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Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption from 1998–2017: Findings from the health behaviour in school-aged children/school health research network in Wales
Get PDFTo date no study has examined time trends in adolescent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and energy drinks, or modelled change in inequalities over time. The present study aimed to fill this gap by identifying historical trends among secondary school students in Wales, United Kingdom. The present study includes 11–16 year olds who completed the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey and the Welsh School Health Research Network (SHRN) survey between 1998 to 2017. Multinomial regression models were employed alongside tests for interaction effects. A total of 176,094 student responses were assessed. From 1998 to 2017, the prevalence of daily sugar-sweetened beverage consumption decreased (57% to 18%) while weekly consumption has remained constant since 2006 (49% to 52%). From 2013 to 2017, daily consumption of energy drinks remained stable (6%) while weekly consumption reports steadily decreased (23% to 15%). Boys, older children and those from a low socioeconomic group reported higher consumption rates of sugar-sweetened beverages and energy drinks. Consumption according to socioeconomic group was the only characteristic to show a statistically significant change over time, revealing a widening disparity between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption rates of those from low and high socioeconomic groups. Findings indicate a positive shift in overall consumption rates of both sugar-sweetened beverages and energy drinks. Adolescents from a low socioeconomic group however were consistently shown to report unfavourable sugar-sweetened beverages consumption when compared to peers from high socioeconomic group. Given the established longer term impacts of sugar-sweetened beverage and energy drink consumption on adolescent health outcomes, urgent policy action is required to reduce overall consumption rates, with close attention to equity of impact throughout policy design and evaluation plans
A comprehensive biomechanical analysis of the barbell hip thrust
Get PDFBarbell hip thrust exercises have risen in popularity within the biomechanics and strength and conditioning literature over recent years, as a method of developing the hip extensor musculature. Biomechanical analysis of the hip thrust beyond electromyography is yet to be conducted. The aim of this study was therefore to perform the first comprehensive biomechanical analysis the barbell hip thrust. Nineteen resistance trained males performed three repetitions of the barbell hip thrust at 70% one-repetition maximum. Kinematic (250 Hz) and kinetic (1000 Hz) data were used to calculate angle, angular velocity, moment and power data at the ankle, knee, hip and pelvic-trunk joint during the lifting phase. Results highlighted that the hip thrust elicits significantly (p < 0.05) greater bilateral extensor demand at the hip joint in comparison with the knee and pelvic-trunk joints, whilst ankle joint kinetics were found to be negligible. Against contemporary belief, hip extensor moments were not found to be consistent throughout the repetition and instead diminished throughout the lifting phase. The current study provides unique insight to joint kinematics and kinetics of the barbell hip thrust, based on a novel approach, that offers a robust evidence base for practitioners to guide exercise selection
The Effectiveness of a 30-Week Concurrent Strength and Endurance Training Program in Preparation for an Ultra-Endurance Handcycling Challenge: A Case Study
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of the following case study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 30-week concurrent strength and endurance training program designed to prepare a trained H4 male handcyclist (aged 28 y, bilateral, above knee amputee, and body mass 65.6 kg) for a 1407-km ultra-endurance handcycling challenge. Methods: This observational case study tracked selected physiological measures, training intensity distribution, and total training load over the course of a 30-week concurrent training protocol. Furthermore, the athlete’s performance profile during the ultra-endurance challenge was monitored with power output, cadence, speed, and heart rate recorded throughout. Results: Findings revealed considerable improvements in power output at a fixed blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol·L−1 (+25.7%), peak aerobic power output (+18.9%), power-to-mass ratio (+18.3%), relative peak oxygen uptake (+13.9%), gross mechanical efficiency (+4.6%), bench press 1-repetition maximum (+4.3%), and prone bench pull 1-repetition maximum (+14.9%). The athlete completed the 1407-km route in a new handcycling world record time of 89:55 hours. Average speed was 18.7 (2.1) km·h−1; cadence averaged 70.0 (2.6) rpm, while average power output was 67 (12) W. In terms of internal load, the athlete’s average heart rate was 111 (11) beats per minute. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate how a long-term concurrent strength and endurance training program can be used to optimize handcycling performance capabilities in preparation for an ultra-endurance cycling event. Knowledge emerging from this case study provides valuable information that can guide best practices with respect to handcycling training for ultra-endurance events
Evidence Informed Planning for Tourism
Get PDFThe purpose of this paper is to further advance the discussion regarding Local Authorities and approaches to facilitate sustainable planning for tourism. Building on previous research into tourism planning at local level in Ireland, this study employed qualitative semi-structured interviews with every senior planner in Ireland’s 28Local Authorities to identify the degree to which evidence-informed planning for tourism is encouraged. Findings point to a tendency from senior planners to rely on existing legislative procedures to measure tourism activity. Despite the legal responsibilities Local Authorities have to sustainably plan for tourism, together with substantial advancements in the development of procedures for facilitating evidence-informed planning for tourism. The absence of sufficient monitoring of several key tourism impacts at destination level by this study, questions the ability of senior planners in Ireland to plan sustainably for tourism and protect the tourism product going forward
The influence of growth, maturation and resistance training on muscle-tendon and neuromuscular adaptations: A narrative review
Get PDFThe purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the growth, maturation and resistance training-related changes in muscle-tendon and neuromuscular mechanisms in youth, and the subsequent effect on performance. Sprinting, jumping, kicking, and throwing are common movements in sport that have been shown to develop naturally with age, with improvements in performance being attributed to growth and maturity-related changes in neuromuscular mechanisms. These changes include moderate to very large increases in muscle physiological cross-sectional area(CSA), muscle volume and thickness, tendon CSA and stiffness, fascicle length, muscle activation, pre-activation, stretch reflex control accompanied by large reductions in electro-mechanical delay and co-contraction. Furthermore, a limited number of training studies examining neuromuscular changes following four to 20 weeks of resistance training have reported trivial to moderate differences in tendon stiffness, muscle CSA, muscle thickness, and motor unit activation accompanied by reductions in electromechanical delay (EMD) in pre-pubertal children. However, the interaction of maturity-and training-related neuromuscular adaptions remains unclear. An understanding of how different neuromuscular mechanisms adapt in response to growth, maturation and training is important in order to optimise training responsiveness in youth populations. Additionally, the impact that these muscle-tendon and neuromuscular changes have on force producing capabilities underpinning performance is unclear
Comparison of fitness levels between Elementary school children with autism spectrum disorder and age-matched neurotypically developing children
No full textLow physical fitness is associated with reduced physical activity and increased cardiovascular diseases. To date, limited research has compared physical fitness levels between children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Therefore, the primary aim was to investigate if differences in fitness levels exist between children with ASD and age-matched neurotypically developing children (ND). The second aim was to examine if age, sex, height and weight could be used to predict potential fitness levels. The third aim was to examine if the developmental trajectory of fitness is comparable between children with ASD and ND children. The modified Eurofit test battery was used to compare fitness levels between 244 children aged 4-13 years old (n = 152 ND and n = 92 ASD). Independent samples t-tests and regression analyses were used to investigate differences in fitness levels between the two groups. The results indicated that statistically significant differences exist in fitness levels between children with ASD when compared to ND children across all ages, favoring the ND children, with small to large effect sizes noted (p < 0.05, d = 0.36 – 1.13). Regression analysis could not accurately predict fitness measurements in children with ASD but could for ND children. The developmental trajectories were significantly delayed on the 20 m sprint and standing broad jump for children with ASD when compared to ND children. Future studies should seek to address the disparities in physical fitness experienced by children with ASD by using relevant neuromuscular interventions
Enhanced transcriptomic resilience following increased alternative splicing and differential isoform production between air pollution conurbations
Get PDFAdversehealth outcomes caused by ambient particulate matter (PM) pollution occur in a 16progressive process, with neutrophils eliciting inflammation or pathogenesis. We investigated the 17toxico-transcriptomic mechanisms of PM in real-life settings by comparing healthy residents living 18in Beijing and Chengde, the opposing ends of a well-recognised air pollution (AP) corridor in China. 19Beijing recruits (BRs) uniquelyexpressed ~12,000 alternativesplicing (AS)-derived transcripts, 20largely elevating the proportion of transcripts significantly correlated with PM concentration. BRs 21expressed PM-associated isoforms (PMAIs) of PFKFB3and LDHA,encoding enzymes responsible 22for stimulatingand maintaining glycolysis. PMAIsof PFKFB3featured different COOH-terminals, 23targeting PFKFB3 to different sub-cellular functional compartments and stimulating glycolysis. 24PMAIs of LDHAhavelonger 3’UTRs relative to those expressed in Chengderecruits (CRs),allowing 25glycolysis maintenance by enhancing LDHAmRNA stability and translational efficiency. PMAIs 26weredirectly regulated by different HIF-1Aand HIF-1Bisoforms. BRs expressed more non-func-27tional Fasisoforms and a resultant reduction of intact Fasproportion is expectedto inhibit the trans-28mission of apoptotic signals and prolong neutrophil lifespan. BRs expressed both membrane-bound 29and soluble IL-6Risoforms insteadof only one in CRs. The presence of both IL-6Risoforms sug-30gested a higher migration capacity of neutrophils in BRs. PMAIs of HIF-1Aand PFKFB3were down-31regulated inChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients compared with BRs, implying HIF-1 32mediated defective glycolysis may mediate neutrophil dysfunction. PMAIs could explain large var-33iances of different phenotypes, highlighting their potential application as biomarkers and therapeu-34tic targets in PM-induced diseases, which remain poorly elucidated
Enhancing the Visitor Experience in the time of COVID 19: The use of AI Robotics in Pembrokeshire Coastal Pathway
Get PDFAI and Robots represent a major innovation opportunity for the tourism sector, and their potential impact and application offer several new opportunities to enhance and develop the visitor experience. Nevertheless, there has been limited academic research on the use of robots, together with a limited number of destinations embracing this technology. Focusing on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, this research paper outlines how a multi methodological approach could be utilised to examine the use of AI and robotics in helping to enhance the visitor experience during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers anticipate that outcomes from such a study could not only provide theoretical contributions in the area of addressing concerns about accessibility in tourism and leisure settings, but also serve to inform both academia and the wider tourism industry to the benefits such technology can have towards enhancing the visitor experience within social distancing parameters
Cerebral Vasoreactivity in HeartMate 3 Patients
No full textBACKGROUND: While rates of stroke have declined with the HeartMate3 (HM3) continuous
flow (CF) left ventricular assist device (LVAD), the impact of non-pulsatile flow and artificial
pulse physiology on cerebrovascular function is not known. We hypothesized that improved
hemodynamics and artificial pulse physiology of HM3 patients would augment
cerebrovascular metabolic reactivity (CVR) compared with HeartMate II (HMII) CF-LVAD
and heart failure (HF) patients.
METHODS: Mean, peak systolic and diastolic flow velocities (MFV, PSV, MinFV,
respectively) and cerebral pulsatility index (CPI) were determined in the middle cerebral artery
(MCA) before and after a 30s breath-hold challenge in 90 participants : 24 healthy controls; 30
HF, 15 HMII, and 21 HM3 patients.
RESULTS: In HM3 patients, breath-holding increased MFV (Δ8±10 cm/s, P<0.0001 vs.
baseline) to levels similar to HF patients (Δ9±8 cm/s, P>0.05), higher than HMII patients
(Δ2±8 cm/s, P<0.01) but lower than healthy controls (Δ13±7 cm/s, P<0.05). CF-LVAD altered
the proportion of systolic and diastolic flow responses as reflected by a differential CPI
(P=0.03). Baseline MFV was not related to CVR (r2=0.0008, P=0.81). However, CF-LVAD
pump speed was strongly inversely associated with CVR in HM II (r2=0.51, P=0.003) but not
HM3 patients (r2=0.01, P=0.65).
CONCLUSIONS: Compared with HMII, HM3 patients have a significantly improved CVR.
However, CVR remains lower in HM3 and HF patients than in healthy controls, therefore
suggesting that changes in cerebral hemodynamics are not reversed by CF-LVAD therapy.
Further research on the mechanisms and the long-term impact of altered cerebral
hemodynamics in this unique patient population are warranted
Regulation of cerebral blood flow by arterial PCO2 independent of metabolic acidosis at 5,050 m
No full textAlterations in acid-base balance with progressive acclimatization to high-altitude have been well-established; however, how respiratory alkalosis and resultant metabolic compensation interact to regulate cerebral blood flow (CBF) is uncertain. We addressed this via three separate experimental trials at sea level and following partial acclimatization (14 to 20 days) at 5,050 m; involving: 1) resting acid-base balance (control); 2) following metabolic acidosis via two days of oral acetazolamide at 250 mg every 8 hours (ACZ; pH: Δ -0.07±0.04 and base excess: Δ -5.7±1.9 mEq⋅l–1, trial effects: P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively); and 3) after acute normalization of arterial acidosis via intravenous sodium bicarbonate (ACZ+HCO3–; pH: Δ -0.01±0.04 and base excess: Δ -1.5±2.1 mEq⋅l–1, trial effects: P = 1.000 and P = 0.052, respectively). Within each trial, we utilized transcranial Doppler ultrasound to assess the cerebral blood velocity (CBV) response to stepwise alterations in arterial PCO2 (PaCO2); i.e., cerebrovascular CO2 reactivity. Resting CBF (via Duplex ultrasound) was unaltered between trials within each altitude, indicating that respiratory compensation (i.e., Δ -3.4±2.3 mmHg PaCO2, trial effect: P<0.001) was sufficient to offset any elevations in CBF induced via the ACZ-mediated metabolic acidosis. Between trials at high-altitude, we observed consistent leftward shifts in both the PaCO2-pH and CBV-pH responses across the CO2 reactivity tests with experimentally reduced arterial pH via ACZ. When indexed against PaCO2 – rather than pH – the absolute CBV and sensitivity of CBV-PaCO2 was unchanged between trials at high-altitude. Taken together, following acclimatization, CO2-mediated changes in cerebrovascular tone rather than arterial [H+]/pH is integral to CBF regulation at high-altitude