Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate linked to physiologic response against hot spring immersion

Eight-Week Training Cessation Suppresses Physiological Stress but Rapidly Impairs Health Metabolic Profiles and Aerobic Capacity in Elite Taekwondo Athletes

Changes in an athlete’s physiological and health metabolic profiles after detraining have not been studied in elite Taekwondo (TKD) athletes. To enable a better understanding of these physiological changes to training cessation, this study examined the effects of 8-weeks detraining on the aerobic capacity, body composition, inflammatory status and health metabolic profile in elite TKD athletes. Sixteen elite TKD athletes (age: 21.0 ± 0.8 yrs, BMI: 22.4 ± 3.9 kg/m²; Mean ± SD; 11 males and 5 females) participated in this study. Physical activity level assessment using computerized physical activity logs was performed during the competitive preparation season (i.e. one-week before national competition) and at two week intervals throughout the detraining period. Participant aerobic capacity, body fat, and blood biomarkers were measured before and after detraining, and the blood biomarker analyses included leukocyte subpopulations, blood glucose, insulin, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), and cortisol. Eight-week detraining increased DHEA-S/cortisol ratio (+57.3%, p = 0.004), increased insulin/cortisol ratio (+59.9%, p = 0.004), reduced aerobic power (–2.43%, p = 0.043), increased body fat accumulation (body fat%: +21.3%, p < 0.001), decreased muscle mass (muscle mass%: –4.04%, p < 0.001), and elevated HOMA-IR (the biomarker of systemic insulin resistance; +34.2%, p = 0.006). The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a systemic inflammatory index, increased by 48.2% (p = 0.005). The change in aerobic capacity was correlated with the increased fat mass (r = –0.429, p = 0.049) but not with muscle loss. An increase in the NLR was correlated to the changes in HOMA-IR (r = 0.44, p = 0.044) and aerobic capacity (r = –0.439, p = 0.045). We demonstrate that 8-week detraining suppresses physiological stress but rapidly results in declines in athletic performance and health metabolic profiles, including reduced aerobic capacity, increased body fat, muscle loss, insulin resistance development and elevated systemic inflammatory status in these young elite TKD athletes. The inflammation state was positively associated with insulin resistance development, fat mass, WHR (the index for central fat accumulation), and the decline in VO₂max.

A mind-body approach for precompetitive anxiety in power-lifters: 2 case studies

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this article is to report how Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) was used for precompetitive anxiety in 2 power-lifting athletes.

CLINICAL FEATURES

Two athletes (1 elite and 1 novice), who were participating in major competitions within 2 weeks of testing, were assessed for cognitive and somatic anxiety levels pre- and postintervention. Three psychometrics were used to measure mental state (cognitive anxiety): the Sports Competitive Anxiety Test, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, and the SF-36v2 Health Survey. To assess somatic anxiety, saliva samples were collected and screened for cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME

The intervention was performed by a doctor of chiropractic and consisted of one 30-minute session of NET that focused on the athletes' concerns regarding the upcoming competitions. The results showed reductions in reported subjective anxiety levels and changes in the salivary hormone profile of both athletes following the intervention, with the more remarkable changes occurring in the novice athlete. The reduction in reported cognitive anxiety levels and the change in somatic anxiety markers may be the result of the mind-body intervention. However, these changes may also be attributed to other factors, such as the natural course of anxiety during competition. An experimental trial would be required to determine the effectiveness of NET for reducing precompetitive anxiety of power-lifters.

CONCLUSION

Neuro Emotional Technique may have helped these power-lifters control emotional arousal and precompetitive anxiety. However, caution is warranted when using these results to draw conclusions or when extrapolating these results to other settings.

Crenotherapy: a neglected resource for human health now re-emerging on sound scientific concepts

Recent mechanistic evidence demonstrates that spa-based therapy (or, as we propose, crenotherapy from the Greek word kapparhoepsilonnueta, spring fountain) is indeed based on solid scientific data. This mini-review highlights the latest insights into the mechanisms of crenotherapy derived from in vitro experiments, studies on animal models, and carefully designed clinical trials. Although more basic and clinical data are still needed, crenotherapy is coming of age as a modern, scientifically sound therapy. As the underlying mechanisms are uncovered, it is becoming possible to choose the most appropriate applications of this centuries-old practice, possibly reducing medical costs, thus explaining the current worldwide renewed interest in crenotherapy.

The role of DHEA in relation to problem solving and academic performance

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has been correlated with lower susceptibility to anxiety and mood disturbance. Since coping styles have been shown to be a critical component of academic achievement, we aimed to assess the relationship between DHEA and coping mechanisms in college students. Participants were recruited and tested twice, one week apart. Cardiovascular measurements and saliva samples were taken for each participant. The behavioral task consisted of a set of anagrams of increasing difficulty (possible to impossible). American College Testing (ACT) scores, number of college courses failed and dropped along with current grade point average (GPA) were recorded. Results indicated that successfully coping with challenging tasks is a function of behavioral flexibility and physiological neuroprotection. When presented with challenging tasks, individuals who vary their behavioral response to fit the task's demands have the lowest probability of failing the task. The same individuals also have higher levels of resiliency hormones, demonstrated by a lower ratio of cortisol versus DHEA levels.