, at the end of the training program, and after the DET period. Function was assessed with the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), timed up-and-go (TUG), 30-second chair sit-to-stand (STS), stair-climb test (SCT), 40-m fast-paced walk test (FPWT) and sit-and-reach test (SRT), whereas the isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) and hand grip test were used to measure muscle strength. After training, improvements in performance were found in the 6MWT, TUG, 30-second chair STS, SCT, FPWT, SRT, and IMTP (p ≤ 0.05), with no significant differences between groups (p > 0.05). In addition, most of the training-induced improvements remained significantly above baseline values after the DET period (p ≤ 0.05). No significant between-group differences were observed after training or DET (p > 0.05). Four weeks of either SUP or UNSUP resistance training is sufficient to substantially improve muscle strength and function in aging adults, and these gains are largely preserved after prescribed exercise cessation. Home-based resistance training seems to be a practical and effective alternative to traditional SUP programs that may help circumvent many barriers to physical activity in aging adults

Effect of home‐based resistance training performed with or without a high‐speed component in adults with severe obesity

1) To evaluate the effects of walking and home‐based resistance training on function, strength, power, anthropometry and quality of life (QoL) in adults with severe obesity, and 2) to assess whether performing resistance exercises with maximal concentric velocity provides additional benefits compared with traditional slow‐speed resistance training.MethodsAdults with a body mass index of ≥40 kg/m2 were randomised to slow‐speed strength training (ST; n = 19) or high‐speed power training (PT; n = 19). Both groups completed a walking intervention and home‐based resistance training (2x/week for 6‐months). The PT group performed resistance exercises with maximal intended concentric velocity, whereas the ST group maintained a slow (2‐s) concentric velocity.ResultsAt 6‐months, weight loss was ~3 kg in both groups. Both groups significantly improved function (gz = 1.04‐1.93), strength (gz = 0.65‐1.77), power (gz = 0.66‐0.85), contraction velocity (gz = 0.65‐1.12) and QoL (gz = 0.62‐1.54). Between‐group differences in shoulder press velocity (‐0.09 m·s‐1, gs = ‐0.95 [‐1.63, ‐0.28]) and six‐minute walk test (‐16.9 m, gs = ‐0.51 [‐1.16, 0.13]) favoured the PT group.ConclusionsHome‐based resistance training and walking leads to significant improvements in functional and psychological measures in adults with severe obesity. In addition, considering the between‐group effect sizes and their uncertainty, performing resistance exercises with maximal concentric speed is a simple adjustment to conventional resistance training that yields negligible negative effects but potentially large benefits on walking capacity and upper‐limb contraction velocity

Investigating strength and range of motion of the hip complex in ice hockey athletes

CONTEXT: Ice hockey athletes frequently injure the hip complex via a non-contact mechanism. We investigated patterns of strength and range of motion (ROM) to establish major differences compared to soccer athletes. Soccer athletes were compared to ice hockey athletes due to similarities between the two sports with regards to the intermittent nature and high number of lower limb injuries. OBJECTIVE: To compare the differences in ROM and strength of the hip for both the dominant (Dom) and non-dominant (Ndom) limb in ice hockey and soccer athletes. DESIGN: Case control study. SETTING: Bilateral ROM in hip flexion in sitting (FS) and lying (FL), extension, abduction, adduction, and internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) was measured using a goniometer and assessed for strength using a hand held dynamometer on both the Dom and Ndom limbs. Participants. Twenty four male, active, uninjured NCAA division III ice hockey (16) and soccer (8) athletes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: ROM and strength for hip FS, FL extension, abduction, adduction, IR and ER. A mixed model ANOVA was used to investigate interactions and main effects. RESULTS: Ice hockey athletes exhibited greater hip adduction ROM compared to soccer athletes in the Dom leg (both p=0.002) and when both limbs were combined (p = 0.010). Ice hockey athletes had less ROM in ER (p = 0.042) than soccer athletes. Ice hockey athletes displayed less strength in adduction in their Ndom leg compared to their Dom leg (p=0.02) along with less adduction than soccer players in their Ndom leg (p=0.40). Ice hockey athletes displayed less strength in hip adduction (p=0.030), FS (p=0.023) and FL (p=0.030) than soccer athletes. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that ice hockey athletes may present an 'at risk' profile for non-contact hip injuries, in comparison with soccer athletes with regards to strength and ROM of the hip