Dietary Intake and Menstrual Health among Acrobatics and Tumbling NCAA Division I Student-Athletes

OBJECTIVE

Acrobatics & Tumbling (A&T) is an emerging sport in the National Collegiate Athletic Association that lacks research regarding the dietary intake and health of A&T student-athletes (A&Tsa). This study assessed the dietary intake adequacy, estimated energy availability (EA), self-reported menstrual health, and body composition of A&Tsa.

METHODS

Twenty-four female A&Tsa participated during week 8 of the preseason (11 top: Age= 20.1 ± 0.9 years; BMI= 22.1 ± 1.7 kg/m2; 13 base: Age= 19.5 ± 1.3 years; BMI= 26.2 ± 2.7 kg/m2). Total energy intake (TEI) and macronutrient intakes were assessed via a paper-based 3-day dietary recall. Resting Metabolic Rate [RMR = 500 + 22 * fat-free mass (FFM)] and energy availability [EA = (TEI - exercise energy expenditure)/FFM)] were estimated; and LEAF-Q assessed menstrual health. Body composition was measured using Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry. Macronutrient intakes and EA were compared to sports nutrition recommendations (carbohydrate: 6-10 g/kg; protein: 1.2-2.0 g/kg) and the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (carbohydrate: 45-65%; protein: 10-35%; fat: 20-35%).

RESULTS

TEI was 1753 ± 467 kcal (top) and 1980 ± 473.8 kcal (base). A total of 20.8% of A&Tsa failed to meet RMR with TEI, with a higher prevalence in the top (-266 ± 219.2 kcal, n = 3) vs. base (-414.3 ± 534.4 kcal, n = 2) A&Tsa. Top and base A&Tsa had both low EA (28.8 ± 13.4 kcals·FFM-1; 23.8 ± 9.5 kcals·FFM-1) and inadequate carbohydrate intake averages (4.2 ± 1.3 g/kg; 3.5 ± 1.1 g/kg, p < 0.001), respectively. A total of 17% of A&Tsa reported secondary amenorrhea, with a higher prevalence in the top (27.3%, n = 3) vs. the base (7.7%, n = 1).

CONCLUSION

TEI and carbohydrate intake of the majority of A&Tsa were below recommendations. Sports dietitians should encourage and educate A&Tsa about following an adequate diet that meets energy and sports-specific macronutrient needs.

A framework of transient hypercapnia to achieve an increased cerebral blood flow induced by nasal breathing during aerobic exercise

During exercise, cerebral blood flow (CBF) is expected to only increase to a maximal volume up to a moderate intensity aerobic effort, suggesting that CBF is expected to decline past 70 % of a maximal aerobic effort. Increasing CBF during exercise permits an increased cerebral metabolic activity that stimulates neuroplasticity and other key processes of cerebral adaptations that ultimately improve cognitive health. Recent work has focused on utilizing gas-induced exposure to intermittent hypoxia during aerobic exercise to maximize the improvements in cognitive function compared to those seen under normoxic conditions. However, it is postulated that exercising by isolating breathing only to the nasal route may provide a similar effect by stimulating a transient hypercapnic condition that is non-gas dependent. Because nasal breathing prevents hyperventilation during exercise, it promotes an increase in the partial arterial pressure of CO2. The rise in systemic CO2 stimulates hypercapnia and permits the upregulation of hypoxia-related genes. In addition, the rise in systemic CO2 stimulates cerebral vasodilation, promoting a greater increase in CBF than seen during normoxic conditions. While more research is warranted, nasal breathing might also promote benefits related to improved sleep, greater immunity, and body fat loss. Altogether, this narrative review presents a theoretical framework by which exercise-induced hypercapnia by utilizing nasal breathing during moderate-intensity aerobic exercise may promote greater health adaptations and cognitive improvements than utilizing oronasal breathing.

Effects of Static Contemporary Western Yoga vs. a Dynamic Stretching Exercise Program on Body Composition, Balance, and Flexibility

ABSTRACT

Chapman-Lopez, TJ, Moris, JM, Petty, G, Timon, C, and Koh, Y. Effects of static contemporary western yoga vs. a dynamic stretching exercise program on body composition, balance, and flexibility. J Strength Cond Res 37(5): 1064-1069, 2023-Essentrics is a dynamic full-body stretching workout, which has recently earned its popularity in the field of yoga because of its potential for improvement in balance, flexibility, and weight loss while adding enjoyment to the workout without any discomfort and pain. However, the effects of Essentrics on overall health have not been well studied, particularly in a younger, physically healthy population. Thirty-five subjects (27 females and 8 males, age = 20.4 ± 0.2 years, and body mass index = 22.58 ± 0.55 kg·m-2) were assigned to 2 groups-contemporary western yoga (CWY, n = 20) and Essentrics (ESS, n = 15). Each group met 3 times per week for a total of 45-50 minutes per day for 6 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), flexibility (sit-and-reach), and balance (lower extremity Y-balance) were assessed before and after the 6-week program. The balance test included 3 reaches (anterior, posteromedial [PM], and posterolateral [PL] and composite reach distance). Each reach was averaged for the right and left sides and then normalized to leg length. Data were analyzed using an analysis of variance with repeated measures (p ≤ 0.05), and a post hoc test was performed for any significant interactions. There were no significant group differences between CWY and ESS in balance and flexibility. Following the 6-week yoga programs, balance was improved as follows: PM (87.13 ± 11.64 cm to 92.25 ± 9.91 cm, p = 0.001), PL (82.88 ± 11.28 to 88.62 ± 9.62 cm, p = 0.002), composite reach distance (CRD) (225.96 ± 27.17 to 238.26 ± 22.98 cm, p = 0.001), normalized PM (98.31 ± 11.68 to 104.27 ± 11.14%, p = 0.001), normalized PL (93.60 ± 11.98 to 100.15 ± 10.70%, p = 0.001), and normalized CRD (255.12 ± 27.89 to 269.21 ± 25.07%, p = 0.001). Flexibility was also improved from 51.42 ± 8.24 to 53.38 ± 7.04 cm (p = 0.010) following the 6-week workout programs. Total body fat percentage was significantly reduced only in the CWY group (24.44 ± 6.73 to 23.51 ± 6.32%, p = 0.002). Regardless of the type of stretching workout, both dynamic and static workouts improved flexibility and balance. Thus, individuals seeking to improve balance and flexibility can benefit from either dynamic or static yoga program.

Aerobic Performance Detriments while Wearing a Face Mask Diverge Among Males and Females

The current study examined the impact of wearing a face mask (FM) at rest and while exercising on cardiorespiratory variables and aerobic performance between males and females. Nine males (21.4 ± 0.5 yr) and 9 females (21.8 ± 3.6 yr) performed a pulmonary function test and a graded maximal exercise test (GXT) on a treadmill with an FM and without an FM in random order. During the GXT, cardiorespiratory variables were measured at different exercise intensities (rest, 40%, 55%, 70%, 80%, 100% of VO₂max) and during recovery. Regardless of sex, both males and females significantly (p = .01) reduced their resting pulmonary functions, including forced vital capacity (18.7% and 19.6%, respectively), forced expiratory volume in one second (43.9% and 45.7%, respectively), and peak expiratory flow (85.2% and 87.5%, respectively) with an FM. During the GXT, both VO₂ and ventilation (VE) in males were significantly (p < .01) lower with an FM only at 100% of VO₂max, while females showed a significantly (p < .01) lower VO₂, VE, and tidal volume (V_t) with an FM throughout the entire GXT. The partial pressure of exhaled CO₂ was significantly (p = .02) higher at 100% of VO₂max with an FM only in males. Although wearing an FM reduced resting pulmonary functions and the maximal aerobic performance for both males and females, there was a clear sex-specific response during the GXT, indicating that females were less capable to adapt to the pulmonary obstruction induced by wearing an FM.

Nutrient-Based Appetite Regulation

Regulation of appetite is dependent on crosstalk between the gut and the brain, which is a pathway described as the gut-brain axis (GBA). Three primary appetite-regulating hormones that are secreted in the gut as a response to eating a meal are glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), cholecystokinin (CCK), and peptide YY (PYY). When these hormones are secreted, the GBA responds to reduce appetite. However, secretion of these hormones and the response of the GBA can vary depending on the types of nutrients consumed. This narrative review describes how the gut secretes GLP-1, CCK, and PYY in response to proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. In addition, the GBA response based on the quality of the meal is described in the context of which meal types produce greater appetite suppression. Last, the beneficiary role of exercise as a mediator of appetite regulation is highlighted.

Collegiate Male Athletes Exhibit Conditions of the Male Athlete Triad

The primary purpose of this study was to determine prevalence of the Male Athlete Triad (MAT) conditions: low energy availability (EA), low bone mineral density (BMD), and low testosterone in male collegiate athletes from different sports. Participants included 44 collegiate male athletes (age, 20.4 ± 0.2 yr; BMI, 25.3 ± 1.3 kg/m2) from seven sports (cross country, soccer, basketball, wrestling, track, golf, and baseball). Resting metabolic rate, three-day food intake, seven-day exercise energy expenditure, body composition, and reproductive and metabolic hormones were assessed. Of the total participants, 15% had low EA, 0% had low BMD, 28% had low total testosterone (TT), and 80% had low calculated free testosterone (cFT). There were no significant correlations between EA, BMD, TT, and cFT. Insulin and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were below and on the upper end of the reference range for healthy male adults, respectively. Insulin was negatively correlated with total (r = -0.330, p = 0.043) and lumbar spine BMD z-scores (r = -0.413, p = 0.010). Low TT and low cFT were the most prevalent MAT conditions among all athletes. Further research should investigate the relationship between insulin and SHBG and the role of these hormones in the MAT. Novelty Bullets • Assessment of energy availability alone is not sufficient to identify physiological disturbances in collegiate male athletes. • Low total and/or free testosterone may be present in some collegiate male athletes, regardless of BMD status. • Low insulin and high SHBG concentration may portray the presence of conditions of the MAT in male collegiate athletes.