Proceedings of the Eighteenth International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) conference and expo

Dylan T. Wilburn, Steven B. Machek, Bernd Zechmann, Darryn S. Willoughby, FISSN Exercise & Biochemical Nutrition Laboratory, Department of Health, Human Performance, & Recreation, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA; Center for Microscopy and Imaging, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA; School of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Belton, TX, USA Corresponding author: Dylan_Wilburn1@baylor.edu

Results: GLM analysis revealed no significant treatment x time interaction effects in variables assessed using weight as a covariate although moderate effect sizes (ES) and significant pairwise differences were observed among several variables. BCST analysis revealed moderate interaction ES in Error Rate (η p 2 = 0.07) with a significant difference (p = 0.03) observed in between PX and CA+PX PRE-RUN values as well as Perseverative Errors following PAR rules (η p 2 = 0.07) with participants in the PX treatment observing a 12% reduction (p = 0.03) in errors from PRE-EX to POST-EX while error rate increased by 22% with CA (p = 0.03). Analysis of PVTT data revealed medium ES in Trial 2 (η p 2 = 0.09), Trial 10 (η p 2 = 0.06), Trial 20 (η p 2 = 0.06), and Mean (η p 2 = 0.09) Vigilance Reaction Times. Pairwise comparison revealed that PRE-RUN Mean Reaction Time was significantly faster (p = 0.02) in the PX treatment compared to PL and that Trial 2 POST-RUN 2-Letter Length Reaction time in the PX treatment was significantly faster than PL (p = 0.03). Moreover, POST-EX vigilance during trial 20 in the PX treatment tended to be different than PL (p = 0.07) and CA. In terms of safety, one participant withdrew after ingesting the CA treatment while others reported minimal side effects with no significant treatment x time effects observed in the frequency or severity of headaches, dizziness, racing heart rate, palpitations, shortness of breath, nervousness, blurred vision, or clinical chemistry panels. Conclusions: Results suggest that PX supplementation is safe and improves prefrontal cortex function, attenuates attention, and mitigates cognitive fatigue prior to and following exercise. PX showed greater improvements than CA independently, while adding CA to PX did not provide any additional benefit.

Methods:
We carried out an assessment of the effects of an acute, single-dose treatment of Caffeine (125 mg) vs. Caffeine (125 mg) + TeaCrine (50 mg) + Dynamine (75 mg) vs. Matched Placebo. This study used a randomized double-blinded, crossover design. Each participant was tested under all three conditions 1 week apart. Participants consisted of n = 50 male amateur e-gamers who play a first-person video game for at least 10 hrs a week. Neurobehavioral performance was assessed through a series of cognitive testing instruments from the NIH toolbox and the PVT from Joggle Research. Neurophysiological arousal was captured through a single-channel EEG (Enchanted Wave, LLC) with the electrode positioned at the prefrontal-lobe location (Fp1). Biomarkers of arousal included Salivary Alpha Amylase (sAA) and cortisol (Salimetrics, Carlsbad, CA).
Results: Compared to baseline (pre-dose) performance, both Caffeine (p = 0.001) and Caffeine/TeaCrine/Dynamine (CTD) (p = 0.002) improved attention and inhibitory control as measured via the Flanker Task. Caffeine and CTD differentially affected delta activity during the cognitive tasks. CTD increased delta power relative to baseline (p = 0.05) while caffeine decreased delta power (p = 0.04). Only CTD increased theta activity during the attention task relative to baseline (p = 0.04). Caffeine increased self-reported anxiety relative to the placebo condition (p = 0.03). Compared to placebo, CTD also significantly increased cortisol levels post-dose before (p = 0.005) and after (p = 0.018) cognitive testing. Compared to caffeine, CTD also increased cortisol at post-dose, pre-cognition testing (p = 0.01).
Conclusions: Both caffeine and CTD resulted in improved performance on inhibitory attention and control.
However, only caffeine significantly increased anxiety post-dose compared to placebo. The EEG changes suggest that the CDT condition increased attention to internal processing (decreased delta) and increased cognitive control (increased theta). The increase in cortisol in the CTD group possibly reflects increased energy mobilization with this treatment.
overnight (8-10 hours) and consumed their fourth dose with a standardized test meal (30 grams glucose, 3 slices white bread) after arrival. Venous blood samples were collected 0, 20, 40, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after ingestion and analyzed for BBR, glucose, and insulin. Peak concentration (C Max ) and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated for all variables.
Conclusion: These results provide preliminary evidence that four doses of D100 and D200 produce significantly higher concentrations of berberine within the bloodstream two hours after ingestion when compared to B500 or PLA. The lack of observed changes in glucose and insulin were likely due to the short duration of supplementation and insulin responsive nature of study participants. Follow-up efficacy studies on glucose and insulin changes should be completed to assess the impact of berberine and dihydroberberine supplementation in overweight, glucose intolerant populations.
Funding: This study was supported by an unrestricted grant from NNB Nutrition. Disclosure: Dr. Kerksick serves as a paid advisor for NNB Nutrition. Dr. Kerksick was not involved in any part of the consenting, randomization, or data collection process. All statistical analysis was completed prior to unblinding. A conflict of interest management plan was filed and approved by the Lindenwood University IRB prior to commencing any data collection.

Characterization of Cardiac and Hemodynamic Responses to Blood Flow Restriction in Women
Abby R. Fleming a , Lee J. Winchester a , FISSN a LAB INSERT, Department insert, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA Corresponding Author: arfleming2@crimson.ua.edu Background: Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) is newly popularized because it is able to create the hypoxic environment seen while exercising at high intensities, but during lowintensities. Very few studies have investigated the cardiac and hemodynamic effects of BFR during rest. Research investigating the cardiovascular effects of BFR during exercise has conflicting results. The purpose of this study was to determine what physiological changes occur during two clinical BFR pressures (50% and 80% of limb occlusion pressure). Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) tibial and brachial artery blood flow (BF), mean velocity (TAMV), and blood vessel diameter were analyzed. Methods: Sixteen healthy women participated in this study (Table 1). Participants sat on a gurney chair with Delfi PTS cuffs on both thighs. Baseline (T1) measurements of HR, BP, BF in the brachial and posterior tibial arteries were evaluated after resting for 3 minutes. Both cuffs were inflated for 8 minutes, to either 50% or 80% of personal occlusion pressure. HR was taken every minute while BP was taken at the end of the first (T2) and last 4 minutes (T3) of inflation. Brachial and tibial artery measurements were taken at T2 and T3, at least 30 seconds after inflation. After deflation, participants remained seated for 8 minutes with no BFR, while all the measurements were recollected at 0-4 (T4) and 4-8 (T5) minutes post-occlusion ( Figure 1). Repeated measures ANOVAs were used with Bonferroni correction to determine significant changes. An alpha level of <0.05 was used to determine significance.  Average Heart Rate changes for both 50% occlusion pressure and 80% occlusion pressure at all time points. * significantly different than T1(p<0.05)# significantly different than T2(p<0.05)+ significantly different than T3(p<0.05) Results: There were no significant differences for the 50% BFR pressure for any hemodynamic responses. However, HR at T1 was significantly lower than at every other time point, and HR was also higher for the T3 vs. T4 (Figure 2). Significant mean differences were observed for the 80% pressure for brachial artery BF between T1 and T5 and between T4 and T5 ( Figure 4). In the tibial artery at 80% pressure, there were significant differences in TAMV between T1 vs. T2/T3, T2 vs. T4/T5 and T3 vs. T4/T5 ( Figure 3). These same differences were observed with BF as well ( Figure 4).  . Average changes of Volume Flow in both Tibial and Brachial Arteries at both 50% occlusion pressure and 80% occlusion pressure for all time points. * significantly different than T1(p<0.05)# significantly different than T2(p<0.05)+ significantly different than T3(p<0.05)ø significantly different than T4(p<0.05) Additionally, there were significant HR differences between T1 vs. T2/T3, T2 vs. T3, T4 vs. T5, T3 vs. T4/T5 (Figure 2). CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrate that 80% of limb occlusion pressure showed significant differences in both cardiac and hemodynamic responses to BFR, while 50% pressure may only change cardiac responses.
Conclusions: Results demonstrate that 80% of limb occlusion pressure showed significant differences in both cardiac and hemodynamic responses to BFR, while 50% pressure may only change cardiac responses. Background: Participant attrition and lack of adherence are commonly encountered in nutrition research. The identification of baseline variables that can predict potential attrition or adherence issues in participants may allow for targeted support of these participants throughout the intervention, which may potentially improve completion rates and outcomes. The purpose of this analysis was to assess whether baseline anthropometric (bodyweight, body mass index [BMI], body fat percentage [BF%]), dietary (energy, carbohydrate, protein, and fat intake), or behavioral variables (cognitive restraint, hunger, and disinhibition via the 51-item Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire [TFEQ]) predicted successful study completion or fat loss in young, resistance-trained, non-obese females.

Baseline Anthropometric, Dietary intake, and Behavioral Variables Do Not Predict Study Completion or Fat Loss Success in
Methods: Forty-six participants (mean ± SD age: 22.7 ± 4.4 years; height: 163.6 ± 6.7 cm; weight: 63.4 ± 8.9 kg; BF%: 25.2 ± 4.2) were included in this analysis. All participants underwent 6 total weeks of moderate (25%) energy restriction with 3 weekly supervised resistance training sessions. Thirty-five participants completed the intervention per protocol while 11 (23.9%) either withdrew from the study after randomization or did not adhere to the dietary intervention. Baseline values for anthropometric variables were compared between the two groups using an independent-samples t-test. Dietary intake and behavioral variables were compared using a Mann-Whitney U test for nonparametric data. Correlations using Pearson's r or Spearman's rho were used to assess associations between these variables at baseline and change in ultrasound fat mass in all participants for whom post-treatment data were collected (n = 36).
Results: Completers did not significantly differ from non-completers for any of the 10 variables (p ≥ 0.08), though differences in disinhibition scores trended toward significance (p = 0.08). Notably, baseline disinhibition scores were higher in non-completers (median = 8; interquartile range [IQR] = 6.5) than in completers (median = 5; IQR = 4.0), indicating that non-completers began the study with higher tendencies toward uncontrolled, opportunistic, and/or emotionally driven eating. Change in fat mass (mean change: −1.1 ± 1.1 kg) was not correlated with any of the 10 variables (p ≥ 0.23).
Conclusions: Results demonstrate that 80% of limb occlusion pressure showed significant differences in both cardiac and hemodynamic responses to BFR, while 50% pressure may only change cardiac responses. Background: Berberine (BBR) is a natural alkaloid used to improve glycemia, but displays poor bioavailability and increased rates of gastrointestinal distress at higher doses. Recently, dihydroberberine has been developed to combat these challenges. This study was designed to determine the bioavailability of a 500 mg dose of BBR (B500) and 100 mg and 200 mg doses of Dihydroberberine (D100 and D200).

Bioavailability of Berberine and Dihydroberberine and their
Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, crossover fashion, five males (26 ± 2.6 yrs; 184.2 ± 11.6 cm; 91.8 ± 10.1 kg; 17.1 ± 3.5 %BF) completed a four-dose supplementation protocol of placebo (PLA), B500, D100, and D200. Prior to their scheduled visit, participants ingested three separate doses of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Participants fasted overnight (8-10 hours) and consumed their fourth dose with a standardized test meal (30 grams glucose, 3 slices white bread) after arrival. Venous blood samples were collected 0, 20, 40, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after ingestion and analyzed for BBR, glucose, and insulin. Peak concentration (C Max ) and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated for all variables.
Conclusions: These results provide preliminary evidence that four doses of D100 and D200 produce significantly higher concentrations of berberine within the bloodstream two hours after ingestion when compared to B500 or PLA. The lack of observed changes in glucose and insulin were likely due to the short duration of supplementation and insulin responsive nature of study participants. Follow-up efficacy studies on glucose and insulin changes should be completed to assess the impact of berberine and dihydroberberine supplementation in overweight, glucose intolerant populations.
Funding: This study was supported by an unrestricted grant from NNB Nutrition.
Disclosure: Dr. Kerksick serves as a paid advisor for NNB Nutrition. Dr. Kerksick was not involved in any part of the consenting, randomization, or data collection process. All statistical analysis was completed prior to unblinding. A conflict-of-interest management plan was filed and approved by the Lindenwood University IRB prior to commencing any data collection. Background: Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the number one cause of on-duty death for firefighters. Risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, and cholesterol can be used as biomarkers in the prevention and intervention of CVD. Social media has become a popular platform for delivering health and wellness information. Although, some studies have measured the feasibility of social media-based interventions on health behaviors, none have examined the efficacy of using social media to measure changes in nutrition knowledge and health in fire-fighters. Fire-fighters typically are physically active on a daily basis, however, appear to have greater risks of CVD. The aims of this study are to examine the utility of nutrition education through a social media platform (Instagram) for supporting and enhancing nutrition knowledge and in reducing CVD risk factors amongst firefighters.
Methods: This experimental study operated as a pilot program. The aim of this study was to determine if nutrition content delivered through Instagram (IG) would have any impacts on health and nutrition knowledge status of the firefighters. Fifty-three firefighters signed informed consent and entered the study. The validated Abridged Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire (ANSKQ) was administered before and after the 6-week intervention period. A private locked IG account was created as a means of delivering daily evidence-based nutrition information from reputable organizations daily. Nutrition knowledge, anthropometric and vital data were collected pre-post intervention. Data analysis is presented with the mean, ± SD, and range, paired T-tests were used (two-tailed) for the data analysis.
Results: Pre-post ASNKQ results were evaluated by total, general (GNK) and sports nutrition knowledge (SNK) scores. The total mean score increased significantly from 46% ±13.27 to 52% ± 13.43 (p < 0.0017). When looking at the sub-categories, a 5% increase in GNK scores was observed with a pre-intervention mean score of 60% ± 15.35 to 65% ± 19.83 (p < 0.04409). The SNK scores also increased by 6% with a pre-intervention mean score of 39% ± 16.01 to 45% ±14.25 (p < 0.0108). By the end of the 6-week program, participants lost an average of 1.54 kg ± 2.29 (p < 0.00007). No significant changes were observed in blood pressure post-intervention.

Background:
We aimed to determine if the consumption of berries can reduce URTI incidence in collegiate distance runners. Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) incidence is elevated in endurance athletes due to immune suppression that accompanies performance of intense, exercise. Since berries have a high content of immune-enhancing compounds such as vitamin C, antioxidants, and polyphenols, we hypothesized that URTI incidence would be reduced in the study population after long-term consumption of berries due to an improved immune response, as quantified by increased levels of salivary Immunoglobulin A (SIgA) and lower salivary cortisol. SIgA is the main marker of mucosal immunity, while cortisol was measured to determine the participants' overall stress response and how it was affected by berry consumption.
Methods: 14 trained collegiate distance runners completed a weekly survey detailing their running mileage, illness symptoms, and dietary intake throughout their cross-country and track seasons, then gave saliva samples to determine their levels of SIgA and cortisol. During the control phase (n = 14) (cross-country season), the athletes consumed their normal diet. During the intervention phase (n = 8) (track season) athletes were asked to add 2 cups of raw or frozen berries to their daily diet. After completion of the intervention phase, an ELISA of SIgA and cortisol was performed.
Results: In both control and intervention phases, higher weekly running mileage was positively correlated with illness symptoms and illness interference with activities of daily living (ADLs). The elevation and slope of the correlation between weekly running mileage, illness symptoms, and interference with ADLs was greater in the control phases than the intervention phase. Perceived illness was negatively correlated with weekly running mileage during the control phases and positively correlated during the intervention phase. SIgA levels were highest in the 40-60 mi group and greater during the control phase than during the intervention phase. Salivary cortisol levels were highest for the 60-80 mi group during the control phase, but lowest for the same group during the intervention phase.
Conclusions: While preliminary, our research suggests that berry consumption may impact markers of host immunity based on survey data and salivary cortisol levels. The berry intervention may have helped to lower cortisol, and thus the participants' stress response to high-intensity training, suggesting that berry consumption may help strengthen the immune system to better prevent URTI. Our preliminary survey data also support this conclusion since illness symptoms and interference with ADLs appear to have increased less with higher weekly running mileage during the control phase than during the intervention phase. Supplementation for 28 days with PCDSB, but not the PLA, resulted in improved average power output during maximal, unilateral, isokinetic, leg extensions. Individuals with the goal of improving power output may benefit from supplementation with phosphocreatine disodium salts plus blueberry extract. Further studies, however, on the effects of supplementation with alternative creatine formulations are warranted.
Acknowledgments: There are no conflicts of interest. Background: Recently, the allure of zombie culture has found its way into innovative teaching of higher education. In the current example, zombies are used to facilitate understanding of applied nutritional biochemistry. Our purpose is to evaluate the benefit of incorporating zombie lore into the delivery of a lecture on the inflammatory cascade as it relates to the essential fatty acids. We hypothesize that-given the popularity of zombies and dystopian/apocalyptic environments-intertwining nutritional concepts with these scenarios will enhance interest and attention, hence improving learning.
Methods: Two presentations on essential fatty acids were provided: one including zombie references and one without. The presentations were offered in two general education courses: nutrition and anatomy and physiology (n = 73). Half of the students received a normal lecture while half received the same information but as it relates to zombies. Learning was assessed using a five-question pretest and posttest. Students were dissuaded from taking notes to assure that the zombie group would receive ample exposure to zombie graphics and examples. In both instances, students were encouraged to not worry about the test but rather to enjoy the class.
Results: Findings were as follows: the pooled pretest average for both groups was 44.4%; the posttest average was 86.1%. The mean score increase pre-versus posttest in both groups was 97.8% non-zombie and 90.7% zombie. Pre and posttest results for each lecture were compared using a t-test showing significance: non-zombie p = 2.2 −12 , zombie p = 4.8 −8 . Zombie and non-zombie test scores were compared by ANOVA to determine significance between lectures (p = 0.998). Performance improvements between zombie and non-zombie groups were statistically indistinguishable. The majority of students (58.9%) indicated a moderate or higher level of interest in zombies; 82.4% had an interest in nutrition; 52% had previous nutritional knowledge; and 83.5% were underclassmen. Test scores and demographic data were compared using a PCA but did not suggest any meaningful correlations.
Conclusions: Dramatic improvements in short-term learning occurred in both groups. Performance improvement between the zombie and non-zombie groups was statistically indistinguishable. Inclusion of zombie references was neither a benefit nor a detriment to student learning. It is possible that exposure to the pretest primed students for the posttest, thereby enhancing learning. Although this investigation did not indicate that pop culture allusions improve short-term learning, it may suggest that an instructor has the freedom to include tangential information that the instructor finds enjoyable.
Background: The efficacy of creatine supplementation for improvements in exercise performance has been well established in the literature. Few studies, however, have examined the effects of phosphocreatine supplementation on exercise performance. Furthermore, polyphenols, a micronutrient found in blueberries, exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, however, little is known regarding the influence of polyphenol supplementation on muscular strength. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of 28 days of supplementation with phosphocreatine disodium salts plus blueberry extract (PCDSB), creatine monohydrate (CM), and placebo on measures of muscular strength.
Methods: Thirty-three men (Mean ± SD; age = 20.2 ± 1.1 years; weight = 85.5 ± 16.1 kg; height = 180.3 ± 5.5 cm) were randomly assigned to consume either PCDSB (5.0 g of phosphocreatine and disodium salts plus 200 mg of blueberry extract), CM (3.0 g of creatine monohydrate), or placebo (microcrystalline cellulose) for 28 days. Peak torque (PT) was defined as the average of three maximal, unilateral (left leg), isokinetic leg extensions at 180°·s −1 and was assessed before and after the 28 days of supplementation. The data were examined with a 3 (Group) by 2 (Time) mixed factorial ANOVA and planned pairwise comparisons. Individual responses for PT were assessed to examine the proportion of subjects that exceeded a minimal important difference (MID). The MID was calculated as the product of the pooled pre-supplementation standard deviation for PT and 0.5, which reflects a moderate effect size. The proportional differences between supplement groups were examined with chi-squared tests.

Results:
The mixed factorial ANOVA demonstrated no significant interaction or main effect for Group, but a significant (p < 0.05) main effect for Time. The planned pairwise comparisons demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) improvements in PT for the PCDSB and CM groups from pre- (99.90 ± 22.47 N·m and 99.95 ± 22.50 N·m, respectively) to post-supplementation (119.22 ± 29.87 N·m and 111.97 ± 24.50 N·m, respectively), but no significant (p = 0.112) change for the placebo group. A significantly (p < 0.05) greater proportion of subjects in the PCDSB group exceeded the MID for PT compared to the placebo group, but there was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in the proportion of subjects that exceeded the MID between the CM and placebo group.
Conclusions: These findings indicated that for the group mean responses, 28 days of supplementation with both PCDSB and CM resulted in increases in PT. The PCDSB, however, may have an advantage over CM when compared to the placebo group for the proportion of individuals that respond favorably to supplementation with meaningful increases in muscular strength.

An Evaluation of Botanical Blend Dietary Supplement on Cognitive and Physical Performance
Jaime L. Tartar  Background: There is considerable interest in safe and effective nutritional supplements that can improve mental and physical performance. A large and growing body of research shows that non-caffeinated plant-based nutritional supplements can increase cognitive and physical performance. This study aimed to build on this work by investigating the possibility that a specific botanical blend comprised of Bacopa monnieri bacosides, Kaempferia parviflora methoxy flavones, pomegranate peel polyphenols, and Moringa oleifera leaf saponins) could improve cognitive and physical performance.
Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 21-day parallel study. The study evaluated the effects of a botanical blend compared to green tea caffeine extract and a placebo on cognitive and physical performance in healthy, physically active adults. Testing occurred on Days 1,7,14,and 21. The botanical blend was composed of Bacopa monnieri extract, moringa saponins and polyphenols and Methoxyflavones derived from both pomegranate peel and black ginger extracts. Neurobehavioral measures included the Mood, Alertness, and Physical Sensation Scale (MAPSS) along with a standard cognitive test battery through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Toolbox and a Psychomotor Vigilance Task (Joggle, LLC, USA). Salivary biomarkers included measures of salivary Alpha amylase (sAA) and cortisol which were quantified via EIA and ELISA, respectively, according to manufacturer instructions (Salimetrics, LLC, USA). Physical performance was assessed through a standard Time to Exhaustion Test with simultaneous heart rate recording.
Results: We found that relative to baseline and compared to the Caffeine and Placebo groups, the botanical blend increased alertness (p < 0.05) and improved cognitive performance on measures of psychomotor vigilance, attentional control, and dimensional change at various time points in the study (all p's < 0.05). The botanical blend did not improve physical performance on a time to exhaustion (TTE) test.
Conclusions: The botanical blend increased alertness and multiple measures of cognitive performance. The effects were more robust with longer use and for attention measures. These improvements in alertness and cognitive performance were not accompanied by an increase in 'jitters', as measured by errors on the psychomotor vigilance task (PVT). The botanical blend did not improve physical performance on a time to exhaustion (TTE) test either acutely or after 21 days of supplementation.
Acknowledgments: This research was funded by Glanbia Nutritionals, Twin Fall ID. Sarah Flynn is an employee of Glanbia, the study funder. All other authors declare no conflicts of interest as related to this study. The funder played no role in data acquisition, data management, nor data interpretation. Background: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of a training and nutrition program on body composition of American football players preparing for the NFL combine.

The Effects of a Training and Nutrition Program on Body Composition of American Football Players in Preparation for the NFL Combine
Methods: In this single-arm investigation, 11 collegiate football players (mean ± SD: age 21.7 ± 0.8 yr; height 188.6 ± 4.9 cm; weight; 100.1 ± 7.8 kg) who were in preparation for the NFL combine were provided with a nutrition and training regimen lasting ~8-12 weeks. Six days of the week consisted of athletic training corrections in the morning, followed by field and position work later in the day. Ninety-minute resistance training sessions were incorporated five days per week. Wednesdays consisted of solely chiropractic yoga and massage to emphasize recovery. All meals were preplanned and prepared by an onsite chef. Supplements were consumed routinely by each athlete pre and post workout. Body composition was assessed via dual-energy absorptiometry (DXA) pre and post training program. Results: In this small cohort of highly trained American football players, we found a significant increase in weight (p = 0.03) (Pre 98.9 ± 8.5 vs Post 100.4 ± 7.4 kg) and fat-free mass (p = 0.02) (Pre 79.1 ± 4.3 vs Post 80.5 ± 4.1 kg) pre and post. We did not find any differences in fat-free mass.
Conclusions: After completing an 8-12-week training and nutrition program, the primary change seen in trained American football players was an increase in fat-free mass. Based on the current data, favorable changes in body composition can be made with proper implementation of exercise and nutrition.

High-dose Curcumin Supplementation Induces a Decrease in Hemoglobin and Fatigue in a Resistance-Trained Male: a Case Report
Jose Antonio PhD a a Exercise and Sport Science, NSU Florida, Davie, Florida, USA Corresponding author: Jose.Antonio@nova.edu Background: This is a case report of resistance-trained male that had been supplementing with fairly high-dose curcumin for a period of ~1 year.
Methods: The subject is a former powerlifter and had been engaged in a regular resistance training program for approximately 31 years (weight -104.5 kilograms, height -182.9 centimeters, age 47 years). The subject trains 5 days a week with heavy resistance exercise, with 10 minutes of aerobic exercise used as a light warm-up before resistance exercise. Once per week, he does a 15-mile bike ride at a low intensity. The subject has a family history of arthritis but has always used supplements to such as fish oil to reduce joint inflammation while refraining from using NSAIDS. The subject consumed the following supplements on a daily basis: pre-workout formula containing 5 grams of creatine monohydrate, 6 grams of citrulline malate, 7.5 grams of essential amino acids, 2.5 grams of betaine anhydrous, and 2.4 grams of beta alanine. In addition, he consumed 40 grams of whey protein isolate and 500 mg of fish oil daily. In early January 2019, the subject started using curcumin (5 grams daily).
Results: Table 1 provides an overview of results. The subject's hemoglobin and hematocrit were normal before starting curcumin. The subject noticed considerable reduction in joint pain and inflammation after 1 month of taking the product. In June, six months of consistently using curcumin, the subject started experiencing extreme fatigue during high-intensity resistance exercise. The subject commented that after high repetition squats he would 'have to lay down between sets'. The subject then noticed that during his weekend bike rides on Saturdays, he started needing to take breaks during the ride to catch his breath. In November, upon a physician's advice and his own personal 'research' on curcumin, the subject ceased supplementation of curcumin. The desired range for hemoglobin is 13.2-17.1 g/dL One month after ceasing curcumin supplementation, the subject's stamina started to return and he could perform aerobic and resistance exercises without extreme fatigue.
Conclusions: Chronic high-dose curcumin may induce anemia thus resulting in extreme fatigue during exercise.

Daily Supplementation of 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) in Exercise-Trained Men and Women
Jason Curtis PhD a , Paulina Czartoryski a , Cassandra Evans a , Autumn Elwell a , Anna Santucci a , Lia Leone a , Jake Geyer a , Veronica Mekhail a , Valentina Vita a , Amanda Pultorak a , Anya Ellerbroek a , Jackie Kaminski a , Juan Carlos Santana b , Lia Jiannine PhD a , Corey Peacock a , Jose Antonio PhD a a Exercise and Sport Science, NSU Florida, Davie Florida, USA; b Institute of Human Performance, Boca Raton Florida, USA Corresponding author: Jose.Antonio@nova.edu

Background:
The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of supplementing with 100 mg daily of 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on indices of body composition in exercise-trained men and women.
Methods: Sixty-one subjects were screened and recruited to participate in this investigation. Subjects were randomized into a treatment (n = 31, 12 males; 100 mg 5-HTP daily; CLEANMOOD®) or a placebo (n = 17, 6 males; maltodextrin). Thirteen subjects either did not complete the study or their data was not used due to lack of compliance. Body composition was assessed pre-and post-treatment after eight weeks via a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance device (InBody® 270). Subjects were instructed not to change their training habits; moreover, they were instructed to track their diet ~2-3 per week using a mobile app (MyFitn essPal).

Results:
The characteristics of the treatment and placebo groups were as follows (age: 5-HTP 3?10, placebo 29?11; height cm: 5-HTP 171.0?8.7, placebo 167.7?15.0; body mass kg: 72.9?13.4, placebo 69.1?11.9). There were no changes in food intake (i.e. total energy intake or grams of macronutrients) between groups. Lean body mass, total body water, and % body fat did not change significantly. Fat mass decreased significantly pre versus post in the 5-HTP group (## p = 0.0186) but did not change in the placebo group (p = 0.5812). Moreover, the change in fat mass was significantly different between the 5-HTP and placebo group (#p = 0.048) ( Table 1).
Conclusions: Based on the limited data from this investigation, daily supplementation with 100 mg of 5-HTP might affect body composition.
Acknowledgments: We would like to thank NURA for providing the support for this investigation.

Indices of Mood and Sleep in Trained Men and Women
Lia Jiannine PhD a , Paulina Czartoryski a , Jason Curtis PhD a , Cassandra Evans a , Jackie Kaminski a , Autumn Elwell a , Anna Santucci a , Lia Leone a , Jake Geyer a , Veronica Mekhail a , Valentina Vita a , Amanda Pultorak a , Anya Ellerbroek a , Juan Carlos Santana b , Jaimie Tartar PhD c , Jose Antonio PhD a a Exercise and Sport Science, NSU Florida, Davie, Florida, USA; b Institute of Human Performance, Boca Raton, Florida, USA; c Psychology and Neuroscience, NSU Florida, David Florida, USA Corresponding author: Jose.Antonio@nova.edu

Background:
The aim of this investigation was to identify any sex differences in mood and sleep of trained men and women.
Results: Tables 1 and 2 provide an overview of results. There were no differences in men and women's Profile of Moods States scores and Global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores.
Conclusions: We did not observe any differences between men and women in measures of mood and sleep. The purpose of this study was to assess sleep quality in trained men and women.

Poor Sleep quality in Trained Men and Women
Methods: Fifty-five trained men (n = 24) and women (n = 31) (mean ± SD): age 30 ± 10 years, aerobic exercise per week 5 ± 4 hours, resistance exercise per week 5 ± 2 hours, total years of training 14 ± 10) volunteered to fill out a questionnaire to assess sleep quality (i.e. Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index). The Pittsburg Sleep quality Index (PSQI) is a self-reported questionnaire that assesses sleep quality (i.e. it differentiates 'poor' from 'good' sleep quality be measuring seven components: subjective sleep quality, sleep latency (i.e. how long it takes to fall asleep), sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency (i.e. percentage of time in bed that one is asleep), sleep disturbances, use of sleeping medication, and daytime dysfunction.
Conclusions: The majority (87%) of the trained men and women in this study exhibit poor sleep quality. Although men would rate their 'subjective sleep quality' at 'fairly good' (1.04 ± 0.75) and women fell in the 'very good' range (0.81 ± 0.70), their overall PSQI scores would indicate neither sex obtains good sleep quality.

Sex Differences in the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT): Trained Men vs. Women
Veronica Mekhail a , Cassandra Evans a , Jackie Kaminski a , Paulina Czartoryski a , Jason Curtis PhD a , Lia Jiannine PhD a , Corey Peacock PhD a , Jaime Tartar  Background: The aim of this investigation was to measure sustained attention via the psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) in exercise-trained individuals.
Methods: Thirty-one exercise-trained men (n = 13) and women (n = 18) (mean ± SD: age men 29 ± 6 and women 29 ± 8 years; height men 1.8 ± 0.8 and women 1.6 ± 0.6 meters; body mass men 85 ± 10 and women 63 ± 6 kg; body fat % men 19.1 ± 10 and women 26.6 ± 7) volunteered for this study. Subjects performed a 5-minute PVT test. The PVT is a sustained-attention task that measures the speed in which subjects respond to a visual stimulus.
Results: Trained men have fewer false starts than trained women (Table 1). There was no difference in reaction time (PVT). All data are presented as the mean ± SD.
Conclusions: We did not observe any sex differences in reaction time; however, trained men had fewer false starts than trained women.

The Effects of an Energy Drink on Measures of Cognition
Cassandra Evans a , Jackie Kaminski a , Paulina Czartoryski a , Olivia Longmore a , Jake Geyer a , Amanda Pultorak a , Veronica Mekhail a , Lia Jiannine PhD a , Erik Bustillo, Anya Ellerbroek, Juan Carlos Santana b , Jaime Tartar  Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of an energy drink (Redline® Cognitive Candy) on measures of cognition.
Methods: Twelve exercise-trained men (n = 3) and women (n = 9) (mean ± SD: age 25 ± 5 years; height 1.66 ± 0.08 meters; weight; 69.4 ± 12.3 kilograms; % body fat 21.4 ± 5.1%; daily caffeine intake 194 ± 144 milligrams; mean hours per week of aerobic training 5.1 ± 2.9; mean hours per week of resistance training 3.3 ± 1.5) volunteered for this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. In a counterbalanced order, they consumed either the energy drink (product: Redline® Cognitive Candy, Weston Florida) or a similar tasting placebo drink. In the second visit after a washout period of at least three days, they consumed the alternate drink. Forty-five minutes post-consumption, they performed the following tests that are part of the NIH Toolbox ® of cognition measures: Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test, Dimensional Change Card Sort Test, and Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test. In addition, each subject underwent the Psychomotor Vigilance Task. Lastly, they performed a treadmill run to exhaustion.
Results: There were no differences between conditions regarding any of the cognitive tasks except for Pattern Comparison Processing Speed (i.e. energy drink was better than the placebo). There were no differences in the psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) although the number of false starts was less in the PVT group. Furthermore, there were no differences in the treadmill time to exhaustion (Table 1).
Data are expressed as the mean ± SD. Legend: msec -millisecond; PVT -psychomotor vigilance test. *Denotes differences that are statistically significant.
Background: Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a novel supplement involved in physiological processes such as redox modulation and cellular energy metabolism. Similarly, endurance training elicits intramuscular adaptations on mitochondrial density and the expression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Prior published data observed that PQQ combined with endurance training significantly elevated skeletal muscle PGC-1α protein content, suggesting adaptations indicative of mitochondrial biogenesis in humans. However, no data exists on the combined effects of PQQ supplementation with endurance training on markers of electron transport chain (ETC) activity and oxidative stress in humans. Therefore, this investigation examined the effects of PQQ supplementation in young untrained males performing a 6-week aerobic exercise training program (ET) on markers of mitochondrial activity and protein carbonyl (PC) content.
Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, untrained [<3 hr/ wk exercise for ≥1 year prior to starting the study] males aged between 18-35 (n = 23) were randomly assigned to ingest 20 mg/day of encapsulated PQQ (n = 12) or cellulose placebo (PLC; n = 11) while participating in a supervised 6-week ET program (5 d/wk). Participants completed 2 research visits (PRE/POST) where markers of mitochondrial activity and oxidative stress were assessed. Participants underwent a percutaneous muscle biopsy from the vastus lateralis using the fine needle aspiration technique. Prepared homogenized muscle samples were used to assess citrate synthase (CS), ETC Complex I and IV activity and PC content. Factorial 2 × 2 Supplement [PQQ/PLC] by Time [PRE/ POST] ANOVA with repeated measures was conducted for all criterion variables at a significance of p < 0.05.
Results: There was no significant supplement by time interactions for all variables (p > 0.05). However, there was a main time effect for Complex I and CS activity (p = <0.001). Pairwise comparisons revealed a greater increase in POST irrespective of group. Due to a significant baseline difference between groups for PC content, ANCOVA analysis was utilized to adjust for PRE-differences. No main effect for group was reported.
Conclusions: Based on the results, PQQ supplementation combined with endurance training may not additively impact markers of mitochondrial activity as assessed by Complex I, IV and CS activity over PLC in untrained males. Although PQQ did not elicit attenuating effects on PC content, lack of investigation on endogenous antioxidant targets or other biomarkers for oxidative stress warrants further research to ascertain any antioxidant role in humans. Future research should also explore PQQ supplemental effects on other endurance training modalities to identify any ergogenic potential on mitochondrial activity. Background: Severe dehydration in humans may result in diminished cellular function, cardiac strain, and reduced cooling capacity, contributing to decreased athletic performance. One such nutritional strategy which may positively impact hydration status is the consumption of betaine. Betaine is an intracellular osmolyte and amino acid derivative found naturally in wheat products, spinach, and shrimp. However, these foods are typically consumed in an insufficient dose to observe improvements in hydration. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of betaine supplementation on fluid balance in recreationally active young men.

The Effects of Betaine Supplementation on Fluid Balance
Methods: In a double-blind crossover design, betaine (50 mg·kg −1 , 2x/day) or a rice flour placebo (50 mg·kg −1 , 2x/day) was consumed for 7 days in young, recreationally active men (N = 11, 29.1 ± 5.2 y, 184.0 ± 7.8 cm, 78.5 ± 9.4 kg, 13.3 ± 6.9% body fat). Participants consumed 6 ml·kg −1 water with every supplemental dose but were otherwise allowed to drink ad libitum during the loading period. On days 0 and 7 of supplementation, participants arrived at the laboratory in the morning, following an overnight fast (7-9 hrs) having abstained from caffeine (previous 12 hrs), as well as alcohol and exercise (previous 24 hrs). Hydration status was measured via bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy and blood analysis. Markers of hydration and fluid volume included intracellular fluid (ICF), extracellular fluid (ECF), total body water (TBW), plasma osmolality, and plasma concentrations of the following: sodium (Na + ), potassium (K + ), chloride (Cl − ), albumin (ALB), and total protein (TPRO). Paired samples t-tests were used within and between groups to compare differences in these markers on day 0 and 7 of supplementation.
Conclusions: In the present study, seven days of supplemental betaine failed to improve physiological markers of hydration status in young, recreationally active men in free-living environments without a significant fluid stressor.
Background: Iron is an essential trace element involved in a multitude of metabolic processes including oxygen transport and utilization, and therefore may significantly affect exercise capacity. Declines in iron have been shown throughout a season in female collegiate soccer athletes. The purpose of this study was to compare hematological status across races in women collegiate soccer athletes.
Methods: National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I female athletes (N = 28; M age = 19 ± 1y) were monitored over the course of a soccer season and retrospectively divided into two groups based on race (Black [n = 8] and White/non-Hispanic [n = 19]). Blood draws were performed prior to preseason (S1) as well as weeks 4, 8, & 12 of the season (S2-S4). Athletes were instructed to arrive between 0700-0900 h, 18-24 hours postgame in a fasted, euhydrated state. Serum iron (Fe), percent saturation (%SAT), ironbinding capacity (IBC), ferritin (Fer), transferrin (TfR), and hemoglobin (Hb) were analyzed as indicators of iron status. Mixed effects models were conducted to assess changes over time through the season and examine race-by-time interactions. For each biomarker, area under the curve (AUC) was calculated, and T-tests were conducted to compare differences by race. For all analyses, significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Effect sizes were determined using Cohen's d.

Conclusions:
Female athletes experience significant declines in iron status across a collegiate soccer season which may impact performance. Both Black and White players exhibited similar patterns of decline in markers of hematological status. However, despite similar decreases, Black athletes experienced lower iron levels compared to White athletes throughout the entire season. These values approached clinical criteria for iron deficiency by the end of the season (S4). Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind the differences of iron status by race, such as iron metabolism, genetic predisposition, or nutritional disparities, to help inform recommendations and personalized nutrition interventions in order to optimize performance in female athletes.
Acknowledgments: Funding provided by Quest Diagnostics.

Days of L-Citrulline Supplementation Does Not Improve Functional Performance in Older Active Women
Jeremy Townsend a, Shameka Freeman a , Megan Jones a , Jaclyn Morimune a , Laurel Littlefield a , Ruth Henry a a Exercise and Nutrition Graduate Program, Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN 37204, USA Corresponding author: jrtownsend@lipscomb.edu Background: L-citrulline is a non-essential amino acid which increases circulating nitric oxide (NO) levels following consumption through the NO-synthase pathway. NO then exerts a variety of biological processes including vasodilation, improved muscle contractility, and a reduction in fatigue during exercise. While a number of investigations have examined the efficacy of L-citrulline supplementation in a young population, more data is needed pertaining to older adults. Thus, the aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that 7 days of L-citrulline supplementation will improve functional performance and indices of cardiovascular health and in older active women.
Methods: Sixteen physically active women (66.9 ± 5.6 yrs, 1.65 ± 0.5 m, 71.7 ± 16.7 kg,) volunteered to participate in this randomized, double-blind, crossover study. All participants exercised at least 3 times per week and participated in fitness class consisting of full-body resistance training. Following enrollment, participants reported to the laboratory for a familiarization session with all experimental testing procedures and body composition testing. All subsequent testing visits occurred at a local community fitness center and consisted testing before and after 7 days of supplementation with L-citrulline (CIT) or placebo (PL). Upon arrival for these visits, resting blood pressure and heart rate was obtained with the participant in a seated position. Following blood pressure assessment, participants completed the following tests in order: handgrip strength, timed get-up-and-go (GUG), 30 second Sit-tostand (STS) for repetitions, and a 6-minute walking test for distance. Immediately following the 6-minute walk test, post-exercise blood pressure and heart rate was recorded. Between treatments, a 2-week washout period was provided before participants crossed-over to the other condition. Data were analyzed via separate repeated measures analysis of variance.
Results: Results indicate there were no significant time by group interactions for handgrip strength (p = 0.593), GUG (p = 0.877), STS (p = 0.860), or 6 min walk test (p = 0.563) between CIT and PL treatments. There was a significant time by treatment interaction observed for resting diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.028) with lower values observed following 7 days of CIT supplementation compared to PL. There were no differences (p > 0.05) observed between treatments for any other measure of pre-or postexercise heart rate and blood pressure.
Conclusions: These data indicate that 7 days of L-citrulline supplementation did not influence measures of functional performance but may lower resting diastolic blood pressure in older active women.

Self-Reported Nutritional Habits of High-Intensity Functional Training Participants
Regis C. Pearson a, Nathan T. Jenkins a a Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA Corresponding author: regis.pearson@uga.edu Background: High-intensity functional training (HIFT) is characterized by the combination of high-intensity aerobic conditioning, resistance training, and bodyweight exercises. Despite reports of more than 4 million participants worldwide, there has been little systematic evaluation of nutritional habits among people who participate in HIFT. The purpose of this study was to evaluate HIFT participants' nutritional habits using a survey research approach.
Methods: A total of 450 respondents with greater than six months of HIFT participation completed a survey assessing their demographics and nutritional goals. Participants then completed the Dietary Health Questionnaire-III. 443 respondents were used for relative macronutrient analysis due to not reporting body weight (n = 7). Multiple linear regressions were performed to detect associations between dependent (e.g. dietary intake) and independent (e.g. sex, BMI, age, exercise frequency, and nutritional goals) variables. Binary logistic regressions were performed to examine odds ratios between dependent (e.g. nutritional goals) and independent (e.g. sex, BMI, age, and exercise frequency) variables.
Results: BMI, age, exercise frequency, and a nutritional goal of lose fat mass, weight gain and weight loss were significant predictors of relative energy intake (P ≤ 0.031). BMI, age, exercise frequency, and a nutritional goal of weight loss and weight gain were significant predictors of relative carbohydrate intake (P ≤ 0.018). Sex, BMI, age, and exercise frequency were significant predictors of relative protein intake (P ≤ 0.032). Sex, BMI, and age were significant predictors of relative fat intake (P ≤ 0.011). Age and exercise frequency were significant predictors of relative alcohol intake (P ≤ 0.002). Males were less likely to select lose fat mass (29.9%) and weight loss (18.6%), and more likely to select gain muscle mass (65.9%) and weight gain (94.5%) as a nutritional goal compared to females. Respondents with higher BMI were more likely to select fat loss (53.0%) and weight loss (56.2%), and less likely to select support performance (48.5%), weight maintenance (48.5%), muscle gain (48.2%), and weight gain (42.9%) as a nutritional goal. Older respondents were less likely to select gain muscle mass (49.5%) and weight gain (47.9%) as nutritional goals. Respondents participating in more exercise sessions wk −1 were 47.8% less likely to select weight maintenance as a nutritional goal.
Conclusions: Self-reported eating behaviors appear to vary among sex, weight status, age, and exercise frequency of HIFT participants. Nutritional goals of HIFT participants are linked to dietary intake, specifically relative energy, carbohydrate, and micronutrient intake. Results: While not statistically significant, %BF (Mean Difference [MD]±Standard Error [SE]: −3.5 ± 3.2 kg; p = 0.297) and FM (MD ± SE: −3.7 ± 4.4 kg; p = 0.409) were lower in early MT compared to late MT. FFM was similar between early MT and late MT (MD ± SE: 0.6 ± 2.7 kg; p = 0.840). For CVD risk factors, similarities were observed between groups regarding VAT, glucose, and triglycerides (p > 0.05). A notable but non significant difference was identified for TC (MD ± SE: −10.0 ± 15.1 mg/dL; p = 0.517). RER was lower but not significantly different in early MT (Mean ± SD: 0.54 ± 0.38 a.u.) compared to late MT (0.61 ± 0.31 a.u.; p = 0.646). RER was similar for MOD and HIGH intensities between early MT and late MT (p > 0.05).
Conclusions: The MT appears to cause an increase in FM and TC, and a decrease in FFM, which may have implications for CVD risk. The decrease in fat utilization during LOW intensity exercise may suggest late MT as a timeframe where metabolic inflexibility begins. Exercise and nutrition interventions that target body composition and metabolic flexibility in early MT may be instrumental in delaying increases in FM and supporting optimal fat metabolism during exercise.
Acknowledgments: This study was supported by the UNC Center for Women's Health Research. Background: It is estimated that resting metabolic rate (RMR) accounts for ~60-70% of total daily energy expenditure for athletes. Therefore, accurate prediction of RMR is valuable for practitioners when determining energy requirements. The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of five commonly used RMR prediction equations in collegiate men and women athletes.
Conclusions: All RMR prediction equations underestimated RMR in men collegiate athletes. In addition, De Lorenzo was the only equation that did not underestimate RMR in women collegiate athletes. The Harris-Benedict equation was the most accurate predictor for men and women athletes; therefore, this study provides early evidence that Harris-Benedict might be the best equation when predicting RMR in Division III athletes. Background: Joint-related stress models have already been used in the past to induce standardized load on physical structures, thus leading to changes on perceived stress on joint as accurate as possible in healthy individuals. Previous preclinical models and clinical studies support the safety and efficacy of UC-II® collagen in modulating joint discomfort in osteoarthritis and in healthy subjects. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of UC-II® collagen on knee joint function and mobility as measured by range of motion (ROM) in healthy subjects who experience activity related joint discomfort.

UC-II® Collagen Improved Knee Range of Motion (ROM) in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study
Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in healthy subjects who had no prior history of osteoarthritis, inflammatory or metabolic joint diseases. Ninety six (n = 96, 20 -55 years old) subjects who reported joint discomfort of at least 5 on an 11-point Likert scale while performing at least 30 steps during the Single leg step down test (SLSD) were randomized to receive either placebo (PLA, n = 48) or the 40 mg UC-II® collagen (providing ≥3% undenatured type II collagen (Collagen), n = 48) supplementation daily for 6 months. Joint flexibility was measured from the knee ROM flexion and extension using a goniometer.
Results: At the end of the study, a statistically significant increase in knee ROM flexion was observed in the collagen group versus the PLA group (3.23 degrees vs. 0.21 degrees, respectively; p = 0.025). Also, an increase of knee ROM extension by 2.21 degrees was observed in the collagen group and a slight increase by 1.27 degrees in the PLA group. Analysis of changes over time within each intervention group showed a significant increase only in the collagen group (p = 0.0061), whereas the change in PLA group was not significant (p = 0.2540). Subgroup analysis by age showed a significant increase of ROM flexion in subjects of age > 35 years after collagen intervention in comparisons to PLA (6.79 degrees in Collagen vs. 0.30 degrees in PLA; p = 0.0092). Overall, these results suggest undenatured type II collagen improves joint flexibility, extensibility and mobility.
Conclusion: Daily supplementation with 40 mg of UC-II® collagen improved the knee joint function in healthy subjects who experience activity-related joint discomfort.  [3.8]) were enrolled and completed the study. All participants conducted RE program comprised three full-body sessions RE on nonconsecutive days for 10-weeks that consisted of the bench press, military press, wide grip lateral pulldown, seated cable row, back squat, leg press, and leg extension/curl. Participants conducted 4 sets of 10 repetitions (reps) for bench press and back squat and 3 sets of 10 reps for the remaining exercises. One session per week was under the supervision of a member of the research staff. The participants were divided into two groups: 1) ~4 g/d FO (EPA+DHA) or 2) ~4 g/d safflower oil (placebo [PL]). Body composition (body mass, lean body mass [LBM], and body fat percentage [% BF]) via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and upper-body and lower-body strength via 1RM bench press and 1RM back squat, respectively, was assessed at baseline and after 10weeks. Repeated measures within-between ANOVA was used to determine group by time interactions. All between-group differences were analyzed using effect sizes (Cohen's d).

Conclusions:
In recreationally trained women, FO supplementation enhances lowerbody strength in conjunction with a 10-week RE program. It appears that FO supplementation may augment training adaptations from RE as upper-body strength and LBM also improved, while %BF decreased. While these values did not significantly differ from PL, it is clear from the between-group effect sizes and notable gross differences that the effects may be clinically relevant.
Acknowledgments Background: B-mode ultrasonography is an attractive option for assessing skeletal muscle composition in a variety of populations. Skeletal muscle echo intensity is often referred to as an indicator of 'muscle quality' and has been shown to be correlated with several aspects of lower-body performance. One methodological issue that has yet to be carefully examined is whether image depth influences the interpretation of echo intensity values. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether ultrasound echo intensity values of the vastus lateralis muscle are affected by the depth at which images are captured.
Methods: Thirty-six healthy men and women participated in this study. Each participant rested in the supine position on a treatment table for 10 minutes prior to image acquisition. Ultrasound images of the vastus lateralis were captured in the sagittal plane. Images were taken at depths of 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5,6, and 7 cm in random order. ImageJ software was used to quantify echo intensity (arbitrary units [A.U.]). Mean differences in echo intensity at each depth were evaluated with a one-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA Corresponding author: mormsbee@fsu.edu Background: Collagen peptides (CP) are thought to exert positive effects on bone and connective tissue. Serum C-terminal telopeptide (CTX) and procollagen type-I N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) are measures of bone and collagen turnover and have been strongly correlated with changes in bone mineral density. Directionality is dependent on intervention and mechanisms of action, and conflicting changes have been observed in CP interventions. Additionally, no data exist in males. The purpose of this double-blind randomized placebocontrolled trial was to characterize the effects of daily consumption of CP (SOLUGEL®) over 6-months on markers of CTX and P1NP in middle-aged active men and women.
Methods: Participants (N = 61) were randomized into three groups: 20 g CP (n = 21; male = 11), 10 g CP (n = 19; male = 7) of CP, or placebo (n = 21; male = 12). Serum was collected at baseline, 3-months, and 6-months to assess changes over time in CTX and P1NP. Repeated measures (RM) ANOVAs were used to assess interactions between experimental groups, and CTX or P1NP at each time point. Simple RM ANOVAs were used for post hoc analyses of significant interactions, and changes in scores are reported as percent change from baseline to 6-months for 20 g, 10 g, and placebo, respectively.
Results: A RM ANOVA approached a significant interaction for CTX and collagen group (p = 0.84; −7.8%, +13.6%, and +2.2%, respectively). There was a significant interaction for CTX and collagen group in males (p < 0.05; −5.8%, +48%, +13.2%, respectively), but not in females. Post hoc analysis in males revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05) between baseline and 6 month CTX in the 10 g, but not 20 g or placebo groups. There was a significant interaction between P1NP and collagen group (p < 0.05; −2.1%, −12.7%, +7.6%, respectively). Post hoc analyses revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in P1NP values between baseline and 6-months in 10 g, and between baseline and 3-months in placebo, but no significant differences in the 20 g group across time points. There were no significant differences in P1NP when analyzed by sex.
Conclusions: Six months of daily collagen peptide supplementation of 10 g, but not 20 g or placebo, yielded significant increases in CTX in males but not females. Conversely, P1NP significantly decreased with 10 g of collagen peptides, but not 20 g or placebo. No sex differences were observed for P1NP. These findings suggest 10 g to be effective and superior to 20 g of collagen peptides or placebo in changing biomarkers of bone and collagen turnover after 6-months of supplementation in active middle-aged men and women.
Acknowledgments: PB Leiner, part of Tessenderlo Group, funded this study. The ISSM graduate and undergraduate student interns. Background: Pain is a major limiter of physical activity (PA) and activities of daily living (ADLs) in aging populations, contributing to lower quality of life and increased disease risks. Pharmacological interventions for managing pain often have negative side effects. Collagen peptides (CP) have been shown to be efficacious for growth and repair of connective tissue and to mitigate pain, but there are no long-term studies in healthy middle-aged active populations. Therefore, the purpose of this double-blind, randomized control trial was to determine the effects of daily consumption of CP (SOLUGEL®) over 6 months on markers of pain and ADLs in middle-aged lifelong exercisers.

Collagen Peptide Supplementation Improves Measures of Activities of Daily Living and Pain in Active Adults
Methods: Participants (N = 61) were randomized into three groups: 20 g (n = 21; male = 11), 10 g (n = 19; male = 7), or placebo (n = 21; male = 12). The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) was used to assess changes over time (baseline, 3 months, and 6 months) in Pain and ADL scores. A 50% frequency split for physical activity during the study was used to dichotomize participants into low (LF) or high frequency (HF) exerciser groups. Repeated measures (RM) ANOVAs were used to assess interactions between experimental groups, exercise frequency groups, and scores (Pain or ADLs) at each time point. Simple repeated measures ANOVAs were used for post hoc analyses of significant interactions, and changes in scores are reported as percent change from baseline to 6 months. Increasing values reflect improvements in Pain and ADLs.
Results: There was a significant interaction (p < 0.05) between CP dose, exercise, and pain. Post hoc analysis indicated a significant interaction in HF exercisers between CP dose and pain (p < 0.05), but not in LF. Pain scores improved in the HF exercisers in both CP groups (20 g and 10 g), whereas pain scores worsened in placebo (+2.6%, +4.2%, −6.8%, respectively). There was a significant interaction between CP dose and ADLs (p < 0.05), with 20 g and 10 g improving in score, but not placebo, regardless of exercise frequency (+0.3%, +4.1%, −1.5%, respectively).
Conclusions: Daily CP intake of 20 g and 10 g over the course of 6 months yielded significant improvements in pain scores exclusively in HF exercisers, whereas no significant changes were observed in LF exercisers across groups. ADL scores improved with 10 g and remained stable with 20 g, whereas the placebo scores worsened, independent of exercise frequency. These findings indicate CP supplementation over 6 months may have protective as well as beneficial effects on ADLs and improvements in pain for middle-aged HF exercisers.
Acknowledgments: PB Leiner, part of Tessenderlo Group, funded this study. The ISSM graduate and undergraduate student interns. Background: Chronic oral ATP supplementation benefits cardiovascular health, muscular performance, body composition, and recovery while attenuating muscle breakdown and fatigue [1]. A single 400 mg dose of oral ATP supplementation improved lower body resistance training performance and energy expenditure in recreational resistance trained males [2], however, the minimal effective dose is currently unknown.

Dose-Ranging Study of Acute ATP Supplementation to Improve Athletic
Methods: Twenty recreationally trained men (age 28.6 ± 1.0 years, weight 81.2 ± 2.0 kg, height 175.2 ± 1.4 cm, 1RM 141.5 ± 5.0 kg) consumed a single dose of either 400 mg, 200 mg, or 100 mg ATP (PEAK ATP, TSI USA LLC, Missoula, MT, USA) or a placebo in a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover design, separated by a one week wash out between treatments. After warm-up, each participant completed four sets until movement failure at 80% of 1RM (1-s eccentric and 1-s concentric) and 2 minutes of rest between sets.
Results: In comparison to placebo, 400 mg ATP significantly increased the number of set 1 repetitions (+13%, p < 0.04), and numerical increases in total repetitions (+7%) and total weight lifted (+6%). 200 mg ATP numerically increased set 1 repetitions (+6%), while 100 mg ATP showed no improvements over placebo. Interestingly, perceived exertion was lowest in the 100 and 400 mg groups and greatest in the 200 mg group (p < 0.02).

Conclusions
In this study, the effective minimal dose for acute oral ATP supplementation during resistance exercise was determined to be 400 mg.
References: [1]   Performance and Physique Enhancement Laboratory, Exercise Science Program, during a caloric deficit include resistance exercise and a high protein diet. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an intensive diet on RMR and eating behaviors in resistance-trained males and females following a high protein diet. Methods: 32 resistance-trained males (n = 9) and females (n = 23) participated in this study (25.5 ± 7.7 years; 168 ± 9.2 cm; 68.8 ± 12.8 kgs). Following a maintenance phase, subjects were prescribed a 2-week 37.5% caloric deficit (diet phase) that included high protein (2.2 g/kg) and a continuation of their habitual training routine. A 2-week ad libitum phase followed the diet phase. RMR and eating behavior (measured via a 51item three-factor eating questionnaire which measures an individual's level of hunger, disinhibition [the loss of control in food intake], and dietary restraint [degree of cognitive control] in daily food intake) were assessed at baseline, after the 2-week diet phase, and after the 2-week ad libitum phase. Data were analyzed using a repeated measures ANOVA.
Results: A significant decrease over time for RMR was observed during the 2-week caloric deficit, but was recovered after the ad libitum phase. Specifically, RMR decreased from 1,627 ± 299 to 1,536 ± 271 kcals (−5.5%; p < 0.001)) during the diet phase and was partially recovered to 1,584 ± 267 kcals (−2.6% relative to baseline; p = 0.09) after the ad libitum phase. There were no changes over time in hunger (p = 0.949) or dietary restraint (p = 0.264) during the intervention. There was a significant change over time for disinhibition (p < 0.001), with scores decreasing from 6.8 ± 3.7 to 5.6 ± 3.1 during the diet phase (p = 0.004) and remaining lowered after the ad libitum phase (5.7 ± 3.1; p = 0.004 relative to baseline scores).
Conclusions: In resistance-trained males and females, a two-week prescribed caloric deficit of ~37.5% resulted in a significant decline in resting metabolic rate. High protein intake and resistance training were not able to mitigate this decline. As such, to maintain resting metabolic rate during caloric restriction, a short-term intense caloric deficit is not recommended. Eating behaviors were mostly unaffected during the intervention, with the exception of decreased disinhibition scores during the diet phase and ad libitum phase. Background: Selective androgen receptor modulators and growth hormone secretagogues ostensibly exert potent anabolic effects without negative androgenic steroidassociated side-effects. However, limited data exist describing their effects on health-and androgen-related biomarkers. The purpose of this case study was to report body composition changes in addition to androgen-and health-related biomarkers of an individual using Ligandrol/LGD-4033 and Ibutamoren/MK-677 and cross-sectionally examine intramuscular androgenic hormone and receptor concentrations.

Methods:
A 25-year-old resistance-trained male ingested Ligandrol/LGD-4033 (10 mg) injury. One postulated mechanism for poor nutrition is a lack of adequate sport nutrition knowledge (SNK). To date, no studies have evaluated the state of SNK in NCAA Division III college athletes using an appropriate, validated assessment tool. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the SNK of NCAA Division III college athletes using an appropriate, validated SNK instrument (SNKI).
Methods: The SNKI [1] consisted of 49 questions, broken into six sections: carbohydrate (11), protein (9), fat (7), hydration (7), micronutrients (7), and weight management (8). Scoring was as follows: +1 for each correct answer, −1 for each incorrect answer, and +0 for 'Don't know'. A '% correct' score was also calculated by dividing the total number of correct responses by the total number of questions for the entire instrument. Sex differences were analyzed using independent t-tests. Significance was set at p < 0.05.
Conclusions: These results highlight that NCAA Division III college athletes exhibit a low level of overall SNK, with no differences between sexes. Females, however, did score higher than males for hydration-specific nutrition knowledge.
References :  Background: Vigilance and marksmanship are important aspects of tactical performance. Nutritional strategies, such as stimulant supplementation, have been shown to maintain vigilance and marksmanship during periods of sleep deprivation, and a recent systematic review concluded that moderate doses of caffeine, a methylxanthine, improve marksmanship RT without affecting accuracy. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of tetramethylurates (methylliberine and theacrine) in addition to caffeine on both vigilance and marksmanship performance in a tactical population.

Methods:
Tactically trained males (n = 48) participated in this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial and were assigned to: caffeine only (300 mg; CAF), a combination of caffeine (150 mg), methylliberine (100 mg), and theacrine (50 mg; CMT), or placebo (PLA). Following familiarization, participants underwent a session consisting of two rounds of testing after consuming the supplement. Each round consisted of 30-min leisurely reading, 30-min vigilance protocol as a go/no-go reaction task with arithmetic on a D2 reaction board (Dynavision International LLC, Cincinnati, OH), then two bouts of a whole-body dynamic movement task and a 16-target marksmanship task with a tactical reload using a simulator (Smokeless Range, Laser Ammo, Great Neck, NY) with a laser-modified airsoft pistol. Targets were scaled to 15 m for the first round and 30 m for the second round. Vigilance-and marksmanship-related outcomes were converted to Z-scores in order to calculate composite performance scores at each timepoint. Linear mixed-effects models were used to analyze differences between groups over time with a random intercept for subject ID. If a significant main effect or interaction was found, post-hoc tests with a Bonferroni adjustment were performed (α = 0.05).
Results: A Group-by-Time interaction was found for the vigilance composite score which consisted of RT, correct decisions, and correct math responses (P = 0.019). Post-hoc tests showed that vigilance Z-score did not change for CAF and CMT (P > 0.2) but decreased for PLA (P = 0.028). No Group effects or interactions were observed for marksmanship.

Conclusions:
The results show that both CAF and CMT attenuate decrements in a vigilance task without negatively affecting marksmanship in a tactical population. Similar to previous research, the stimulants provided allowed participants to maintain RT and mental acuity during the vigilance task while the placebo group exhibited decrements. Despite a lower caffeine dose, the addition of tetramethylurates resulted in similar tactical performance outcomes as caffeine only, which is even more noteworthy given previous literature suggesting more favorable hemodynamic responses and reduced habituation with these compounds.
Acknowledgments: This study was funded by Compound Solutions, Inc. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03937687) Background: Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and bioimpedance analysis (BIA) are commonly used body composition techniques that rely on standard assumptions for fatfree body mass, which differs among athletes. Accounting for total body water (TBW) and bone mineral density from a DXA-derived four compartment (DXA-4C) model may be more accurate than DXA or BIA alone, while requiring little extra time. The purpose of this evaluation was to compare the agreement between DXA and BIA to a DXA-4C criterion method for body composition assessment in division I collegiate athletes.
Conclusions: With the DXA-4C model as a criterion, BIA may provide superior validity in comparison to DXA in all body composition measures. DXA was found to be an accurate approach, but the addition of TBW significantly improved its validity, particularly in athletes. Use of a DXA-4C approach increases the validity for female athletes and for LM estimates in male athletes. Background: Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is commonly employed to elicit increases in skeletal muscle hypertrophy, largely due to acute hypoxia-mediated metabolic stress and a subsequent extra-to-intracellular fluid shift (ultimately normalizing osmotic stress). Betaine supplementation may therefore potentially augment BFR training via osmolyte-associated effects on protein stabilization and/or through attenuating hypotonic scenarios. Therein, the purpose of this investigation was to compare the impacts of concurrent betaine supplementation on one-leg press performance and lactate concentrations, whilst employing both low-load BFR and standard high-load resistance exercise.

The Potential Synergistic Effect of Combined Blood Flow Restriction Training and Betaine Supplementation on One-leg Press Performance and Exercise-associated
Methods: Eighteen apparently healthy males (25 ± 5y) were randomized in doubleblind fashion to supplement 6 g/day of either betaine anhydrous or cellulose placebo for 14-days. Following one-repetition maximum assessments on day 12 of supplementation, all participants performed four standardized sets, as well as two sets to muscular failure of one-leg press exercise on both legs in a randomized, counter-balanced, and crossover design. Specifically, one leg performed standard high-load (HL; 70%1RM) exercise, whereas the contralateral limb underwent partially occluded BFR (LLO; 20%1RM) training at 80% arterial occlusion pressure. Each leg's total repetitions completed was used to calculate total load-volume and toe-tip lactate concentrations were sampled before exercise (PRE), as well as immediately (POST0), 30-minutes (POST30M), and 3-hours (POST3H) post-exercise. All dependent variables were analyzed using factorial (two-andthree way) mixed model ANOVA performed at a significance level of p < .05.
Results: In all instances, there were no significant main effects for supplement (p > .05). Analysis revealed significant main effects for total repetitions (p > .001; η p 2 = .729) and total load-volume completed (p < .001; η p 2 = .875), whereby LLO accrued significantly more repetitions (p < .001) but less load-volume (p < .001) relative to HL. Furthermore, there were significant condition (p < .001; η p 2 = .814) and time (p < .001; η p 2 = .908) main effects for lactate changes from baseline, whereby time-collapsed HL had higher concentrations versus LLO (p < .001) and both POST0 and POST30M were significantly higher (both p < .001) than POST3H, ultimately with no differences between the former two time points (p = .272). Lastly, there was a significant condition x time interaction (p < .001; η p 2 = .237), illustrating higher lactate concentrations for HL versus LLO at POST3H (p < .001). Conclusions: Given the findings of this acute intervention, it appears betaine supplementation does not potentiate BFR or standard high-load resistance training with respect to one-leg press performance nor differences in lactate concentrations. However, these equivocal results may stand overturned by future research that aims to assess more mechanistic outcomes (cellular-level changes) and/or employs a combined BFR-betaine modality in a longitudinal model. Background: Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is commonly employed to elicit hypertrophy and commensurate strength gains via full venous and partial arterial occlusion. However, if used haphazardly and/or without standardization (i.e. assessing arterial occlusion pressure [AOP]) on the proximal limb(s), this modality can range from ineffective to potentially dangerous. Therefore, the purpose of this study was 1) determine the viability of multiple sizes of a novel multi-chambered pneumatic BFR cuff product to reliably attain AOP, and 2) investigate any blood flow-associated differences between the aforementioned cuffs and a commonly used tourniquet-style cuff.

Impacts of Varying Blood Flow Restriction Cuff Size and Material on Arterial, Venous, and Calf Muscle Pump-Mediated Blood Flow
Methods: Twenty apparently healthy males (18-40y) adorned either a commonly employed wide rigid (WR) cuff, as well the largest (NE) and manufacturer-recommended sizes (NER) of a novel narrow elastic cuff in randomized, counter-balanced, and crossover fashion. After providing consent, subjects rested in a supine position for 10 minutes, both prior to and between cuff conditions, before ultrasound assessment of the participant's right leg. AOP was determined and subsequently reduced to 80% for (both mean and peak) arterial, venous, and calf muscle pump-mediated blood flow (vs rest) comparison. Subjective discomfort between rest and cuff conditions was additionally assessed utilizing the Borg CR10+ scale. All dependent variables were analyzed via factorial one-way repeated measures ANOVA. Furthermore, data failing to meet normality assumptions were assessed via Friedman's ANOVA. All analyses were performed at a significance level of p < .05.
Results: Analyses revealed a significant effect for cuff type on AOP (p < .001; η p 2 = .907), whereby WR was significantly lower than both NE (p < .001) and NER (p < .001), of which the latter two did not differ (p = 1.000). Compared with rest, there were no statistically significant differences between cuffs for either arterial (mean p = .291; peak p = .115) nor calf muscle pump-mediated (mean p = .565; peak p = .368) blood flow. Unsurprisingly, no participants demonstrated venous blood flow at 80% AOP. Lastly, nonparametric analyses revealed a significant effect for subjective discomfort (p < .001; Kendall's W = .575), whereby all cuff conditions displayed greater CR10+ values (p < .001 in all cases) versus rest without significant differences between cuffs. Conclusions: These findings support the viability of a novel narrow elastic BFR cuff design. Specifically, these cuffs produced similar blood flow parameter changes, whilst also reliably reaching AOP amidst similar discomfort levels. This investigation is also the first to document calf muscle pump-mediated blood flow in general and amongst all cuff types, potentially suggesting this phenomenon is an important factor facilitating BFRassociated exercise duration and subsequent adaptation.
Acknowledgments: The authors would like to thank Dr. Mike DeBord and B3 Sciences for generously donating their cuff products to assist in the completion of this investigation.

Decreases in Body Esteem Following Body Composition Testing are Dependent on Sex and Percent Body Fat
Geoffrey M Hudson, Caitlyn R Hauff, Alyssa M. Zediker, Andrew P. Theodore Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Sport, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36,688, USA Corresponding author: GHudson@southalabama.edu Background: Optical body fat scanners and bioelectrical impedance devices have made body composition testing more accessible and affordable which allows people to more easily track body fat (%BF) changes. It has been demonstrated, however, that body composition testing can negatively impact body esteem. These data highlight how exposure to body fat results from a DXA (dual x-ray absorptiometry) scan and the image from an optical body fat scanner can impact how different groups feel about their bodies.
Methods: Participants (n = 64; 31% male; age = 27.9 ± 10.4 years; BMI = 25.9 ± 5.0 kgm −2 ; body fat = 32.4 ± 9.5%) completed the Body Esteem Scale (BES) [1] at three different time points: 1) baseline measurement, 2) after receiving numerical body fat results from a DXA scan, and 3) after viewing their 3D image from an optical body fat scanner. The BES includes three subscales (Appearance, Weight, Attributes) that include 15 positive items and 9 negative items. Participants' data were subdivided by gender, normal/overweight by BMI, and into quartiles for %BF based on age-matched percentiles from DXA.
Results: ANOVA with repeated measures indicated significant changes for both the positive (p = .003) and negative items (p < .0001) as well as all three subscales (Appearance, Weight, Attributes; p = .001, .005, .025, respectively) after body composition testing. Scores decreased on 7 (of 14) positive items and increased on 5 (of 9) negative items. Females scored significantly lower than males on four negative items: 'My looks upset me', 'I feel ashamed of how I look', 'Weighing myself depresses me', 'My weight makes me unhappy'. Overweight individuals and those in the highest quartile for %BF scored significantly lower on three items regarding weight satisfaction. Effect sizes (η p 2 ) were largest for an increase in these items: 'I feel ashamed of how I look' (η p 2 = .162), 'My weight makes me unhappy' (η p 2 = .127), and 'My looks upset me' (η p 2 = .146) and a decrease in: 'I'm pretty happy about the way I look' (η p 2 = .109).

Conclusions:
Receiving body composition results from a DXA and an optical body fat scanner negatively impacts body esteem and can influence some subgroups of people more than others. More research is needed to understand how individuals are affected by these data in order to provide best practice when delivering results about sensitive information, like body fat, as this could result in decreasing self-esteem and potential adoption of maladaptive weight control behaviors.
Background: About 80% of ingested caffeine (CA) is converted to paraxanthine (PX) in the body. Some studies suggest PX may possess nootropic effects with less unfavorable effects on the central nervous system compared to caffeine. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects acute PX ingestion on markers of cognition, executive function and psychomotor vigilance.
Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, and counterbalanced manner, 12 healthy male and female subjects (24 ± 5 years, 170.0 ± 12 cm, 72.9 ± 19 kg, 24.8 ± 4 kg/m 2 ) were randomly assigned to consume a placebo (PL) or 200 mg of PX (ENFINITY™, Ingenious Ingredients, L.P.). Participants completed stimulant sensitivity and side effect questionnaires and then performed the Berg-Card Sorting task test (BCST) that is an executive function test that assesses long thought, including reasoning, learning, executive control, and attention shifting; the Go/No-Go test (GNG) that assesses sustained attention and response control through reaction time and accuracy to visual stimuli; the Sternberg task test (STT) that assesses short-term/working memory involving cognitive control processes using reaction time and accuracy; and, the Psychomotor Vigilance Task Test (PVTT) that assesses sustained attention reaction times through responses to visual stimuli. Participants then ingested one capsule of PL or PX treatments with 8 ounces of water. Participants completed side effects and cognitive function tests after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 hours of after ingestion of the supplement. After 7 days participants then repeated the experiment while consuming the alternative treatments. Data were analyzed by a General Linear Model (GLM) univariate analyses with repeated measures using weight as a covariate and by assessing mean and percent changes from baseline with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI's) expressed as means (LL, UL). There was also evidence that PX ingestion improved STT 2-letter length Absent and Present Reaction Time over time as well as improved 6-letter length Absent Reaction Time after 2 hours (PX −86.5 ms [−165, −7.2], p = 0.03; PX −9.0% [−18.1, 0.2], p = 0.05) suggesting that PXN enhanced the ability to store and retrieve random information from short-term memory of increasing complexity to a greater degree. Finally, a moderate treatment x time effect size (ηp 2 = 0.08) was observed in PVTT Trial 2 Reaction Time with reaction time where PX sustained vigilance during Trial 2 after 2-hours (PX 840 ms [103,1576], p = 0.03) and 4-hours (PX 14664-hours (PX ms [579, 2353, p = 0.002) compared to PL. Additionally, as testing progressed, response time improved during the 20 trials and over the course of the 6-hour experiment in the PX treatment whereas it significantly increased in the PL group suggesting that PX helped sustain attention (i.e. maintained reaction times, prevention of mental fatigue).
Conclusions: Acute PX ingestion (200 mg) may affect some measures of short-term memory, reasoning, response time to cognitive challenges, and as well as help sustain attention.
Acknowledgments: This study was funded as a fee for service project to the Human Clinical Research Facility research by Ingenious Ingredients, LP (ING2). RJ, SDW and MP are co-owners of ING2 and have been named as inventors for the use of PX by ING2. Background: Acute ingestion of 200 mg of paraxanthine (PX) affects measures of short-term memory, reasoning, response time to cognitive challenges, and as well as help sustain attention. The optimal and minimal effective dose of PX is currently unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of different doses of PX on markers of cognition, executive function and psychomotor vigilance to one week of continued supplementation.

Dose-Ranging Study of Paraxanthine Ingestion on Cognition, Executive Function, and Psychomotor Vigilance
Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, and counterbalanced manner, 12 healthy male and female subjects (22.7 ± 4 years, 165 ± 7 cm, 66.5 ± 11 kg, 24.4 ± 3 kg/m 2 ) were assigned to ingest 200 mg of a placebo (PLA), 50 mg of PX (ENFINITY™, Ingenious Ingredients, L.P.) + 150 mg PLA, 100 mg PX + 100 mg PLA, or 200 mg of PX. Participants completed stimulant sensitivity and side effect questionnaires and donated a fasting blood sample. Participants then performed the Berg-Card Sorting task test (BCST) that is an executive function test that assesses long thought, including reasoning, learning, executive control, and attention shifting; the Go/No-Go test (GNG) that assesses sustained attention and response control through reaction time and accuracy to visual stimuli; the Sternberg task test (STT) that assesses short-term/working memory involving cognitive control processes using reaction time and accuracy; and, the Psychomotor Vigilance Task Test (PVTT) that assesses sustained attention reaction times through responses to visual stimuli. Participants then ingested on capsule of PLA or PX treatments with 8 ounces of water. Participants completed side effects and cognitive function tests after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 hours of after ingestion of the supplement. Participants continued ingesting one dose a day of the assigned supplement and then returned to the lab to donate a fasting blood sample. After a 7-day washout period, participants returned to the lab to repeat the experiment. Participants this protocol two additional times until all fore treatments were assessed. Data were analyzed by a General Linear Model (GLM) univariate analyses with repeated measures using weight as a covariate and assessing mean and percent changes from baseline with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI's).
Results: STT 4-Letter Length Present Reaction Time tended to differ among groups (p-0.06). Assessment of mean changes from baseline with 95% CI's revealed several significant differences among treatments in BCST Correct Responses, Preservative Errors (PEBL), and Preservative Errors (PAR Rules) providing some evidence that PX at varying doses enhanced thought, reasoning, learning, executive control, and attention shifting. There was also evidence of significant differences among treatments in GNG Tasks in Mean Accuracy and response time markers under various conditions assessed providing some evidence that PX influences help sustain attention. Likewise, there were significant differences among treatments at several timepoints of increasing complexity among STT variables assessed suggesting that PX enhanced the ability to store and retrieve random information from short-term memory of increasing complexity to a greater degree. Finally, there was evidence from the PVTT assessment that response time improved over the series of 20 trials assessed as well as over the course of the 6-hour experiment in the PX treatment suggesting that PX helped sustain attention. Benefit compared to PLA were seen with each dose studied but more consistent effects appeared to be at 100 m and 200 mg doses. No significant differences were observed in side effects or standard clinical chemistry panels.
Conclusions: Results provide some evidence that acute ingestion of 100 mg and 200 mg of PX may affect some measures of short-term memory, reasoning, response time to cognitive challenges, and help sustain attention and that 7-days of PX ingestion is not associated with any clinically significant side effect. regards to treadmill sprinting speeds. Therefore, we compared sprinting speeds during different settings of non-curved, non-motorized treadmills between different positions. We also assessed the relationship between weight and peak sprinting speeds.
Methods: Thirteen male, professional football players (26.9 ± 3.1 years, 183.2 ± 8.4 cm, 97.6 ± 12.2 kg), with previous training utilizing a non-curved, non-motorized treadmill were tested during off-season training. The football players were randomized and counterbalanced between four different bouts of sprinting on a non-curved, non-motorized treadmill (SHREDmill, Boca Raton, FL, USA). The sprint bouts included settings of a 15% incline and a resistance of eight (15R8), a 15% incline and a resistance of five (15R5), a 20% incline and a resistance of three (20R3), and a 20% incline with a resistance of 1 (20R1). Sprint speed (m/s) was documented for each of the four non-curved, non-motorized bouts.
Conclusions: Our data demonstrates non-significant differences between position groups and sprint bouts utilizing a non-curved, non-motorized treadmill in football players; however, there is a relationship between weight and two bouts of incline/ resistance settings (15R8, 15R5). These findings may provide better application to noncurved, non-motorized resistance settings in relation to football player weight. Background: Gaming or esports requires quick reactions, executive function, memory, and fine motor skills. Prior reports indicated that ingestion of arginine silicate (ASI) [1] improved the ability to perform complex cognitive tests requiring mental flexibility, processing speed and executive functioning. In addition, ingestion of ASI with 100 mg inositol (I) improved cognitive function in gamers after playing video games for one hour [2]. This study examined whether ASI+I ingestion prior to and following a 1-hour gaming challenge had effects on cognitive function.

Effects of Arginine Silicate and Inositol Ingestion on Cognitive and Executive Function in Gamers
Methods: In a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled, and crossover trial, 26 healthy male and female experienced gamers (23 ± 5 years, 171 ± 11 cm, 73.1 ± 21 kg, 21.1 ± 5 kg/m 2 ) were randomly assigned to consume 1,500 mg of ASI plus 100 mg of I (nooLVL®, Nutrition 21) or 1,600 mg of a maltodextrin placebo control (PLA). Prior to testing participants recorded their diet for 4-days, refrained from consuming atypical amounts of stimulants as well as foods high in arginine and nitrates for 72-hours, and fasted for 8 hours prior to testing. At testing participants completed stimulant sensitivity and side effect questionnaires and performed cognitive function tests (i.e. Berg-Washington Card Sorting task test, Go No-Go test, Sternberg task test, Psychomotor Vigilance task test, Cambridge Brain Sciences Reasoning and Concentration test) and a Neurotracker light reaction test (Pre-SUPP). Participants then ingested one of the two the study treatments in a randomized manner. Fifteen minutes following ingestion, participants repeated tests (Pre-Game). Participants then played their favorite video game for 1-hour and repeated the battery of tests (Post-Game). Participants observed a 7-14-day washout period and then replicated their 4-day diet, pre-experiment controls, and the experiment while consuming the alternative treatment. Data were analyzed by General Linear Model (GLM) univariate analyses with repeated measures using weight as a covariate, paired t-tests (not adjusted to weight), and mean changes from baseline with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI).
Results: Pairwise comparison of the Sternberg test revealed statistically significant results of treatment vs. placebo. This test specifically measures mental reasoning, reaction time and short-term memory recall with the ascending difficulty and complexity of the test, important for gamers. The analysis showed that there was significantly improved Mean Present Reaction Time (ASI+I vs. Placebo; p < 0.05). In Post-Game assessments, 4-letter Absent Reaction Time (p < 0.05), 6-letter Present Reaction Time (p < 0.01), 6-letter Absent Reaction Time (p < 0.01), Mean Present Reaction Time (p < 0.02), and Mean Absent Reaction Time (p < 0.03) were improved with ASI+I vs. placebo, suggesting that participants were able to store and retrieve random information from short-term memory of increasing complexity to a greater degree. Additionally, there was a non-significant trend after 15-min in Pre-Game Sternberg 4-letter Present Reaction time in ASI+I vs. placebo (p < 0.07). There was also evidence from assessing mean changes with 95% CI's that ASI+I ingestion better maintained changes in Go-No-Go Mean Accuracy and Reaction Time; Psychomotor Vigilance Task Reaction Time; and, Cambridge Post-Game Visuospatial Processing and Planning. However, GLM analysis of all three time points corrected for subject body weight revealed no significant treatment x time interactions in variables, additionally, no significant differences were observed in the Berg-Washington Card Sorting test, the light tracking assessments or the frequency or severity of stimulant sensitivity side effects.
Conclusions: Results provide evidence that ASI+I ingestion prior to playing video games may enhance some measures of short-term memory, reaction time, reasoning, and concentration in experienced gamers. Additional research should further examine the role of ASI+I on cognition, reasoning, and memory in gamers.
a Nutritional Supplement Intervention on Cognition, Mood States, and Mental Performance in Video Gamers. Nutrients, 2019. 11(10). Background: Exercising in a fasted state continues to be a popular exercise strategy due to its purported ability to instigate higher amounts of fat oxidation. Additionally, pre-exercise feeding has been largely discouraged due to the thoughts that nutrient intake will blunt the breakdown of fat. Previous research in males performing a 30minute bout of treadmill exercise suggested that pre-exercise protein feeding may augment fat oxidation rates. To date, limited research has examined the impact preexercise feeding of protein or carbohydrate has on substrate oxidation in recreationally active females. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of pre-exercise feeding of two different types of protein or carbohydrate on changes in substrate oxidation in females.

Metabolic Impact of Pre-Exercise Macronutrient Feeding Prior to a 60-Minute Bout of Moderate-Intensity Treadmill Exercise in Recreationally Active
Methods: Fifteen healthy, recreationally active females (32 ± 10 years, 164.8 ± 5.6 cm, 63.5 ± 9.3 kg, 23.4 ± 3.2 kg/m 2 ) completed four exercise testing sessions in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover fashion after an overnight fast of 8 -10 hours. During each visit, participants ingested isovolumetric solutions containing either 25 g of whey protein, 25 g of casein protein, 25 g of carbohydrate (CHO), or a flavored non-caloric control (PLA). Thirty minutes after ingestion, participants completed 60 minutes of treadmill exercise at 15% below their ventilatory threshold. Expired gases were collected in alternating intervals (5 minutes on, 5 minutes off) throughout the entire 60-minute exercise bout, with the average of the last 2-minutes of each measurement interval utilized for analysis. Total and rate of carbohydrate and fat oxidation were calculated using standard and thermal equivalents of oxygen using the non-protein respiratory quotient (NPRQ) table.
Results: A significant group x time interaction was observed for respiratory exchange ratio (p = 0.008) during the exercise bout, with CHO being higher than PLA at four time points. No significant group x time interaction was observed for CHO oxidation rate (p = 0.12) or fat oxidation rate (p = 0.20) during exercise. However, CHO resulted in significantly less total fat oxidation during the exercise bout when compared to PLA (p = 0.0XX). No differences in oxidation rate or amount of oxidized nutrients were found for either of the protein conditions. Conclusions: Pre-exercise feeding with either type of protein or carbohydrate did not significantly alter CHO or fat oxidation rates when compared to fasting. However, preexercise carbohydrate feeding did reduce the total amount of fat oxidized during a 60minute bout of moderate-intensity exercise in recreationally trained females. Background: Multi-Ingredient pre-workout supplements (MIPS), which are commonly utilized by active individuals seeking to improve exercise performance, typically contain a blend of ingredients purported to augment performance when ingested simultaneously. Caffeine is commonly believed to be the primary ingredient responsible for several of the acute ergogenic effects of MIPS, however, stimulant-free formulations are also gaining popularity. Currently, there is a dearth of evidence comparing the effects of caffeine-containing pre-workout formulations to otherwise-similar caffeine-free versions on measures of maximal muscular performance.

Influence of Caffeinated and Non-Caffeinated Pre-Workout Supplements on Maximal and Rapid Isometric Strength Characteristics
Methods: A cohort of 24 resistance-trained individuals, including males (n = 12; body mass: 82.7 ± 7.5 kg; fat-free mass index: 21.7 ± 1.8 kg/m 2 ; body fat: 18.2 ± 5.8%) and females (n = 12; body mass: 63.0 ± 10.6 kg; fat-free mass index: 16.9 ± 0.8 kg/m 2 ; body fat: 26.0 ± 6.7%), completed three visits in which they ingested either a caffeinated MIPS (C), an otherwise-similar non-caffeinated MIPS (NC), or placebo in a randomized, doubleblind, counter-balanced fashion. 35 minutes post-supplement ingestion, a maximal isometric squat exercise testing protocol was administered on a mechanical squat device. Specifically, upon setting the participants' knee position at 120 degrees of knee extension, two trial isometric efforts were performed, followed by two separate maximal isometric efforts. The effects of pre-workout supplementation and biological sex on peak isometric force (PF) and rate of force development over 200 ms (RFD 200 ) were examined using linear mixed effects models, which included terms for period and carryover effects and a random intercept for participant.  [−180, 1377]; p = 0.13 for C*male interaction) conditions. PF and RFD 200 were higher in males as compared to females (p ≤ 0.01).

Results
Conclusions: The results of this analysis suggest that acute ingestion of either a caffeinated or non-caffeinated pre-workout formulation improves maximal force production during an isometric squat test -but does not appreciably affect late RFD characteristics -when assessed as part of a testing battery in a laboratory environment. As such, trainees aiming to improve maximal force characteristics may benefit from consumption of either a caffeinated or non-caffeinated MIPS prior to their session. Further, these data corroborate the potential utility of a non-caffeinated MIPS for caffeinesensitive individuals or those training later in the day. 71.9 ± 6.9 71.2 ± 6.5 50.9 ± 5.8 50. 1 ± 4.2 Results: For energy, condition×time (p = 0.007) and sex×time (p = 0.008) interactions were present. After supplement ingestion, energy ratings were higher in C (range of b: 14 [95% CI: −3, 32] to 20 [7,33], p = 0.002 to 0.1), but not NC (range of b: −6 [−22, 11] to 5 [−8, 18], p = 0.4 to 0.9), as compared to placebo, for the four post-ingestion assessments spread throughout the exercise testing battery. There were trends for greater decreases in energy for males at the final two time points in the testing battery (b: −16 [−33,1] and −17 [−34,0], p = 0.06), as compared to females. For fatigue, a sex×time interaction was present (p = 0.002). In males, fatigue was greater at the pre-bench press assessment (b: 25 [8,42], p = 0.004), as compared to females. For focus, condition×time (p = 0.04) and sex×time (p = 0.005) interactions were present. There was a trend for increased focus in C (b: 11 [−1, 23], p = 0.08), but not NC (b: 2 [−10, 14], p = 0.78), as compared to placebo, at the first assessment after supplement ingestion. There was also a trend for decreased focus in males at the end of the testing battery (−16 [−34, 1], p = 0.07), as compared to females.
Conclusions: Caffeinated pre-workout supplements may provide additional benefits for the consumer relative to stimulant-free products, particularly with respect to perceived energy levels during strenuous resistance exercise.
Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04712578 Background: Multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements are a common choice for active individuals seeking to improve exercise performance and augment training adaptations over time. These products often contain a blend of ingredients such as caffeine, citrulline, betaine, and beta-alanine, with some products also offered in a caffeine-free version. To date, limited data exists regarding the effects of caffeine-free pre-workout supplements on measures of exercise performance relative to similar caffeine-containing formulations.

Acute Effects of Caffeinated and Non-Caffeinated Pre-Workout Supplement Consumption on Eccentric and Concentric Force Production During an Isokinetic
Methods: Resistance-trained males (n = 12; body mass: 82.7 ± 7.5 kg; fat-free mass index: 21.7 ± 1.8 kg/m 2 ; body fat: 18.2 ± 5.8%) and females (n = 12; body mass: 63.0 ± 10.6 kg; fat-free mass index: 16.9 ± 0.8 kg/m 2 ; body fat: 26.0 ± 6.7%) were recruited to participate in this investigation. Across three testing visits, participants consumed either a caffeine-free pre-workout supplement (NC), a caffeine-containing version of the same formulation (C), or a non-caloric placebo in a randomized, counter-balanced, double-blind fashion. 35 minutes following supplement ingestion, a maximal isokinetic squat exercise testing protocol was completed as part of a series of laboratory-based exercise performance tests. In short, participants performed one trial repetition on a mechanical squat device, followed by two maximal repetitions. Each repetition consisted of a four-second eccentric phase, a four-second concentric phase, and 1-second pauses at the top and bottom of the movement. All repetitions were completed between 150 degrees and 90 degrees of knee extension. The effects of pre-workout supplementation and biological sex on peak concentric force production (PF CON ) and peak eccentric force production (PF ECC ) were examined using linear mixed effects models, which included terms for period and carryover effects and a random intercept for participant.
Conclusions: Based on these results, it appears that acute ingestion of either caffeinated or non-caffeinated pre-workout supplement formulations did not result in appreciable improvements in concentric or eccentric peak force production relative to placebo, when assessed as part of a testing battery in a laboratory setting. However, some of the ingredients in these supplements may only provide appreciable ergogenic benefits following chronic consumption. To fully establish the efficacy of such supplementation protocols, evaluation in the context of chronic consumption may be necessary. Background: There is substantial consumer interest in the impact of consuming caffeinated multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements (MIPS). This is partially due to their prevalence in resistance training communities and research demonstrating the efficacy of caffeine intake for improving muscular performance. However, little attention has been paid to the potential efficacy of non-caffeinated MIPS, despite their growing popularity among those who are caffeine-sensitive or train later in the day.
Methods: Twenty-four resistance trained college-aged males (n = 12; body mass: 82.7 ± 7.5 kg; fat-free mass index: 21.7 ± 1.8 kg/m 2 ; body fat: 18.2 ± 5.8%) and females (n = 12; body mass: 63.0 ± 10.6 kg; fat-free mass index: 16.9 ± 0.8 kg/m 2 ; body fat: 26.0 ± 6.7%) completed three visits in which they ingested either a caffeinated MIPS (C), an identical non-caffeinated MIPS (NC), or placebo in a double-blind, randomized, crossover fashion. Upper and lower body maximal muscular strength (1-repetition maximum; 1RM) and endurance (repetitions to failure; RTF) were assessed via bench press and hip sled, respectively, as part of a series of exercise performance tests. The effects of supplementation and biological sex on 1RM and RTF were examined using linear mixed effects models, which included terms for period and carryover effects and a random intercept for participant.
Conclusions: The ingestion of caffeinated or non-caffeinated MIPS did not provide additional benefit to hip sled or bench press performance, as compared to placebo, when these exercises were performed as part of a testing battery in a controlled laboratory setting. These data suggest trainees seeking to improve traditional resistance exercise performance should follow their preferred pre-exercise supplementation strategy but should not feel obligated to consume a caffeinated or non-caffeinated MIPS due to a definitively unique effect of the formulation.
Acknowledgments: This study was supported by a research grant from Legion Athletics, Inc. (A21-0096). Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the differences in body composition assessments using InBody and DXA.
Results: No significant differences in body composition were observed between the two instruments (Table 1). No significant differences in body composition were observed between the two instruments when the data was separated by sex (Table 2).
Data are expressed as the mean ± SD. Legend: kg -kilogram. Data are expressed as the mean ± SD. Legend: kg -kilogram Conclusions: Each instrument assesses different compartments. InBody assesses total body water while DXA assesses bone mineral content and density. However, no differences were found between these methods regarding fat mass, percent body fat, or lean body mass. These findings suggest that both InBody and DXA are suitable for body composition testing in elite combat athletes.

Effects of a Single Dose of BURN-XT™ on Resting Metabolic Rate, Substrate Oxidation, and Various Indices of Affect
increase of this latter parameter was almost double in the last check, having a positive effect on performance. In the first check, a slight leukopenia is noted. We hypothesize that leukopenia was due to a subclinical inflammatory state, completely restored in the following two check control. The athlete does not show any seasonal respiratory syndrome nor contracts COVID-19; the overall performance recorded a decrease in times of 0.87 ', 3' 23, and 2 "53 respectively in the 50, 100, and 200 m, while an increase of 18,75, 17,86 and 23,68% in the 1RM of bench press, deadlift and squat, respectively.
Conclusions: Our is one of the first detailed management reports of a celiac athlete; we want to emphasize that with careful and evidence-based supervision, results of absolute excellence can be obtained even in conditions of pathologies such as celiac disease. It would be fascinating to have even more accurate evaluations and an even longer time, which we are continuing to operate. decreased from 28.6 kg to 16.8 kg before the first competition and declined to 16.6 kg before the second competition. FFM decreased from 123.5 kg to 117.9 kg before the first competition and increased to 119.7 kg before the second competition. RMR decreased from 1,725 kcal/d to 1,376 kcal/d prior to the first competition and increased to 1540 kcal/ d prior to the second competition. Table 1 details results. Data are raw values (change scores relative to baseline) Conclusions: This study contributes to the currently sparse amount of data on physique athletes preparing for multiple competitions during a competitive season. Despite an increase in body weight between the two competitions, body fat was further reduced from contest 1 to contest 2 which also coincided with increases in FFM and RMR in an experienced female figure competitor.

Efficacy of an Enzymatically Enhanced Spinach Supplement, Solarplast®, on Inflammation
Matthew Lee a , Trisha A. VanDusseldorp a , Michaela Alesi a , Jackie Easter a , Alyssa R. Bailly a , Matthew T. Introduction: Solarplast® is a recently developed enzymatically enhanced supplement derived from spinach. Solarplast® contains antioxidants that are hypothesized to reduce inflammation. Though humans are generally capable of managing inflammation, these responses can become weakened with age or through environmental factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of Solarplast® supplementation in reducing systemic inflammation.
Methods: Sixty-eight healthy individuals completed this study (Solarplast® 25.7 ± 9.7 yrs, 71.7 ± 17.4 kg; placebo 27.2 ± 13.4 yrs, 67.6 ± 13.2 kg). Participants were asked to arrive at the laboratory for a blood draw in a fasted state for both visits (Pre and Post) which were separated by 45 days. At the end of visit one, participants were randomly assigned to either supplementation group (Solarplast ® or placebo; 100 mg/day). Resulting serum and plasma from blood collection was aliquoted and stored in a − 80ᵒC freezer until analysis via enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Markers of inflammation (TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-4) were measured in duplicate. Data were analyzed via a 2 (Solarplast ® vs placebo) x 2 (pre and post) analysis of variance. If significant interactions were detected, post-hoc paired sample t-tests were utilized to identify where differences occurred. Significance was set a priori at an alpha level of p ≤ 0.05.
Results: There was an interaction (p < 0.001) for TNF-alpha as it decreased in Solarplast® (p = 0.024) compared to placebo. A main effect for time was noted for IL-4 (p = 0.016) and IL-6 (p = 0.038) since both groups decreased.
Conclusions:. The reduction in TNF-alpha in healthy individuals who supplemented with Solarplast® for 45 days is interesting, as TNF-alpha is a well-known pro-inflammatory cytokine responsible for the modulation of the immune system. The contribution of molecular chaperone activity via daily Solarplast® supplementation may be responsible for the reduction; however, more research needs to be conducted. Further, future research on Solarplast® should be conducted in individuals who experience high basal levels of inflammation, such as clinical populations.
Acknowledgments: This research was funded by Deerland Enzymes and Probiotics via a grant received by Trisha A. VanDusseldorp (PI). The PI asserts Deerland Enzymes and Probiotics was not involved in data collection or analysis and had no influence on the outcomes of this research. We would also like to thank the participants who dedicated time to complete the study.

Validation of a Vastus Lateralis Glycogen Depletion Protocol Using an Air-Braked Rowing Ergometer
Neil A. Schwarz a , Brandon R. Funderburg a , Geoffrey M. Hudson a , Shelley L. Holden a a University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA Corresponding author: neilschwarz@southalabama.edu Background: The purpose of this study was to validate the effectiveness of a novel vastus lateralis glycogen depletion protocol using an air-braked rowing ergometer by comparing it with a previously established cycling protocol.
Methods: This study utilized a randomized, cross-over design. Seven participants (4 males, 3 females) with prior rowing experience aged 23.9 ± 1.6 years with a height and body mass of 169.6 ± 12.3 cm and 73.5 ± 17.1 kg, respectively, and a body fat percentage of 20.4 ± 4.0% completed the study. Participants completed an entry session and two testing sessions. During the entry session, informed consent was obtained followed by a DXA scan, a peak oxygen consumption test using a cycle ergometer, and a 500-m time trial on an air-braked rowing ergometer. Testing sessions consisted of an established cycle ergometer glycogen depletion protocol or a novel rowing ergometer glycogen depletion protocol. The cycle ergometer glycogen depletion protocol consisted of intermittent cycling beginning at a working intensity of 90% of Wmax obtained during their peak oxygen test. Participants cycled at 90% Wmax for two minutes followed by a recovery intensity of 50% Wmax for two minutes. When participants could no longer maintain the working intensity, it was reduced by 10% beginning with the next interval. Participants cycled until a working intensity of 60% Wmax could no longer be maintained. The rowing ergometer glycogen depletion protocol consisted of intermittent 500-m rows. To begin, participants were expected to row 500 meters at a minimum of 90% of their maximal 500-m row pace (calculated as 500-m row time divided by .90). Once the participant could not keep the pace for two consecutive rows, rowing pace was decreased by 5% until two rows at 70% could not be maintained or a maximum of forty 500-m rows were completed. Two minutes of rest were provided between rows at the 90% and 85% intensities. Rest time was reduced to one minute at intensities of 80% and below. Muscle biopsies were obtained immediately before and after each exercise protocol. To collect metabolic data, participants wore a face mask connected to a gas analyzer during each exercise protocol.
Results: For glycogen content, no significant main effect for condition (p = 0.883) or interaction between condition and time were observed (p = 0.52). A significant main effect for time was observed with exercise intervention resulting in a decrease of muscle glycogen content from 4.29 ± 1.46 nmol/mg to 2.60 ± 1.50 nmol/mg (p = 0.004). Cycling resulted in a significant decrease in glycogen content from 4.19 ± 1.42 nmol/mg to maltodextrin) for 45 days. Single venipunctures at the antecubital space were used to collect blood samples to analyze participant's metabolic panel and oxidative stress markers. The skin visual analog scale (SKN-VAS) questionnaire was used to assess participant's perception of skin changes. The Anti-Aging QOL Common Questionnaire (AAQOL) was also collected to track an individual's physical health and mental symptoms, and lifestyle-related questions, including sleep, drinking, smoking, and exercise habits.
Results: Nonsmokers: There were no significant changes in a comprehensive metabolic panel (p > 0.05). There were no significant changes found for ROS/RNS or GSH/GSSG ratio. A group x time interaction was noted for pain (p = 0.031), where significant decreases were found at post (p = 0.026). A group x time interaction (p = 0.002) was found for skin problems, where significant differences at post indicated decreases in skin problems for those who supplemented with Solarplast® (p = 0.010). A group x time interaction was also found for anxiety (p = 0.002) and irritability (p = 0.025), which both decreased significantly. Smokers: There were no significant changes in a comprehensive metabolic panel. There were no significant changes found for ROS/RNS or GSH/GSSG ratio. A group x time interaction effect was found for ROS/RNS (p = 0.046), with a significant decrease at post (p = 0.031) for Solarplast® supplementation; no changes in GSH/GSSH were detected. Depression was significantly decreased (p = 0.029) at the post for Solarplast® supplemented individuals.
Conclusions: Results of this investigation indicate 45 days of Solarplast® supplementation was safe, but ineffective at reducing markers of oxidative stress (ROS/RNS) or altering GSG/GSSH in young, healthy individuals. However, in smokers, oxidative stress was decreased following Solarplast® . This is likely due to the higher basal levels of oxidative stress experienced by smokers. Interestingly, mood alterations were experienced by Solarplast supplemented individuals in both groups. Antioxidants have previously been reported to improve mood; however, the mechanistic impact of Solarplast® on these outcomes needs to be further examined. Future research should consider longer supplementation in clinical individuals who experience higher levels of oxidative stress and inflammation, such as type 2 diabetic patients.
Background: During the 1800 and early 1900s many people worked physically demanding occupations in industrializing America. Long hours underground or in polluted cities with limited access to resources may have increased laborers' susceptibility to vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is activated by ultraviolet-B radiation through direct exposure to the skin. Other sources of vitamin D during this time included mushrooms and oily fish. Individuals who do not receive enough vitamin D lack adequate blood calcium levels, leading to metabolic deficiencies and health problems, like rickets and osteomalacia. Vitamin D deficiency is a universal problem, and biocultural variables such as nutritional availability, residence, weather, and occupation directly correlate. This research focuses on the impact of vitamin D deficiency in the recent historic past and how biocultural variables influence the likelihood of industrial athletes being vitamin D deficient. Posthumous examination enables macroscopic inspection that may provide greater detail than a CT/MRI.
Methods: Known skeletal remains were macroscopically analyzed for osteomalacia and residual rickets. Relevant personal information for the individuals was recorded from death certificates. Death certificate data allow tracking of individuals through the US Census. Residences and occupations were the two key biocultural variables explored in this study. Historic weather data such as temperature, UV index, and zenith angle were extracted for states settled and surrounding the Mason-Dixon line after 1820. Weather data were averaged by state and season. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and PCA to give a quantitative basis for understanding vitamin D deficiency in relation to the potential to synthesize adequate vitamin D in each state.
Results: Preliminary ANOVA results show that weather variables varied significantly by state (p < 0.05; F < F crit). Multivariate PCA indicates that northern states negatively correlate with temperature and UV index while southern states positively correlate with temperature and UV index. State of residence may directly impact one's vitamin D status if ultraviolet-B skin penetration is unimpeded.
Conclusions: Northern versus southern states have significantly different seasonal temperature, UV index, and zenith angles. Individuals living above the Mason-Dixon line may not have access to sufficient UVB radiation throughout the year, which may increase their likelihood of developing osteomalacia. These individuals would need to supplement vitamin D through edibles like mushrooms and oily fish, though these would have been available only to laborers living in certain geographic locations. Luxury items shipped inland would not have been obtainable by common laborers, potentially increasing their chances of osteomalacia.