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To examine the efficacy of a low-dose, short-duration creatine monohydrate supplement, 40 physically active men were randomly assigned to either a placebo or creatine supplementation group (6 g of creatine monohydrate per day). Testing occurred before and at the end of 6 days of supplementation. During each testing session, subjects performed three 15-second Wingate anaerobic power tests. No significant (p > 0.05) group or time differences were observed in body mass, peak power, mean power, or total work. In addition, no significant (p > 0.05) differences were observed in peak power, mean power, or total work. However, the change in the rate of fatigue of total work was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the creatine supplementation group than in the placebo group, indicating a reduced fatigue rate in subjects supplementing with creatine compared with the placebo. Although the results of this study demonstrated reduced fatigue rates in patients during high-intensity sprint intervals, further research is necessary in examining the efficacy of low-dose, short-term creatine supplementation.

Peptide F [preproenkephalin (107–140)] has been shown to have stress-induced opiate-like activities with both analgesic and immune modulation characteristics.PURPOSE:The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Vicopofen (hydrocodone bitartrate 7.5 mg with ibuprofen 200mg), ibuprofen (2

The purpose of this study was to compare 2 sport-specific field tests common in the training programs of basketball players to a laboratory measure of anaerobic power. Nine 17year-old members of the Israel National Youth Basketball Team participated in this investigation. Field tests included a countermovement jump (CMJ), a 15-second anaerobic jump test (APJT), and a sprint test to assess anaerobic power (line drill). The line drill was performed 3 times (T1, T2, and T3) with a 2-minute passive rest between each sprint. In addition, all subjects performed a 30-second Wingate anaerobic power test (WAnT) to determine peak power (PP), mean power (MP), and fatigue index (FI WAnT). Kendall tau (t) rank correlation analysis revealed moderate positive rank correlations between MP and both T1 and T2 ( t5 0.61 and 0.54, respectively). No significant rank correlations were observed between PP and the line drill. Significant (p # 0.05) positive rank correlations were noted between CMJ and both PP and MP ( t5 0.59 and 0.76, respectively). However, only a poor relationship (p . 0.05) was observed between APJT and both PP and MP ( t5 0.20 and 0.28, respectively). These results suggest that the line drill and jump tests may be acceptable field measures of anaerobic power specific for basketball players.

This study examined the effect of a resistance training (RT) program on injury rate and performance in a 10-week self-defense instructors course for women (n = 28). Thirteen subjects were assigned to RT while the other 15 were involved in a running program. Subjects were assumed to be randomly distributed between both groups. The 1-RM strength in bench press (BP) and squat were measured pre and post. Injury rate was determined by number of medical complaints relating to the course, and through pain/soreness questionnaires at post. Self-defense performance was evaluated in skill and technique (S&T), instructional ability (IA), and 2 types of combat tests: F1 and F2. Total score was also computed. Strength improved in RT for both BP and squat. Only BP strength differed significantly between groups at post. RT scored higher in total score, IA, and F1. Although there were no significant differences in injury rate or pain/soreness between groups, RT had a consistent trend for reduced incidence of pain and injury. Also, significant correlations were seen between 1-RM BP and total score, IA, S&T, and F2. Results suggest RT may enhance self-defense performance and instructional ability and reduce the incidence of pain and injury during a self-defense course.

This investigation examined hormonal and biochemical changes in basketball players during a 4-week training camp before the European championships. Ten members of the Israel national team (mean 6 SD; age: 26.4 6 4.3 years; weight: 100.7 6 12.3 kg; and height: 196.4 6 8.0 cm) participated in this study, which began 4 weeks after the regular season. Plasma samples of testosterone, cortisol, luteinizing hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, creatine kinase, and urea were obtained before (T1) and after 9 (T2), 17 (T3), and 28 (T4) days of practice. Questionnaires concerning appetite, quality of sleep, muscle soreness, and recovery time following practice were filled out before each blood draw. Differences (p , 0.05) in the volume of training were seen between T1 and T2 (150 6 29 min·d 21 ) and T3 and T4 (92 6 28 min·d21 ). Muscle soreness and recovery time following practice were greater (p , 0.05) at T2 than T1, T3, and T4. A significant increase in cortisol, although remaining within normal physiological range, was observed between T1 (260 6 91 nmol·L21 ) and T4 (457 6 99 nmol·L 21 ). No changes from T1 were seen in testosterone (14.2 6 5.6 nmol·L21 ), luteinizing hormone (4.2 6 1.6 IU·ml21 ), creatine kinase, and urea or in the testosterone-to-cortisol ratio. In addition, no significant changes from T1 were observed in any of the thyroid hormones. These results suggest that a 28-day training camp may not cause significant disturbances in hormonal or biochemical stress markers in elite athletes.

The ability to maintain strength, speed, endurance and quickness throughout a season is vital to the success of a team. The purpose of this investigation was to examine these factors during the course of college basketball season. Nine members of an NCAA Division I men's basketball team volu

Information concerning frequency of training for resistance trained individuals is relatively unknown. Problems in designing training programs for student athletes are frequently encountered due to differential time constraints placed upon them. The purpose of this study was to examine the e

The use of resistance training for children has increased in popularity and interest. It appears that children are capable of voluntary strength gains. Exercise prescription in younger populations is critical and requires certain program variables to be altered from adult perspectives. Individualization is vital, as the rate of physiological maturation has an impact on the adaptations that occur. The major difference in programs for children is the use of lighter loads (i.e., > 6 RM loads). It appears that longer duration programs (i.e., 10-20 wks) are better for observing training adaptations. This may be due to the fact that it takes more exercise to stimulate adaptational mechanisms related to strength performance beyond that of normal growth rates. The risk of injury appears low during participation in a resistance training program, and this risk is minimized with proper supervision and instruction. Furthermore, with the incidence of injury in youth sports, participation in a resistance training program may provide a protective advantage in one’s preparation for sports participation.

This study examined the effects of an oral nutritional supplement fortified with two different doses of beta-alanine on body composition, muscle function and physical capacity in older adults. Using a double-blind placebo controlled design, 60 men and women (age ± SD = 70.7 ± 6.2 yrs) were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: 1) oral nutritional supplement (ONS; n = 20) (8 oz; 230 kcal; 12 g PRO; 31 g CHO; 6 g FAT), 2) ONS plus 800 mg beta-alanine (ONS800; n = 19), and 3) ONS plus 1200 mg beta-alanine (ONS1200; n = 21). Treatments were consumed twice per day for 12 weeks. At pre- and post-supplementation period, participants performed a discontinuous, submaximal cycle ergometry test to determine physical working capacity at fatigue threshold (PWCFT). Fat mass, total body and arm lean soft tissue mass (ALSTM) were measured with DEXA while muscle strength was assessed with handgrip dynamometry (GRIP) and 30-s sit-to-stand (STS) was used to measure lower body functionality. Muscle quality (MQ) was calculated with GRIPmax and DEXA derived ALSTM [GRIP (kg)·ALSTM (kg)(-1)]. Two-way analysis of variance was used to compare pre- to post-supplementation measures and group differences. There were 16 dropouts over the duration of the study. Final group sizes were ONS = 16 (m = 11, w = 5), ONS800 = 15 (m = 5, w = 10), and ONS1200 = 13 (m = 6, w = 7). No significant changes were observed for body composition or GRIP values pre to post. Significant increases in PW(CFT) were seen in ONS1200 (13.6%) and ONS800 (17.8%) pre- to post-supplementation (p0.05). These changes were significantly greater (p0.05) than the changes in ONS (-6.3%). ONS1200 and ONS had significant increases in STS (22.2 and 10.7%, respectively). While ONS significantly increased in STS, no differences (p0.05) in change scores were found between ONS and ONS800. ONS fortified with beta-alanine may improve physical working capacity, muscle quality and function in older men and women. These findings could have importance in the perception of frailty, and the maintenance of health and independent living in older adults.

This study investigated the effects of β-alanine (BA) ingestion on the behavioral and neuroendocrine response of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a murine model. Animals were fed a normal diet with or without (PL) BA supplementation (100 mg kg−1) for 30 days. Animals were then exposed to a predator-scent stress (PSS) or a sham (UNEX). Behaviors were evaluated using an elevated plus maze (EPM) and acoustic startle response (ASR) 7 days following exposure to the PSS. Corticosterone concentrations (CS), expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and brain carnosine concentrations were analyzed a day later. Animals in PSS+PL spent significantly less time in the open arms and in the number of entries in the EPM than PSS+BA, UNEX+BA, or UNEX+PL. Animals in PSS+BA had comparable scores to UNEX+BA. Anxiety index was higher (p

This study examined the effects of strength, aerobic fitness, and activity profile on the incidence of overuse injuries, particularly stress fractures, during military training. A total of 136 military recruits were followed during 9 weeks of basic training. Maximal strength and aerobic fitness were determined by a one-repetition maximum leg press and a 2,000-m run, respectively. An activity profile was determined by the recruit's activity history. Twelve recruits (8.8%) were diagnosed with stress fractures. Recruits who were 1 SD below the population mean in both absolute (98.4 +/- 36.6 kg) and relative strength (1.72 +/- 0.61 kg/kg of body weight) had a five times greater risk for stress fracture (p < 0.05) than stronger recruits. Poor aerobic fitness did not appear to be related to any increased incidence of stress fracture. It appears that recruits with lower body strength levels, within 1 SD of the population mean, have a reduced incidence of stress fractures during military training.

The aim of this study was to examine the hormonal and strength responses to different periodization models of resistance training in male athletes. Eighteen experienced resistance trained males were randomly assigned to either a block (BP; n=10; age: 23.7±2.9 yr; body mass: 78.5±11.3 kg; height: 1.77±0.05 m) or weekly undulating (WUP; n=8; age: 26.0±5.7 y; body mass: 78.9±12.4 kg; height: 1.79±0.05 m) periodized resistance training program. Both programs consisted of four-training sessions per week for 15 weeks, and each was equated for training volume. Analysis of variance was used to compare strength performance and changes in hormone response between groups. Salivary samples were taken before and after the first and the last workout of each mesocycle of the training program and assessed for testosterone (T) and cortisol (C). Maximal strength testing occurred before and after the 15-week training program. A greater increase (p=.040) in bench press strength was observed in BP compared to WUP, while no between group differences were noted for lower body isometric strength (p=.168) and lean body mass (p=.344). Significant elevations in T were seen in both groups following the power training phase, while no differences were noted between BP and WUP during any other training cycle. Results indicated that BP stimulated greater gains in upper body strength compared to WUP. In addition, the power phase of training may provide a greater anabolic hormone response.

Methods Fifteen male strength/power athletes volunteered to participate in this study. Subjects were randomly divided into a supplement (S; n = 7, 19.7 ± 1.5 y, 185.4 ± 3.9 cm, 96.4 ± 11.9 kg) or a placebo (P; n = 8, 20.0 ± 1.1 y, 176.7 ± 8.5 cm, 85.8 ± 12.0 kg) group. Subjects reported to the Human Performance Laboratory (HPL) on four separate occasions. On the first visit subjects were tested for maximal strength (1-RM) on the squat exercise. On their second visit (T2) subjects performed a lower body resistance exercise training session that consisted of four sets of the squat, dead lift and barbell lunge exercises. The rest interval between each set was 90 seconds. Each set was performed with 80% of the subject's previously measured 1RM. Subjects were required to perform no more than 10 repetitions for each set. The supplement (42 g of whey protein; marketed as New Whey Liquid Protein by IDS Sports, Oviedo, FL) or placebo (maltodextrin) was consumed 10 min prior to the exercise session and 15 min following the workout. Subjects then reported back to the HPL 24-(T3) and 48-hours (T4) post-exercise. During these visits subjects performed four sets of the squat exercise, using the same loading pattern and rest interval. Similar to T2, subjects consumed either the supplement or placebo before and 15 min following the exercise session. Lower body power during each squat protocol was measured with a TendoTM Power Output unit, which consists of a transducer attached to the end of the barbell measuring linear displacement and time. Both peak and mean power was recorded for each repetition.

Background The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of nutritionally enriched JavaFit™ (JF) coffee (450 mg of caffeine, 1200 mg of garcinia cambogia, 360 mg of citrus aurantium extract, and 225 mcg of chromium polynicotinate) on resting oxygen uptake (VO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP) in healthy and physically active individuals. Method Ten subjects (8 male, 2 female; 20.9 ± 1.7 y; 178.1 ± 10.4 cm; 71.8 ± 12.1 kg) underwent two testing sessions administered in a randomized and double-blind fashion. During each session, subjects reported to the Human Performance Laboratory after at least 3-h post-absorptive state and were provided either 354 ml (1.5 cups) of freshly brewed JF or commercially available caffeinated coffee (P). Subjects then rested in a semi-recumbent position for three hours. VO2 and HR were determined every 5 min during the first 30 min and every 10 min during the next 150 min. BP was determined every 15 min during the first 30 min and every 30 min thereafter. Area under the curve (AUC) analysis was computed for VO2, whereas a session-average was calculated for RER, HR and BP. Results Initial analysis revealed no significant differences. However, seven of the ten subjects were considered responders to JF (had a higher AUC for VO2during JF than P). Statistical analysis showed the difference between JF and P (12%) to be significantly different in these responders. In addition, the average systolic BP was higher (p < 0.05) in JF (118 ± 7 mmHg) than P (115 ± 8 mmHg) in both the total sample and the subgroup of responders. No differences in average HR and average diastolic BP were observed between JF and P in both the total sample and the subgroup of responders. Conclusion It appears that consuming a nutritionally-enriched coffee beverage may increase resting energy expenditure in individuals that are sensitive to the caffeine and herbal coffee supplement. In addition, this supplement also appears to affect cardiovascular dynamics by augmenting systolic arterial blood pressure.

Background The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of a weight loss supplement on resting oxygen uptake (VO2), respiratory quotient (RQ), caloric expenditure (kcal), heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP) in healthy and physically active individuals. Methods Ten subjects (5 male, 5 female; 20.2 ± 1.2 y; 172.2 ± 8.9 cm; 71.5 ± 17.2 kg; 17.3 ± 2.6% body fat) underwent two testing sessions administered in a randomized and double-blind fashion. During each session, subjects reported to the Human Performance Laboratory after at least 3-h post-absorptive state and were provided either 3 capsules of the weight loss supplement (SUP), commercially marketed as Meltdown® or 3 capsules of a placebo (P). Subjects then rested in a semi-recumbent position for three hours. VO2 and HR were determined every 5 min during the first 30 min and every 10 min during the next 150 min. BP was determined every 15 min during the first 30 min and every 30 min thereafter. The profile of mood states was assessed every 30 min. Results Area under the curve analysis revealed a significant 28.9% difference in VO2 between SUP and P for the three hour study period. In addition, a significant difference in energy expenditure was also seen between SUP (1.28 ± 0.33 kcal·min-1) and P (1.00 ± 0.32 kcal·min-1). A trend (p = 0.06) towards a greater utilization of stored fat as an energy source was also demonstrated (0.78 ± 0.23 kcal·min-1 and 0.50 ± 0.38 kcal·min-1 in P and SUP, respectively). Significant elevations in HR were seen during hours two and three of the study, and significantly higher average systolic BP was observed between SUP (118.0 ± 7.3 mmHg) and P (111.4 ± 8.2 mmHg). No significant differences were seen in diastolic blood pressure at any time point. Significant increases in tension and confusion were seen in SUP. Conclusion Results indicate a significant increase in energy expenditure in young, healthy individuals following an acute ingestion of a weight loss supplement. In addition, ingestion of this supplement appears modify mood and elevate HR and systolic BP following ingestion.

Background. This study examined the effect of simultaneous supplementation of extracellular buffer sodium bicarbonate (SB) and intracellular buffer beta-alanine (BA) on maximal sprint swimming. Methods. Thirteen competitive male swimmers completed 4 different treatments (placebo [PL], SB, BA + PL, and BA + SB) in a crossover procedure. PL or SB supplementation (0.3 g/kg body weight) was ingested 60 min before two maximal 100-m freestyle swims that were performed with a passive recovery of 12-min between each swim. Because of the known long washout period for carnosine, four weeks of BA supplementation (4.8 g per day) was started after the first week of PL or SB supplementation and performance testing. Results. The first maximal swims were similar, but the increase in time of the second versus the first 100-m swimming time was 1.5 s more (p < 0.05) in PL than in SB. Blood pH values were significantly (p < 0.05) greater in the SB and in the BA + SB groups compared to the PL and BA + PL values. There were no differences in peak blood lactate between the treatments. Conclusion. Supplementing with SB prior to performing maximal sprint swimming with repetitions under 60 s improves performance. However, co-supplementation with SB and BA did not confer any added benefit on maximal swim performance. peerReviewed

Comparison of protein intakes on strength, body composition and hormonal changes were examined in 23 experienced collegiate strength/power athletes participating in a 12-week resistance training program. Subjects were stratified into three groups depending upon their daily consumption of protein; below recommended levels (BL; 1.0 – 1.4 g·kg-1·day-1; n = 8), recommended levels (RL; 1.6 – 1.8 g·kg-1·day-1; n = 7) and above recommended levels (AL; > 2.0 g·kg-1·day-1; n = 8). Subjects were assessed for strength [one-repetition maximum (1-RM) bench press and squat] and body composition. Resting blood samples were analyzed for total testosterone, cortisol, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor. No differences were seen in energy intake (3,171 ± 577 kcal) between the groups, and the energy intake for all groups were also below the recommended levels for strength/power athletes. No significant changes were seen in body mass, lean body mass or fat mass in any group. Significant improvements in 1-RM bench press and 1-RM squat were seen in all three groups, however no differences between the groups were observed. Subjects in AL experienced a 22% and 42% greater change in Δ 1-RM squat and Δ 1-RM bench press than subjects in RL, however these differences were not significant. No significant changes were seen in any of the resting hormonal concentrations. The results of this study do not provide support for protein intakes greater than recommended levels in collegiate strength/power athletes for body composition improvements, or alterations in resting hormonal concentrations.

Methods Twelve male strength/power athletes (21.1 ± 1.3 y; 179.8 ± 7.1 cm; 88.6 ± 12.1 kg; 17.6 ± 3.3% body fat) underwent two testing sessions administered in a randomized and double-blind fashion. During each session, subjects reported to the Human Performance Laboratory and were provided either 120 ml of a high energy drink (S), commercially marketed as Redline® or 120 ml of a placebo (P). The placebo was similar in taste and appearance but contained no active ingredients. Following consumption of the supplement or placebo subjects rested quietly for 10minutes prior to completing a 4-question survey and commencing exercise. The survey consisted of 4 questions asking each subject to describe their feelings of energy, fatigue, alertness and focus at that moment. Following the completion of the questionnaire subjects performed a 2minute quickness and reaction test on the Makoto testing device (Makoto USA, Centennial CO) and a 20-second Wingate Anaerobic Power test. Following a 10-minute rest subjects repeated the testing sequence and after a similar rest period a third and final testing sequence was performed. The Makoto testing device consisted of subjects reacting to both a visual and auditory stimulus and striking one out of 30 potential targets on three towers.

Background The purpose of this study was to examine the acute metabolic effects of a high-energy drink in healthy, physically-active women. Methods Ten women (20.4 ± 0.70 y; 166.9 ± 7.2 cm; 67.0 ± 7.0 kg; 29.6 ± 6.5% body fat) underwent two testing sessions administered in a randomized and double-blind fashion. Subjects reported to the laboratory in a 3-hr post-absorptive state and were provided either 140 ml of the high-energy drink (SUP; commercially marketed as Meltdown RTD™) or placebo (P). Subjects consumed two 70 ml doses of SUP or P, separated by 30 min and rested in a semi-recumbent position for 3 hours. Resting oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate (HR) were determined every 5 min during the first 30 min and every 10 min during the next 150 min. Blood pressure (BP) was determined every 15 min during the first 30 min and every 30 min thereafter. Area under the curve (AUC) analysis was computed for VO2, whereas a 3-hour average and hourly averages were calculated for respiratory quotient (RQ), total kcal, HR, BP, and profile of mood states (POMS). Results AUC analysis revealed a 10.8% difference (p = 0.03) in VO2 between SUP and P. No difference in VO2 was seen between the groups in the first hour, but VO2 in SUP was significantly greater than P in the second (13.9%, p = 0.01) and third hours (11.9%, p = 0.03). A difference (p = 0.03) in energy expenditure was seen between SUP (1.09 ± 0.10 kcal·min-1) and P (0.99 ± 0.09 kcal·min-1) for the 3-hour period. Although no difference in energy expenditure was seen in the first hour, significant differences between SUP and P were observed in the second (1.10 ± 0.11 kcal·min-1 and 0.99 ± 0.09 kcal·min-1, respectively; p = 0.02) and third hour (1.08 ± 0.11 kcal·min-1 and 0.99 ± 0.09 kcal·min-1, respectively; p = 0.05). Average systolic BP was significantly higher (p = 0.007) for SUP (110.0 ± 3.9 mmHg) compared to P (107.3 ± 4.4 mmHg). No differences were seen in HR, diastolic BP, or POMS at any time point. Conclusions Results showed a significant increase in energy expenditure in young, healthy women following an acute ingestion of a high-energy drink.