Salivary Alpha-Amylase as an Indicator of Body Stress Following an Acute Session of Repetitive Jumping

Determining body stress levels is important when developing training programs for athletes and rehab facilities. Stress levels during exercise are commonly measured using heart rate, oxygen consumption (VO2), and blood biomarkers. These collection measures involve training on the part of the data collector and the participant, are invasive, and themselves elicit some stress. The purpose of this study is to test whether a 10-min repetitive jumping session will cause a significant increase in salivary alpha-amylase, a potential stress biomarker. This study also looks to determine if a 20-min recovery is enough time for amylase levels to return to baseline. Amylase levels could prove to be a beneficial addition to stress testing as a biomarker of autonomic nervous system activity, or perhaps could be used instead of heart rate and VO2, thus limiting the need for bulky and costly equipment. Amylase levels could also potentially be used as an assessment of fitness level, and an individual\u27s reaction to training. Salivary amylase may also prove to be a useful biomarker for individuals on medications such as beta-blockers, which affect heart rate during exercise. Participants included 10 men and women, aged 18-32, without heart, respiratory, or musculoskeletal limitations to exercise. Participants completed a treadmill maximal effort test (GXT), and a jumping session (JP) where saliva was collected, pre, post and 20-min post the jumping session. Data were evaluated using a one-way repeated measures ANOVA. Analysis revealed a significant increase in salivary amylase levels over resting levels (p0.05). Based on analysis, salivary amylase levels could be used in addition to other stress markers, but further research is needed to consider whether amylase levels could be used in place of heart rate or VO2 measurements. Further research should also focus on gathering additional amylase during exercise to evaluate a possible dose response of amylase levels

Physically Interactive Games Increase VO2 Above Resting Metabolic Rate

The purpose of this study was to determine the energy cost, beyond resting metabolic rate (RMR), of playing select games on the Nintendo Wii for 30 contiguous minutes. Physically interactive games (i.e. Basic Run and Basic Step) increase energy expenditure above resting values compared to a sedentary game (Tanks!) and therefore may help individual’s become more active. Furthermore, Basic Run and Basic Step elicited MET values of 3.9 and 3.2, respectively, which is considered moderate-intensity exercise and could be used to meet daily recommendations for physical activity

Interactive Video Gaming: Do We Feel Like We Are Exercising?

The primary purpose of this study was to determine if the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and hedonics (liking or enjoyment) changed during 30 contiguous minutes of playing select, interactive video games on the Nintendo Wii system. A secondary purpose was to determine if RPE and liking differed among games.These data suggest that individuals do perceive difference in the amount of work they are performing during extended play of the same game or among sedentary and physically interactive games. Additionally, liking was similar during extended game play and among games suggesting that the physical interaction with the game may be superseded by interest in the game. Promoting the use of physically interactive gaming may be useful in helping individuals meet their daily recommendations for physical activity owing to their enjoyment which minimizes the perception of being physically demanding

Interactive Video Gaming Maintains VO2 & HR at Current Recommended Exercise Intensities for Cardiovascular Fitness

The purpose of this study was to determine the energy cost of playing select games on the Nintendo Wii for 30 contiguous minutes and whether or not the physical interaction of the participant with the gaming system and subsequent physiologic intensity diminishes with playing time