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The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of exercise order on blood lactate, perceptual, and affective responses to resistance exercise. Twenty-nine subjects (18 women, 11 men; 20.9 +/- 1.9 years) completed three sessions separated by a minimum of 48 hours. Session 1 determined the 10-repetition maximum (10RM) for nine resistance exercises. During sessions 2 and 3, exercises were completed in either a large to small or small to large muscle exercise order. The large to small muscle order was 1) chest press, 2) leg press, 3) rows, 4) leg extension, 5) overhead press, 6) hamstring curl, 7) biceps curl, 8) calve raise, and 9) triceps extension. Exercise order was reversed for the small to large condition. Participants performed two sets of each lift, with the first set being a warm-up at 80% 10RM, followed by one set at 100% 10RM with 1 minute of rest between each exercise. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was measured after completion of the second set. Blood lactate was recorded after exercises 1, 5, and 9. Affective measures were completed pre, during, post 0, and post 10 minutes. Lactate showed a significant time (p < 0.001) and condition x time interaction (p = 0.020). A significant difference was seen in average number of repetitions completed between sequences, with small to large performing more. There were no differences seen between exercise orders for average RPE. Analyses of Feeling Scale and Felt Arousal Scale scores showed only a significant main effect of time. A paired-sample t-test was conducted to examine differences in Feeling Scale for the two conditions at the different time points. Significant differences were found for Feeling Scale during exercise (after overhead press) and at post 10, with the small to large exercise order having greater Feeling Scale responses. No significant correlations were seen between blood lactate and perceptual or affective responses at any time point or in either exercise order. These findings may suggest that small to large exercise order may have beneficial physiological and psychological outcomes and potentially influence exercise adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: Although ample evidence shows that ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) are correlated with psychological variables, whether and how these relationships change as a function of exercise intensity remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlations of RPE with both dispositional (extraversion, neuroticism, behavioral activation, behavioral inhibition) and situational (self-efficacy) psychological variables across three exercise intensities. Based on the social-psychophysiological model proposed by Rejeski, it was hypothesized that the correlations would be weakened as the intensity increased. METHODS: Thirty young and healthy volunteers participated in three 15-min treadmill runs, one 20% VO2max below, one at, and one 10% VO2max above the ventilatory threshold. RPE was assessed at minutes 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15. RESULTS: Extraversion, behavioral activation, and self-efficacy showed significant negative correlations with RPE at lower but not higher intensities, whereas neuroticism was unrelated to RPE and behavioral inhibition was positively related across all three levels of intensity. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide partial support to the hypothesis that the relationship of dispositional and situational psychological factors to RPE changes systematically, becoming weaker at higher exercise intensities. This may have implications for the effectiveness of personality-based adjustments of exercise prescriptions and cognitive techniques for dealing with aversive sensations of exertion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model for systematic changes in patterns of inter-individual variation in affective responses to physical activity of varying intensities is presented, as a conceptual alternative to the search for a global dose - response curve. It is theorized that trends towards universality will emerge in response to activities that are either generally adaptive, such as moderate walking, or generally maladaptive, such as strenuous running that requires anaerobic metabolism and precludes the maintenance of a physiological steady state. At the former intensity the dominant response will be pleasure, whereas at the latter intensity the dominant response will be displeasure. In contrast, affective responses will be highly variable, involving pleasure or displeasure, when the intensity of physical activity approximates the transition from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism, since activity performed at this intensity entails a trade-off between benefits and risks. Preliminary evidence in support of this model is presented, based on a reanalysis of data from a series of studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent physical activity recommendations call for activities that are of moderate intensity and can be performed intermittently during the day, such as walking. These proclamations were based partly on the assumption that moderate activities are generally more enjoyable than physically demanding ones, and they are, therefore, also more likely to be continued over the long haul. However, little is actually known about the affective outcomes of short bouts of walking and extant findings are equivocal. Four experimental studies examined the affective responses associated with short (10- to 15-min) bouts of walking using a dimensional conceptual model of affect, namely, the circumplex. Results consistently showed that walking was associated with shifts toward increased activation and more positive affective valence. Recovery from walking for 10-15 min was associated with a return toward calmness and relaxation. This pattern, was robust across different self-report measures of the circumplex affective dimensions, across ecological settings (field and laboratory), across time, and across samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether performance of a virtual environment (VE) task is influenced by exercise in the heat and carbohydrate supplementation.Methods: Ten males completed four exercise trials to fatigue. During each trial, subjects cycled at a submaximal workload. Subjects exercised in a normal environment (NORM) and in a hot environment on different occasions. During exercise, subjects drank 10 mL x kg(-1) x hour(-1) of body weight of a 6% carbohydrate beverage (CHO) or a placebo. Subjects completed a VE task before, during exercise, and after fatigue.Results: More failures occurred during placebo than CHO during exercise. The NORM CHO trial had the fewest failures at fatigue. More kills occurred during exercise in the NORM CHO.Conclusions: Performance of a VE task was negatively influenced by prolonged exercise and heat stress. CHO supplementation may have a positive impact on performance of the VE task following prolonged exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Authors of few studies have used randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to quantify clinical intervention safety of rehabilitation after sport-related concussion across sport levels., Objective: Describe symptom exacerbation and adverse events (AEs) associated with two concussion rehabilitation interventions., Design: Cluster RCT (NCT02988596)., Setting: Sports medicine clinic and field settings., Patients or Other Participants: The RCT enrolled 251 concussed athletes (median age = 20 years; female, n = 48) across 28 sites from New Zealand professional rugby (n = 31), Canadian professional football (n = 52), US/Canadian colleges (n = 128) and US high schools (n = 40)., Interventions: Two medically supervised interventions: (1) enhanced graded exertion (EGE): international return-to-sport strategy and sport-specific activities only (EGE only, n = 119); and (2) multidimensional rehabilitation (MDR) followed by EGE: early symptom-directed exercises once symptoms were stable, followed by EGE after symptoms resolved (MDR + EGE, n = 132)., Main Outcome Measure(s): Primary outcomes were intrasession total symptom severity score exacerbation and significant intersession (increase 10+ severity points) sustained total symptom severity exacerbation, each measured with the Postconcussion Symptom Scale (132 total severity points on scale). Reported AEs were also described. Activity-based rehabilitation sessions (n = 1437) were the primary analysis unit. Frequencies, proportions, medians, and interquartile ranges were calculated for outcomes by treatment group., Results: The 251 postinjury participants completed 1437 (MDR + EGE = 819, EGE only = 618) activity-based intervention sessions. A total of 110 and 105 participants contributed data (those missing had no documented session data) to at least 1 activity-based session in the MDR + EGE and EGE-only arms, respectively. Intrasession symptom exacerbations were equivalently low in MDR + EGE and EGE-only arms (MDR + EGE: 16.7%, 95% CI = 14.1%, 19.1%; EGE only: 15.7%, 95% CI = 12.8%, 18.6%). In total, 9/819 MDR + EGE sessions (0.9%) and 1/618 EGE-only sessions (0.2%) resulted in a presession to postsession symptom exacerbation beyond a 10+ severity point increase; 8/9 resolved to <10 points by the next session. Two study-related AEs (1 in each arm) were reported., Conclusions: Participants in MDR + EGE and EGE-only activities reported equivalently low rates of symptom exacerbation., (© by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, Inc.)

This registered report tested the effects of a novel exercise protocol, namely affect-guided interval training, on motivationally relevant variables of remembered pleasure, forecasted pleasure, enjoyment, and autonomy. Affect-guided interval training (AIT) consisted of 60-s intervals that alternated between the highest pleasant intensity and lowest pleasant intensity for 20 min; this was intended to minimize the potential displeasure of traditional high-intensity interval training. The novel protocol was compared to self-selected exercise intensity (30 min) and high-intensity interval training (60-s intervals for 20 min). All sessions were, on average, vigorous in intensity (80-89% peak heart rate). Data indicate that the AIT session was experienced as the most pleasant, had the most pleasant slope of affect, was remembered as the most pleasant, resulted in the most positive affective forecasts, and was the most enjoyable. Both the affect-guided interval session and self-selected exercise session resulted in greater autonomy than high-intensity interval training. Several evaluative and motivationally relevant variables, including (a) remembered pleasure, (b) enjoyment, and (c) forecasted pleasure were predicted by (a) experienced pleasure, the (b) pleasure experienced at the end of exercise, and (c) the slope of pleasure experienced throughout the exercise session. Overall, this study suggests that affect-guided interval training is a feasible and positive alternative that can be included as a viable option for exercise programming., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Given the continuously changing job demands of coaches, coach burnout continues to be an important area of study. Coaching literature highlights the role occupational stressors play in the development and management of burnout. However, research highlights the potential need for the field to differentiate feelings of burnout from those of other sub-clinical mental health indicators (e.g., anxiety, depression). This study sought to examine the relationship between workplace stress, perceived stress, coach burnout, coach well-being, and sub-clinical health issues (anxiety, stress, depression)., Methods: One hundred forty-four NCAA collegiate coaches completed online questionnaires measuring the proposed variables. Structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed hypothesis that burnout would serve as a partial mediator between workplace and perceived stress and mental health indicators (e.g., depression, anxiety, stress, and well-being)., Results: Workplace stress and perceived stress were positively associated with both burnout subscales. Additionally, perceived stress alone exhibited a positive association with depression, anxiety, and stress and a negative association with well-being. While there was a positive significant relationship between disengagement and depression in the model and a negative significant relationship between disengagement and well-being, most relationships between the two burnout subscales and mental health outcomes were negligible., Discussion: It can be concluded that while workplace and perceived life stressors may impact feelings of burnout and mental health indicators directly, burnout does not appear to exhibit a strong effect on perceptions of mental health and well-being. In line with other research studies, it may be worth considering whether burnout should be considered another type of clinical mental health issue instead of as a direct contributor to coach mental health., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2023 Walker, Wright and Hall.)

Background: An association has been identified between concussion and lower extremity musculoskeletal injury (LEMSKI) after return to sports participation. However, the collegiate student-athlete studies have relied on relatively small single-institution studies, which limits generalizability., Purpose: To assess odds of, and time to, LEMSKI after concussion in US collegiate athletes, using the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Injury Surveillance Program (ISP)., Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study., Methods: Data from the NCAA ISP during the 2010-2011 through 2019-2020 athletic seasons were considered for analysis. Frequency distributions were examined for details related to the initial and subsequent injuries (injuries to bone, bursa, joint, ligament, muscle, or tendon). Multivariable logistic regression models and random-effects Poisson regression models examined odds of time loss (TL) and non-time loss (NTL) LEMSKI after concussion, as well as the time interval between initial concussion and subsequent LEMSKI in a single athletic season, or initial musculoskeletal injury (MSKI) and subsequent LEMSKI in a single athletic season. Analyses were performed separately for football and other sports., Results: A total of 31,556 initial injuries were recorded (football: 11,900; other sports: 19,656), which were followed by 0 or 1 injury in the same season. Overall, first injury type was not a significant predictor of subsequent LEMSKI, although certain contrasts yielded significant estimates. In football, the odds of NTL LEMSKI were higher after concussion than after upper extremity MSKI (UEMSKI; adjusted odds ratio [OR Adj ], 1.56; 95% CI, 1.06-2.31). In football, the odds of TL LEMSKI were lower after concussion than after UEMSKI (OR Adj , 0.71; 95% CI, 0.51-0.99). No other significant effect estimates were observed for football or other sports., Conclusion: First injury type, either concussion or upper extremity, was not associated with an elevated risk of LEMSKI. Specifically, the results of this study did not identify an elevated odds of LEMSKI after a concussion. However, the authors observed greater odds of NTL LEMSKI and lower odds of TL LEMSKI in football.

Objective: To assess the relationship between sport-parenting practices and concussion reporting intentions of collegiate athletes across two levels of competition., Participants: Entering first-year student-athletes (varsity and club) at a mid-sized university in the Southeast region of the United States (n = 327)., Methods: Written surveys were completed prior to the start of the 2015 academic year. Structural equation modeling was used to test a model predicting concussion-reporting intentions., Results: College athletes were more likely to intend to report a suspected concussion when they believed their parents wanted them to report (B=-0.88, SD = 0.94), and when they experienced less sport achievement pressure from their parents (B=-0.12, SD = 8.07)., Conclusions: Parents influence the concussion safety of entering collegiate athletes at both the varsity and club level. Lower pressure sport parenting prior to college entry may help foster safer concussion reporting behaviors and may be an appropriate target for future intervention development work.

The Braverman Nature Assessment (BNA) is intended to determine the dominant monoamine neurochemical that drives an individual's temperament and behavior. The measure has been colloquially praised for the ability to determine the most effective exercise protocols for an individual based on their "dominant nature." This study seeks to examine the proposed relationship between the Braverman Natures and exercise behavior. Seventy-three adults (57 females) between ages 18-65 (mean = 26 years) completed an online survey consisting of the BNA, Big Five Personality Inventory (BFI), and Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study Physical Activity Questionnaire (ACLSPAQ). All Natures showed significant correlations to unique sets of personality traits (BFI). Dopamine and Serotonin Nature scores (via BNA) showed positive correlations to total physical activity (PA)measures. Serotonin Nature had positive correlation with participation in resistance exercise ( r = .36, p < .01) and showed the strongest correlations to PA participation. Dopamine was not associated with Extraversion as predicted; however, showed positive correlations to vigorous intensity exercise ( r = .26, p < .05). The Natures demonstrate some low to moderate correlations between neurochemical scores and exercise behaviors such as preference for various exercise modalities. There is preliminary evidence to suggest that the BNA may be a useful tool for exercise prescription based on correlations between personality and exercise behavior found in this study. The results do not support colloquial literature on the use of BNA in exercise prescription., Competing Interests: There were no conflicts of interest in regard to the researchers’ funding, position, or relationship to the participants. Ben Rosicky is an undergraduate student from Elon University who completed this project under the mentorship of Elon University

Abstract: Cavarretta, DJ, Hall, EE, and Bixby, WR. The effects of increasing training load on affect and perceived exertion. J Strength Cond Res 36(1): 16-21, 2022-This study was designed to investigate how affect and ratings of perceived exertion based on repetitions in reserve (RPE/RIR) change as a function of increasing load during a 10 repetition maximum (RM) test. Twenty-nine novice lifters completed a 10RM test for 2 different conditions presented in a randomized, counterbalanced fashion. RPE/RIR and affect were assessed immediately after each successful 10RM attempt. RPE/RIR was significantly different at all loads from 50 to 100% 10RM (p < 0.001) with no differences between exercise and exercise load (p = 0.059). RPE/RIR was higher for all lower body exercises compared with upper-body exercises (p < 0.001) but was not different between machine and free-weight exercises (p > 0.344). Affect became less positive only at 100% 10RM compared with all other loads (p < 0.05). Finally, affect was more positive for upper-body exercises compared to lower-body exercises (p = 0.025) and more positive for machines compared to free-weights (p = 0.015). The results of this study suggest that among novice lifters, RPE/RIR increases as load increases during a 10RM and affective valence remains relatively constant but becomes less positive when exercising at maximal intensities (100% 10RM). Further research is needed to replicate these findings and elucidate the effects of different muscles used (e.g., upper vs. lower body) and modality of exercise (e.g., machine vs. free-weight) on RPE/RIR and affect among both novice and experienced lifters., (Copyright © 2019 National Strength and Conditioning Association.)

Social media platforms are an accessible and increasingly used way for the public to gather healthcare-related information, including on sports injuries. "TikTok" is currently one of the fastest-growing social media platforms worldwide, and it is especially popular amongst adolescents and young adults. The widespread use and popularity of TikTok suggests that this platform has potential to be a source for healthcare information for younger individuals. The aim of this study was to gain a preliminary understanding of the concussion/head injury-related information on TikTok, and to gauge if TikTok could serve as a platform for concussion education. This exploratory study used a systematic search strategy to understand more about how concussion is being portrayed through TikTok videos. Using the keywords "concussion" and "head injury," 200 videos were downloaded from TikTok and 43 videos were excluded. Of the 92 videos retrieved using the keyword "concussion," 95% ( n = 88) had more than 100,000 views and 6% ( n = 10) had been viewed more than 10 million times. Over half, 54% ( n = 50) of the "concussion" videos depicted individuals "playing around" and getting hit in the head, whilst only 1% ( n = 1) of the TikTok videos were categorized as "explaining concussion facts." The large numbers of views of concussion-related TikTok videos demonstrates the popularity of this platform and indicates that healthcare organizations should consider TikTok as a potential means for concussion education amongst younger individuals., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Carter, Hall, Ketcham and Ahmed.)

Research has shown a strong relationship between nutrition and mental health. Packed schedules and little rest time may make student-athletes more susceptible to mental health issues than the general population, but few athletes are fully aware of the effects that nutrition can have on their mental health. While collegiate athletic programs are beginning to recognize the individual contributions of nutrition and mental health to performance and are hiring sport dietitians and psychologists for their athletes, it is unclear whether these topics are ever discussed within the same context. The goal of this study was to understand the perspectives of different athletic personnel on the relationship between nutrition and mental health. 17 athletic personnel (11 Female, 6 Male) from 6 NCAA Division I universities were recruited for a 30-45-min semi-structured WebEx interview. Participants included athletic trainers, coaches, dietitians, sport psychologists, strength and conditioning coaches, and sports medicine physicians. Participants were asked questions about their educational backgrounds, resources, and perspectives on the integration of nutrition and mental health in their programs. Transcribed responses were sorted into four themes: (1) Resources, (2) Education, (3) Department Integration or Collaboration, and (4) Student and Coach Engagement. All participants reported a need for greater monetary resources and staffing. Around 59% of the participants felt they had little more than general or personal interest-level knowledge on topics pertaining to nutrition or mental health, with the exception of sports dietitians or psychologists. Each school varied in the degree to which their athletic staff regularly communicated about their work and athlete health statuses. Athletes were reportedly more or less likely to utilize the resources provided depending on coach attitudes toward nutrition or mental health. Regardless of size, reputation and annual spending, each university was reported to be in the early stages of integrating nutrition and mental health programs into their existing athletic departments. Implications of this work may be to help schools plan for ways to reallocate funding for nutrition or mental health programming., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 McCabe, Ketcham and Hall.)

Context: Though previous research has focused on examining the effects of concussion history using a dual-task paradigm, the influence of factors like symptoms (unrelated to concussion), gender, and type of sport on gait in college athletes is unknown., Objective: To examine the effect of concussion history, symptoms, gender, and type of sport (noncontact/limited contact/contact) individually on gait among college athletes., Design: Exploratory cross-sectional study., Setting: Laboratory., Participants: In total, 98 varsity athletes (age, 18.3 [1.0] y; height, 1.79 [0.11] m; mass, 77.5 [19.2] kg; 27 with concussion history, 58 reported at least one symptom, 44 females; 8 played noncontact sports and 71 played contact sports) walked under single- and dual-task (walking while counting backward by 7) conditions., Interventions: Not applicable., Main Outcome Measures: Dual-task cost (DTC; % difference between single task and dual task) of gait speed, cadence, step length and width, percentage of swing and double-support phases, symptom score, and total symptom severity score. Independent samples t tests and 1-way analysis of variance were conducted (α value = .05)., Results: Self-reported concussion history resulted in no significant differences (P > .05). Those who reported symptoms at testing time showed significantly greater DTC of step length (mean difference [MD], 2.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.3% to 5.1%; P = .012), % of swing phase (MD, 1.0%; 95% CI, -0.2 to 2.1%; P = .042), and % of double-support phase (MD, 3.9%; 95% CI, 0.2% to 7.8%; P = .019). Females demonstrated significantly higher DTC of gait speed (MD, 5.3%; 95% CI, 1.3% to 9.3%; P = .005), cadence (MD, 4.0%; 95% CI, 1.4% to 6.5%; P = .002), % of swing phase (MD, 1.2%; 95% CI, 0.1% to 2.3%; P = .019), and % of double-support phase (MD, 4.1%; 95% CI, 0.4% to 7.9%; P = .018). Noncontact sports athletes had significantly greater step width DTC than contact sports athletes (MD, 14.2%; 95% CI, 0.9% to 27.6%; P = .032)., Conclusions: Reporting symptoms at testing time may influence gait under dual-task conditions. Additionally, female athletes showed more gait changes during a dual task. Sports medicine professionals should be aware that these variables, while unrelated to injury, may affect an athlete's gait upon analysis.

Context: Sports often involve complex movement patterns, such as turning. Although cognitive load effects on gait patterns are well known, little is known on how it affects biomechanics of turning gait among athletes. Such information could help evaluate how concussion affects turning gait required for daily living and sports., Objective: To determine the effect of a dual task on biomechanics of turning while walking among college athletes., Design: Cross-sectional study., Setting: University laboratory., Participants: Fifty-three participants performed 5 trials of a 20-m walk under single- and dual-task conditions at self-selected speed with a 180° turn at 10-m mark. The cognitive load included subtraction, spelling words backward, or reciting the months backward., Interventions: Not applicable., Main Outcome Measures: Turn duration, turning velocity, number of steps, SD of turn duration and velocity, and coefficient of variation of turn duration and velocity., Results: Participants turned significantly slower (155.99 [3.71] cm/s vs 183.52 [4.17] cm/s; P < .001) and took longer time to complete the turn (2.63 [0.05] s vs 2.33 [0.04] s; P < .001) while dual tasking, albeit taking similar number of steps to complete the turn. Participants also showed more variability in turning time under the dual-task condition (SD of turn duration = 0.39 vs 0.31 s; P = .004)., Conclusions: Overall, college athletes turned slower and showed more variability during turning gait while performing a concurrent cognitive dual-task turning compared with single-task turning. The slower velocity increased variability may be representative of specific strategy of turning gait while dual tasking, which may be a result of the split attention to perform the cognitive task. The current study provides descriptive values of absolute and variability turning gait parameters for sports medicine personnel to use while they perform their concussion assessments on their college athletes.

Yoga practice is known to improve well-being and decrease stress. However, acute yoga is understudied. This study investigated the effects of two different types of yoga on affect and salivary cortisol levels in college women. Thirty-three women aged 18-30 years each completed 1-hour sessions of power yoga and stretch yoga. Measures of affect and salivary cortisol were assessed before, during, and after each session. Participants perceived power yoga to be more pleasurable and energizing. Salivary cortisol significantly decreased after both yoga sessions. Thus, even one session of yoga may be effective in improving affect and decreasing stress in college women.

Resistance exercise provides positive changes in affect that may increase adherence. Little is known about the temporal dynamics of affect or the relationship between training modality and affect. This experiment investigated the temporal dynamics of affect during resistance exercise and compared the affective responses from machine and free weight exercises. Twenty-eight novice lifters (21 females) completed 2 workouts consisting of 4 machine or 4 free weight exercises for 3 sets of 9-11 repetitions at 80% 10 repetition-maximum. Feeling Scale was administered at baseline, during, 5- and 30-min post. During the workout, Feeling Scale was administered during the seventh repetition of the second set and after completion of the third set to provide an intra- and inter-set affective measurement. A Repeated Measures General Linear Model revealed a significant effect for time ( p < 0.001) with affect more positive for all time points, 5- and 30-min following exercise compared to baseline levels ( p 's < 0.001). Additionally, affect was more positive at 5- compared to 30-min post ( p = 0.015) and higher for the inter-set measurement compared to the intra-set measurement ( p = 0.001). The results suggest that affective valence becomes more positive during and following resistance exercise. This preliminary evidence suggests affective rebounding may occur after cessation of the set. Lastly, there appears to be no differences in the affective responses from machine and free weight exercises among novice lifters although this finding may be confounded by other factors such as differences in muscle group selection or total amount of volume performed., (Copyright © 2019 Cavarretta, Hall and Bixby.)

Previous consensus statements on sports concussion have highlighted the importance of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and loss of consciousness (LOC) as risk factors related to concussion management. The present study investigated how self-reported history of either ADHD diagnosis or history of previous concussion resulting in LOC influence baseline neurocognitive performance and self-reported symptoms. This analysis was performed retrospectively on data collected primarily from student-athletes, both Division 1 and club sports athletes. The dataset ( n = 1460) is comprised of college students (age = 19.1 ± 1.4 years). Significant differences were found for composite scores on the ImPACT for both history of concussion ( p = 0.016) and ADHD ( p = 0.014). For concussion history, those with a previous concussion, non-LOC, performed better on the visual motor speed ( p = 0.004). Those with diagnosis of ADHD performed worse on verbal memory ( p = 0.001) and visual motor speed ( p = 0.033). For total symptoms, concussion history ( p < 0.001) and ADHD ( p = 0.001) had an influence on total symptoms. Those with ADHD reported more symptoms for concussion history; those with previous LOC concussion reported more symptoms than those with non-LOC concussion ( p = 0.003) and no history ( p < 0.001). These results highlight the importance of baseline measures of neurocognitive function and symptoms in concussion management in order to account for pre-existing conditions such as ADHD and LOC from previous concussion that could influence these measures.

Objectives: Immediately after experiencing a concussion, many will report the presence of a variety of symptoms, which may include disturbances in sleep. It is possible that these symptoms and other resulting quality of life (QOL) disturbances may persist for some time following a concussion. The purpose of this study was to determine if a history of concussions was related to ongoing sleep disturbances, symptoms, and changes in QOL., Methods: Eighty-two student-athletes (club and varsity) completed an online survey to determine concussion history, sleep disturbances, concussion symptoms, and QOL dysfunctions. Separate analyses of variance were performed to determine if sleep disturbances, symptoms, and QOL dysfunctions were related and if they differed based on concussion history (0, 1-2, 3+)., Results: Those with no concussion history reported fewer sleep disturbances (P = .028), symptoms (P = .029), symptom severity (P = .014), QOL dysfunctions (P = .003), and QOL severity (P = .011) than those who self-reported having had a previous concussion(s). Additionally, the number of sleep disturbances was found to positively correlate with symptoms (P < .001), symptom severity (P < .001), QOL dysfunctions (P = .001), and severity of QOL dysfunctions (P = .002)., Conclusions: The results of the current study demonstrate that concussion history is related to persistent changes in sleep, ongoing symptoms, and QOL dysfunctions and should be considered in concussion management protocols even after return to play and academics has occurred., (Copyright © 2018 National Sleep Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

To determine changes in appetite, affect and cortisol in response to an acute bout of resistance exercise (RE) the morning after consuming whey (WP) and casein (CP) protein and a non-caloric placebo (PLA) consumed pre-sleep, 14 active men (n = 5) and women (n = 9) consumed a single dose of 24 g WP, 48 g WP, 24 g CP, 48 g CP, or PLA 30 min pre-sleep. Prior to and immediately after RE, appetite, affect and cortisol were assessed. Significant time effects were observed for Energetic Arousal and Tense Arousal ( p = 0.017) and Feeling Scale and Felt Arousal Scale ( p < 0.001). Appetite did not change over time or condition. Cortisol levels increased after RE ( p = 0.007). Pre-RE, Tense Arousal was correlated with hunger (r = 0.25, p = 0.047) and desire to eat (r = 0.35, p = 0.005). Post-RE, cortisol was found to be significantly related to Feeling Scale (r = 0.32, p = 0.018), Felt Arousal Scale (r = 0.33, p = 0.015) and Energetic Arousal (r = 0.32, p = 0.018). Varying doses of WP and CP pre-sleep did not have an effect on morning appetite and cortisol, but cortisol was found to be related to affect and appetite.

The advantage of ingesting fluids during endurance exercise lasting < 90 min has recently been challenged, but literature confirming or disputing this case is limited, particularly for female athletes. This study examined the effects of consuming water versus mouth rinsing with water during a running time trial. Recreationally active female runners (n = 19) completed two, 15-km time trials on an outdoor course in temperate environment (~20ºC; 87% RH) separated by at least one week in a randomized cross-over study design. Participants consumed 355 ml of water (DW) during their run or mouth rinsed (MR) with water from a handheld water bottle every 3 km for 5 s with physiological, perceptual, and affective variables assessed. DW or MR did not affect completion time (79.8 ± 8.1 min and 79.2 ± 8.2 min, p = 0.23), HR ( p = 0.35), or RPE ( p = 0.73), respectively. Sweat losses were greater ( p = 0.03) for DW: 1.47 ± 0.34 L compared to MR: 1.28 ± 0.27 L; however, thirst sensation was not significantly different for MR: 6.7 ± 1.4 compared to DW: 6.2 ± 1.6. A significant effect was exhibited for time ( p < 0.01) but not condition for Feeling Scale and Felt Arousal Scale or Energetic and Tense Arousal. Carrying only one smaller fluid container for MR versus a larger or multiple water bottles/backpack systems used for water consumption can reduce fluid load carried during extended duration runs without altering performance or affect for runs of 1.0-1.5 h. MR may also be beneficial to decrease thirst without ingesting fluid for runners that limit exercise fluid consumption because of gastrointestinal discomfort concerns.

Objective: This study investigates 4 single-nucleotide polymorphisms [Apolipoprotein E (APOE), APOE promoter, catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT), and dopamine D2 receptor] that have been implicated in concussion susceptibility and/or cognitive ability in collegiate student-athletes., Design: Cross-sectional study., Setting: Neuroscience laboratory at Elon University., Participants: Two hundred fifty division I collegiate student-athletes (66 women, 184 men) from various sports., Intervention: All participants completed Immediate Postconcussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) testing at baseline concussion testing and had a buccal swab taken for DNA for genotyping., Main Outcome Measures: Self-reported history of concussions and neurocognitive performance were taken from ImPACT., Results: Individuals carrying an ε4 allele in their APOE gene had a significantly slower reaction time (P = 0.001). Individuals homozygous for the Val allele of the COMT gene showed significantly worse impulse control scores (P = 0.014). None of the genotypes were able to predict self-reported concussion history in collegiate student-athletes., Conclusions: These results indicate that certain genotypes may influence performance on cognitive testing at baseline and that the APOE genotypes may not influence concussion susceptibility as suggested by past studies.

Sports-related concussions are an increasing public health issue with much concern about the possible long-term decrements in cognitive function and quality of life that may occur in athletes. The measurement of cognitive function is a common component of concussion management protocols due to cognitive impairments that occur after sustaining a concussion; however, the tools that are often used may not be sensitive enough to expose long term problems with cognitive function. The current paper is a brief review, which suggests that measuring cognitive processing through the use of event related potentials (ERPs) may provide a more sensitive assessment of cognitive function, as shown through recent research showing concussion history to influence ERPs components. The potential influence of genetics on cognitive function and ERPs components will also be discussed in relation to future concussion management., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Context:   Although an association between concussion and musculoskeletal injury has been described in collegiate and professional athletes, no researchers have investigated an association in younger athletes., Objective:   To determine if concussion in high school athletes increased the risk for lower extremity musculoskeletal injury after return to activity., Design:   Observational cohort study., Setting:   One hundred ninety-six high schools across 26 states., Patients or Other Participants:   We used data from the National Athletic Treatment, Injury and Outcomes Network surveillance system. Athletic trainers provided information about sport-related concussions and musculoskeletal injuries in athletes in 27 sports, along with missed activity time due to these injuries., Main Outcome Measure(s):   Three general estimating equations were modeled to predict the odds of sustaining (1) any lower extremity injury, (2) a time-loss lower extremity injury, or (3) a non-time-loss lower extremity injury after concussion. Predictors were the total number of previous injuries, number of previous concussions, number of previous lower extremity injuries, number of previous upper extremity injuries, and sport contact classification., Results:   The initial dataset contained data from 18 216 athletes (females = 39%, n = 6887) and 46 217 injuries. Lower extremity injuries accounted for most injuries (56.3%), and concussions for 4.3% of total injuries. For every previous concussion, the odds of sustaining a subsequent time-loss lower extremity injury increased 34% (odds ratio [OR] = 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.13, 1.60). The number of previous concussions had no effect on the odds of sustaining any subsequent lower extremity injury (OR = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.89, 1.05) or a non-time-loss injury (OR = 1.01; 95% CI = 0.92, 1.10)., Conclusions:   Among high school athletes, concussion increased the odds of sustaining subsequent time-loss lower extremity injuries but not non-time-loss injuries. By definition, time-loss injuries may be considered more severe than non-time-loss injuries. The exact mechanism underlying the increased risk of lower extremity injury after concussion remains elusive and should be further explored in future research.

Context: Neurocognitive test scores are often considered an important aspect of concussion management. To best use these data, clinicians must understand potential factors that may influence baseline performance on these tests., Objective: To determine preexisting factors that may influence performance on the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACT)., Design: Cross-sectional study., Setting: Research laboratory., Patients or Other Participants: A total of 486 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I collegiate student-athletes., Main Outcome Measure(s): To determine neurocognitive functioning and total symptom score at baseline, ImPACT was administered. Outcomes were verbal memory, visual memory, visual motor speed, reaction time, and total symptom score. A self-report demographic section at the beginning of ImPACT was used to gather information concerning previous treatment for headaches, migraines, and psychiatric conditions; diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; and exposure to previous strenuous exercise. We conducted multivariate analyses of variance to determine if the ImPACT composite and total symptom scores differed according to preexisting factors (P < .0083)., Results: Sex showed an effect on verbal memory (P = .001), visual motor speed (P < .001), and reaction time (P = .006), with women performing better than men. A previous diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder affected visual motor speed (P = .008). Previous treatment for headaches (P < .001), migraines (P = .001), a psychiatric condition (P < .001), or a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (P < .001) all showed effects on the total symptom score. Strenuous exercise did not affect neurocogntive performance or total symptom score., Conclusions: Based on our findings and the previous literature, we suggest that many preexisting factors influence baseline neurocognitive data. Baseline testing is an important aspect of concussion management. Sports medicine professionals should be cognizant of these factors when developing concussion-management protocols.

Gait impairments have been documented following sport-related concussion. Whether preexisting gait pattern differences exist among athletes who participate in different sport classifications, however, remains unclear. Dual-task gait examinations probe the simultaneous performance of everyday tasks (ie, walking and thinking), and can quantify gait performance using inertial sensors. The purpose of this study was to compare the single-task and dual-task gait performance of collision/contact and noncontact athletes. A group of collegiate athletes (n = 265) were tested before their season at 3 institutions (mean age= 19.1 ± 1.1 years). All participants stood still (single-task standing) and walked while simultaneously completing a cognitive test (dual-task gait), and completed walking trials without the cognitive test (single-task gait). Spatial-temporal gait parameters were compared between collision/contact and noncontact athletes using MANCOVAs; cognitive task performance was compared using ANCOVAs. No significant single-task or dual-task gait differences were found between collision/contact and noncontact athletes. Noncontact athletes demonstrated higher cognitive task accuracy during single-task standing (P = .001) and dual-task gait conditions (P = .02) than collision/contact athletes. These data demonstrate the utility of a dual-task gait assessment outside of a laboratory and suggest that preinjury cognitive task performance during dual-tasks may differ between athletes of different sport classifications.

Background/aims: Concussion is widely discussed in online sports news articles, but the terms used to report this injury vary. This study aimed to use a systematic search strategy and explore the description of sports concussion in online sports news articles., Methods: A systematic approach was employed to obtain online articles related to sports concussion from four sports associated with concussion (hockey, football, soccer, and rugby). Included articles were evaluated for the descriptors used in relation to concussion and possible consequences associated with concussion. Data was analysed to determine trends between each sport as well between the countries of origin of the articles., Results: From 200 articles retrieved, 153 were included for analysis. The terms "Head injury" (30.1%) and "Brain injury" (20.9%) were most used to describe a concussive injury, and the most frequently mentioned consequence of concussion was "Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy" (15%). Modifiers which potentially play down the importance of the injury were noted in 9.8% of the articles, with journalists the primary source of these terms., Conclusions: The variability in reporting of concussion by online news articles may limit the transmission of correct concussion information to the public. To improve the consistency of this reporting, the "Media Concussion Checklist" was developed., (Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: A history of 3 or more concussions is frequently associated with numerous short- and long-term neuropathologies. Impairments in postural control are a known acute consequence of concussion; however, limited evidence exists on the effects of multiple concussions on gait. The purpose of this study was to assess gait stepping characteristics in collegiate aged student-athletes based on concussion history., Methods: There were 63 participants divided into 3 even groups based on concussion history: ≥3 concussions, 1-2 concussions, and 0 concussion. All participants completed 10 trials of gait on a 4.9 m instrumented walkway. The dependent variables of interest included both gait stepping characteristics (step velocity, length, and width, double support time, and the percentage of the gait cycle in stance) and coefficient of variability (CoV) measures (step length, time, and width). The gait stepping characteristics were compared first with a MANOVA with follow-up 1-way ANOVAs and Tukey post hoc tests as appropriate. The CoV measures were compared with 1-way ANOVAs and Tukey post hoc tests., Results: There were main effects for group for step velocity, length, width, and double support time. Overall, the 0 concussion group displayed typical healthy young gait parameters and performed significantly better than either concussion group. The 0 concussion group had a significantly greater step length CoV, but there were no differences in the step time or width CoV., Conclusion: This finding provides evidence of subtle impairments in postural control during gait among individuals with prior history of concussion which could be an early indicator of future neurological deficiencies. The limited difference in the variability measures is consistent with prior static stance studies and could suggest the individuals constrain their motor systems to reduce variability. Taken together, these findings suggest a conservative gait strategy which is adopted by individuals with a history of concussions.

This study sought to examine tenets of Self-Determination Theory by testing a mediation model of physical activity and personality via autonomy. A total of 290 adults were recruited to complete a one-time online survey of exercise habits and individual characteristics. Surveys assessed personality, autonomy, and physical activity. A measurement model specifying direct effects between personality dimensions and physical activity and indirect effects operating through autonomy provided an excellent fit to the data (Χ² = 0.66, df = 3, p = 0.88, RMSEA(90% CI) = 0.00 (0.00⁻0.05), CFI = 0.99, SRMR = 0.01). Results indicated significant ( p < 0.05) effects of Extroversion (β = 0.42), Conscientiousness (β = 0.96), and Emotional Stability (β = 0.60) on autonomy, which in turn, was significantly associated with physical activity (β = 0.55). No significant effects were observed for Agreeableness or Intellect. None of the personality constructs were found to be directly associated with physical activity. This model accounted for 27% of the variance in physical activity. The results of this study suggest that autonomy is significantly associated with physical activity. Therefore, attempts to improve autonomy in individuals may be a useful intervention strategy in improving physical activity levels.

(1) Background: Acute bouts of exercise have been associated with affective changes. Exercise supplemented with distraction may divert attention from unpleasant feelings commonly associated with exercise to more pleasant feelings. The purpose of this study was to compare affective responses to exercise with and without distraction. (2) Methods: 25 individuals volunteered for this investigation and completed all three conditions. This study included three 30 min cycle ergometry exercise conditions, a control condition with no stimuli and two test conditions; one supplemented with a self-selected video and the other self-selected music. The Feeling Scale (FS) was administered prior to, every 10 min during, immediately following, and 10 min post exercise. (3) Results: These data demonstrate a significant condition effect for FS during exercise. The condition effect was due to FS being greater in the video and distraction conditions. There was no time by condition interaction seen during exercise. (4) Conclusion: These data indicate that distraction may be effective in supporting a more pleasant exercise experience and could potentially increase exercise adherence.

Concussions in collegiate athletics can affect student-athletes both on the field and in the classroom. As policies are made to outline return-to-play decisions and timelines, this article will make the case that return-to-academics should also be included and follow a step-wise protocol. Complete cognitive rest is a cornerstone of concussion recovery and slow reintroduction to academics should precede return-to-play. The college structure allows for student-athletes to begin small doses of cognitive activity after the recommended complete cognitive rest. It is recommended that return-to-academics involves a team approach to help the student-athlete navigate the responsibilities of course work while healing from a brain injury.

Performance in fitness tests could depend on factors beyond the bioenergetic and skeletomuscular systems, such as individual differences in preference for and tolerance of different levels of exercise-induced somatosensory stimulation. Although such individual-difference variables could play a role in exercise testing and prescription, they have been understudied. The purpose of these studies was to examine the relationships of self-reported preference for and tolerance of exercise intensity with performance in fitness tests. Participants in study I were 516 men and women volunteers from a campus community, and participants in study II were 42 men recruit firefighters undergoing a 6-week training program. Both the Preference and Tolerance scores exhibited significant relationships with performance in several fitness tests and with body composition and physical activity participation. Preference and Tolerance did not change after the training program in study II, despite improvements in objective and perceived fitness, supporting their conceptualization as dispositional traits. Preference and Tolerance scores could be useful not only in ameliorating the current understanding of the determinants of physical performance, but also in personalizing exercise prescriptions and, thus, delivering exercise experiences that are more pleasant, tolerable, and sustainable.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are induced by sudden acceleration-deceleration and/or rotational forces acting on the brain. Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) has been identified as one of the chief underlying causes of morbidity and mortality in head trauma incidents. DAIs refer to microscopic white matter (WM) injuries as a result of shearing forces that induce pathological and anatomical changes within the brain, which potentially contribute to significant impairments later in life. These microscopic injuries are often unidentifiable by the conventional computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) scans employed by emergency departments to initially assess head trauma patients and, as a result, TBIs are incredibly difficult to diagnose. The impairments associated with TBI may be caused by secondary mechanisms that are initiated at the moment of injury, but often have delayed clinical presentations that are difficult to assess due to the initial misdiagnosis. As a result, the true consequences of these head injuries may go unnoticed at the time of injury and for many years thereafter. The purpose of this review is to investigate these consequences of TBI and their potential link to neurodegenerative disease (ND). This review will summarize the current epidemiological findings, the pathological similarities, and new neuroimaging techniques that may help delineate the relationship between TBI and ND. Lastly, this review will discuss future directions and propose new methods to overcome the limitations that are currently impeding research progress. It is imperative that improved techniques are developed to adequately and retrospectively assess TBI history in patients that may have been previously undiagnosed in order to increase the validity and reliability across future epidemiological studies. The authors introduce a new surveillance tool (Retrospective Screening of Traumatic Brain Injury Questionnaire, RESTBI) to address this concern.

The purpose of this study was to compare treadmill walking with exergame play on the "EA Sports Active™" (Entertainment Arts, Redwood City, CA) for the Nintendo™ (Kyoto, Japan) Wii™. Thirty healthy adults (13 male, 17 female; 24.1±6.6 years old) spent 30 minutes walking briskly on a treadmill and approximately 40 minutes playing "Island Cardio Blast" on "EA Sports Active." Heart rate (HR) monitors, accelerometers, and Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) were used to measure intensity. Participants also rated affect measures with the Feeling Scale and the Felt Arousal Scale and completed the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale following completion of exercise. Participants had a significantly higher HR and RPE on the exergame but a higher percentage of minutes in moderate- or higher-intensity activity on the treadmill. Affect measures were consistent with past research, with positive affect following exercise in both conditions. Play on the "EA Sports Active" game for the Nintendo Wii elicited higher HR, RPE, and enjoyment measures than treadmill walking, indicating that it may be a good mode of exercise.

The purpose of this study was to determine if two popular exergames, Wii Fit™ and EA Sports Active™, both games for the Nintendo Wii™ console, help children achieve intensity consistent with recommended physical activity guidelines. Thirty children (19 males and 11 females, Mean age = 9.4 ± 1.8 years) participated in this study by playing each game during one research session. During the session participants wore a heart rate monitor and accelerometer to measure exercise intensity. Perceived exertion (RPE) was measured with the children's run/walk OMNI scale. All three measures of exercise intensity (heart rate, accelerometer counts, and RPE) found that the EA Sports Active™ game session elicited higher exercise intensity. However, heart rate data found both games to achieve moderate intensity (65-68% age-predicted HR max ). When using heart rate as an indicator of exercise intensity it appears that both exergames were of sufficient intensity to achieve physical activity guidelines. Future studies should continue to investigate the utility of exergaming in helping children to become more physically active.

This study examined how exposure to media containing different body image content while exercising influenced exercise performance and feelings concerning appearance. 41 females completed two sessions of cycling (30 minutes). During exercise, participants viewed a television show that contained either media-portrayed ideal or neutral female body images. There were no differences in exercise performance between conditions. Physical appearance state anxiety (PASA) decreased post-exercise. After viewing ideal bodies, participants scored higher on appearance and comparison processing. The high internalization group scored higher on appearance and comparison processing and PASA increased following ideal body image content while the low internalization group decreased.

The purpose of this study was to test the transient hypofrontality theory (Dietrich, 2003) by examining the influence of exercise intensity on executive control processes during and following submaximal exercise. Thirty participants (13 female) exercised for 30 min at ventilatory threshold (VT) or at 75% of VT. The Contingent Continuous Performance Task (CPT) and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) were used as measures of executive control. They were administered before, during, immediately following, and 20 min after exercise. An increase in false alarms and unique errors (p < or = .05) occurred during both conditions. False alarms for the CPT and total and perseverative errors for the WCST remained elevated immediately following exercise at VT, but not at exercise below VT (p < or = .01). The decreased executive control function during exercise can be explained by the transient hypofrontality theory. Following VT, executive control performance remained poor possibly owing to an additional amount of time the brain needs to return to homeostasis following intense exercise.

Affective responses to exercise may be important for improving adherence to regular programs of exercise. The present study sought to determine whether resting frontal EEG asymmetry, an individual difference measure of affective style, is predictive of affective responses to exercise performed at distinct intensities standardized relative to a metabolic landmark (i.e., the ventilatory threshold, VT). Resting EEG was collected from 30 participants and used to predict affective responses following treadmill running at three exercise intensities: below-VT, at-VT, and above-VT. Affect was assessed [via Activation-Deactivation Adjective Check List, yielding measures of Energetic Arousal (EA) and Tense Arousal (TA)] before, immediately following exercise, after 5min cool down, and 10 and 20min post-cool down. Resting mid-frontal asymmetry (F4-F3) significantly predicted EA immediately following below-VT exercise; resting lateral frontal asymmetry (F8-F7) predicted EA at 20min post-cool down. Resting mid-frontal asymmetry predicted in EA immediately following and following cool down in above-VT exercise. As a whole, frontal asymmetry was predictive of affective responses following exercise, namely greater relative left frontal activity predicting lower EA. This was opposite to the predictions of the valenced motivation model, but may provide some support for the motivation direction model. This is based on the fact that low EA could be indicative of approach motivation, especially at higher exercise intensities., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The purpose of this study was to examine affective responses during and following resistance exercise in a mirrored environment. Thirty-two females completed three sessions. During session one, exercise intensity was determined for the subsequent two sessions. During the next two sessions participants performed eight exercises either with or without mirrors. Affect was measured prior to, during, immediately following and 15 minutes post-exercise. Affect was more pleasant and activated during and following exercise, but did not differ by condition. The inability to find a difference in mirrored condition may be a result of participants using the mirrors for technique as opposed to self-evaluation purposes.

The effect of an acute bout of moderate treadmill walking on behavioral and neuroelectric indexes of the cognitive control of attention and applied aspects of cognition involved in school-based academic performance were assessed. A within-subjects design included 20 preadolescent participants (age=9.5+/-0.5 years; eight female) to assess exercise-induced changes in performance during a modified flanker task and the Wide Range Achievement Test 3. The resting session consisted of cognitive testing followed by a cardiorespiratory fitness assessment to determine aerobic fitness. The exercise session consisted of 20 min of walking on a motor-driven treadmill at 60% of estimated maximum heart rate followed by cognitive testing once heart rate returned to within 10% of pre-exercise levels. Results indicated an improvement in response accuracy, larger P3 amplitude, and better performance on the academic achievement test following aerobic exercise relative to the resting session. Collectively, these findings indicate that single, acute bouts of moderately-intense aerobic exercise (i.e. walking) may improve the cognitive control of attention in preadolescent children, and further support the use of moderate acute exercise as a contributing factor for increasing attention and academic performance. These data suggest that single bouts of exercise affect specific underlying processes that support cognitive health and may be necessary for effective functioning across the lifespan.

Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) are routinely used to monitor, assess, and prescribe aerobic exercise. Heart rate (HR) is another measure used to evaluate exercise intensity. Additionally, affective responses to aerobic exercise have been studied and seem to be influenced by the intensity of the exercise. The perceptual, HR, and affective responses to resistance exercise have not been effectively established. The purpose of this study was to examine whether differences in affect, RPE, and HR exist among college-aged women (n = 31) performing three different modes of resistance training: concentric (CE), eccentric (EE), and traditional concentric/eccentric (TE) performed at varying resistances. The women were asked to complete four sessions of resistance training on variable resistance machines: chest press, seated row, overhead press, and biceps curl. The first session was used to establish the 10-repetition maximum (RM) load for each station. Subsequent sessions involved the execution of training in one of the three test conditions: CE, EE, or TE. The participants performed three sets of each lift at 80% 10-RM, 100% 10-RM, and 120% 10-RM. The data revealed lower RPE during EE than the other test conditions. Similarly, EE elicited more mild HR response than either CE or TE. This finding is potentially important for the establishment of training programs, especially for those individuals recovering from an illness, who had been previously sedentary, and who are involved in rehabilitation of an injury.

Previous studies have shown changes in brain activity as a result of exercise; however, few studies have examined changes during exercise. The purpose of this study was to examine brain activity during a graded exercise test. Twenty male participants performed a graded exercise test on a recumbent cycle ergometer. Exercise intensity was set initially at 50W and was increased by 50W every 2 minutes until volitional fatigue was reached. Electroencephalography (EEG) was measured prior to the onset of exercise, during the last minute of each stage of exercise, immediately post-exercise, and 10 minutes into recovery. EEG was recorded from 8 scalp sites leading to analysis of alpha 1, alpha 2, beta 1, beta 2, and theta activities. Expired air was collected and analyzed for ventilation rate (VE), VO2, % of peak VO2, and Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER). No differences were seen in EEG between the hemispheres of the brain. There was, however, a significant increase in brain activity across the spectrum occurring at 200 W through immediately post-exercise. Brain activity returned to pre- exercise levels by 10 minutes post. VO2, % of peak VO2 and RER increased linearly with exercise intensity. VE increased linearly through 200 W; however, a disproportionate increase was seen in VE from 200 W to peak exercise. The results of this investigation demonstrate that brain activity may be related to exercise intensity. Future research will want to examine how these changes in brain activity influence affective, perceptual and cognitive changes often associated with exercise. Efforts will also need to be made to determine if changes in brain activity during exercise are mediated by central (within the brain) or peripheral mechanisms. Key pointsEEG can be recorded during exercise.Brain EEG activity increases during exercise and may be related to exercise intensity.Brain EEG activity returns to resting levels quickly after the cessation of exercise.

The determination of the ventilatory threshold has been a persistent problem in research and clinical practice. Several computerized methods have been developed to overcome the subjectivity of visual methods but it remains unclear whether different computerized methods yield similar results. The purpose of this study was to compare nine regression-based computerized methods for the determination of the ventilatory threshold. Two samples of young and healthy volunteers (n = 30 each) participated in incremental treadmill protocols to volitional fatigue. The ventilatory data were averaged in 20-s segments and analysed with a computer program. Significant variance among methods was found in both samples (Sample 1: F = 11.50; Sample 2: F = 11.70, P < 0.001 for both). The estimates of the ventilatory threshold ranged from 2.47 litres.min(-1) (71% VO2max) to 3.13 litres.min(-1) (90% VO2max) in Sample 1 and from 2.37 litres.min(-1) (67% VO2max) to 3.03 litres.min(-1) (83% VO2max) in Sample 2. The substantial differences between methods challenge the practice of relying on any single computerized method. A standardized protocol, likely based on a combination of methods, might be necessary to increase the methodological consistency in both research and clinical practice.

Background: A causal chain linking exercise intensity, affective responses (e.g., pleasure-displeasure), and adherence has long been suspected as a contributor to the public health problem of physical inactivity. However, progress in the investigation of this model has been limited, mainly due to inconsistent findings on the first link between exercise intensity and affective responses., Purpose: The purpose was to reexamine the intensity-affect relationship using a new methodological platform., Methods: Thirty young adults (14 women and 16 men) participated in 15-min treadmill exercise sessions below, at, and above their ventilatory threshold. The innovative elements were the following: (a) Affect was assessed in terms of the dimensions of the circumplex model; (b) assessments were made repeatedly during and after exercise; (c) patterns of interindividual variability were examined; (d) intensity was determined in relation to the ventilatory threshold; and (e) hypotheses derived from the dual-mode model were tested., Results: Intensity did not influence the positive changes from pre- to post-exercise, but it did influence the responses during exercise, with the intensity that exceeded the ventilatory threshold eliciting significant and relatively homogeneous decreases in pleasure., Conclusions: Exceeding the intensity of the ventilatory threshold appears to reduce pleasure, an effect that could negatively impact adherence.

Individuals differ in the intensity of exercise that they prefer and the intensity that they can tolerate. We examined the psychometric properties of the Preference for and Tolerance of the Intensity of Exercise Questionnaire (PRETIE-Q; Ekkekakis, Hall, & Petruzzello, 2005: Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 27, 350 - 374). A sample of 601 college women (mean age 20 years) completed the PRETIE-Q and the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. Both the Preference and the Tolerance scale were internally consistent (alpha coefficients of 0.89 and 0.86, respectively), with all items making positive contributions. A confirmatory factor analysis showed that model fit was reasonable. Both Preference and Tolerance were related to the frequency of participation in strenuous exercise and the total leisure-time exercise score. The PRETIE-Q appears to be an internally consistent and structurally valid measure, with a broad range of possible applications in exercise science.

Introduction/purpose: To examine the relationship between self-reported tolerance of exercise intensity, measured by the Preference for and Tolerance of Exercise Intensity Questionnaire, and the amount of time individuals persevered during incremental treadmill tests to volitional fatigue beyond the point at which they had reached their ventilatory threshold., Methods: The participants in study 1 were college age and physically active (14 women, 16 men). The participants in study 2 were 24 middle-aged women who were healthy but sedentary., Results: Tolerance was related to the duration after the ventilatory threshold, and this relationship remained after age, body mass index, and self-reported frequency and duration of habitual physical activity (study 1) or after age, body mass index, and maximal aerobic capacity (study 2) had been taken into account., Conclusion: Self-reports of exercise intensity tolerance might account for variability in the extent to which individuals persevere during exercise tests. Identifying individuals predisposed to under- or overexertion could be of value in exercise testing and prescription.