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BUILD YOUR BONES! A INTERPROFESSIONAL OSTEOPEROSIS PROGRAM
No full textOsteoporosis affects over 54 million Americans, with the majority being women (CDC, 2024). Research indicates that exercise and nutrition are essential for preventing this disease, yet these interventions remain underutilized in promoting the health, well-being, and quality of life for individuals at risk. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a community-based, interprofessional osteoporosis prevention pilot program led by students from nutrition, health promotion, nursing, and medical laboratory sciences. METHODS: Female participants from the community (n=37; 69.8 ± 7.2 years) engaged in an 8-week health promotion intervention focused on building skills and knowledge in nutrition and physical activity associated with bone health. A mixed-methods approach, utilizing the Transtheoretical Model of Behavioral Change, was employed to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. Evaluation of the program included a pre- post lifestyle questionnaire, physical activity assessments (Timed Up and Go, Sit to Stand, Back Scratch), Bone Mineral Density (BMD) measurements via DEXA scans, and a three-day dietary recall. In addition, focus groups with both participants and students were conducted to capture the lived experiences of the intervention. RESULTS: Paired sample t-tests revealed no significant changes in two of the three physical activity measures (TUG and Back Scratch). However, the Sit-to-Stand test demonstrated a significant decrease from 19.6 ± 4.8 to 17.4 ± 4.5 (p \u3c.001). This unexpected outcome could be linked to improved protocol communication by the students in the post test. Thematic analysis of participant and student focus group data identified three central themes: (1) powerful intergenerational and interprofessional collaboration, (2) enhanced health awareness and intentionality, and (3) advocacy for community-based health promotion programs. CONCLUSION: This mixed-methods evaluation underscores the synergistic benefits of community-based interprofessional programs, which not only promote health among participants but also provide valuable, hands-on learning experiences for students from different disciplines. This program was funded by a UCCS Faculty Assembly Women’s Committee mini gran
COMPARED TO DXA, BIA UNDERESTIMATES BODY FAT IN MALE AND FEMALE COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL PLAYERS
No full textBody composition can be assessed by various methods, including dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). While DXA is considered the current criterion method, due to its accuracy and reliability, each method has different margins of error, and sources of error may differ across athletes by gender. Thus, it is important to understand differences in methods for male and female athletes. PURPOSE: To compare body fat percentage (%BF) estimates between DXA and BIA for male and female division I collegiate basketball players. METHODS: The sample (n=303) of NCAA division I college basketball players included males (n=219) and females (n=84) who underwent body composition testing using BIA and DXA. Data were analyzed by paired-samples t-tests to assess differences in %BF estimates between DXA and BIA for the combined sample, as well as differences between DXA and BIA for males and females, respectively. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between DXA and BIA for the combined sample, with significantly lower %BF measured by BIA vs. DXA (BIA = 15.11 ± 0.37%; DXA = 20.11 ± 0.43%;
THE EFFECT OF ELECTRICALLY INDUCED KNEE JOINT PAIN LOCATION ON PERFORMANCE OF A SUBMAXIMAL TIME-TO-TASK FAILURE EXERCISE
No full textThe application of pain to skeletal muscle during exercise has been shown to induce central fatigue and reduce exercise performance. Joint pain, like that experienced in those with osteoarthritis, could also lead to central fatigue and reduce exercise performance remains unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if electrically induced knee joint pain applied to either the exercising knee (ipsilateral pain; IP) or the contralateral knee (contralateral pain; CP) altered time-to-task failure (TTF) during knee extension exercise. METHODS: Twenty-two participants (Females = 9, Males = 12, N/A = 1) completed five visits (2 familiarization and 3 experimental) separated by 48 hours. At the beginning of each of the visits, the electrical stimulus eliciting a knee pain rating of 4/10 was determined. The location of the pain (IP, CP, or control of no pain) was randomized among the visits. An intermittent, submaximal time-to-task failure protocol was performed with a target force of 15% over critical torque at a 6sec:4sec work to rest cycle until force output does not meet target force consecutively for 3 contractions. MVC after 60 seconds of exercise, the last assessed MVC, and the MVC performed immediately after task failure was reached was reported during TTF protocol. RESULTS: Mixed model ANOVA found no significant interactions in TTF between condition (CP, IP, or control) and sex (p = 0.43). One-way repeated measures ANOVA showed no effect of knee pain overall (p = 0.21) on TTF. A 3-way interaction between condition, time (determined by MVC), and sex showed not significant interaction (p = 0.24). No significant 2-way interaction between condition and sex (p = 0.20), time and sex (p = 0.18), or condition and time (p = 0.52). There was no main effect for condition (p = 0.46) or sex (p = 0.22). A main effect for time (p \u3c 0.001) was seen for TTF. MVC 60-seconds into exercise was not statistically different from the starting force (p = 0.63). The last measured MVC during fatiguing exercise showed an 19% decrease in force compared to pre (p \u3c 0.001) and the immediately post exercise MVC showed a 23% decrease (p \u3c 0.001) compared to pre. CONCLUSIONS: Location of knee pain stimulus did not impact time-to-task failure. There was no difference between the location of knee pain stimulus and reduced exercise performance on TTF protocol
Erratum for Recovery Effects of Foam Rolling on Psychophysiological Responses in Thai National Male Ice Hockey Players
Full text linkAn erratum is being issued to an article published in 2023 in the International Journal of Exercise Science. The article is entitled “Recovery Effects of Foam Rolling on Psychophysiological Responses in Thai National Male Ice Hockey Players,”: 16(7): 1191-1204, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.70252/DJVQ6733
The initial publication listed the dates of the study as between May 2020 and August 2021.
The dates of the study were between May 2021 and August 2021
Equipping Exercise Science Students with Motivational Interviewing Skills for Real-World Client Interactions
Full text linkMotivational Interviewing (MI) is a widely recognized communication technique originally developed to treat addictive behaviors. Its application has expanded to various health domains, including exercise science, where it is used to enhance client motivation and adherence to health behaviors. However, despite its proven efficacy, exercise science students often struggle to see the relevance of MI to their future careers, particularly outside of roles focused on health coaching. This teaching and learning resource aims to bridge the gap between MI theory and its practical application for exercise science students. This resource aims to equip students with the communication tools necessary for effective client interactions in their chosen careers by highlighting specific MI components directly applicable to various allied health professions. The method of instruction includes: 1. discussion questions exploring how breaking down MI into its components can identify the specific communication skills allied health practitioners can use in their practices, 2. role-play scenarios to practice these skills using exercise-based behaviors, 3. Reflection discussion on students’ communication skills, strengths, weaknesses, and ways to articulate their communication style in an interview setting. This resource effectively enhances the teaching of MI to exercise science students by focusing on its practical application in various health-related careers. By connecting MI components to real-world scenarios, students are better prepared to employ these communication strategies, ultimately becoming more effective practitioners in their respective fields
The Effect of Menstrual Cycle Phase on IGF-1 and Myostatin after an Acute Bout of Anaerobic Exercise: A Preliminary Analysis
Full text linkHormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle influence various physiological processes, including skeletal muscle metabolism. Understanding how anabolic and catabolic pathways respond to anaerobic exercise in females is crucial for uncovering the mechanisms behind muscle adaptations. The limited research on the influence of menstrual cycle fluctuations on muscle metabolism underscores the need for this study and further exploration of exercise physiology in females. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of menstrual cycle phases on the anabolic hormone-insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and the catabolic regulator myostatin (GDF-8) in response to a bout of anaerobic exercise in eumenorrheic women. It was hypothesized that IGF-1 levels will increase and myostatin levels will decrease following anaerobic exercise, with variations in these responses influenced by different phases of the menstrual cycle. METHODS: This study utilized a repeated measure ANOVA within-subjects design involving eumenorrheic women (n=4) age 21.5±3.3 years, height of 157.9±7.6 cm, weight 70.7±28.7 kg, BMI 24.1±2.9 kg/m², and body fat percentage of 34.6±7.1%. The participants tracked their menstrual cycles for two months prior to the exercise sessions to confirm cycle phases using calendar counting and ovulation test strips. Participants completed a Wingate test during three menstrual cycle phases including early follicular (EF), late follicular (LF), and mid-luteal (ML) with pre- and post-exercise blood samples collected to measure serum IGF-1 and myostatin levels. Each session included a 30-sec Wingate test (7.5% resistance), with blood samples taken pre-exercise, 10 min post-exercise, and 60 min post-exercise to assess hormonal responses. RESULTS: In IGF-1 serum concentrations, no significant effect was found during the EF phase (p \u3e .05, η2=.355), LF phase (p \u3e .05, η2=.028), or ML phase (p \u3e .05, η2=.022). There were also no significant effects found in pretest (p \u3e .05, η2= .204), 10 min posttest (p \u3e .05, η2= .259), or 60 min posttest (p \u3e .05, η2= .274). Myostatin serum concentrations had no significant effects during the EF phase (p \u3e .05, η2= .424), LF phase (p \u3e .05, η2= .610), or ML phase (p \u3e .05, η2= .052). No significant effect was found for the myostatin pretest (p \u3e .05, η2= .108), 10 min posttest (p \u3e .05, η2= .115), or 60 min posttest (p \u3e .05, η2= .288). CONCLUSION: Although further investigation with a larger sample size is warranted, results of this study indicate that there are no changes in IGF-1 and myostatin serum concentrations between menstrual cycle phases or time points post-Wingate test
No Impact of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Classification on The Stress Response to Firefighting
Full text linkFirefighters (FF) experience elevations in stress biomarkers during live-fire suppression, which is posited to exacerbate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. It is unclear if the physiological stress response differs between low-risk (LOW) and moderate-risk (MOD) FF classified by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) standards. PURPOSE: This study assessed the differences in stress response to a live fire-training evolution (LFTE) between LOW and MOD CVD risk classification groups. METHODS: Forty-four (n=44) FF completed an annual clinical health assessment, wherein they were risk-stratified in LOW or MOD classifications based on the ACSM criteria. Saliva samples were collected baseline (BL), immediately post (POST), and 30-min post the LFTE and analyzed for α-amylase (AA), secretory immunoglobulin-A (SIgA), and cortisol (CORT). Data were analyzed via a general linear model (GLM) multivariate and univariate analysis. RESULTS: GLM analysis revealed an overall time effect (p\u3c0.001, ηₚ²=0.216) with no group x time effect (p=0.796, ηₚ²=0.019) for the salivary stress biomarkers. The univariate analysis revealed no group x time effects were found for AA (p=0.481, ηₚ²=0.011), SIgA (p=0.817, ηₚ²=0.003), and CORT (p=0.511, ηₚ²=0.016; however, there were time effects for AA (p\u3c0.001, ηₚ²=0.244), SIgA (p\u3c0.001, ηₚ²=0.261), and CORT (p=0.003, ηₚ²=0.133). Immediately post-LFTE concentrations were significantly higher for AA (p\u3c0.001), SIgA (p\u3c0.001), and CORT (p=0.004) than at baseline. There was a significant group effect for AA (p=0.049, ηₚ²=0.089), with the MOD group having lower overall AA values than the LOW group, whereas there were none for CORT (p=0.427, ηₚ²=0.015) or SIgA (p=0.204, ηₚ²=0.038). CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate that the ACSM risk-stratified classifications for low and moderate CVD risk do not impact firefighting stress response. While a healthier FF is more likely to handle the demanding occupational task requirements better than their unfit counterparts, future work should elucidate the impact of stress on CVD risk and occupational performance
A Telehealth-Based, Top-Down Approach to Enhancing Mental Toughness Among Athletics Department Staff
Full text linkMental toughness (MT) is a critical factor associated with performance indicators, such as athletic success and mental well-being, encompassing a mindset that is purposeful, efficient, and flexible in responding to challenges. Despite this, there is a lack of research on MT among athletics department staff, a group integral to supporting athlete performance and driving organizational success. From an organizational psychology perspective, a top-down approach (focusing on the MT of leadership and support staff) has the potential to cascade benefits throughout the organization; yet, it remains underutilized in this context, where efforts typically prioritize athletes. Moreover, the distinct nature of student-facing roles (e.g., Coach, Athletic Trainer) may influence MT levels differently compared to non-student-facing roles (e.g., Compliance, Facilities), underscoring the importance of tailored interventions. Telehealth and remote interventions have gained significant popularity for their accessibility and scalability. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of a video-based mental performance intervention on MT among student-facing and non-student-facing athletics department staff, considering potential differences between these roles. METHODS: As part of a larger MT/mental health project, athletics staff at a large southeastern public university completed the Mental Toughness Index (MTI; 8 items) at baseline, immediately after intervention, and 4 weeks post-intervention to assess retention. Thirty-eight participants completed all three assessments, evenly divided between student-facing and non-student-facing roles. Twelve participants with low MTI scores (1–4 out of 7) received tailored video-based interventions targeting specific MT key variables (e.g., buoyancy, optimistic style). RESULTS: Participants generally self-reported high MT levels at baseline. Those not assigned to the intervention scored higher on the MTI (M = 49.4, SD = 3.5) compared to those assigned to the intervention (M = 43.5, SD = 4.5). Student-facing staff reported lower MT scores at baseline relative to non-student-facing staff. Post-intervention, MT scores increased by a full standard deviation for student-facing staff who received the intervention, while scores remained stable for those who did not. At the 4-week retention interval, MT improvements persisted. For non-student-facing staff, MT scores showed no significant differences between those who did and did not receive the intervention. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to highlight the effectiveness of tailored video-based interventions in enhancing MT, particularly among student-facing athletics staff, who face unique challenges due to the interpersonal demands of their roles. By addressing MT at the leadership and support levels, this research underscores the potential of a top-down approach to create organizational-wide benefits. The sustained improvements observed in MT among student-facing staff suggest that targeted, scalable telehealth interventions may serve as a practical and impactful strategy to support performance and well-being within athletics administration
Sex Differences in Nutrient Gaps in Active Adults
Full text linkIn the United States, the estimated average requirement (EAR) for a nutrient indicates the average daily intake level estimated to meet the requirement of 50% of healthy individuals. As defined by the United States Department of Agriculture, a “nutrient gap” is evaluated by comparing dietary intakes with EAR values of specific nutrients. Nutrient intake \u3c100% of the EAR indicates a nutrient gap. While nutrient gaps have been characterized in the general population, these gaps are less clearly established in active adults. PURPOSE: To evaluate the presence of nutrient gaps within an active, healthy population and to determine if there are sex differences in nutrient gaps. METHODS: The dietary intakes of healthy, active males (n=380 records) and females (n=301 records) were collected using the National Institutes of Health’s Automated Self-Administered Dietary Assessment Tool (ASA24Ò). The percentage of individual nutrient gap scores \u3c100% (i.e., intakes below the EAR) was calculated for 17 micronutrients. A Wilcoxon rank-sum test (i.e., Mann-Whitney U test) was performed to determine if differences in nutrient gaps were present between sexes. RESULTS: For 16 of 17 micronutrients, there were statistically significant differences between sexes, indicating lower intakes relative to the EAR in females compared to males (p\u3c0.001 for each nutrient). In females and males, respectively, the percentage of individual dietary records indicating intakes below the EAR was 59.8% and 27.6% for calcium, 38.9% and 0.8% for iron, 95.3% and 80.0% for vitamin D, 61.5% and 23.9% for folate, 84.7% and 60.5% for vitamin E, 58.1% and 42.6% for vitamin A, and 61.5% and 43.9% for magnesium. CONCLUSION: These data provide evidence of frequent underconsumption of micronutrients in healthy active adults, with lower intakes in females than males. Due to the importance of some of these nutrients for women’s health – such as iron, calcium, and vitamin D for supporting menstrual function and bone health – the prevalence of low intakes is noteworthy. The present findings confirm the concern of inadequate micronutrient intake in active adults and provide support for the implementation of strategies to better educate active populations regarding appropriate consumption of micronutrients
HSP70 Expression, Cognition, and Pain Following a Single Bout of Aerobic Exercise or Passive Heating in Older Adults
Full text linkHeat shock proteins (HSP) are cellular chaperones that regulate protein metabolism. Aging elicits reductions in HSP expression; however, elevated levels of HSP70 may be neuroprotective against the deleterious effects of aging. PURPOSE: To observe the concentration of HSP70 expression, cognitive performance, and self-perceived pain following one hour of aerobic exercise or whole-body passive heating in older adults. METHODS: Twenty-four older adults (68.1±4.6 yrs, 27.1±4.0 kg/m2, 12 female) randomly completed either one hour of moderate-intensity walking on a treadmill (TM), one hour of seated passive heating (HEAT) in a controlled environmental heat chamber (34 to 40ºC, 30% humidity), or one-hour of seated control (CON) in a thermoneutral environment (21 to 23ºC). Protein expression was measured via blood samples with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit for concentrations of HSP70. Blood samples were collected before, immediately after, and 24 hours following each intervention. Cognitive performance, including reaction time, cognitive flexibility, and response inhibition, was assessed using computerized software (Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics, Vista LifeSciences Inc., Parker, CO). Pain was assessed via a self-reported pain scale questionnaire (McGill Pain Questionnaire). Both cognitive performance and pain were assessed before and immediately after each intervention. Multiple analysis-of-variance (ANOVAs) repeated for time were conducted with a Tukey post-hoc test employed to reveal any differences between groups and time. A significance level of 0.05 was used. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences for HSP70 concentration between groups or time (p\u3e0.05). Pain was perceived higher in HEAT and TM compared to control (29.1±9.1 and 24.9±20.8, respectively vs. 9.2±9.8; p=0.0258). Reaction time improved following each intervention (ηp2=0.234, p=0.019). Post hoc analyses revealed a significant difference between pre- and post-intervention within CON (2861.9±1051.4 vs. 2620.3±858.2 msec, respectively; p=0.0397) and TM (2209.1±337.2 vs. 1965.6±280.2 msec, respectively; p=0.0279), but not following HEAT (2432.5±443.2 vs. 2305.9±512.1 msec, respectively; p=0.2319). Cognitive flexibility improved following each intervention across conditions (ηp2=0.218, p=0.026), but no differences were observed between conditions (p\u3e0.05). Response inhibition also improved following each intervention across conditions (ηp2=0.214, p=0.025). Post hoc analyses revealed a significant difference between pre- and post-intervention only within TM (31.1±6.5 vs 34.0±6.9, respectively; p=0.0471). 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. Future studies are encouraged to correlate core body temperature with changes in HSP expression