Search

Body composition standards ensure service members maintain physical fitness, wellness, and support mission readiness. Anthropometric techniques (i.e., height/mass, circumference-based "tape test") have been the primary screening and percent body fat (%BF) assessment method in military personnel for about 4 decades. Recently, the Army and Marine Corps have implemented more advanced body composition assessment methods, such as air displacement plethysmography (ADP), multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MF-BIA), and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), to serve as supplemental %BF assessment after failing the tape test. Although supplemental assessments are intended to improve on the accuracy and precision of the tape test, preassessment standardization, specifically regarding acute water ingestion (AWI), is lacking. Thus, the purpose of this narrative review was to (a) summarize the available literature regarding the influence of AWI on body composition estimates derived from ADP, MF-BIA, and DXA and (b) provide evidence-based recommendations for researchers and practitioners. Studies indicate that AWI increases %BF estimates with ADP (4 of 6 [4/6] observations) and MF-BIA (6/7), whereas AWI increases muscle mass (6/6) and likely decreases %BF (2/3) when obtained by DXA. In conclusion, ADP, MF-BIA, and DXA are susceptible to confounding from AWI, leading to inaccurate body composition estimates that may negatively affect the careers of military personnel. Based on the findings from this narrative review, military practitioners and researchers should (a) follow manufacturer guidelines for calorie intake [food and fluid] and exercise avoidance, (b) conduct urine-specific gravity testing [if possible], and (c) limit AWI to <250 ml before assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acrobatics and Tumbling (A&T), an emerging National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) sport, involves athletes with rigorous training backgrounds, usually extending from youth through early adulthood. This study examines the sleep health, diet quality, and lipid profile of A&T athletes clustered by their performance position. Forty-two A&T athletes, clustered as tops (n = 19; age = 19.6 ± 1.0 years; body mass index [BMI] = 22.3 ± 1.7 kg/m2) and bases (n = 23; age = 19.6 ± 1.3 years; BMI = 25.7 ± 2.5 kg/m2), completed preseason sleep and diet quality (Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants–Shortened [REAP-S]) surveys. Fasting blood samples were collected for lipid analysis. Body composition was assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Most athletes (71.4%; base n = 14, top n = 16) reported insufficient sleep (≤7 hours) and "good" sleep quality (90.4%, n = 38; base n = 18, top n = 20). Average REAP-S score was 29.24 ± 3.74. Approximately 31% (n = 13) displayed at least one undesirable lipid concentration according to medical guidelines for normal levels (total cholesterol [TC] < 200 mg/dL, triglycerides [TG] < 150 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] > 40 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] < 130 mg/dL). Approximately 20% exhibited elevated TC (top n = 4, base n = 4), 12.5% had elevated TG (base n = 5), 2.5% showed low HDL-C (base n = 1), and 10% presented elevated LDL-C (top n = 2, base n = 2). Most athletes experienced suboptimal sleep (≤7 hours/night) and 31% displayed at least one undesirable lipid concentration (elevated TC, TG, or LDL-C or reduced HDL-C). Tailoring interventions with sports dietitians is recommended, focused on increasing monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat intake while reducing saturated fat consumption. These interventions could mitigate cardiovascular risks, improve recovery, and possibly enhance athletic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC n -3 PUFA) supplements, rich in eicosapentaenoic acid and/or docosahexaenoic acid, are increasingly being recommended within athletic institutions. However, the wide range of doses, durations and study designs implemented across trials makes it difficult to provide clear recommendations. The importance of study design characteristics in LC n -3 PUFA trials has been detailed in cardiovascular disease research, and these considerations may guide LC n -3 PUFA study design in healthy cohorts. This systematic review examined the quality of studies and study design considerations used in evaluating the evidence for LC n -3 PUFA improving performance in physically trained adults. SCOPUS, PubMed and Web of Science electronic databases were searched to identify studies that supplemented LC n -3 PUFA in physically trained participants. Forty-six (n = 46) studies met inclusion. Most studies used a randomised control design. Risk of bias, assessed using the design-appropriate Cochrane Collaboration tool, revealed that studies had a predominant judgment of 'some concerns', 'high risk' or 'moderate risk' in randomised controlled, randomised crossover or non-randomised studies, respectively. A custom five-point quality assessment scale demonstrated that no study satisfied all recommendations for LC n -3 PUFA study design. This review has highlighted that the disparate range of study designs is likely contributing to the inconclusive state of outcomes pertaining to LC n -3 PUFA as a potential ergogenic aid. Further research must adequately account for the specific LC n -3 PUFA study design considerations, underpinned by a clear hypothesis, to achieve evidence-based dose, duration and composition recommendations for physically trained individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may enhance recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). However, it is unclear if the effects are due to EPA, DHA, or both. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of EPA + DHA, EPA, and DHA compared with placebo (PL) on muscular recovery. Methods: Thirty males were randomized to 4 g·d−1 EPA + DHA (n = 8), EPA (n = 8), DHA (n = 7), or PL (n = 7). After 7-wk supplementation, a downhill running (20 min, 70% V̇O2max, −16% gradient) plus jumping lunges (5 × 20 reps, 2-min rest intervals) muscle damage protocol was performed. Indices of muscle damage, soreness, muscle function, and inflammation were measured at baseline and throughout recovery. The omega-3 index (O3i; %EPA + %DHA in erythrocytes) was used to track tissue EPA and DHA status. Results: After supplementation, the O3i was significantly higher than PL in all experimental groups (P < 0.001). Leg press performance was lower in the PL group at 24 h compared with EPA (P = 0.019) and at 72 h for EPA (P = 0.004) and DHA (P = 0.046). Compared with PL, muscle soreness was lower in the DHA (P = 0.015) and EPA (P = 0.027) groups at 48 h. Albeit nonsignificant, EPA + DHA tended to attenuate muscle soreness (d = 1.37) and leg strength decrements (d = 0.75) compared with PL. Jump performance and power metrics improved more rapidly in the EPA and DHA groups (time effects: P < 0.001). Measures of inflammation, range of motion, and muscle swelling were similar between groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Compared with PL, 4 g·d−1 of EPA or DHA for 52 d improves certain aspects of recovery from EIMD. EPA + DHA did not clearly enhance recovery. Equivalent dosing of EPA + DHA may blunt the performance effects observed in EPA or DHA alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Tibial stress syndrome (TSS) is an overuse injury of the lower extremities. There is a high incidence rate of TSS among military recruits. Compression therapy is used to treat a wide array of musculoskeletal injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of compression therapy as a treatment for TSS in military service members. Design: A parallel randomized study design was utilized. Methods: Military members diagnosed with TSS were assigned to either a relative rest group or compression garment group. Both groups started the study with 2 weeks of lower extremity rest followed by a graduated running program during the next 6 weeks. The compression garment group additionally wore a shin splints compression wrap during the waking hours of the first 2 weeks and during activity only for the next 6 weeks. Feelings of pain, TSS symptoms, and the ability to run 2 miles pain free were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks into the study. Results: Feelings of pain and TSS symptoms decreased during the 8-week study in both groups (P < .05), but these changes were not significantly different between groups (P > .05). The proportion of participants who were able to run 2 miles pain free was significantly different (P < .05) between the 2 groups at the 8-week time point with the compression garment group having a significantly increased ability to complete the run without pain. Conclusions: Although perceptions of pain at rest were not different between groups, the functional ability of running 2 miles pain free was significantly improved in the compression garment group. These findings suggest that there is a moderate benefit to using compression therapy as an adjunct treatment for TSS, promoting a return to training for military service members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveLong-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC ω-3 PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have received widespread interest from the athletic community for their potential roles in physical performance and recovery. The purpose of this cross-sectional analysis was to evaluate the dietary intake and whole blood ω-3 PUFAs and their relationship with body composition, strength, and power in collegiate athletes.MethodThirty-six athletes completed a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scan for body composition analysis (n = 35), ω-3 PUFAs food frequency questionnaire (n = 27), provided dried blood spot samples (n = 30) to quantify the Omega-3 Index (O3I) and total ω-3 PUFAs content, handgrip strength (n = 17), and countermovement jump (n = 26) testing.ResultsThe mean daily intake of LC ω-3 PUFAs and O3I was 140 mg and 4.6% ± 0.96, respectively, for all athletes. Dietary LC ω-3 PUFAs were positively correlated with the O3I (r = 0.635, p <.01), whole blood EPA (r = 0.778, p <.01), and DHA (r = 0.515, p <.01). Dietary LC ω-3 PUFA intake, whole blood EPA (%), and the EPA:AA ratio was positively associated with HGS (p <.05). Dietary or blood LC ω-3 PUFAs were not correlated with any other measures.Conclusions:Collegiate athletes consume low amounts of LC ω-3 PUFAs and have sub-optimal O3I status. Sports dietitians should encourage the intake of fatty fish and educate athletes about ω-3 PUFAs potential role on performance- and recovery-based outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heileson, JL, Peterson, M, Adair, KE, and Funderburk, LK. Comparison of a sucrose-based and rice-based sports beverage on hydration status during a 19.3-km foot march in ROTC cadets. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 1105-1110, 2022-The purpose of this field study was to determine whether a rice-based sport beverage (RB) maintains hydration status compared to a sucrose-based sports beverage (SB) during a load-bearing 19.3-km foot march. Eighteen Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets (male, n = 11; female, n = 7) were randomly assigned to consume either 2.84 L of an RB (carbohydrate, 114 g; sodium, 1306 mg) or SB (carbohydrate, 170 g; sodium, 1136 mg) throughout the duration of the foot march (temperature 14.44[degrees] C, humidity 50%). The sports beverages were distributed once before the event and then every 3.2 km for a total of 6 servings (0.47 L each). Pre- and post-urine specific gravity (USG) and body mass were used to assess hydration status. A survey was used to determine subjective ratings of perceived exertion and gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05 for all analyses. Sixteen cadets completed the study. Based on USG, both beverages significantly improved hydration status (USG = 1.017 +/- 0.010 pre-march vs. 1.011 +/- 0.008 post-march, p = 0.04); however, there was no difference between groups (change in USG = -0.009 +/- 0.012 for RB group vs. -0.003 +/- 0.008 for SB group, p = 0.92). Ratings for perceived exertion and GI discomfort scores were similar between groups. In conclusion, the RB was as effective as the SB at maintaining hydration status and could potentially reduce GI discomfort. Athletes and military personnel concerned with ensuring appropriate hydration during moderate-intensity endurance events can achieve similar fluid balance from a rice-based sports beverage that is lower in calories, carbohydrate, and sugar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The American Heart Association (AHA) recently published a meta-analysis that confirmed their 60-year-old recommendation to limit saturated fat (SFA, saturated fatty acid) and replace it with polyunsaturated fat to reduce the risk of heart disease based on the strength of 4 Core Trials. To assess the evidence for this recommendation, meta-analyses on the effect of SFA consumption on heart disease outcomes were reviewed. Nineteen meta-analyses addressing this topic were identified: 9 observational studies and 10 randomized controlled trials. Meta-analyses of observational studies found no association between SFA intake and heart disease, while meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials were inconsistent but tended to show a lack of an association. The inconsistency seems to have been mediated by the differing clinical trials included. For example, the AHA meta-analysis only included 4 trials (the Core Trials), and those trials contained design and methodological flaws and did not meet all the predefined inclusion criteria. The AHA stance regarding the strength of the evidence for the recommendation to limit SFAs for heart disease prevention may be overstated and in need of reevaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medical staff for indoor aesthetic sports such as acrobatics and tumbling (A&T) is often concerned with athletes' bone mineral density (BMD), serum vitamin D (SvD), and associated injury risks. Aim: To evaluate the relationship between BMD, SvD, and injury among A&T athletes. Methods: 42 (19 tops, 23 bases) female A&T athletes aged 19.6 (±1.17) years participated. Two samples of SvD were taken. Injury and BMD data were provided by support staff. Bivariate and multivariate analysis assessed relationships between and among variables. Results: Participants experienced a decrease in SvD (6.093 ± 10.973). Spine BMD was significantly higher in bases compared to tops (p = 0.039). BMD and SvD did not differ based on injuries sustained. Conclusion: Relationships between SvD, BMD, and injury were not identified. Positional differences in BMD may be related to the demands of each role. Participants possessed low SvD and high BMDs, which may provide useful information for medical staff., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Evidence indicates that both vitamin D and the gut microbiome are involved in the process of colon carcinogenesis. However, it is unclear what effects supplemental vitamin D 3 has on the gut microbiome and its metabolites in healthy adults. We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to identify the acute and long-term microbiota structural and metabolite changes that occur in response to a moderate dose (4,000 IU) of vitamin D 3 for 12 weeks in healthy adults. Our results demonstrated a significant increase in serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) in the treatment group compared to placebo ( P < 0.0001). Vitamin D 3 significantly increased compositional similarity ( P < 0.0001) in the treatment group, and enriched members of the Bifidobacteriaceae family. We also identified a significant inverse relationship between the percent change in serum 25(OH)D and microbial stability in the treatment group ( R = -0.52, P < 0.019). Furthermore, vitamin D 3 supplementation resulted in notable metabolic shifts, in addition to resulting in a drastic rewiring of key gut microbial-metabolic associations. In conclusion, we show that a moderate dose of vitamin D 3 among healthy adults has unique acute and persistent effects on the fecal microbiota, and suggest novel mechanisms by which vitamin D may affect the host-microbiota relationship., Importance: Preventative measures to reduce the rise in early-onset colorectal cancer are of critical need. Both vitamin D, dietary and serum levels, and the gut microbiome are implicated in the etiology of colorectal cancer. By understanding the intimate relationship between vitamin D, the gut microbiome, and its metabolites, we may be able to identify key mechanisms that can be targeted for intervention, including inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. Furthermore, the similarity of vitamin D to cholesterol, which is metabolized by the gut microbiome, gives precedence to its ability to produce metabolites that can be further studied and leveraged for controlling colorectal cancer incidence and mortality., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.