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A spatial and temporal analysis of stonefly (Insecta: Plecoptera) biodiversity of Pennsylvania
Get PDFInsects are in decline globally in abundance and diversity across aquatic and terrestrial orders. Stoneflies (order Plecoptera), the most environmentally sensitive order of aquatic insects, have experienced declines in regions of North America, Europe, and Australia. Focused documentation efforts are important for better understanding biodiversity patterns both spatially and temporally to shape appropriate conservation efforts. State-level stonefly richness and diversity patterns have been studied in detail for only five U.S. states (Arkansas, Indiana, Maryland, New York, and Ohio). The Pennsylvania fauna has not yet been holistically studied, but there have been several published treatments at subregional scales and there are several holdings available for study within institutional collections. This study assessed stonefly diversity patterns across U.S. EPA Level III Ecoregions and HUC-6 watersheds to assess richness patterns for a state-level analysis of the Pennsylvania fauna. Investigations into institutional collections, personal collections, and peer-reviewed literature resulted in the accumulation of 4,957 records from 1,053 unique site locations. In total, 150 species were documented in Pennsylvania, with a final Chao2 estimate predicting 152.7. Five species have not been recorded since 1975 and are now considered historic. The highest species richness was observed within natural that reside within the greater extent of the Appalachian Mountains. Species richness among HUC-8 watersheds was shown to be most associated with variables of sampling effort, number of sites, canopy cover, drainage area, and mean temperature of the wettest quarter from the best negative binomial GLM subjected to an AICc analysis. Investigations into the 21 Species of Greatest Conservation Need revealed that 12 species should be prioritized in conservation efforts due to regional responsibility. This research provides a current evaluation of the Pennsylvania stonefly fauna and outlines directions for future investigations
THE EFFECTS OF THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE ON LACTATE THRESHOLD AND PSYCHOLOGICAL MARKERS IN FEMALES
No full textINTRODUCTION: Estrogen and progesterone are key hormones regulating the menstrual cycle (MC) and are known to influence metabolism and psychological parameters during exercise in females. PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine menstrual cycle effects on lactate threshold (LT) and psychological markers in females. METHODS: 8 females and 8 males participated in the study. LT tests were performed on a cycle ergometer during three MC phases: early follicular (EF; menses, days 1-3), ovulatory (O, within 24-hours of a positive ovulation test), and mid-luteal (ML, 7-10 days following O). Ovulation was determined through urinary levels of LH with an over-the-counter ovulation test. For the control group (males), tests were randomly assigned at intervals matching a typical 28-day cycle. Blood lactate samples were taken during the final minute of each 3-minute stage of the LT test, and end-test ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded. The first stage was set at 1W/kg of body weight, and resistance was increased by 0.5W/kg thereafter. LT was determined using fixed blood lactate concentrations of 2.0 mmol/L and 4.0 mmol/L. Participants rated their mood using a modified Profile of Mood States questionnaire (POMS) and pain using a visual analog scale (VAS) at the beginning of each session. RESULTS: Power at LT did not significantly differ between groups or across MC phases (p \u3e 0.05). End-test power was significantly higher for males than females (p = 0.024, EF: 232.13 ± 82.97W vs 158.50 ± 31.22W, O: 227.63 ± 89.19W vs 149.13 ± 12.93W, ML: 233.25 ± 84.44W vs 149.06 ± 24.51W). End-test RPE was not significantly different between groups or across phases, but a large effect size was observed during EF in females (p\u3e 0.05, ηp2 = 0.188, EF: 8.50 ± 1.69 vs 9.00 ± 1.20). Notably, female fatigue levels were significantly higher (p=0.025) than those of males across all phases (EF: 3.38 ± 4.10 vs 1.25 ± 1.04, O: 3.13 ± 2.42 vs 1.00 ± 1.07, ML: 4.25 ± 4.10 vs 1.13 ± 0.64). Pain was significantly higher (p=0.031) in females during EF compared to males and other MC phases (EF: 15.79 ± 17.40 vs 0.92 ± 2.21, O: 1.59 ± 2.11 vs 0.26 ± 0.74, ML: 2.80 ± 4.52 vs 0.28 ± 0.51). CONCLUSIONS: The MC does not significantly affect power at LT in, naturally menstruating females. Additionally, increased pain a
COMPARING 4-WEEK SHOULDER INTERVENTION USING OSSCILLATING BARS AND RESISTANCE BANDS IN COLLEGIATE SWIMMERS
No full textPurpose: Common injuries that happen in competitive swimmers are overuse of the rotator cuff. Resistance training with a focus on rehabilitation exercises is one way to increase the strength and mobility in the shoulder to help reduce injuries. There have been previous studies done to see if resistance bands or oscillating bars, types of resistance training, work better in strengthening the rotator cuff but were not proven on the effectiveness of increasing the force applied to the shoulder. This study is to determine if resistance bands, or oscillating bars are more beneficial in increasing the force applied on the shoulder in collegiate swimmers. Methods: A total sample of 20 male and female Division II collegiate swimmers were required to attend three training sessions a week for a total of four weeks. A pretest and posttest were conducted using the Kinvent Push Muscle Controller, where participants did sitting external rotation at 90º to measure external force on the shoulder. In the training sessions, the athletes did external rotation movements with their randomly assigned group using either a resistance band or an oscillating bar. Each week the intensity level increased by the resistance of the band or amplitude of the bar. After the tests were conducted, the data was recorded, and a series of paired t-tests were run to see if there was an increase in force within the training mode and which method of resistance training was more effective. Results: There was no significance in which of the resistance training modes worked best for increasing the force applied in the shoulder (
UPPER EXTREMITY MUSCULAR PERFORMANCE AND PERCEIVED PERFORMANCE READINESS IN COLLEGIATE ATHLETES ACROSS THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
No full textPURPOSE: Female sex hormone (estrogen and progesterone) concentrations fluctuate throughout phases of the menstrual cycle, which may impact muscular strength and endurance. We assessed muscular strength, endurance, and perceived fatigue, motivation, strength, and energy at different phases of the menstrual cycle. METHODS: Collegiate softball players participated in this study (n = 11; 19 ± 1 yr). During the initial visit, participants’ height, weight, body composition (InBody 770), resting metabolic rate (Parvo TrueOne 2400), and cycle history were determined (FLO app). Participants returned during their projected early-follicular (EF), ovulatory (OV), and mid-luteal (ML) phases for performance testing. During EF, OV, and ML, participants reported their perceived fatigue, motivation, strength, and energy. Following a standardized warm-up, participants performed 1RM bench press testing. After establishing their 1RM, participants then performed 70% of their bench press 1RM for as many repetitions as possible (reps to failure or RTF). Differences in the data collected between EF, OV, and ML were determined using a one-way, repeated measures MANOVA followed by Bonferroni post-hoc testing. All data are reported as mean ± standard deviation, and a was set at p ≤ .05. RESULTS: Perceived motivation (3.2% \u3e EF, 40.3% \u3e OV), strength (12.4% \u3e EF, 14.2% \u3e OV), and energy (1.7% \u3e EF, 23.5% \u3e OV) peaked during ML, though these results were not significant (p \u3e .05). Perceive fatigue was also lower during ML compared to EF (-17.8%) and OV (19.8), though this was not significant (p \u3e .05). Bench press 1RM peaked during EF (51.1 ± 6.2 kg) compared to OV (47.7 ± 0.0 kg) and ML (50 6.8 kg). Bench press RTF (repetitions) peaked during OV (12.7 ± 2.5) compared to EF (10.4 ± 2.2) and ML (11.7 3.8). CONCLUSION: Participants’ self-reported motivation, strength, energy was highest during ML, while self-reported fatigue was also lowest during ML. Despite this consistency, bench press 1RM and RTF peaked during EF and OV, respectively. Though no statistical significance was found, it appears there is a disconnect between perceived readiness for performance testing and the actual performance testing. Further data collection will clarify the potential differences in these characteristics in female athletes throughout the menstrual cycle
EARLY LESSONS IMPLEMENTING THE DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM IN RURAL COMMUNITIES
No full textIn this session, we will discuss early implementation considerations and adaptations to the Rural Alliance for Diabetes Prevention (RAD) which delivers the National Diabetes Prevention Program through K-State Research & Extension to rural Kansans. RAD is a type II hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial to assess the effectiveness of remote delivery (video conferencing or asynchronous app) by KSRE and reach of passive (traditional) and active (population health management approach through rural health clinics) recruitment methods. This symposium will present 1) lessons learned in the early implementation of RAD among rural adults regarding technology usage, 2) tailoring physical activity measurement to rural adults, and 3) specifying and tracking implementation strategy adaptations over time
F.I.T.T.ING THE BILL: EXAMINING CANCER-RELATED FATIGUE THROUGH PRINCIPLES OF EXERCISE
No full textPURPOSE: Cancer related fatigue (CRF) is a distressing side effect for cancer survivors. Exercise can reduce CRF, but ideal frequency, intensity, time, type, and volume is not well understood. METHODS: Retrospective, secondary analysis of baseline data from those living with and beyond cancer in a clinical exercise program. CRF was self-reported using the FACIT-F Scale. Exercise frequency (bouts/week), time (average mins/bout), intensity (light vs moderate to vigorous), type (aerobic vs aerobic and resistance), and volume (min/week) were self-reported using the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. Univariate associations between exercise frequency, duration, volume and FACIT scores were assessed using Spearman correlations. Group mean differences for intensity and type groups were compared using two sample t-tests. RESULTS: Participants (n=159) were M=56±14 years old, 64% female, 31% were undergoing treatment and the most common cancer diagnosis was breast (31%). Average FACIT score was M=33±11, exercise frequency was M=7±4 bouts/week, duration was M=32±14 mins, volume was M=228±160 mins/week, light intensity only [30%, n=48], moderate to vigorous intensity [70%, n=111]. Weak positive correlations were found between FACIT scores and exercise frequency [rs=.17, p=.034], duration [rs=.21, p=\u3c.01] and volume [rs =.25, p=\u3c.01]. Two sample t-tests revealed no statistically significant differences in mean FACIT scores among intensity groups [t=1.34, p=.09], or type groups [t=1.20, p=.12]. CONCLUSION: Higher weekly aerobic exercise frequency, duration, and volume were weakly associated with lower CRF. Future studies on exercise prescription for CRF should account for treatment status/type, cancer type, and gender differences, in their analyses to enhance generalizability of the findings
NATURAL KILLER CELLS IN INDIVIDUALS WITH NORMAL/MODERATE VS MODERATE/SEVERE ANXIEITY
No full textAnxiety is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, which is a condition where the immune system becomes unchecked and is linked to the development and progression of many of the costly diseases prevalent in our society today. Anxiety is also linked to the disruption of the autonomic balance in body, which is measured using heart rate variability (HRV). PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore heart rate variability, and natural killer (NK) cell phenotype and function in individuals with lower versus higher anxiety. METHODS: Fourteen healthy college aged participants (M = 7 and F = 7) were recruited and separated into 2 groups based on their responses to a depression, anxiety, and stress questionnaire (DASS-21). Individuals were placed into either a normal/mild anxiety group (NMS; n=6) or a moderate to severe group (MSS, n=8). Then, they all completed HRV measures and had blood taken for analysis by flow cytometer to determine NK phenotype and function. Comparisons between groups were completed with a T-test on RStudio with p \u3c 0.05 set as significance. RESULTS: Overall, participants averaged 26.5 years old, a height of 175.0 cm ± 14.0 , 60.7 ± 13.4 kg of lean body mass, and 21.0 ± 12.9% of body fat and there were no significant differences between groups. Measures of HRV and NK cell function were not different between groups. However, numbers of CD56bright expressing NK cells were 64% higher in MSS when compared to NMS (p=0.05). CONCLUSION: Individuals with moderate to severe anxiety have increased the numbers of cytokine producing NK cells which may help to combat stress-related immune impairment. All authors state they have no conflicts of interest. ACUTE EFFECTS OF EXERCISE INTENSITY ON FATIGUE DURING A CANCER-REHABILITATION PROGRAM E. Gomes, R. Marker3, C. Bell1, S. Aichele1, J. Eagan2, H.J. Leach FACSM1 1Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO; 2The Wellness Place- UC Health Hospital, University of Colorado Health, Fort Collins, CO; 3University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO PURPOSE: Cancer related fatigue (CRF) is a common and distressing side effect of cancer treatment(s). Outpatient cancer rehabilitation programs that include weekly exercise sessions can reduce CRF. However, the immediate or “acute” effect of exercise sessions on CRF is unclear. This study compared CRF from immediately before and after exercise sessions completed as part of an outpatient cancer rehabilitation program and explored the impact of self-selected exercise intensity on change in CRF. METHODS: Observational, longitudinal cohort study of participants enrolled in a 12-week outpatient cancer rehabilitation program. CRF was assessed using a visual analog scale (0=no fatigue–10=worst fatigue) before and immediately after one exercise session every week. Exercise intensity was self-selected and tracked using heart rate monitors and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Each session was classified as light (heart rate reserve (HRR 30-39% and RPE 9-11) or moderate/vigorous (HRR 40-89% and RPE 12-20). A mixed-effects model accounting for within (time) and between (exercise intensity) effects was used to examine change in CRF from pre-to-post exercise session. RESULTS: Participants (N=18) were M= 64 years old, 77% female, and diagnosed with breast (n=4) lymphoma (n=2), lung (n=2) or other (n=10) cancer. Measures of pre/post CRF were completed in 156 exercise sessions, 53% (n=83) were classified light and 47% (n=73) as moderate/vigorous intensity. Average pre-exercise CRF, HRR and RPE for each intensity category was light (3, 30% and 11) and moderate/vigorous (2.8, 47% and 12). Average change in CRF from pre- to post-exercise was MΔ= 0.102.2 overall, MΔ= -0.15.22 for light intensity, and MΔ= .29.24 for moderate/vigorous intensity sessions. There was no effect of time (β = 0.037, p = 0.82), or intensity (β = 0.48, p = 0.13). CONCLUSION: There was no change in CRF from immediately before to after exercise sessions, and no effect of self-selected exercise intensity. Further research should explore potential study limitations, including sensitivity of CRF measurement tool, and the potential ceiling effects due to the low pre-exercise CRF. Funding: University of Colorado Cancer Center (P30CA046934
ORDER OF RESISTANCE AND CARDIORESPIRATORY TRAINING IN CANCER SURVIVORS
No full textPhysical activity (PA), including cardiorespiratory and resistance training, reduces cancer risk and boosts physical fitness and strength in cancer survivors (CS). The order of exercise may affect the benefits, since fatigue from the first exercise mode may affect the adaptations possible from the second mode. PURPOSE: To determine which order of resistance or cardio first is most beneficial in CS during a ten-week supervised PA intervention. METHODS: 24 CS (male=5 and female=19, age=69.2yr) were randomized into 2 groups: resistance first then cardio (G1) and cardio first then resistance (G2) for 25-30 min each. Pre- and post-tests included the 7-site skinfold test (7SS), twenty-step test (TST), 8-foot up and go test (8FT), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), seated medicine ball throw (SMBT), plank test (P), crunches (C), sit-to-stand test (SS), sit-and-reach (SR), and biceps curl test (BC). RESULTS: For the BC, statistical differences (RMANOVA) were seen for the overall group over time (p\u3c.001 for left and p=.017 for right), with all participants increasing from 16.54±5.22reps to 18.00±5.58reps for the left and 17.08±4.36reps to 19.04±4.93reps for the right. The P had statistically significant differences for the overall group over time (n=21, p=0.032), with time increasing from 39.55±19.20s to 50.61±17.05s. C were statistically different for the overall group over time (n=18, p=.048), with reps increasing from 18.17±10.05 to 27.94±14.73. The SMBT had statistically significant improvements in distance over time (p=.001) from 2.00±.84m to 2.33±.86m. The 6MWT was statistically significant with increases in walking distances for the whole group (p\u3c .001) from 452.97±89.93m to 516.64±107.25m. All subjects over time had a statistically significant difference in the 7SS (n=23), with a decrease in body fat percent (p\u3c .001, from 35.55±10.13% to 27.92±5.95%), a decrease in fat mass (p=.001, from 27.12±10.20kg to 21.39±7.24kg), and an increase in lean body mass (p=.001 from 47.90±10.80kg to 53.44±9.38kg). CONCLUSION: There were no notable differences observed between groups. Physical fitness, strength, and body composition significantly improved over time for the whole group. The difference in benefits between beginning with cardio or resistance training first requires further exploration
FIBROSIS IN AUTOLOGOUS REPAIRED VML-INJURED SKELETAL MUSCLE IS NOT MITIGATED BY SHORT AND MODERATE DURATION AEROBIC EXERCISE TRAINING
No full textTraumatic loss of skeletal muscle with irrecoverable loss of muscle function, volumetric muscle loss (VML), commonly occurs in civilian and military populations suffering severe extremity trauma and is associated with pathological fibrosis which reduces overall muscle force production. While current treatments for volumetric muscle loss (VML) remain insufficient, combined therapeutic approaches—such as autologous muscle grafts paired with exercise—have shown promising results in enhancing the rate of force recovery. Previous findings by our laboratory demonstrated accelerated force recovery following exercise in VML-injured male rats, however the exact etiology of that improvement remains elusive. PURPOSE: Evaluate the efficacy of exercise as a combinatory treatment with autologous muscle grafts on markers of muscle fibrosis in VML injured male rats. METHODS: 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats had ~20% of their left tibialis anterior (LTA) removed then replaced to act as an autologous repair with the right tibialis anterior (RTA) serving as the contralateral control. Half of the rats engaged in exercise through wheel running, while the other half served as non-exercise controls. TAs were excised at 2 and 8 weeks post-VML for morphological and gene expression analyses. RESULTS: The percentage of noncontractile tissue (%NCT) was ~5% in the RTA independent of exercise. However, %NCT was ~40% in the LTA at 2 weeks post-VML and ~27% at 8 weeks post-VML independent of exercise (