Daniel Wadsworth

Effect of high-protein feeding on performance and nitrogen balance in female cyclists.

PURPOSE The effect of dietary protein ingested after exercise on recovery in women athletes is unknown. Therefore, we asked whether there is a meaningful difference between high- and low-protein recovery diets on the subsequent performance of well-trained female cyclists. METHODS In a crossover, 12 female cyclists completed three high-intensity rides composed of 2.5-h intervals on day 1, followed by repeat-sprint performance tests on days 2 and 4, interspersed with a rest day. During the 4-h recovery on days 1 and 2, cyclists ingested 1.4/0.7/0.26 or 2.1/0.1/0.26 g·kg(-1)·h(-1) of CHO/protein/fat in high-protein or isocaloric control conditions, respectively. At other times, cyclists ingested an isoenergetic high-CHO diet. RESULTS No effect of protein dose on the mean power during repeat sprint was evident on day 2 (high-protein vs control = -1.1%; 95% confidence limits = ±4.6%) or on day 4 (1.7%; ±4.6%); furthermore, fatigue effects (slope) were unclear (day 2 = 1.4%; ±4.9%, day 4 = 0.5%; ±4.9%). Perceptions of leg tiredness and soreness were increased, and leg strength was reduced in the high-protein condition relative to control. In the high-protein condition, plasma glucose concentrations were lower during recovery, and plasma lactate concentrations were lower during the sprints. Effects on circulating creatine kinase activity were trivial. Net nitrogen balance during the experiment was positive in the high-protein condition (mean ± SD = 177 ± 140 mg of N·kg(-1) fat-free mass) but negative in the control condition (-81 ± 73 mg of N·kg(-1) fat-free mass); the estimated protein requirement was 1.28 g·kg(-1)·d(-1) (±0.57 g·kg(-1)·d(-1)). CONCLUSIONS In contrast with the previous findings in males, we observed no clear influence of dietary protein quantity on the subsequent performance in females. The findings on nitrogen balance suggest that female cyclists training intensely have daily protein requirements approximately 1.6 times the recommended daily allowance but 0.65 times that of males

Aquatitan Garments Extend Joint Range of Motion without Effect on Run Performance

PURPOSE To investigate the effects of uniquely processed titanium-permeated garments (Aquatitan) on the performance of and recovery from a high-intensity intermittent exercise. METHODS In a crossover, 14 nationally and regionally competing male soccer/hockey players performed two 5-d trials composed of a Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test on day 1, followed by 4 d of recovery assessment wearing randomly allocated Aquatitan- and placebo-treated clothing that covered their torso, limbs, and feet continuously throughout the study. Repeated sprint time was measured during the shuttle test, and muscle damage, joint range of motion, isometric strength, and running performance were measured during recovery. RESULTS The increase in sprint performance during the shuttle test (0.7%, 90% confidence interval = +/-0.9%) was likely trivial. During recovery, wearing of Aquatitan had a possible harmful effect on peak run velocity on day 3 (-1.1% +/- 1.6%) but a likely small benefit on day 5 (2.0% +/- 1.6%); combined (0.4% +/- 1.3%) and standardized outcomes suggest an overall trivial benefit. Aquatitan increased range of motion. For example, voluntary leg extension increased by 2.6% (+/-4.0%), hip flexion increased by 1.8% (+/-1.2%), plantarflexion increased by 4.8% (+/-2.8%), and shoulder extension and flexion increased by 4.2% (+/-3.0%) and 1.3% (+/-0.6%), respectively; forced voluntary differences at the hip and shoulder were trivial. Running efficiency was possibly increased on days 3 and 5. The effects on isometric strength were largely trivial, but a slight enhancement of the psychological state was observed. In a separate perception experiment, participants perceived tactile differences that were influenced by the knowledge of treatment. CONCLUSIONS For competitive subelite male soccer/hockey players, performance gains in response to wearing Aquatitan-treated garments are likely of trivial consequence. However, improved joint range of motion during recovery indicates that the garments reduced muscle–tendon stiffness, suggesting enhanced compliance, which warrants further investigation. Garment feel may also explain the outcomes.

The Importance of Global Citizenship to Higher Education: The Role of Short-Term Study Abroad

An increasing number of institutions actively promote internationalisation as a key strategy, implying that the development of a “global citizenry” is an integral part of their educational mission. To fulfil this strategy, four constructs must be addressed: (1) what is global citizenship?, (2) why is global citizenship important? (3) how do we measure global citizenship?, and (4) how do we foster global citizenship? (1) Although global citizenship is a highly contested and multifaceted term, three key dimensions are commonly accepted: social responsibility, global awareness, and civic engagement. (2) Today’s graduates are critically dependent on an interconnected world, and universities have a responsibility to promote global mindedness, to provide greater employment opportunities for their graduates, and to respond to political calls for enhanced national security. (3) There is a consensus that the natural and built environment is the context in which global citizenship

No effect of protein coingestion on exogenous glucose oxidation during exercise.

PURPOSE We examined the hypothesis that protein coingestion with glucose during endurance exercise increases exogenous glucose oxidation rate and gut comfort and lowers perceived exertion. METHODS In a randomized crossover design, eight male cyclists rode 150 min at 50% of peak power on three occasions while ingesting solutions containing the following: 8% ¹³C-enriched glucose and 2% milk protein concentrate (protein-glucose), glucose only (glucose), or noncaloric placebo (water). All solutions contained sodium citrate ([⁺Na] 60 mmol·L⁻¹) and flavor and were ingested at 150 mL·15 min⁻¹. The exogenous carbohydrate oxidation rate was determined using stable isotope method and indirect calorimetry. RESULTS Protein coingestion had no effect on the exogenous glucose oxidation rate but increased endogenous carbohydrate oxidation rate (16%; 90% confidence limits ±7%), relative to glucose. Total carbohydrate and fat oxidation rates were increased (25%; ±6%) and decreased (17%; ±4%), respectively, by protein coingestion relative to water, but the effect relative to glucose was trivial. The plasma glucose concentration relative to glucose (mean ± SD; 6.1 ± 0.8 mmol·L⁻¹) was 5.8% (±3%) lower with protein coingestion; there were no clear differences in glucose concentration for the remaining comparisons or for lactate concentration. Perceived exertion was not altered by protein coingestion; however, there was a small decrease in nausea with the protein-glucose solution relative to water (-0.14 ± 0.08 U); other protein-affected comparisons were without note. CONCLUSIONS Adding protein to a glucose-sodium solution ingested during exercise had neutral effect on exogenous carbohydrate oxidation and perception and little effect on metabolic measures associated with endurance performance. We conclude that previously reported effects of protein coingestion on endurance capacity were unlikely due to increased exogenous carbohydrate provision.

Global citizenship is key to securing global health: The role of higher education☆☆☆

Despite growing public awareness, health systems are struggling under the escalating burden of non-communicable diseases. While personal responsibility is crucial, alone it is insufficient. We argue that one must place themselves within the broader/global context to begin to truly understand the health implications of personal choices. Global citizenship competency has become an integral part of the higher education discourse; this discourse can and should be extended to include global health. A global citizen is someone who is (1) aware of global issues, (2) socially responsible, and (3) civically engaged. From this perspective, personal health is not solely an individual, self-serving act; rather, the consequences of our lifestyle choices and behaviors have far-reaching implications. This paper will argue that, through consciously identifying global health within the constructs of global citizenship, institutions of higher education can play an instrumental role in fostering civically engaged students capable of driving social change.

Effect of whole-body microtitanium-treated garments on metabolic cost of exercise following strenuous hill running

OBJECTIVES To determine the effect size of wearing sports garments treated with microscopic titanium particles (AQUA TITAN) during recovery from strenuous running on the restoration of running economy during subsequent exercise. DESIGN A double-blind crossover was used to determine the effect of AQUA TITAN on running metabolic cost in 10 healthy men. Participants performed 40 min of treadmill running comprising 2×(10 min at 5% and 10 min at -10% grade), followed by random allocation to skin-tight nylon-polyurethane AQUA TITAN treated or non-treated placebo garments covering the torso, limbs, and feet. Garments were worn continuously throughout the next 48-h, during which time participants rested (day 2) then completed a graded treadmill run to determine metabolic outcome (day 3). METHODS Body-weight normalised running metabolic cost was evaluated by indirect calorimetry and the effect size referenced against the smallest meaningful change in economy (0.9%) for improvement in distance running performance. RESULTS The fatigue effect while wearing control garments on metabolic cost at 48-h was small (2.2% 95%CL ±1.2%). In contrast, AQUA TITAN garments most certainly reduced running metabolic cost (-3.1% ±0.9%) vs. control. Additionally, AQUA TITAN increased the respiratory exchange ratio (0.011 ±0.005) and lowered minute ventilation at intensities below the ventilatory threshold (-4.0% ±0.9%). CONCLUSIONS AQUA TITAN garments worn during recovery from strenuous exercise improved subsequent running economy to a magnitude likely to restore endurance performance. Future research should verify the magnitude of garment effects on performance outcomes, and on identifying the acute or passive neural, musculotendinous or metabolic mechanisms responsible.

Physiological, psychological and functional changes with whole body vibration exercise in the elderly: FEVER methodology and protocols

BACKGROUND The FEVER (Frail Elderly Vibration Exercise Response) study aims to address a paucity of research focusing on the use of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) by frail elderly who, with the highest levels of dependence and fall-related hospitalisation/mortality, potentially stand to benefit most from such accessible exercise. METHODS FEVER is an open, randomised feasibility study, consisting of multiple parallel arms and a longitudinal element. Rest-home residents aged 70+years will be recruited, and assigned to a WBV-exercise group (WBV), a simulated-WBV-exercise group (SIM), or a control group (CON). WBV- and SIM-participants will undergo thrice-weekly sessions (<20-min each, including 1:1 ratio of exercise:rest) for a 16-week exercise intervention period, whilst CON-participants will receive no intervention beyond normal care. WBV-exercise will start with 5?1-minute sessions (6Hz, 2mm amplitude), progressing to 10?1-minute sessions at which time Hz/amplitude can be increased if desired. During WBV-exercise, participants will maintain an isometric knee flexion of ~20° (±5°), to dampen WBV further up the body. RESULTS Outcomes will include assessments of functionality (primary outcome), Quality of Life, bone health and cardiovascular function. Measures will be conducted at baseline, 8-weeks and 16-weeks of the intervention, and 3-, 6- and 12-months post-intervention. As a protocol paper, there are no specific results to present; our current purpose is to share the study design with the scientific community. CONCLUSIONS The FEVER study aims to investigate the beneficial effects of WBV-exercise in the frail elderly, ascertain an effective training regime and for the first-time identify a time-line of detraining.

Should the governments of ‘developed’ countries be held responsible for equalizing the indigenous health gap?

Across the globe there is significant variation between and within indigenous populations in terms of world view, culture, and socio-political forces. However, many indigenous groups do share a striking commonality: greater rates of non-communicable diseases and shorter life expectancies than non-indigenous compatriots. Notably, this health gap persists for ‘developed’ countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. The question of who is responsible for equalizing the gap is complicated. Using Australia as an exemplar context, this commentary will present arguments ‘for’ and ‘against’ the governments of developed nations being held liable for closing the indigenous health gap. We will discuss the history and nature of the health gap, actions needed to ‘close the gap’, and which party has the necessary resources to do so.

Digital media as a reflective tool: creating appropriate spaces for students to become introspective

Global citizenship and competency development have become integral parts of political, economic and education discourses. This is particularly true in the USA, where higher education institutions are answering the global citizenship call through the promotion of short-term study abroad. Unfortunately, the ‘just do it’ analogy too often influences the ideology of study abroad, whereby simply providing students with an international experience is perceived to be sufficient in shaping global citizenship. Global citizenship, as an educational outcome, is optimally facilitated when educational experiences are married with appropriate pedagogy, including the shaping of subsequent understandings and actions with critical reflection. We postulate that reflective experiences can be further enhanced by meeting students on the platforms and forums where they live, communicate and already engage. Specifically, this communication, using the context of short-term study abroad programmes, will argue that: (1) critical reflection is an essential step to fostering global citizenship and (2) digital story telling (mobile pedagogy) can be a powerful tool for enriching the critical reflection process.