Proceedings of the Nineteenth International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) Conference and Expo

Bonafide Health, LLC p/b JDS Therapeutics, Harrison, New York, USA; Department of Health and Exercise Sciences, Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Exercise and Performance Nutrition Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, Lindenwood University, St. Charles, Missouri, USA; Train 8Nine, Miami, Florida, USA; Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida, USA; Department of Health and Human Performance, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida, USA

. Waist circumference (WC) results from the independent t-test comparing the means of the linemen and non-linemen groups. The linemen group had significantly higher WC than the nonlinemen group (p <0.001*; * = significant difference). Significance is defined as p <0.05. The error bars represent standard deviation. Table 2. Average measurements collected for waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and body mass index (BMI) of the linemen and non-linemen groups were compared to the validated cutoff measurements for obesity and hypertension. Measurements were compared using an independent t-test. The * indicates a significant difference between the linemen and non-linemen groups. Significance is defined as p <0.05.  Figure 3. Body mass index (BMI) results from the independent t-test comparing the means of the linemen and non-linemen groups. The linemen group had significantly higher BMI than the nonlinemen group (p <0.001*; * = significant difference). Significance is defined as p <0.05. The error bars represent standard deviation.

Figure 2.
Body fat percentage results from the independent t-test comparing the means of the linemen and non-linemen groups. The linemen group had a significantly higher body fat percentage than the non-linemen group (p <0.001*; * = significant difference) Significance is defined as p <0.05. The error bars represent standard deviation.

References:
(1) Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). World Health Organization. https://www. who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds). Accessed 1 June 2020.   . Systolic blood pressure (SBP) results from the independent t-test comparing the means of the linemen and non-linemen groups. There was no significant difference in SBP between the two groups (p = 0.754). Significance is defined as p <0.05. The error bars represent standard deviation.
game for 60-minutes. Participants continued supplementation for 30-days and then repeated pre-supplementation and post-gaming cognitive function tests. The battery of cognitive function tests included the Go/No-Go (GNG) which assesses sustained attention and response control through reaction time and accuracy of responding to visual stimuli (i.e. seeing P or R) by either pressing a key representing 'Go' or inhibiting a response by not pressing the key representing 'No-Go'. Data were analyzed by General Linear Model (GLM) univariate analyses with repeated measures using weight as a covariate and mean and percent changes from baseline with 95% confidence intervals. Results: Figure 1 presents selected analyses performed on Go/No-Go data. Results revealed evidence that acute LD and/or HD ingestion significantly reduced pre-game (Pre-G) No-Go Tasks Round 2 Condition P and Mean response times compared to PL. Post-game No-Go Tasks Round 2 Condition P responses were also lower than baseline in the HD group. Post-game (Post-G) Go Task Mean Accuracy and Round 1 Condition P response time were also faster in the HD group compared to PL. After 30-days of supplementation, Pre-game Go Tasks Mean Accuracy and No-Go Task Round 1 Condition R Accuracy were higher with LD and/or HD. The HD group appeared to have more favorable response times than the LD group.
Conclusions: Results provide some evidence that acute and chronic supplementation with a microalgae extract from Phaeodactylum tricornutum with Guarana can affect sustained attention and response control through reaction time and accuracy of responding to visual stimuli. Responses were generally improved to a greater degree in the HD group. Figure 1. Changer in Go/NoGo test results. Data are means and 95% confidence intervals. Changes from baseline are shown as † (p<0.05 change from baseline) and ‡ (p<0.05 to p<0.10 trends from baseline). Small case letters indicate p<0.05 differences from placebo (pl), low dose (ld), or high dose (hl) whileupper-case letters (PL, LD, HD) indicate trends (p<0.0-5 to p<01.10).
Acknowledgments: This study was supported by an internal research grant on behalf of the College of Science and Health at the University of Wisconsin -La Crosse. A special recognition to Suppz (La Crosse, WI) for providing shaker cups to all study participants.

Background:
As it is known that regular physical activity is associated with an increase of life expectancy, people are trying to keep physical exercise, globally. Whereas WHO recommends at least 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity weekly, it is crucial for people that the fatigue is not accumulated, performance improvement and physical change are tangible to keep a motivation to continue exercise. Oligonol®, a standardized, oligomerized polyphenol from Litchi chinensis fruit extract (Amino Up Co., Ltd., Japan) has been reported to be beneficial for our health in various applications, including cardiovascular health, athletics, skin beauty from within, and body composition improvement. Especially, athletic benefits have been clinically validated in terms of stress, inflammation, and fatigue, caused by exercise load. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Oligonol on exercise functions of middle-aged long-distance runners.
Methods: Thirty-five middle-aged long-distance runners were recruited in this study, and they took Oligonol (200 mg/day) or Placebo for 60 days. Body compositions, physical performance in a 12-minute incremental exercise test, and subjective exercise strength (Rate of Perceived Exertion: RPE) were measured and evaluated before and after intake of Oligonol or Placebo.
Results: In the evaluation of body composition, body fat percentage was significantly increased in Placebo group and remained unchanged in Oligonol group. On the other hand, there was no difference in body weight or BMI between the two groups. In the incremental exercise test, Oligonol group showed a significant increase in running distance after the intake compared to before. The RPE-score was significantly decreased in Oligonol group compared to Placebo group. Conclusions: It was suggested that intake of Oligonol in middle-aged long-distance runners suppressed subjective suffering and fatigue immediately after high-intensity exercise and contributed to the improvement of exercise performance.
Background: Optimal health is a precondition for top sport performance, and body composition plays a critical role in athlete health. Generally, high levels of fat-free mass (FFM) are favorable for athletes and have been related to vertical jump performance, sprint time, relative power, and maximal strength. However, fat free mass index (FFMI), which includes adjustments for height, might offer a better representation. As FFMI is understudied relative to sport, the purpose of this study was to (1) provide descriptive FFMI data by position in collegiate American football athletes; and (2) examine seasonal changes in FFMI.
Methods: National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division (D) II (n = 33; age: 21.3 ± 1.6 yrs; height: 182.5 ± 7.5 cm; body mass: 102 ± 19 kg; body fat %: 16.9 ± 7.9%; FFM: 83.7 ± 9.4 kg) and D-III (n = 111; age: 19.5 ± 1.2 yrs; height: 181.0 ± 5.9 cm; body fat %: 16.6 ± 6.5%; FFM; 77.0 ± 8.2 kg) American football players underwent body composition assessment via bioelectrical impedance analysis during pre-season (week 1) and postseason (week 12). FFMI was calculated from dividing FFM by height squared, and was also adjusted to height via linear regression. The slope of a regression line was used to adjust raw FFMI values based on the average heights in the sample of D-II (183 cm) and D-III (181 cm) athletes and the following height-adjusted FFMI values were calculated as follows: FFMI + [slope x (average height -subject height)]. A paired samples t-test indicated no difference between FFMIraw and FFMIadj (p = 0.89, p = 0.67, respectively); therefore, FFMIraw was used in subsequent analysis. Separate one-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post-hoc tests were conducted to evaluate differences in FFMI by sport-position (lineman (LINE: offensive and defensive line), interior skill (I-SKILL: running back, linebacker, tight end, quarterback, full back) and perimeter skill (P-SKILL: wide receiver, defensive back)). A paired samples t-test was used to determine changes in FFMI from pre-to post-season season (p <0.05).
Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) distress symptoms are a common running-induced experience for athletes training and competing in hot environmental conditions. GI distress symptoms may compromise exercise performance as well as carbohydrate digestion and absorption. Food components may affect the presence and severity of GI distress symptoms during running in hot environmental conditions. We examined the effect of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract on the GI distress symptoms during running in hot environmental conditions. Methods: Recreationally active males (n = 12, age: 28 ±6 yr, BMI: 24.5 ±1.8 kg·m−2, _ V O2max: 56 ±6 mL·kg−1·min−1) volunteered. The study had a placebo-controlled, double blind, randomized, cross-over design. In thermoneutral conditions (18°C and 40% relative humidity), participants completed an incremental exercise test to exhaustion to standardize running intensity (visit 1) and a familiarization (visit 2). Participants dosed with 7-days of NZBC extract (210 mg anthocyanins per day) or placebo. Euhydration was confirmed before the experimental visits of treadmill running for 1 hr at 65% _ V O2max in an environmental chamber (TISS Services UK, Medtead, Hampshire, UK, 34.1 ±0.1 °C, 40.8 ±0.2% relative humidity). At 0, 30 and 60 min during the running and at 60 min following recovery in thermoneutral conditions, GI distress symptoms (i.e. upper, lower and other) were recorded with a modified visual analogue scale (doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.2018-0215). Water was available ad libitum. Results: In the placebo condition, only 2 participants (17%) reported severe symptoms. One participant reported severe dizziness and nausea in the placebo and NZBC extract condition. In the placebo condition, 11 participants (92%) reported total GI symptoms (e.g. belching, heart burn), and this was reduced to 4 participants (25%) with NZBC extract. Only one participant reported belching, nausea and stitch 60 min following recovery in the placebo condition. Upper and lower GI distress symptoms were reduced (upper, placebo: 75%, NZBC: 25% of participants; lower: placebo: 25%, NZBC extract: 17% of participants). Other GI symptoms (i.e. nausea, dizziness and stitch) were also reduced (placebo: 50%, NZBC: 25% of participants).
Conclusions: Seven days intake of anthocyanin-rich NZBC extract reduced the incidence of GI distress symptoms during one-hour of treadmill running in hot environmental conditions. For most participants, the severity of GI distress symptoms presupplementation was considered very mild. Future research should examine the effects of NZBC extract on running with duration and intensity in conditions for which GI distress symptoms are known to be severe.
Acknowledgments: Supplementation was provided by Health Currancy Ltd (United Kingdom) and CurraNZ Ltd (New Zealand). Financial support for conference attendance was obtained from Blackcurrant New Zealand Inc (New Zealand).

Anthocyanin-rich New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract Enhances Runninginduced Fat Oxidation in an Ultra-endurance Amateur Male Runner: A case study
Mark ET Willems a , Andrew R Briggs a a Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester,

United Kingdom
Corresponding author: m.willems@chi.ac.uk Background: Physical training for ultra-endurance running provides physiological adaptations for exercise-induced substrate oxidation. Previous studies have shown enhanced exercise-induced fat oxidation with intake of New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract, i.e. in recreationally active males during 30-min walking at 5-MET and endurance trained males during 120-min of cycling at 65% _ V O2max. We examined primarily the effects of anthocyanin-rich NZBC extract on the running-induced metabolic responses in a male amateur ultra-endurance runner.
Conclusions: Seven days intake of anthocyanin-rich NZBC extract altered exerciseinduced substrate oxidation in a male amateur ultra-endurance runner covering a halfmarathon distance in 2 hours. Enhanced running-induced fat oxidation may be beneficial for ultra-endurance running. More observations need to be obtained from male and female ultra-endurance runners to address whether intake of NZBC extract provides a beneficial nutritional ergogenic effect for ultra-endurance athletes to enhance exercise performance.
Acknowledgments: Supplementation was provided by Health Currancy Ltd (United Kingdom) and CurraNZ Ltd (New Zealand). Financial support for conference attendance was obtained from Blackcurrant New Zealand Inc (New Zealand).

No Effect of Anthocyanin-rich New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract on 2000-m Indoor Rowing Performance in Trained Male Rowers
Mark ET Willems a , Stefano Montanari a , Tatjana Seymour a , Oliver Page a a Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK Corresponding author: m.willems@chi.ac.uk Background: Previous studies have provided observations on performance enhancement by intake of New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract, e.g. for 16.1 km ergometer cycling and intermittent high-intensity treadmill running. The effects of nutritional ergogenic aids on exercise performance may depend on the recruitment of muscle mass and the exercise-specific metabolic and physiological responses of an exercise modality. We examined the effects of 7-day intake of NZBC extract on 2000-m rowing performance.
Methods: Male indoor rowers from University teams (n = 14, age: 21 ±2 years, height: 182 ±8 cm, mass: 81 ±14 kg, BMI: 24.3 ±2.9 kg·m−2, body fat: 14 ±4%, rowing VO2max: 53.7 ±10.2 ml·kg−1·min−1) volunteered. Participants were familiarized with two maximal efforts of 2000-m (drag factor 120, Concept2, Nottingham, United Kingdom). Testing for each participant was at the same time of day (10 were tested in the morning and 4 in the afternoon). Feedback during rowing was distance and stroke rate. Rowing time and stroke rate were recorded every 400-m sector. Heart rate during rowing was measured every 500m sector in seven participants. Participants consumed capsulated 600 mg of NZBC extract (210 mg of anthocyanin per day) or placebo for 7 days (randomized, cross-over design). The final capsules were taken 2 hours before testing with intake of a slice of toast and water.
Conclusions: For 2000-m indoor rowing, anthocyanin-rich NZBC extract had no effect on the pacing strategy and the total rowing time. NZBC extract allowed a higher stroke rate. During rowing, stroke rate is linked with breathing frequency. Under the assumption that tidal volume did not change in our study, the increased ventilation with NZBC extract may be beneficial for longer distance rowing events. NZBC extract did not affect 2000 rowing performance in male indoor rowers notwithstanding an increased stroke rate.
Acknowledgments: Supplementation was provided by Health Currancy Ltd (United Kingdom) and CurraNZ Ltd (New Zealand). Financial support for conference attendance was obtained from Blackcurrant New Zealand Inc. (New Zealand).

Anthocyanin-rich New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract Enhances Whole-body Resting Fat Oxidation in Physically Active Males
Mark ET Willems a , Pelin Bilgiç b , Stefano Montanari c,a , Mehmet A Şahin a,b a Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester, United Kingdom; b Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey Corresponding author: m.willems@chi.ac.uk Background: New Zealand blackcurrant extract has been shown to enhance exerciseinduced fat oxidation during walking and cycling. We examined the effects of 14-day intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract on the metabolic and physiological responses during supine rest in males.
Methods: Healthy physically active males (n = 16, age: 24 ±6 yr, body mass: 78 ±16 kg, height 178 ±6 cm, BMI: 24.7 ±4.1 kg·m−2 (8 normal weight, 7 overweight, 1 obese), body fat: 15 ±6%) volunteered. Participants were tested at baseline (no supplementation) and after 14-days intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract in a randomized, crossover design. Two capsules of New Zealand blackcurrant extract (600 mg containing 210 mg of anthocyanins) were consumed every morning with breakfast. The last 2 capsules were taken two hours before the visit with one slice of bread and water 3 hours before the visits. There were no differences for carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake between the visits. Resting expired air was collected for two times for 10 min with Douglas bags and recording of heart rate. Rates of whole-body resting fat and carbohydrate oxidation were calculated. Responses for the 10 min with the lowest minute ventilation were analyzed.
Conclusions: Whole-body fat oxidation during supine rest was enhanced by 14-day intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract in males. Enhanced whole-body resting fat oxidation may be due to combined effects of an increase in lipolysis, an increase in blood flow, and increased metabolic handling of fatty acids in the muscle. Our observations on resting substrate oxidation in the present study may indicate that New Zealand blackcurrant extract has application for weight management. However, the dosing strategy to maximize whole-body resting fat oxidation with intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract is not known.
Background: Polyphenols in fruits and vegetables provide anti-oxidant, antiinflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects. Reduced risk for cardiovascular disease is likely associated with the effects by polyphenols on blood pressure and arterial stiffness. Studies with 7-day intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract showed changes during supine rest for cardiovascular parameters. We examined the effects of an acute intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract on cardiovascular function during supine rest in healthy males.
Methods: Healthy physically active males (n = 15, age: 24 ±6 yr, body mass: 78 ±16 kg, height 177 ±7 cm, BMI: 24.7 ±4.3 kg·m−2 (8 normal weight, 6 overweight, 1 obese), body fat: 15 ±5%) volunteered. Participants visited the laboratory for resting measurements at baseline (no supplementation) and 2 hours after intake of two capsules with New Zealand blackcurrant extract (600 mg containing 210 mg of anthocyanins). Capsules were taken one hour after breakfast of one slice of bread and water and 2 hours before testing. After being seated in a chair for 10 min, participants were asked to lie horizontally on a massage table for resting measurements. Whole body cardiovascular measurements were obtained with a beat-to-beat blood pressure monitoring system (Portapres® Model 2, Finapres Medical Systems BV, Enschede, The Netherlands). Expired air was collected for two times for 10 min with Douglas bags and volume measured. Cardiovascular observations during the 10 min with the lowest minute ventilation were analyzed.
Conclusions: In previous work, we observed with 7-and 14-day intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract larger changes in cardiac output and total peripheral resistance than in the present study. Our observations indicate only a moderate effect on cardiovascular function at rest with acute intake. Future studies need to address whether an acute intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract is effective in people with hypertension or peripheral arterial disease.
Acknowledgments: Supplementation was provided by Health Currancy Ltd (United Kingdom) and CurraNZ Ltd (New Zealand). Financial support for conference attendance was obtained from Blackcurrant New Zealand Inc (New Zealand)

Effects of Intermittent and Daily Intake of Anthocyanin-rich New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract on Cardiovascular Function During Supine Rest in Healthy Males
Mark ET Willems a , Pelin Bilgiç b , Stefano Montanari a , Mehmet A Sahin a,b a Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester, United Kingdom; b Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey Corresponding author: m.willems@chi.ac.uk Background: Intake of polyphenols results in plasma bioavailability of metabolites that can last for days. Studies have mostly employed dosing protocols that examined observations following acute or daily prolonged intake. We examined the effects of intermittent and daily intake of New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract over a 14-day period on cardiovascular function during supine rest.
Methods: Healthy physically active males (n = 15, age: 24 ±6 yr, body mass: 78 ±16 kg, height 177 ±7 cm, BMI: 24.7 ±4.3 kg·m−2 (8 normal weight, 6 overweight, 1 obese), body fat: 15 ±5%) volunteered. Participants visits included resting measurements at baseline (no supplementation), after 14-day intermittent intake (14-I, i.e. every other day) and 14day daily intake (14-D) of two NZBC extract capsules (210 mg of anthocyanins for two capsules). Last dose was consumed one hour after breakfast of one slice of bread and water and 2 hours before visiting the laboratory. Cardiovascular measurements were obtained with a beat-to-beat blood pressure monitoring system (Portapres® Model 2, Finapres Medical Systems BV, Enschede, The Netherlands). Expired air was collected for two times for 10 min with Douglas bags and volumes measured. Cardiovascular observations during the 10 min with the lowest minute ventilation were analyzed.
Conclusions: Beneficial effects of intake of anthocyanin-rich NZBC extract on resting cardiovascular function can be obtained by intermittent (i.e. every other day) intake of 210 mg of anthocyanins. Future work may want to address the effects of longer intermittent intake than the 2-weeks employed in our study. It would also be of interest to examine plasma bioavailability of anthocyanin-derived metabolites with intermittent intake of NZBC extract.
Acknowledgments: Supplementation was provided by Health Currancy Ltd (United Kingdom) and CurraNZ Ltd (New Zealand). Financial support for conference attendance was obtained from Blackcurrant New Zealand Inc (New Zealand).

Effects of Anthocyanin-rich New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract on Rugby Union Specific Tests
Paddy Burnett a , Mark ET Willems a a Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK Corresponding author: m.willems@chi.ac.uk Background: Rugby union is a contact team sport with athletes requiring multiple performance abilities. New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract has provided enhanced effects for aerobic and anaerobic exercise tasks for endurance and team sports athletes (doi: 10.1007/s00421-015-3215-8 and doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.2015-0020). The mechanisms for enhanced exercise performance by intake of NZBC extract are still unclear. Previous performance studies on the effects by NZBC extract used mainly a single exercise task. We examined the effects of NZBC extract on the repeated performance in a battery of rugby union specific tests including speed, agility and strength testing.
Methods: University males rugby union players (n = 13, age: 21 ±2 years, height: 182 ±6 cm, body mass: 86.9 ±13.3 kg) completed two full familiarizations and two experimental visits in an indoor facility. The study had a double blind, placebocontrolled randomized crossover design. For the experimental visits, participants consumed two capsules a day for seven days of NZBC extract (210 mg/day of anthocyanins) or placebo with a 7-day wash out. Participants were tested for performance in the following order: Running-based anaerobic sprint test, the Illinois agility test, seated medicine ball (3 kg) throw, and hand grip strength. Data were analyzed with two-tailed student t-tests with significance accepted at p ≤0.05 and interpretation of 0.05 >p ≤ 0.1 as a trend.
Results: With NZBC extract, there was a strong trend for average sprint time to be higher by 1.7% (placebo: 5.947 ±0.538 s, NZBC extract: 5.846 ±0.571 s, p = 0.06) with 6 participants having changes of more than 3%. In the Illinois agility test, there was also a strong trend for the mean time to be higher by 1.6% (placebo: 18.46 ±1.44 s, NZBC extract: 18.15 ±1.22 s, p = 0.07) with 4 participants having changes of more than 3%. The correlation between the %change in average sprint time and %change in the mean agility time was not significant (pearson R2 = 0.0698, p = 0.383). There were no differences for the seated medicine ball throw (p = 0.106) and hand grip strength (p = 0.709).
Conclusions: Intake of anthocyanin-rich NZBC extract in rugby union players seems to improve tasks that require speed and agility but not muscle strength. NZBC blackcurrant extract may be able to enhance exercise performance in team sports that require repeated movements with high intensity and horizontal change of body position without affecting muscle strength.
Acknowledgments: Supplementation was provided by Health Currancy Ltd (United Kingdom) and CurraNZ Ltd (New Zealand). Financial support for conference attendance was obtained from Blackcurrant New Zealand Inc (New Zealand). Background: During periods of limited access to traditional exercise equipment, a minimal equipment resistance training approach can be used to improve or maintain physical performance. Blood flow restriction (BFR) has been proposed as a method of bolstering the effects of this type of training. The internal workloads associated with these types of training and subsequent psychological and physiological responses are unknown. The purpose of this study is to determine stress responses to minimal equipment resistance training with and without BFR compared to traditional resistance training.

Acute Workloads and Chronic Stress Responses to Minimal Equipment Resistance
Methods: ROTC cadets (N = 52; age = 20 ±2 y; 38.5% female) completed a 6-week training intervention after being randomized into one of three groups: traditional equipment (TRAD), minimal equipment (MIN), and minimal equipment with BFR (MIN +BFR). Volume, intensity, and overall workloads were quantified through session duration, rating of perceived exertion (RPE)-and heart rate (HR)-derived workload scores (sRPE and Edward's TRIMP, respectively), and exercise energy expenditure (EEE). Acute responses to training were quantified through lactate (pre-, mid-, and post-exercise) and daily delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) ratings using a 100mm visual analog scale. Chronic responses (N = 49) were quantified through weekly multicomponent training distress scale (MTDS) scores and pre-to-post basal serum total cortisol concentrations. Linear and generalized linear mixed-effects models with random intercepts for subject ID were used to test for Group effects for session duration, sRPE, TRIMP, EEE, and DOMS as well as Group-by-Time interactions for lactate, MTDS, and cortisol (α = 0.05).

Results
: No group differences were found for session duration (P = 0.077). Group main effects were found for sRPE (P = 0.002), TRIMP (P <0.001), and EEE (P = 0.003). Post-hoc tests revealed lower sRPE and TRIMP in TRAD compared to MIN and MIN+BFR (P <0.02), with no differences between MIN and MIN+BFR (P >0.90). A Group-by-Time interaction was found for lactate (P <0.001). Post-hoc tests showed lower lactate at mid-and postexercise in TRAD compared to MIN and MIN+BFR (P <0.001), with no differences between MIN and MIN+BFR (P >0.57). No group differences were found for DOMS (P = 0.52). No Group-by-Time interactions or Group main effects were found for MTDS (P >0.29) or cortisol (P >0.21).
Conclusions: Despite similar durations, traditional equipment training results in lower sRPE, TRIMP, EEE, and lactate responses. However, all groups experienced similar DOMS and chronic psychological and physiological responses to training. These findings suggest that although internal workloads are lower in TRAD, DOMS and the subsequent psychological and physiological responses are similar between traditional equipment compared to minimal equipment training with and without BFR.
Background: Basketball is a sport consisting of repeated high-intensity bouts, and previous research has shown athletes spend the majority of game time at >85% heart rate maximum. When these high workloads aren't matched with adequate energy or macronutrient intakes, downturns in body composition can occur. As such, practitioners need to understand the energy demands of different sports. Exercise energy expenditure (EEE), determined through wearable technologies, is a useful metric that can be used to develop nutritional recovery strategies aimed to maintain muscle mass. The purpose of this observational study was to assess body composition in female college basketball players throughout a competitive season that ended in a national championship and to quantify EEE during different parts of the season.
Methods: Division I female basketball players (N = 16; age = 20 ± 1 y) were observed over the 2021-2022 season. Body composition was assessed via air displacement plethysmography prior to preseason and immediately following the final game of the postseason. Body composition variables assessed were body mass (BM), body fat percentage (BF %), fat mass (FM), and FFM (kg). EEE was monitored during all practices and games using a team-based heart rate monitoring system (Polar Team Pro). Each body composition variable was analyzed using a paired-samples t-test with an alpha level of 0.05. Session EEE was averaged for different periods of the season (preseason, in-season, post-season), and descriptive statistics are displayed as mean ± standard deviation.
Conclusions: The primary finding of this analysis is a lack of change in all body composition variables coupled with high, yet stable, session EEE across different parts of the season in this highly competitive Division I team. This shows that the athletes were able to match the workloads with adequate energy intake. Further, though not assessed, proper strength and conditioning training and macronutrient, especially protein, intake during the season likely contributed to maintenance of FFM. Overall, this team demonstrated proper athlete management and recovery strategies, and this study contributes to the understanding of EEE during practices and games. These findings can help coaches and practitioners determine nutritional strategies to ensure FFM maintenance and optimal performance.

Road to the NCAA Championship: Internal and External Load Metrics in Women's Division I Basketball Athletes
Bridget A. Background: National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) women's basketball consists of a demanding ~6-month season with the best teams advancing to regional and national conference tournament play. Workload changes from regular-season to tournament games are largely unknown, along with differences between starters and nonstarters. The purpose of this observational study was to assess differences in internal and external workload between regular-season and conference tournament games over the course of a women's basketball national championship season.
Methods: Fifteen Division I women's basketball players were monitored throughout the competitive season. Players wore an accelerometer and heart rate monitor (Polar Team Pro) during all games (N = 36) to determine training load (TL), exercise energy expenditure (EEE), distance covered (DIS), and time spent in HR zones 4 (HRZ4 = 80-80%HR max) and 5 (HRZ5 = 90-100% HR max) combined (HRZ4+5). A 2 × 2 mixed effects model was used to assess workload differences between regular-season (n = 27) and tournament (n = 9) games as well as 'starting status' with 4 starters (S) and 11 nonstarters (NS). One S was not included in analysis due to a lost HR monitor during tournament play. Significance was set at P <0.05.
Results: A Time-by-Starting Status interaction was found for HRZ4+5 (P = 0.006). Posthoc tests showed NS was lower than S during both regular-season (P <0.001) and tournament (P <0.001), and NS decreased from regular-season to tournament (P = 0.034) while S maintained (P = 0.062). No other interactions were observed, but main effects for Starting Status were found for all workload variables (P <0.001) indicating higher values in S compared to NS for all metrics.
Conclusions: S showed the greatest workloads compared to NS during regular-season and tournament games. TL, DIS, and EEE were consistent for both S and NS from regular season to tournament games. However, there was a trend for increased time spent in HRZ4+5 for S, coupled with significant declines for NS during tournament play. This may be a result of an increased intensity of tournament play. It may also be a result of substitutions strategies which limit the playing time of S during the regular season in an effort to optimize athlete readiness for tournament play. During tournaments, the 'win or go home' nature of play may preclude the necessity of these substitutions in favor of keeping the best players on the court. Team success in a national championship run may depend on the ability to maintain workload consistency coupled with proper recovery throughout the entirety of the season.
Acknowledgments: Thank you to the University of South Carolina Women's Basketball National Champions Background: Exercise has been shown to elicit acute physiological responses within the body that can cause transitory alterations within the immune system ranging from increased proinflammatory cytokines to reductions in various immune cell activity. Attempts to supplement or modify the diet have been proposed to aid the immune system's response to these alterations. The purpose of this study was to identify the impact of supplementing with inactive and active cultures of Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 on immune markers following a muscle damaging high-volume dose of resistance exercise.
Results: A significant interaction occurred (p = 0.02) for changes in IL-6 between PLA and INBC30 where PLA had higher IL-6 concentrations than INBC30 at 0.5-hr and 24-hr post exercise. However, at 2-hr, PLA had lower IL-6 concentrations compared to INBC30. A significant interaction occurred (p = 0.05) for changes in IL-6 between PLA and BC30.
PLA had significantly greater increases in IL-6 concentration at 5-hr (p < 0.001) and 72-hr (p < 0.01) after exercise. A significant group x time interaction occurred (p = 0.005) for changes in IL-10 between PLA and INBC30 whereby IL-10 values in PLA were higher than INBC30 at 24-hr post-exercise (p < 0.01). A significant interaction occurred (p = 0.001) for changes in IL-10 between PLA and BC30 where PLA was higher than BC30 at 2-, 5-, 24-, and 48-hr following exercise. No differences were observed for all other inflammation, immune, or muscle damage markers.
Conclusions: Supplementation with INBC30 or BC30 lowers specific inflammatory markers that may help participants reduce systemic inflammation following a muscle damaging high-volume, muscle-damaging dose of resistance exercise in healthy resistance trained men.
Acknowledgments: This research was funded by an unrestricted grant from Kerry. Background: Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 (BC30, Kerry) has previously been shown to increase protein digestion in an in vitro model of the stomach and small intestine and amino acid appearance in healthy men and women after ingestion of milk protein concentrate. The impact of ingesting BC30 with other protein sources, and BC30 alone in other demographics, is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of adding BC30 to a 20-gram dose of a blend of rice and pea protein on postprandial changes in blood amino acids concentrations in healthy, older women.
Results: Alanine (p = 0.02), tryptophan (p = 0.003), cysteine (p = 0.04), essential amino acids (p = 0.05), and total amino acids (p = 0.04) all exhibited significantly greater AUC with PPCBC30 when compared to PPC. In addition, tryptophan (p = 0.003), cysteine (p = 0.02), essential amino acids (p = 0.05) and total amino acids (p = 0.04) displayed significantly greater concentration maximum (CMax) values in PPCBC30 when compared to PPC. Finally, time to reach CMax (TMax) was similar between conditions with 80% of all measured amino acids and amino acid combinations achieving CMax at a similar time (~60-minutes). Following qualitative (non-inferential) assessment, 88% of all measured outcomes achieved a higher AUC with PPCBC30 and 100% of all outcomes achieved a higher CMax with PPCBC30.
Conclusions: In concert with previous findings in a younger mixed gender cohort with milk protein, the addition of BC30 to a daily 20-gram dose of plant protein concentrate in healthy older women improved AUC and CMax values in several individual amino acids and amino acid combinations. Follow-up research should further examine the impact of aging on amino acid absorption in addition to whether BC30 and protein co-ingestion can improve other health-related outcomes.
Acknowledgments: This research was funded by Kerry

Health Status, but not Commercial Coffee Intake Differentially Affects Glycation Markersin Middle-Aged Men and Women
J. Knicely, J. Sturgill, K. Scanlon University of Mount Union, Alliance, OH 44601 Background: The purpose of this observational study was to investigate the presence of a diagnosed metabolic condition and the relationship between habitual coffee consumption on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and advanced glycation end products (AGE) with a concentration on sex-disaggregated data analysis. An estimated 17.5% of adults between 45-64y living in the United States have type 2 diabetes mellitus and another 41.7% have prediabetes with a greater probability of those being male (2018 US Census Bureau Data). Previous research suggests women with type 2 diabetes that consume a minimum of four cups of black coffee per day, either caffeinated or non-caffeinated varieties, were at lower risk for developing cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality (Zhang, et al 2019). In prediabetic individuals, Lee et al. observed the progression of type 2 diabetes was slowest in individuals who drank black coffee at least three times per day. Preliminary data suggest that coffee-habituated college students exhibit an inverse relationship between cups per day and HbA1c regardless of physical activity. Chlorogenic acid found in coffee may affect this interaction leading to altered sugar metabolism in those coffee habituated versus coffee naïve (Lowery, 2020). We hypothesized that free-living participants 45-64y would exhibit an inverse relationship between self-reported coffee intake and HbA1c and AGE scores, with an overall higher AGE and HbA1c exhibited in males when compared to female participants.
Materials and Methods: To measure HbA1c, mixed capillary blood (5 ul) was obtained and analyzed via a PT Diagnostics HbA1c analyzer (Indianapolis, IN). Participants (N = 32) extended their forearm for ultraviolet light emittance and tissue fluorescence via AGE reader (AGE Reader, Diagnostics, Inc. Groningen, Netherlands). Lastly, using visual aids, participants estimated how many ounces of coffee they regularly consume per day and whether they had a diagnosed metabolic condition.
Results: A 2 × 2 factorial ANOVA indicated a significant difference in glycated hemoglobin (p = 0.0002), but not AGE (p = 0.07) in the presence of a diagnosed metabolic condition between males and females with more males reporting a diagnosed metabolic disease. No significant difference was indicated between sex and glycated hemoglobin or AGE by coffee consumption (p &gt; 0.05).

Conclusion:
Those diagnosed with a metabolic condition were more likely to have higher HbA1c percentages and increased AGE. However, sex nor coffee consumption was a driving factor in these results based on our sample population. Future investigators should seek equal representation of sex and routine quantity of daily coffee consumption when exploring these questions.

The acute Effects of Adenosine 5_'-Triphosphate Disodium (PeakATP) Supplementation Vs. Placebo on Measures of Reaction Time Following All-Out Highintensity Exercise
Jessica M Moon a , Trevor J. Dufner a , Adam J Wells a a University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA Corresponding author: jessica.moon@ucf.edu Background: Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) supplementation has previously demonstrated beneficial effects including improved strength, power, and body composition, reduced fatigue, and enhanced recovery. However, the effect of ATP supplementation on measures of cognition such as processing speed has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of two-weeks ATP supplementation (PeakATP) versus placebo (PLA) on visuomotor reaction time (RT) following all-out high-intensity exercise.
Methods: Twenty recreationally active adults (22.3 ±4.4 yrs, 169.9 ±9.5 cm,-78.7 ±14.6 kg,27.0 ±9.5%fat) were randomly assigned to 14-days supplementation with either 400 mg PeakATP or PLA in a double-blind, counter balanced crossover design. Participants completed two experimental trials separated by a 14-day washout period. During each trial participants ingested an acute dose of their assigned supplement 30minutes before completing pre-exercise (PRE) RT assessments consisting of Mode A (proactive) and Mode B (reactive) visuomotor RT tests performed on the Dynavision D2. The number of hits (hits) and average RT per hit (avgRT) in Mode A and B, and the number of misses in Mode B were assessed. Participants then completed a standardized warm-up followed by a three-minute all-out effort on a cycle ergometer. RT tests were repeated immediately-post (IP) and 60-min post-exercise (60P).
Results: Significant time x treatment interactions were observed for number of hits and avgRT in Mode A (p_'s_ = .006). In both cases, significant time effects were noted for PLA (p = .002 and p = .004, respectively), but not PeakATP (p = .187 and p = .211, respectively). In PLA, avgRT was significantly slower and the number of hits significantly lower at IP (avgRT p = .027; Hits p = .019) and 60P (avgRT p = .002; Hits p <.001) compared to PRE. avgRT was significantly faster (p = 0.015), and the number of hits was significantly greater (p = 0.28) in PeakATP at 60P compared to PLA. A significant time x treatment interaction was also observed for avgRT in Mode B (p = .039). A significant time effect was noted for Peak ATP (p = .002), but not PLA (p = .925). In PeakATP, avgRT was significantly faster at IP (p = .015) and 60P (p = .001) compared to PRE but was not significantly different than PLA at any time point. No significant interaction or main effects were noted for number of hits in Mode B (p_'s_>.05). A significant treatment effect was noted for number of misses (p = .005), with misses being significantly lower in PeakATP overall compared to PLA.

Conclusions:
PeakATP supplementation attenuated the decline in proactive visuomotor RT, enhanced reactive visuomotor RT and reduced the number of misses during the reactive visuomotor task.
Acknowledgments: This study was funded by TSI Group Limited.

The Effects of Increasing Dietary Protein Intakes on Body Fat in Non-resistance Trained Females
Kara Phillips a , Gianna Mastrofini a , Jacob Broeckel a , Alex Brooks a , Alexis Belcher a , Rashed Daher a , Malena Sellen a , Benjamin Berluti a , Brooke Morrisseau a , Karina Noboa a , Alexa Rukstela a , Emily Pribula a , Bill I. Campbell a a Performance and Physique Enhancement Laboratory, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA Corresponding author: bcampbell@usf.edu Background: Previous research has shown that high protein diets (>1.6 g protein/kg bodyweight) decrease fat mass when combined with resistance training in trained populations. One purpose of this study was to determine if these findings hold true in an untrained female population beginning a training program.
Methods: Forty untrained women participated in this study. Subjects were matched according to pre-study protein intakes and then randomly assigned to a high protein (HP; n = 23; age 19.9 ±1.1 years) or control group (CON; n = 17; age 19.7 ±1.2 years). Following baseline measurements, subjects were randomly sorted into groups based on baseline responses to a Protein Food Frequency Questionnaire (PFFQ). The HP group was instructed to track all calories and consume a minimum of 2.2 g protein/kg bodyweight per day. The CON group was instructed to maintain normal dietary habits. During the study, both groups had unlimited access to personal nutrition coaches to ensure maximum adherence. Both groups participated in the same supervised resistance-training program for 8 weeks. Body composition was assessed at baseline (within one week prior to workouts commencing) and post-study (within one week of workout cessation) via InBody® 570 Body Composition Analyzer (Biospace, Inc. Seoul, Korea). Data were analyzed via a 2 × 2 repeated measures ANOVA.
Conclusions: While increased protein intake has been shown to decrease fat mass when combined with resistance training in trained populations, this does not appear to be the case for an untrained population. In untrained individuals, the novelty of the resistance training stimulus is likely large enough to obscure any additional benefits an increased protein intake could confer. Future research should aim to investigate at what point in the training lifespan an increased protein intake begins to advantage the trainee. Background: Previous research has reported high protein diets increases fat-free mass when combined with resistance training. A common method to verify increased protein intake is via the use of a macronutrient tracking application. However, conflicting research suggests the use of macronutrient trackers are associated with eating disorder symptomology. One purpose of this study was to increase protein intake, document the increase with a macronutrient tracking application, and evaluate if there were any effects on the eating behaviors of previously untrained females initiating a resistance training program.
Methods: Forty untrained women participated in this 8-week study. They were matched according to pre-study protein intake (via responses to a Protein Food Frequency Questionnaire [PFFQ] and then randomly assigned to a tracking; [TRACK; n = 23; age 19.9 ±1.1 years] or control group [CON; n = 17; age 19.7 ±1.2 years]). Participants in the TRACK group were instructed to track daily macronutrient intakes with the requirement to consume 2.2 g protein/kg bodyweight/day. The CON group were instructed to not change their dietary habits. During the final seven days of the intervention, CON participants completed a food recall form where they recorded all food and drink that were reflective of their macronutrient intakes during the previous seven weeks of the intervention. Participants engaged in supervised resistance training three times/ week. Baseline and post-intervention hunger, restraint, and disinhibition were measured with the 51-item Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ). Additionally, at the same timepoints a three-item Likert scale was used to measure the prior week's feelings of fullness, desire to eat, and ease of following their diet. Data were analyzed via a 2 × 2 repeated measures ANOVA.
Results: Protein intakes were significantly higher in TRACK as compared to CON (p <0.001). There were no significant differences between the two groups for TFEQ measures of hunger (p = 0.327) or disinhibition (p = 0.899). Dietary restraint values favored higher protein intake (TRACK: 8.8 ± 4.6 to 9.6 ± 4.6; CON: 8.2 ± 4.4 to 7.6 ± 4), and while these values trended in opposing directions, the results did not reach the level of statistical significance (p = 0.057). Likewise, there were no significant differences between the groups for the prior week's feelings of fullness (p = 0.258), desire to eat (p = 0.391), and ease of following their diet (p = 0.465).
Conclusions: Increasing protein intake and documenting the increase via a macronutrient tracking application did not appear to have any deleterious effects on psychometric data as compared to a non-tracking control group in previously untrained females. Background: Increasing protein intakes has been shown to improve training adaptions to resistance exercise. Typical protein intake recommendations to maximize resistance training adaptations range from 1.6-2.2 g/kg bodyweight. Methods for increasing protein intakes vary by individual, with some preferring an intuitive approach in which they consciously consume higher protein foods without quantifying meal-by-meal and total daily protein intakes. Others prefer a quantitative approach and embrace macronutrient tracking such that all protein intakes are tracked in order to reach a specific daily protein intake goal. A purpose of this investigation was to determine if an intuitive approach is as effective as macro tracking for increasing total daily protein intakes in untrained females.
Methods: Forty-six untrained females participated in the study. Participants were matched according to baseline protein intake (via a Protein Food Frequency Questionnaire [PFFQ]) and then randomized to either a Macro Tracking (TR; n = 23; age: 19.9 ±1.1 years; weight 60.7 ±8.6 kgs) or Non-Tracking (NT; n = 23; age: 20.1 ±1.1 years; weight 64.2 ±8.9 kgs) group for an 8-week period in which all subjects participated in a supervised, resistance training program. TR were instructed to track all macronutrients via a mobile app (MyFitnessPal, San Francisco, CA). TR was given a goal to reach a daily protein intake of 2.2 g/kg/bodyweight, without manipulation of carbohydrates or fats. NT were instructed to avoid any form of food/macronutrient tracking during the study. Rather, NT were instructed to double daily protein intake intuitively via increasing servings of protein containing foods. During the final 7-days of the intervention, NT participants completed a food recall form in which they recorded all foods and drinks that was reflective of their macronutrient intakes during the previous 7-weeks of the intervention. Changes in total daily protein intake (via PFFQ) for each group was analyzed via a paired samples t-test. Between group comparisons for baseline protein intake data (via PFFQ) and end of study daily protein intakes were analyzed via an independent samples t-test.
Results: Daily protein intakes increased in both TR (p <0.001) and NT (p = 0.016) during the 8-week study. Absolute (TR = 125 g/day; NT = 90 g/day) and relative protein intake (TR = 2.0 g/kg; NT = 1.4 g/kg) was significantly greater in TR (p <0.001). No differences between groups were observed for the other macronutrient intakes.
Conclusions: Setting a daily protein intake goal and subsequently tracking daily protein intake is superior to intuitively increase protein intakes in terms of ingesting optimal amounts of daily protein intakes to maximize resistance training adaptations.

Effects of a Ready-to-drink Thermogenic Beverage on Resting Energy Expenditure and Hemodynamic Variables
Christian Rodriguez a , Matthew T. Stratton a , Madelin R. Siedler a , Patrick S. Harty a , Jake R. Boykin a , Jacob J. Green a , Dale S. Keith a , Sarah J. White a , Brielle Dehaven a , Ethan Tinoco a , Alexandra Brojanac a , Lem W. Taylor  Background: Thermogenic supplements are often consumed by individuals seeking to improve energy levels and reduce body fat. These supplements are sold in powdered or ready-to-drink (RTD) forms and consist of a blend of ingredients such as caffeine, green tea extract, and other herbal compounds. While there is evidence that thermogenic supplements can positively affect resting energy expenditure (REE), the effect varies based on the combination of active ingredients. Additionally, there is some concern that thermogenic supplements may cause unwanted side effects on hemodynamic variables, like heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP). Therefore, further investigation into the efficacy and safety of commercially available products is warranted Methods: Twenty-eight individuals (14 F, 14 M; age: 23.3 ±3.9 yrs; height: 169.4 ±8.6 cm; body mass: 73.3 ±13.1 kg) completed two visits in a randomized, double-blind, crossover fashion. Each visit began with baseline REE, HR, and BP assessments, which were followed by ingestion of an active RTD thermogenic beverage (RTD; OxyShred Ultra Energy) or placebo (P). Assessments were repeated at ~35-50 and ~85-100 minutes post-ingestion. Repeatedmeasures analysis of variance was performed with condition and time specified as withinsubjects factors. Follow up for significant effects was performed using pairwise comparisons with Tukey adjustment, and statistical significance was accepted at p <0.05.
Conclusions: The results of this analysis suggest that acute ingestion of a novel thermogenic RTD beverage significantly increases REE, and this elevated caloric expenditure is sustained for at least 100 minutes following ingestion. While minor differences in hemodynamic variables were observed between conditions, no effect of the RTD beverage was confirmed due to lack of statistical interactions. As such, individuals aiming to increase energy expenditure may benefit from acute ingestion of a RTD thermogenic supplement.

Comparisons of the Apple Watch and a Metabolic Cart during VO2 Max Testing in Physically Active Adults
Flavia Rusterholz a , Corey A. Peacock a , Andrew Rodriquez a , Victoria Ortiz a a Department of Health and Human Performance, Nova Southeastern University, Ft.

Lauderdale FL, USA
Corresponding author: cpeacock@nova.edu Background: Previous research demonstrated that the wrist-worn Apple Watch device was an accurate and reliable instrument of measuring heart rate during different physical testing. However, findings also demonstrated that the Apple Watch is not a reliable measurement for the assessment of energy expenditure during different physical testing. There is a lack of research examining the newest Apple Watch (Series 7) during VO2 max testing while using the metabolic cart (Trueone 2400) as the standard of measurement. Therefore, we proposed to explore the accuracy of maximal energy expenditure and maximum heart rate between the Apple Watch and the metabolic cart during a maximal aerobic capacity test.
Methods: 22 physically active adults (23.8 ± 4.0 years, 175.2 ± 10.4 cm, 73.8 ± 16.3 kg, 42.1 ± 8.3 mL/kg/min−1) completed the study. Subject height and weight were recorded using a stadiometer scale. The subjects were equipped with an Apple Watch Series 7, a polar heart rate monitor and o metabolic cart (ParvoMedics, Utah, USA). After the subjects provided consent, they were instructed to run a VO2 max test on the treadmill using the Bruce protocol. All subjects were monitored for maximal energy expenditure (MEE) and maximum heart rate (MHR) throughout the maximal aerobic capacity test. The collected data was analyzed via correlations analysis (SPSS 28). The study was approved by the University's Institutional Review Board.
Results: All descriptive data including age, height, weight, and VO2 Max was calculated for the subjects. A paired samples t-test was conducted to compare the MEE and MHR using the Parvo metabolic cart with Polar function (PARVO) and the Apple Watch Series 7 (AW7) during a VO2 max test. There was not a significant difference in MEE between PARVO (M = 109.6, SD = 41.7) and AW7 (M = 98.7, SD = 24.4) conditions; t (21) = 1.5, p = 0.153. Additionally, there was not a significant difference in MHR between PARVO (M = 186.2, SD = 16.2) and AW7 (M = 189.3, SD = 8.5) conditions; t(21) = −0.9, p = 0.379.

Conclusions:
The primary aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of the precision of the AW7 during VO2 Max testing, as it is one of the most popular wrist-worn devices to monitor physical activity. Contrary to our initial hypothesis, there appeared to be no difference between PARVO and AW7 during a maximal aerobic capacity test. The RER (≥ 1.1) indicated a true maximum test for the subject population.

Binge Drinking: Implications for Female Resistance Trained Athletes
Chester M. Sokolowski a , Jeong-Su Kim a , Sarah N. Perch a , Hunter J. Mitchell a , Jennifer L. Steiner a , Walter R. Boot a , and Michael J. Ormsbee a a Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA Corresponding author: csokolowski@fsu.edu Background: It is well established that resistance training (RT) can positively impact musculoskeletal and metabolic health. Contrarily, binge drinking (BD) can have harmful effects on musculoskeletal and metabolic health. The relationship among RT, BD, and various performance and health-related outcomes requires more attention given the high level of BD during the ages of 18-25 years. The aim of the present study was to determine how RT and BD impact musculoskeletal health, physical performance, and insulin sensitivity in young adult females.
Methods: Young adult females (age: 22.2 ± 2.5 years; BMI: 23.2 ± 3.0 kg/m2) were split into 4 groups: 1) sedentary low alcohol consumers (SL; n = 12), 2) sedentary binge drinkers (SB; n = 12), 3) resistance trained low alcohol consumers (RTL; n = 12), and 4) resistance trained binge drinkers (RTB; n = 12). To be classified as sedentary, women performed exercise ≤2 days per week for the past 2 years. To be classified as resistance trained, women performed RT ≥4 times per week for the past 2 years. To be classified as a low alcohol consumer, women consumed ≤1 alcoholic drink per week for the past year. To be classified as a binge drinker, women binge drank at least once per week for the past year. Binge drinking was defined as consuming ≥4 alcoholic drinks in about 2 hours. Women were assessed for musculoskeletal composition via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan and ultrasonography. Physical performance was assessed through chair stand power, vertical jump, squat jump, broad jump, knee extensor torque, grip strength, and push-ups. Insulin sensitivity was assessed via an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) using capillary blood glucose. Values are reported as mean plus/ minus standard deviation.
Conclusions: These data suggest chronic BD does not deleteriously impact body composition, BMD, muscle quality, or physical performance in young adult females who participate in RT at least 4 times per week. However, even in young adult females who participate in habitual RT and have comparable body composition to low alcohol consumers, chronic BD does impair insulin sensitivity. Background: Early sport specialization has been associated with higher rates of injuries sustained by athletes during their professional/collegiate careers, which might negatively influence their quality-of-life following retirement from the professional/collegiate sport. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between early specialization in the sport of tennis and health outcomes following retirement from a collegiate/professional sport.

Quality of Life and Early Sport Specialization Among Retired Collegiate and Professional Tennis Players
Methods: Participants were recruited via social media postings, newsletters, and contacts at tennis organizations. The survey was conducted via Qualtrics and included responses from 224 former tennis athletes. Sixty-six responses were removed from all analyses due to incomplete survey responses and/or not meeting the inclusion criteria. Thus, data from 158 retired athletes were considered. Basic demographic and injury information were collected along with the age at tennis specialization and two questionnaires, The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire on Health Problems (OSTRC), and Healthy Days Measure Questionnaire (HRQOL). The OSTRC Questionnaire recorded the magnitude, symptoms and consequences of overuse injuries and illnesses that participants experienced in the last 7 days resulting in a current injury/illness severity score. Participants were divided into two low (scores of 0-50) and high (scores of 51-100) OSTRC groups with higher scores representing greater severity. The HRQOL Questionnaire measured physical and mental health preconceptions (e.g. energy level, social support, and socioeconomic status) specifically focusing on the sum of both physical and mentally unhealthy days experienced over the past 30 days. Participants were divided into high (scores of 0-15) and low (scores of 16-30) HRQOL groups.
Conclusions: Retired tennis players with low injury/illness severity scores specialized in tennis later than those with high injury/illness severity scores, while no differences in specialization age were noted when the sample was separated into HRQOL groups. Despite there being a weak positive correlation between OSTRC and HRQOL scores only OSTRC appears to be related to specialization age. Background: Competitive gaming requires visual selective attention, short-term memory or task switching, and an ability to sustain a high level of energy over time. Fucoxanthin is a major carotenoid, found in specific microalgae varieties like Phaeodactylum triconutum that has been reported to possess neuroprotective and nootropic effects through its antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities on different signaling pathways like Nrf2-ARE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether acute and 30-day supplementation of a microalgae extract from Phaeodactylum triconortum with Guarana would affect cognitive function of gamers.

Efficacy of a Microalgae Extract Combined with Natural Guarana on Cognitive Performance of Gamers II: Sternberg Task Test
Methods: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled manner, 51 male and 10 female experienced gamers (21.7 ±4 years, 73.0 ±13 kg, 24.2 ±3.6 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to ingest a placebo (PL); low-dose (LD) of GamePhyt™ (MicroPhyt, Baillargues, FR) containing 440 mg/day of Phaeodactylum tricornutum extract including 1% Fucoxanthin + 440 mg/day of guarana, or high-dose (HD) of GamePhyt™ containing 2 × 440 mg/day of Phaeodactylum tricornutum extract including 1% Fucoxanthin + 440 mg/day of guarana for 30-days. Participants refrained from consuming atypical amounts of stimulants, food, and supplements that may affect cognition during the study. Acute (single dose) cognitive function tests were administered on Day 0 prior to supplementation, 15-min post-supplementation, and after the participants played their most competitive video game for 60-minutes. Participants continued supplementation for 30-days and then repeated pre-supplementation and post-gaming cognitive function tests. The battery of cognitive function tests included the Sternberg Task test (STT) which involves presenting participants with visual stimuli one at a time with the participant identifying them as either present or absent within sequences of at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, or 18-second intervals. In order to prevent rehearsal, the participants were instructed to count backward in threes and fours to a specific random number until they saw a red light appear on the computer screen. This test measures short-term/working memory involving cognitive control processes, using reaction time and accuracy. Data were analyzed by General Linear Model (GLM) univariate analyses with repeated measures using weight as a covariate and mean and percent changes from baseline with 95% confidence intervals.
Results: Results revealed that acute LD and HD ingestion reduced pre-game and postgame reaction times with 2 letter length tasks and that post-gaming present reaction times were faster with HD as the complexity of tasks increased. There was also evidence that 30-days of HD ingestion promoted faster present reaction times in 4 letter tasks.

Conclusions:
Results provide some evidence that acute and chronic supplementation with a microalgae extract from Phaeodactylum triconutum with Guarana can affect shortterm/working memory involving cognitive control processes, using reaction time and accuracy. There is evidence that acute LD and HD supplementation improved post-game present reaction time with HD supplementation having more consistent results as the complexity of letter length challenges increased.
Acknowledgments: This study was funded by MicroPhyt (Baillargues, FR) as a fee-forservice project to the Human Clinical Research Facility at Texas A&M University and conducted by the Exercise & Sport Nutrition Lab. Background: Competitive gaming requires visual selective attention, short-term memory or task switching, and an ability to sustain a high level of energy over time. Fucoxanthin is a major carotenoid, found in specific microalgae varieties like Phaeodactylum triconutum that has been reported to possess neuroprotective and nootropic effects through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities on different signaling pathways like Nrf2-ARE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether acute and 30-day supplementation of a microalgae extract from Phaeodactylum triconortum with Guarana would affect cognitive function of gamers.

Efficacy of a Microalgae Extract Combined with Natural Guarana on Cognitive
Methods: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled manner, 51 male and 10 female experienced gamers (21.7 ±4 years, 73.0 ±13 kg, 24.2 ±3.6 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to ingest a placebo (PL); low-dose (LD) of GamePhyt™ (MicroPhyt, Baillargues, FR) containing 440 mg/day of Phaeodactylum tricornutum extract including 1% Fucoxanthin + 440 mg/day of guarana, or high-dose (HD) of GamePhyt™ containing 2 × 440 mg/day of Phaeodactylum tricornutum extract including 1% Fucoxanthin + 440 mg/day of guarana for 30-days. Participants refrained from consuming atypical amounts of stimulants, food, and supplements that may affect cognition during the study. Acute (single dose) cognitive function tests were administered on Day 0 prior to supplementation, 15-min post-supplementation, and after the participants played their most competitive video game for 60-minutes. Participants continued supplementation for 30-days and then repeated pre-supplementation and post-gaming cognitive function tests. The battery of cognitive function tests included the Berg-Wisconsin Card Sorting Task test (BCST). The BCST involves participants being presented with visual stimuli (i.e. pictures of playing cards) with instructions to sort the cards by matching colors and/or designs. The test assesses reaction time and accuracy in measuring reasoning, learning, executive control, attention shifting by assessing the inability to shift set (i.e. display flexibility in the face of changing schedules of reinforcement), and impulsiveness. Data were analyzed by General Linear Model (GLM) univariate analyses with repeated measures using weight as a covariate and mean and percent changes from baseline with 95% confidence intervals.
Results: Results are shown in Figure 1. Results revealed that errors decreased significantly in PL but not LD or HD. There was also some evidence that participants ingesting the HD treatment had greater correct responses than LD and that HD supplementation significantly reduced perseveration errors (PEBL) and perseveration errors with PAR rules, whereas the LD had higher errors than PL.
Conclusions: Results provide some evidence that acute and chronic ingestion of microalgae extract from Phaeodactylum triconutum with Guarana can affect reasoning, learning, executive control, and attention shifting by enhancing flexibility in the face of changing schedules of reinforcement, and impulsiveness. While some acute effects were noted, the greatest impact appeared to be after 30-days.
Acknowledgments: This study was funded by MicroPhyt (Baillargues, FR) as a fee-forservice project to the Human Clinical Research Facility at Texas A&M University and conducted by the Exercise & Sport Nutrition Lab.  Background: L-beta-amino isobutyric acid (L-BAIBA) is a myokine produced in skeletal muscle during exercise and has been shown to impact carbohydrate and fat metabolism in both animals and humans. This study was designed to determine the rate and extent to which L-BAIBA appeared in human plasma after oral ingestion of a single 250 mg (B250), 500 mg (B500), and 1,500 mg (B1500) dose of L-BAIBA and 1,500 mg (V1500) dose of L-valine.
Conclusions: L-BAIBA doses of 1500 mg, 500 mg, and 250 mg produced significantly greater concentrations of plasma L-BAIBA across a five-hour measurement window when compared to a 1500 mg dose of valine or a placebo. Follow-up efficacy studies on resting and exercise metabolism should be completed to assess the impact of L-BAIBA supplementation in normal weight and overweight individuals.
Acknowledgments: This study was funded by NNB Nutrition.

Sleep Quality, Social Jet Lag and Cardiovascular Risk in Young Adults
Background: Cordyceps have been used as an herbal Chinese medicine for centuries. While there are a variety of cordyceps species, recently there has been an increased attention to the Cordyceps militaris (CM) species. CM has been shown to have a very high cordycepin content which has been suggested to have a very potent antioxidant action.
There are relatively few studies investigating CM and exercise; however, a CM blend has been demonstrated to significantly delay fatigue and reduce oxidative stress in swimming mice, and to increase peak oxygen uptake in recreationally active individuals. Considering the antioxidant and anti-fatigue properties attributed to CM, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of three different dosages of CM supplementation for seven days on skeletal muscle peak torque and work output in a recreationally active population.

Methods:
Recreationally active males and females volunteered to participate in the study which employed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. All participants were supplemented for 7 full days with either a placebo (cellulose) or CM dosage of 1-, 2-, or 4-grams·d−1. Supplements were provided in identically colored gelatin capsules. Participants were requested to continue their normal dietary habits through the duration of the study. A Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer was utilized to assess maximal muscular torque and work output of the biceps brachii of the non-dominant arm on day-0 (Pre) and after 7-d (Post) supplementation. Participant performed each of the following assessments: 1) Isometric maximum (IMM), 2) Isokinetic three repetition maximum (IK3RM) at 120°·s−1, and 3) Isokinetic twenty repetition maximum (IK20RM) 120°·s−1. Data are reported as mean ± SE and statistical significance set at p <.05).
Conclusions: While CM has purported antioxidant and anti-fatigue properties, the findings of the present study indicate that, irrespective of 7-d dosage, CM does not significantly impact maximal isometric and isokinetic peak torque and/or work output. Further study of the impact of CM supplementation during different types and/or intensities of exercise, as well as muscle recovery, are warranted.
Acknowledgments: None of the authors has any real or apparent conflicts of interest. This project was financially supported via a VSU Faculty Research Seed Grant and the Cordyceps militaris was generously provided by NAMMEX WWW.NAMMEX.COM

Effect of Oral Creatine Supplementation on Physical Performance and Quality of Life in a Subject with Post-polio Syndrome
Greg E Popovich a a School of Exercise Science & Athletic Training, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon, WV, USA Corresponding author: popovich.g@wvwc.edu Background: Creatine has been proposed as a potential adjuvant therapy for many types of neuromuscular disease, including post-polio syndrome (PPS). PPS, like other neuromuscular conditions, is characterized by low endogenous creatine levels. This case report is unique with regard to creatine supplementation for PPS in that it describes (a) a relatively extended creatine supplementation regimen; (b) a bilateral comparison of muscle function to measure potential differences in magnitude of effect between asymmetrically affected limbs in a given individual; and (c) an attempt to determine if creatine's ergogenic effects extend beyond the laboratory setting to impact quality of life.
Methods: The subject was a 44-year-old female vegetarian. Intervention began 10 days status-post acute flare-up of PPS symptoms with no concurrent therapies nor changes in diet or activity for the duration of the 30-day trial. The subject consumed 5 g servings of supplemental creatine as follows: 10 g daily for 10 days and 5 g daily for an additional 20 days (= 200 g total supplemental creatine). Muscle performance measures were performed at days 0, 10, and 30 and included isometric grip dynamometry and isokinetic lower extremity dynamometry. Health-related quality of life (HRQL) was assessed at the same time points using the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36).
Results: The subject reported 100% adherence to the supplementation regimen. The patient did not report any increase in muscle cramping or fasciculations during the intervention period. There was no meaningful change in the patients' bilateral grip strength. Lower extremity isokinetic test results revealed an approximately 15% performance increase in both knee flexion and extension on the unaffected side, but no such change was observed in the symptomatic limb. The patient's SF-36 did not indicate improvement in HRQL.
Conclusions: This case report suggests that creatine supplementation may be welltolerated in post-polio patients without exacerbation of muscular cramping and fasciculations. Despite a substantial rationale for creatine supplementation in this specific case owing to several predictors of low creatine stores (i.e. neuromuscular disease in a female vegetarian), there was no evidence of improvement in any of the qualitative or quantitative measures with the exception of typical isokinetic improvement in the unaffected lower extremity. The latter suggests that the subject was not merely a non-responder, but rather that the symptomatic versus asymptomatic limbs responded differently to creatine supplementation.
Background: Previous research has demonstrated that professional mixed martial artists (MMA) employ a variety of weight manipulation strategies in order to compete at a given weight-class. Although there is much literature demonstrating weight manipulation methods, minimal research exists analyzing how much weight professional MMA gain between the official weigh-in and competition. Therefore, the purpose of the current study is to compare the official weigh-in and fight-weight in professional MMA.
Methods: 1047 professional MMA fighters (30.1 ± 3.9 yrs.; 176.8 ± 9.1 cm) competing for the Ultimate Fighting Championship between 2020 and 2022 were used for the study. The athletes reported to the arena for an official weigh-in (24-36 hours prior to competition). An official weight was obtained utilizing the commission managed beam scale. The following day, athletes return to the arena for competition and weight is obtained using a commission calibrated digital scale. Paired Samples T Tests were utilized, and significance was set at P ≤ 0.05.
Results: There is a significant (P <.001) difference between weigh-in and fight-weight in professional MMA (Table 1).
Conclusions: MMA athletes increase body weight significantly following official weigh-ins. Based on this data, it appears athletes average a weight gain of nearly 10% between official weigh-in and competition. Further data is being analyzed to better explain rehydration strategies in professional MMA. To determine the effects of daily CP consumption over 9 months on the Veterans Rand 12 (VR-12) mental components score (MCS) in active adults, participants (N = 41) were randomized into 3 groups in this double-blind study: 20 g/d (n = 13; male = 7), 10 g/d (n = 13; male = 5) of CP supplementation, or placebo (n = 15; male = 8). Participants were assessed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months. Mixed model ANOVAs assessed group by time interactions in VR-12 scores across all four time points. Significant interactions were further assessed via simple repeated measures ANOVA using Bonferroni corrections. Increasing values in VR-12 scores reflect improvements in MCS.
Conclusions: Daily CP intake of 10 g/day for 3 months improved MCS, which remained to the 9-month study endpoint. These findings suggest CP supplementation may play a role in improving mental health related quality of life in middle-age lifelong physically active adults.
was to compare peak force, the rate of force development (RFD), and muscle excitation with surface electromyography (EMG) during isometric deadlift pulls in resistance-trained participants with a conventional barbell versus a hexagonal barbell.
Methods: Ten healthy males (mean ± SD age = 26 ± 4 years, BMI = 25.1 ± 3.1 kg/m2) and ten healthy females (age = 21 ± 3 years, BMI = 22.8 ± 2.5 kg/m2) participated. Each participant performed three maximal, isometric deadlift pulls while standing on a force plate using a conventional barbell and a hexagonal barbell. The order in which each barbell was used was randomized. Bipolar surface EMG signals were recorded from the upper trapezius, external oblique, erector spinae, vastus lateralis, and biceps femoris. Peak force normalized to mass, RFD at 25, 50, and 75 ms intervals, and the amplitude (rootmean-square) of the EMG signals served as dependent variables.
Results: The difference in peak force when using the two barbells was trivial (p = 0.725, d = 0.080). However, there was a significant barbell x RFD interval interaction (F = 7.66, p = 0.006), with RFD75 being greater for the conventional barbell versus the hexagonal barbell (p = 0.041). Muscle excitation showed a significant barbell x muscle interaction (F = 9.64, p < 0.001). Vastus lateralis and upper trapezius excitation was higher for the hexagonal barbell compared to the conventional barbell. Of note, we observed no sex differences for any of our analyses.
Conclusions: In resistance trained adults, similar levels of peak force are produced with conventional and hexagonal barbells. However, rapid force production may be optimized with a conventional barbell. The use of a hexagonal barbell may be particularly useful for maximally activating the vastus lateralis and upper trapezius. Future clinical studies with larger samples are recommended to further evaluate differences between barbells.

The Battle of the Sexes Part II: Does Prior Eccentric Exercise Affect Sleep?
arm at 60% 1RM. Following completion of DOMS protocol, the following was assessed via self-report: sleep duration, time to fall asleep, number of awakenings, total time awake at night, sleep quality, and alertness upon awakening. Participants were assessed at baseline (pre-DOMS) and at 24-and 48-hours post.
Conclusions: There were no sex differences following eccentric loading that produced delayed-onset muscle soreness. It is not known if such a difference would exist with different types of exercise. Background: Variation in ingredients and dosages are common in thermogenic dietary supplements to elicit different proposed responses; however, research is lacking in these varied formulations on the market. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a high stimulant version of thermogenic supplement on resting energy expenditure (REE), heart rate (HR), blood pressure (SBP and DBP), and mood states.

Changes in Metabolic Rate, Vital signs and Mood Responses Following Ingestion of a Commercially Available Thermogenic Supplement
Methods: Forty-four individuals (22 F, 22 M; age: 21.5 ±3.4 y; height: 170.1 ±10.0 cm; body mass: 79.9 ±10.8 kg) participated in this placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover design. Participants were randomized into one of two groups (placebo [PL] versus 1 serving of OxyShred Hardcore containing 275 mg caffeine, 1.5 g acetyl L-carnitine and 250 mg of glycine propionyl l-carnitine hydrochloride [TX]). Baseline values were collected for REE, HR, SBP and DBP, mood states and reassessed at 30-, 60-, and 120-minutes postingestion. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Follow up for significant effects was performed using pairwise comparisons with Tukey adjustment. Statistical significance was accepted at p <0.05.
Results: A significant condition X time interaction was observed for REE (p <0.0001). Despite lower REE at baseline in the TX condition ([mean±SE] −5.1 ±1.2%; p <0.05), REE was higher in TX than PL at 30 min (11.1 ±1.7%), 60 min (11.2 ±2.0%), and 120 min (8.4 ±1.2%) post-ingestion (p <0.0001). Statistically significant condition X time interactions were present for alertness (p <0.05), focus (p <0.01), and concentration (p <0.001). TX resulted in increased levels of alertness at all post-ingestion time points and increased focus and concentration at 30-and 60-min time points (p <0.05). For energy and fatigue, significant condition main effects indicated higher energy and lower fatigue in TX versus PL (p <0.001 to p <0.01). Significant time and condition main effects were observed for HR, with lower HR observed in the TX condition (p <0.01). Significant condition X time interactions were observed for SBP and DBP (p <0.01) indicating blood pressure was higher following TX ingestion when compared to PL at 30 min for DBP (p <0.001) and 60 min for SBP (p <0.05) although BP remained in normal clinical levels.
Conclusions: These data suggest that the thermogenic supplement investigated in this trial increased REE and this increase in metabolic rate was sustained for at least 120 minutes post-ingestion. Additionally, ingestion had positive effects on the mood states alertness, focus and concentration. Ingestion acutely increased blood pressure within normal limits that returned to non-significant levels and no negative effects on HR or side effects were observed.
Acknowledgments: This study was funded by EHP Labs. The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Corresponding author: rbkreider@tamu.edu Background: Elevated uric acid (UA) levels contribute to metabolic conditions including gout, hyperglycemia, inflammation, and obesity. Ingestion of food and/or beverages containing high purine levels increases UA levels and can complicate the management of markers of cardiometabolic health. Athletes who experience increases in UA levels may experience severe pain and require up to 10-days of rest to recover. Ingestion of polyphenols has been reported to significantly reduce the uricemic response to ingesting a meal high in purines. We previously reported that tart cherry powder (CherryPURE®), another naturally occurring source of polyphenols, lessened exercise-induced markers of inflammation. This study examined if this source of tart cherry powder can reduce the uricemic response to ingesting a high purine-containing meal and/or markers of cardiometabolic health.

Effects of Acute and Short-Term Montmorency Tart Cherry Supplementation on Food-induced Increases in Uric Acid and Markers of Cardiometabolic Health: A proof of concept study
Methods: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, and counterbalanced manner, 25 adults (10 women and 15 men, 40.6 ±9 years, 85.0 ±17 kg, 29.1 ±4.9 kg/m2) with mildly elevated uric acid (UA) levels UA of 5.8 ±1.3 mg/dL) participated in the study. Participants were asked to restrict ingestion of purine-containing foods for 4-days prior to testing and replicated dietary intake before each session. Participants reported to the lab in a fasted state and donated a serum and whole blood sample. Participants were then randomly assigned to consume capsules containing 960 mg of a placebo (PLA) or Tart Cherry Powder (TC, CherryPURE®, Shoreline Fruit LLC, Traverse, MI) prior to consuming one serving of dried soup (10 g of carbohydrate, 2 g protein, 1 g fat) mixed in hot water that contains purines (i.e. 1 g of disodium 5'-guanylate, 1 g of adenosine 5'-monophosphate, and 1 g of disodium 5'-inosinate). Blood samples were then obtained after 60, 120, 180, and 240min. Participants ingested two capsules per day of the assigned supplement for 7-days and returned to the lab to repeat the experiment. Participants observed a 10-14-day washout period, replicated their diet, and reported to the lab to repeat the experiment while administered the remaining supplement. Data were analyzed by General Linear Model (GLM) analyses with repeated measures using body weight as a covariate and are presented as mean changes from baseline with 95% confidence intervals.
Results: No statistically significant treatment x time interaction effects were observed in UA levels on Day 0, Day 7, or combined. However, UA values were generally lower at each data point after TC ingestion, particularly after 240-min. Ingestion of TC resulted in a −4.5% and −3.6% lower change in UA area under the curve (AUC) and a −5.0% and −5.4% lower change in total area under the first moment curve (AUMC) values after Day 0 and Day 7, respectively. Additionally, Day 0 blood glucose levels decreased from baseline to 240-min after ingestion with TC (−3.6 mg/dL [−0.1, 7.3], p = 0.057, η 2 p = 0.07) while being unchanged with PLA. These findings provide some proof-of-concept support that ingestion of TC may affect the metabolic response to ingesting a high purine meal with a small amount of carbohydrate.
Conclusions: Acute and 7-days of TC supplementation (960 mg) did not promote statistically significant reductions in UA in response to a high purine meal. However, TC reduced the increase in UA levels by about 5% after acute (Day 0) and 7-days of supplementation. Additionally, TC ingestion decreased the glycemic response to the high purine meal on Day 0. Additional research should evaluate the timing of TC ingestion prior to a meal (e.g. 1-2 hours before a meal), pharmacokinetic effects over 8-hours, and whether a longer period of supplementation (e.g. 8-12 weeks) may promote greater effects on cardiometabolic markers.
Acknowledgments: This study was funded by Anderson Advanced Ingredients (Irvine, CA) in collaboration with Shoreline Fruit LLC (Traverse, MI) as a fee-for-service project to the Human Clinical Research Facility at Texas A&M University and conducted by the Exercise & Sport Nutrition Lab. Background: Heart rate recovery (HRR) is a practical and validated method for assessing cardiac autonomic recovery post-exercise. Fluid consumption within 60-min postexercise has been shown to promote greater recovery of the autonomic nervous system compared to no fluid intake. This study examined HRR using a novel index considering total work to 3 different beverages at 1-, 2-, and 5-min post-exercise.
Methods: 24 male master class endurance athletes (age 49.3 ±6.6 years; height 175.8 ±4.6 cm; body mass 80.5 ±8.9 kg; body fat (%) 18.8 ±5.6; VO2peak 48.3 ±6.7 ml•kg•min−1) visited the laboratory on three separate occasions. During Visit #1, participants completed graded exercise testing (VO2peak; cycle ergometer). Familiarization (Visit #2) consisted of 5 × 4 min intervals at 70-80% of peak power output [PPO, watts] with 2 min of active recovery at 50 W, followed by a time to exhaustion test [TTE] at 90% PPO. The same high-intensity interval protocol with TTE was conducted preand post-beverage consumption on Visit #3. Participants were randomly assigned to receive one of three beverages during a 2-hour recovery period: PLA (electrolytes and water); CHO (1.2 g/kg bm); CHO-P coingestion (0.8 g/kg bm CHO + 0.4 g/kg bm protein). Heart rate was continuously recorded every 3 seconds. The HRR index (HRRi) was calculated as the last 3-sec peak heart rate value (beats per min; bpm) post-exercise plus the heart rate (bpm) recorded 1-, 2-, and 5-min post-exercise, divided by total work during the TTE. Differences in the HRRi between conditions were assessed via Quade's nonparametric ANCOVA with LSD Post-Hoc comparisons if significant (p <0.05).
Conclusions: Water plus electrolyte solution was inadequate for promoting HRRi compared to the CHO and CHO-P groups from the exhaustive exercise protocol used in this study. CHO and CHO-P appear equally effective in promoting HRR relative to total work in this group of male masters class endurance athletes. The results suggest that caloric intake in the form of rapidly digestible CHO or CHO-P during a 2-hour recovery period may be necessary to maximize HRR post exhaustive exercise.

Readiness and its Relationship to GPS Metrics in Collegiate Soccer Players
Maxine Furtado Mesa a , Michael J. Redd a , David H. Fukuda a , Jeffrey R. Stout a a University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA Corresponding author: maxine.furtado@ucf.edu Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of readiness to performance efficiency index (effindex), distance covered per minute (d/min), distance covered at 14.99-18.99 kph (HSD), distance covered over 19 kph (Sprint), and training impulse (TRIMP) in collegiate soccer players. For the past ~25 years, coaches have used questionnaires to assess athletes' readiness to compete and how well they are recovering. Coaches create periodized training plans to replicate different levels of match characteristics with varying levels of training load. Athlete responses to readiness questionnaires are sensitive to training load in collegiate soccer players and thus may be related to soccer performance.
Methods: Athletic performance and monitoring data from 20 male and 20 female collegiate soccer players during one competitive season were analyzed. Participants each wore Polar Team Pro sensors (PTPS) to record performance data (d/min, effindex, HSD, Sprint, and TRIMP) and be extracted from PTPS's database for analysis. Participants filled out a readiness questionnaire prior to team-based activities on FitFor90's website, fitfor90.com, to be extracted from the portal for analysis. The questionnaire consisted of six-items on a Likert scale from −3(worst) to +3(best) about current levels of fatigue, mood, stress, soreness, and the prior night's sleep quality and quantity. Goalkeepers, athletes that experienced a season-ending injury, and/or were noncompliant with GPS wear and/or inconsistent with readiness questionnaire responses were excluded from analysis. Data was averaged weekly for analysis. Pearson product-moment correlations were used to describe relationships between readiness and performance data. Independent samples t-tests were used to compare differences in average readiness and performance data between male and female collegiate soccer players. A statistical significance level of p < .05 was set a prior for all analyses.
Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that readiness has a small inverse relationship with performance variables examined in collegiate soccer players during one competitive season. The inverse relationship may have been due to the daily undulating periodization that both the male and female soccer players underwent.
References: of < 30 kcals/kg FFM is currently used to indicate LEA. The competitive nature of collegiate athletics places a great demand on athletes to perform at a high level. This can potentially make it difficult for them to meet optimal EA and promote health and training adaptations. The purpose of this study was to assess the nutrient intakes, energy availability (EA) and prevalence of LEA in NCAA DIII swimmers at the start of pre-season. Methods: This study was approved by the Rowan University Institutional Review Board. Fifteen male and 15 female swimmers completed dietary and body composition testing for this study. Energy intakes and relative nutrient intakes (g/kg/d) for carbohydrate, protein and fat were assessed using 3-day dietary records and analyzed using ESHA Food Processor. Exercise energy expenditures were assessed using 7-day exercise logs and the Compendium of Physical Activities. Body composition and FFM was assessed using bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA, InBody 770). Energy availability was calculated as the difference between EI and EEE, normalized to FFM (i.e. EA = (EI -EEE)/FFM).
Results: Energy intake was statistically significantly higher (p =0.007) in males than females during pre-season, whereas EEE was not statistically significantly different between the sexes (p =0.28). Energy availability was also not statistically significantly different between the sexes (p =0.65). Using a cutoff of <30 kcals/kg FFM, 43% (n =7 males, n =6 females) of swimmers exemplified LEA. Relative energy intakes of carbohydrate, protein and fat were not statistically significantly different between the sexes (p >0.05). However, 40% percent of males (n =6) and 20% of females (n =3) did not meet the sport recommended intake for carbohydrate (i.e. 3-10 g/kg/d), whereas 33% of both males (n =5) and females (n =5) did not meet the sport recommended intake for protein (i.e. 1.2-1.7 g/kg/d).
Conclusions: This study showed that EI, EEE, and EA in male and female NCAA DIII collegiate swimmers do not differ significantly at pre-season. Unfortunately, 43% of swimmers did exemplify LEA, which may contribute to poor health, training and recovery if not compensated for during the regular season. Moreover, sport recommended intakes for carbohydrate and protein were not sufficient in 20-40% of the athletes studied. These results indicate that NCAA DIII swimmers may require additional nutrition support during the regular season when barriers to optimal nutrition (e.g. increased training load, academics and travel schedules) are most burdensome relative to pre-season.

The Effects of Pre-Sleep Feeding on Sleep Quality and Quantity in NCAA Division I Female Soccer Players
caloric consumption and sleep. Research indicates that pre-sleep nutrition can be used to optimize total daily protein intake and recovery, while also, acutely, improving muscle protein synthesis without influencing fat metabolism. However, little is known about the use of pre-sleep protein and the influence it has on sleep quality and quantity. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of pre-sleep nutrition on sleep quality and quantity in elite female athletes.
Methods: Female soccer athletes from four Division I Universities wore WHOOP bands (WHOOP, Inc) 24 hours per day for the entire 2020-2021 competitive season to measure sleep quantity and quality. Surveys were deployed by the WHOOP App to the athletes every 3 days to collect data on pre-sleep feeding habits. The relationship between presleep food consumption and sleep quantity, sleep quality, was examined. Data were deidentified and analyzed retrospectively using R Studio to facilitate the compilation of descriptive results.
Conclusions: Our data suggest that pre-sleep feeding in Division I female athletes does not impact sleep quantity or quality. However, the meals consumed were not calorically dense and may not have been significant enough to warrant a positive or negative response on sleep metrics. Furthermore, additional research is necessary to examine the effects of pre-sleep feeding on athletes' sleep in a controlled setting.
Acknowledgments: This study was funded by WHOOP, Inc.

Fatigue Increases Knee Joint Laxity Without Increasing ACL Size in Recreationally Active Individuals
Katie N. Harris a , Ahalee C. Farrow a , Nigel C. Jiwan a , John R. Harry a a Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA Corresponding author: katrihar@ttu.edu

Background:
The primary purpose of the study was to determine the effect of fatigue on knee joint laxity (KJL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) size as well as to determine the relationship between KJL, ACL size, and body composition. Greater KJL and smaller ACL's have both been identified as ACL injury risk factors. KJL is defined and measured as the passive movement of the tibia relative to the femur when a load is applied. Given the severity and prevalence of ACL injuries amongst athletes, this study was designed to gain a better understanding of the factors related to ACL size and KJL pre and post fatigue.
Methods: Ten recreationally active males (n = 5) and females (n = 5) (26.40 ± 5.32 years) completed a fatiguing drop jump protocol where continuous drop jumps were performed every 20 seconds until the participants could no longer achieve 80% of the averaged jump height for their initial five jumps. The height of the drop jump was individually set to 90% of the participant's maximal countermovement jump height. ACL size and KJL of the right limb was measured pre and post fatigue. Ultrasound was used to image the ACL and the diameter of the anteromedial bundle of the ACL was quantified using ImageJ. KJL was measured using the Rolimeter knee arthrometer. Fat mass, lean mass, and bone mineral density of the lower right limb was assessed using Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA).
Conclusions: Fatigue increases KJL without changing ACL size. Since greater KJL is associated with ACL injuries, fatigue may increase the risk of sustaining an ACL injury. Understanding the factors related to ACL injury risks is the first step needed to identify atrisk individuals and provides additional knowledge to help develop methods to reduce the risk of injury. Further research is needed to understand the factors related to KJL and ACL size.

Eating and Feeding Disorder Risk in Collegiate Endurance and Aesthetic Lean Sport Athletes
Mackinsey K. Shahan a , Jeannine C. Lawrence a a University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA Corresponding author: mkshahan@crimson.ua.edu Background: Lean sport athletes, including endurance (e.g. swimming and distance running) and aesthetic (e.g. gymnasts, cheerleading, and figure skating) athletes, place a high value on appearance and weight status to attain a competitive advantage. Among athletes, adequate dietary intake is essential to ensure optimal performance and reduce injury risk. However, disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) and eating disorders (EDs) are common. Additionally, these athletes may be at risk of a feeding disorder (FD). The purpose of this study was to assess the risk of EDs and FDs in a sample of collegiate lean sport athletes and compare DEBs and ED/FD risk in endurance and aesthetic-type athletes.
Methods: Participants were recruited from women's lean sport teams in the United States. Females aged 18-30 years who were members of a college lean sport team were eligible. The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) assessed DEBs and ED risk. FD risk was assessed using diagnostic questions from the Pica, ARFID, and Rumination Disorder Interview-ARFID self-report questionnaire (PARDI-AR-Q). Two additional questions assessed pica and rumination disorder risk based on FD definitions. Demographic data was reported as frequencies and/or mean values (± SD) as appropriate. Between-group comparisons were conducted using t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests for data that was not normally distributed. Significance was set at <0.05.
Results: 211 participants were surveyed, mean age 19.7 (±1.3) years and mean BMI 23.2 (±3.8). 84.8% were white, 4.3% Asian, 1.4% African American, and 9.4% other/multiracial, with 8.5% reporting being of Hispanic/Latin/Spanish ethnicity. Participants reported having 9.5 (±4.5) years in their sport, and most spent a minimum of 11 hours per week in training or conditioning. 71.6% of participants were at risk for either an ED or FD. Among endurance athletes (n =110), 46.4% were at risk for ED, 66.4% at risk for FD, and 72.7% were at risk for either. For aesthetic athletes (n =101), 55.4% were at risk for ED, 64.4% at risk for FD, 70.3% at risk for either. Common DEBs included excessive exercise (39.1% endurance, 43.6% aesthetic) and binge eating (19.1% endurance, 15.8% aesthetic). Aesthetic athletes scored significantly higher overall on the EAT-26 test than endurance athletes (p <0.05).
Conclusions: Nearly three-quarters of female collegiate lean sport athletes reported being at risk for ED and/or FDs. Coaches and health professionals should be aware of the increased risk for developing DEBs, EDs, and FDs in these athletes. Improved screening and treatment resources for these disordered behaviors is critical for this population.

Examining the Influence of Exercise on Mood Following a Stressor
Amanda Holtzman a , Claudia Mendez a , Jozeph Cruz a , Gargee Pandya a , Jose Antonio FISSN a , Jonathan B. Banks a a Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA Corresponding author: Jonathan.banks@nova.edu Background: Psychological stress results in a variety of negative consequences to psychological and physical health. Both aerobic exercise and mindfulness meditation have been shown to improve cognitive processes or facilitate emotional recovery from stressful exposure. This study aimed to examine the immediate ability of a brief acute bout of exercise or a mindfulness meditation induction to reduce the impact of a stressor on mood and identify the process through which these protective effects may function (improving attention or reducing mind wandering).
Methods: Using a repeated measures design, participants (N = 42, Female = 37, Mage = 18.34, SD = .94) completed one session per week in which they completed one of three conditions in a pseudorandomized order. In each session, participants either ran on a treadmill for 20 minutes (maintaining a perceived level of exertion between 12-14 on the Borg Scale), completed a mindfulness meditation for 15 minutes, or listened to a body relaxation meditation for 15 minutes (control). Following their intervention, participants completed a stress manipulation. Attention, mind wandering, and mood were measured before and after the intervention and stress manipulation.
Results: In the exercise condition, participants showed significantly less changes in mood following the intervention and the writing stressor. No significant effects of condition were observed for attention or mind wandering. Interestingly, mindfulness did not appear to significantly alter the impact of the intervention or stressor on mood change.
Conclusions: These data suggest that acute ingestion of a thermogenic supplement increases metabolic rate and this observed increase in REE is observed for at least 120 minutes post ingestion. Although slight increases DBP occurred in the TX group, values remained within normal limits, and no differences in SBP, HR or side effects were observed.
Acknowledgments: This study was funded by EHP Labs. The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Background: In the context of a weight-loss program, implementation of a cheat meal or refeeding stage has been promoted as a means of ensuring unimpeded weight loss progress. Immediately following a refeeding, the body responds with a transient uptick in body weight attributed to sodium/fluid retention, glycogen, and the mass of the food. The body may respond with a rapid shedding of the extra weight a few days following the meal, and the individual may experience a new low on their weight-loss journey. The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship between an individual's most recent or best weight and the net weight loss following acute refeeding.

The Effect of Acute Refeeding on Weight Loss Under Hypocaloric Conditions
Methods: This retrospective study involved analysis of clinical records from a local weight loss clinic. The subjects (n =84) adhered to the same nationally franchised weightloss program. For each client, we recorded the sex, age, diabetic status, start weight, number of refeedings, weight before refeeding, whether weight was stagnant before refeeding, peak gain after refeeding, the number of days between the refeeding and weighing in, post-refeeding weight, macros of the meal (if reported), best recorded weight, and total weight lost.
Results: The average age of the participants was 43.9, comprised of 69 females and 15 males. The average number of cheat meals consumed was 5.78 (SD 5.56). Seventy-four individuals indicated that they did not experience a weight plateau before having a cheat meal. The average weight loss was 29 lbs (SD 20.8), and the average percent body weight decrease was −8.37% (SD 12.6). The average weight loss after a cheat meal was 0.76 lbs (SD 2.13) but the 75th percentile weight loss was 2.0 lbs. When testing for significance, there was significance between the number of cheat meals and total weight loss (p = 6.7E-20).
Conclusions: There is a statistically significant correlation between the number of cheat meals and weight loss. An important caveat is that those participants consuming a higher total number of weekly cheat meals have also been in a caloric deficit for a longer period of time (i.e. a greater number of weeks). After a refeeding, subjects in this study lost between 0.76 -2.0 lbs in the ensuing week, depending upon the individual. accumulation is influenced by habitual consumption of processed foods, lack of physical activity and smoking. Although commercial coffees vary greatly in composition based on bean type, brew method, and added sugars, Lee et al. (2016) suggested that prediabetics who consumed at least three cups of (black) coffee daily exhibited a lower rate of disease progression than non-habituated participants. Chlorogenic acid inherent to coffee may be a mechanism, leading to beneficially altered sugar absorption and metabolism. We hypothesized free-living volunteers would exhibit an inverse relationship between selfreported coffee intake and measured HbA1c and AGE levels.
Methods: To measure HbA1c, mixed capillary blood (5ul) was obtained and analyzed via a PT Diagnostics HbA1c analyzer (Indianapolis, IN). Next, participants (N =31) underwent AGE measurement via ultraviolet light emittance and tissue fluorescence of the forearm (AGE-Reader, Diagnoptics, Inc. Groningen, Netherlands). Finally, using visual aids, participants estimated how many ounces of coffee they regularly consume per day and reported if they had a diagnosed metabolic condition.
Conclusions: Contrary to the hypothesis, middle-aged participants exhibited a positive relationship between coffee intake and AGE, with no correlation for HbA1c. Added sugars may have overwhelmed the hypoglycemic effects of chlorogenic acid. Although these low-N, limited data increase the risk of Type II error for relationships like age and other glycation makers, the sample size was large enough to show significance between selfreported commercial coffee intake and AGE. Future interventions should include methods providing larger amounts of data such as continuous glucose monitoring, and should experimentally control for the type of coffee, use of sweeteners, and/or specific intake of chlorogenic acid.

Effects of Peripheral Oxygen Saturation, Heart Rate, Reading Comprehension, and Emotional State in Children with and Without use of Facial Coverings
Abigail Stack a , Lauren Roncone a , Kelsey Scanlon a a University of Mount Union, Alliance, OH, USA Corresponding author: scanlof@mountunion.edu Background: The Covid-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges to K-12 as schoolboards and parents have concerns in making the most informed decisions regarding the extended wear of facial coverings and how it pertains to the safety of children. Face masks can cause discomfort, general irritation, and potential anxiety and distraction of students from instructional material delivered in class. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of wearing a facial covering and the impacts on reading comprehension, heart rate (HR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SPO2), and emotional state throughout 30 minutes of regularly scheduled academic content in students' grades K-5.

Methods:
To assess reading comprehension, a short story was distributed (0 minutes) and read aloud to students while technicians collected HR and SPO2 via a pulse oximeter and asked students to identify their emotional state utilizing the How Am I Feeling visual scale (Buron and Curtis, 2003). Fifteen minutes later, HR and SPO2 were reassessed. After instructional time concluded (30 minutes), students were given a 4-question quiz pertaining to the story that was distributed prior while HR and SPO2 were reassessed, and students rated their emotional state. The procedure was then repeated in the opposite condition (mask v no mask) the following week at the same time of day with the same group of students.
Results: All participants (N =76) were recruited from the same school and data were analyzed via a one-way analysis of variance with repeated measures (ANOVA). There was no statistical significance between reading comprehension, heart rate, emotional state, nor oxygen saturation between the two conditions at any time point (p˃0.05). Furthermore, when participants were subjectively asked to answer the question: 'Does your mask distract you from learning?' 21.8% of the children responded with 'yes', 69.1% responded 'no', and 9.1% said, 'I don't know'.
Conclusions: There were no apparent adverse biological or cognitive effects on elementary school children while wearing a cloth face covering in the classroom for 30 consecutive minutes of instructional time within the parameters of this study. As cultures continue to make their way out of the COVID-19 pandemic, parents, scientists, and educators can take comfort in data supporting that masks do not explicitly present an obvious threat to health nor learning when worn in the classroom. the current study investigated the acute effects of PQQ supplementation with endurance exercise on the expression of genes related to mitochondrial function in young untrained males.
Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, untrained [<3 hr/ wk exercise for ≥1 year prior to starting the study] males aged between 18-35 (n =23) were randomly assigned to either a PQQ (n =12) or cellulose placebo (PLC; n =11) group. Participants underwent a percutaneous muscle biopsy from the vastus lateralis using the fine needle aspiration technique at baseline, 0.5-hour post-exercise and 2-hour postexercise. Following the baseline muscle biopsy, participants ingested their respective supplement (20 mg) prior to a VO2peak test on a stationary bike. Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was utilized to assess gene activity, which included PGC-1α, Citrate Synthase (CS), Cytochrome C-1 (CYC-1), and Cytochrome C Oxidase (COX 4/1). Factorial 2 × 3 Supplement [Group (PQQ, Placebo)] x Time [Baseline, 0.5-Hour Post-Exercise, 2-Hour Post-Exercise] mixed methods analyses of variance (ANOVA) was conducted for all criterion variables at a significance of p <0.05.
Results: There was no significant supplement by time interactions for all gene targets (p >0.05). However, there was a main time effect for PGC-1α and CS activity (p =0.002). Nevertheless, relative to gene expression, the magnitude difference may not be practically significant. Overall, an acute dose of PQQ with exercise presented no meaningful differences in gene activity for mitochondrial function.
Conclusions: An acute dose of PQQ combined with a bout of endurance exercise may not elicit a significant fold expression in targeted genes within untrained males. The limitations of solely 2 time-points for gene expression post-exercise may have minimized possibility in observing peak elevations. Furthermore, the methodological differences corresponding to our exercise bout (VO2Peak test), and no standardization of prior dietary status beyond self-reported dietary logs may explain the lack of gene activity. Further research is warranted to ascertain any effects following acute PQQ supplementation with variations in intensities, durations, or modalities of exercise for ergogenic potential on mitochondrial function in humans. Background: There is a dearth of data on professional fighters particularly in the mixed martial arts. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to describe the body composition variables on male and female professional fighters.

Fight club -Between-Sex and Within-Sex Differences in Body Composition Variables
Methods: A total of 28 professional fighters participated in this investigation (n =22 male, n =6 female). The majority (68%) of the fighters competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) (n =19). The remaining fighters competed in various other promotions (e.g. BKFC, Bellator, Eagle FC, Valor, etc.). Body composition was assessed via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Total and regional body composition was determined.
Results: There were significant sex differences for height, body mass, lean body mass, bone mineral content, whole body bone mineral density, Z score, regional bone mineral density (except for the head), regional percent fat (except for the head), and percent body fat; however, no differences were found for age or whole-body fat mass. In males, there was a significant relationship between lean tissue mass and bone mineral density. Furthermore, there existed within-sex differences for male fighters (i.e. left vs. right leg and arm). There were significant differences between the left and right arm for lean mass; in addition, fat mass differed between the left and right leg in males.
Conclusions: It is evident that profound sex differences exist vis a vis body composition. It should be noted that the bone mineral density is exceedingly high in this group of athletes. Furthermore, there tends to be asymmetry in both fat mass and lean mass in male fighters. Background: Caffeine (CAF) is widely used to enhance cognitive and physical performance. Habitual CAF use leads to physical dependance such that the absence of CAF evokes withdrawal symptoms that typically peak 20-48 h following the most recent dose. The impact of CAF withdrawal on acute exercise performance is currently unclear. Therefore, the primary aim of this project was to quantify the effects of withdrawal on performance, not only to assess the impact of withdrawal, but also to discern whether CAF ingestion elicits a net beneficial effect in habitual CAF users, or simply relieves the negative impact of withdrawal.

The Effect of Acute Caffeine Withdrawal on Exercise Performance in Habitual Caffeine Users
Methods: Ten recreational cyclists (age 39.1 ± 14.9 y; VO2max 54.2 ± 6.2 mL/kg/min) who were habitual CAF users (394 ± 146 mg/d) completed four trials, each consisting of peak isokinetic torque testing and a 10-km time trial (TT). On each trial day, subjects consumed either 1.5 mg/kg CAF to prevent withdrawal or placebo (PLA) 8 h before their laboratory visit, and then 6 mg/kg CAF or PLA 1 h prior to exercise. In a randomized counterbalanced design, each subject completed the following treatments: PLA 8 h pre-exercise + PLA 1 h pre-exercise (PLAW), CAF + PLA (PLAN), PLA + CAF (CAFW), CAF + CAF (CAFN).
Results: CAF withdrawal did not impair TT performance (PLAW, 18.86 ± 2.68 min vs. PLAN, 18.28 ± 1.62 min, p = 0.17). However, pre-exercise CAF ingestion only improved TT performance when compared to the PLAW trial (CAFN, 18.23 ± 2.10 min vs. PLAW, p = 0.014, CAFW, 18.05 ± 1.99 min vs. PLAW, p = 0.01). When withdrawal was mitigated, preexercise CAF did not enhance TT performance to pre-exercise PLA (PLAN vs. CAFN p = 0.636). Peak isokinetic torque (30 deg/s) was elevated in the CAFN (155.6 ± 28.9 ft-lbs) condition versus the PLAW (145.9 ± 30.7 ft-lbs) condition (p = 0.011), with no other differences between conditions. Conclusions: CAF withdrawal does not directly impair exercise performance, and pre-exercise CAF only improves performance when compared to bouts in which withdrawal is being experienced, suggesting that habitual CAF users may not benefit from acute CAF supplementation unless they are experiencing the effects of CAF withdrawal.
What is the relationship between nutritional knowledge and the fatigue and rate of perceived exertion on NCAA Division III women's soccer players during match play?
Laura Mason a , Jason Cholewa a , Sean Collins a , Nicki Favero a a University of Lynchburg, Lynchburg, VA, USA Corresponding author: mason_ln@lynchburg.edu Background: Soccer is a high-intensity intermittent and metabolically demanding sport which requires adequate nutritional supply. Player's time to exhaustion is correlated with muscle glycogen levels, therefore, consumption of carbohydrates pre-exercise and post-exercise is critical in order to maximize performance and recovery. NCAA Division I athletes have reported inadequate nutritional knowledge and not meeting their energy consumption needs, putting them at a higher risk of injury and decreased performance. Sports nutrition has become more popular since there is an increased awareness of the impact on performance levels. While substantial research has been done among Division I athletes little known at the Division III level in athletes on their sports nutrition knowledge. The purpose of this correlational study was to determine if a relationship is present between nutritional knowledge and rate of perceived exertion and fatigue in NCAA Division III women's soccer players.
Methods: Twenty-four subjects were recruited from the University of Lynchburg Women's Soccer team. Subjects were aged 18-22, female, and active participants of the team. A sports Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire developed by Reilly and Maughan was administered to all subjects to complete at the beginning of study. Prior to games, subjects completed the Hooper Index to determine fatigue levels. After games, subjects completed RPE scores. Playing time was calculated per subject to calculate session-RPE. Subjects were surveyed across 8 games during the season. The relationship between nutritional knowledge and the Hooper Index and s-RPE was analyzed with Pearson's correlation and significance was set at p <0.05.
Results: The average score of the Sports Nutrition Questionnaire was 52.8 ±13.7 among all subjects. The average Hooper Index score was 14.6 ±2.1 among all subjects. The average s-RPE was 276.1 ±235.7 among all players. No significant correlation (p =0.533) was found between Sports Nutrition Questionnaire and Hooper Index (r =−0.134) in all subjects. No significant correlation (p =0.686) was found between Sports Nutrition Questionnaire and s-RPE (r =0.087) in all subjects. No significant correlation (p =0.499) was found between Hooper Index and play time (r =0.145) in all subjects. Median playing time was 27 minutes, and subjects that averaged greater than 27 minutes were defined as high volume players, and those less than 27 minutes low volume players. No significant correlation (p =0.508) was found between Sports Nutrition Questionnaire and Hooper Index (r =−0.145) in subjects who played the most during the season. No significant correlation (p =0.565) was found between Sports Nutrition Questionnaire and s-RPE (r =0.127) in subjects who played the most during the season.

Conclusions:
In conclusion, NCAA Division III women's soccer players have inadequate sports nutrition knowledge, but there were no relationships with rating of perceived exertion and levels of fatigue. However, it should be noted that players can benefit from increasing their sports nutrition knowledge by having access to a registered dietitian focused on sports nutrition. This will allow athletes to improve their dietary behaviors in order to properly prepare them for competition and proper recovery post-competition.
Acknowledgments: University of Lynchburg Women's Soccer Team for their participation in my research. My research committee for their help throughout the study. Background: Resistance exercise (RE) can provoke significant elevations in gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, damage, and permeability. It is believed that high levels of intra-abdominal pressure impacts GI distress with absolute RE intensity as a primary contributor to GI issues following exercise. The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between maximal strength, relative strength, GI symptoms, and indirect markers of GI damage and permeability in resistance-trained males and females.

Resistance Exercise Intensity is Related to Gastrointestinal Symptoms and
Methods: Thirty resistance-trained men [n = 15, 24.2 ± 4.0 yr, 90.9 ± 22.3 kg, 143.2 ± 28.9 kg Squat 1-Repetition Maximum (1RM)] and women (n = 15, 23.6 ± 3.9 yr, 69.8 ± 16.6 kg, 87.7 ± 20.2 kg Squat 1RM) free of any underlying GI issue or pathology completed a RE bout and a non-exercise control (CON) session in a randomized, counterbalanced design. The RE protocol utilized a load of 70% 1RM for 4 sets of 10 repetitions with a 90second rest period between sets and a 120-second rest period between exercises (squat, seated shoulder press, deadlift, bent-over row, leg press). Blood samples were collected before exercise (PRE), immediately-(IP), 15-, 30-, and 60-minutes (60 min) post-exercise. GI symptom questionnaires were completed by participants to assess subjective upper and lower GI symptoms at PRE, IP and 60 min post-exercise with a scale of 0 (no symptom) to 9 (worst it has ever been). Blood samples were assayed to quantify small intestine damage (I-FABP) and GI permeability [Lactulose/Rhamnose (L/R) ratio] with all measures corrected for plasma volume shifts. Relationships between Total Absolute and Relative 1RM Strength (all 1RM values for each exercise summed), Total GI symptoms, blood markers of damage and permeability (I-FABP and L/R ratio) were analyzed using Pearson product moment correlations.
Results: Total Absolute 1RM Strength was significantly correlated to I-FABP values at IP (r = 0.559; p = 0.001), 15 min (r = 0.503; p = 0.005), and 30 min (r = 0.417; p = 0.022) while having no association to L/R Ratio. Total Relative 1RM Strength was only associated with I-FABP at IP (r = 0.385; p = 0.036) and not correlated to L/R Ratio. There were moderate correlations between Total GI Symptoms and Total Absolute 1RM Strength (r = 0.350, p = 0.058) and Total Relative 1RM Strength (r = 0.359; p = 0.051) but these relationships did not reach significance.
Conclusions: It appears that RE intensity is related to GI symptoms and damage (I-FABP) following exercise and is not associated with GI permeability (L/R Ratio) in resistance-trained adults. Background: There is evidence to suggest that multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements may exert a profound effect on both mental and physical performance. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement (MIPS) on mental and physical performance.

A Multi-ingredient Supplement Enhances Mood and Attention
Methods: A total of 14 exercise-trained individuals, men (n = 7) and women (n =7) (mean ± SD: age 19.9 ± 1.4 yr; height 168.2 ± 11.3 cm; body mass 68.9 ± 10.7 kg; lean body mass 54.9 ± 12.5 kg; fat mass 14.0 ± 5.5 kg; percent body fat 21.0 ± 9.0%; total body water liters 40.2 ± 9.2 L; total number of years training 6.3 ± 3.5) average hours of aerobic exercise per week 3.6 ± 3.5; average hours of resistance exercise per week 7.4 ± 4.9; other exercise per week 1.8 ± 2.8; average caffeine consumed per day 207 ± 112) completed this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, counterbalanced, crossover trial. Participants consumed either a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement (MIPS) or a placebo in a randomized, counterbalanced order. Forty-five minutes postconsumption, the following assessments were conducted: psychomotor vigilance (PVT), Profile of Mood States (POMS), vertical jump test, and heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP). There was a one-week washout period between assessments.
Conclusions: The acute consumption of a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement produced a significant improvement in vigilance as well as measures of vigor and fatigue.
Background: Multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements (MIPS) have been shown to affect exercise performance. Endurance-trained runners have increased time to fatigue during sustained running at lactate threshold. Caffeine energy drink also showed improvements in performance during a 1-hour timed cycling trial. An investigation on an energy drink containing caffeine rather found that those who consumed the energy drink had less false starts during a Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT) versus the placebo. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to assess whether a caffeine-containing MIPS affected various physical and neurophysiologic measures.
Methods: Seventeen exercise-trained men (n = 7) and women (n =10) completed this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, counterbalanced, crossover trial. Participants consumed either a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement (MIPS) or a placebo in a randomized, counterbalanced order. Forty-five minutes postconsumption and at 90 minutes post-consumption, the following assessments were conducted: psychomotor vigilance test (PVT), Profile of Mood States (POMS), Stroop test, vertical jump test, and a cold pressor test (CPT). There was a one-week washout period between assessments.
Results: There were significant differences in the incongruent task for the Stroop test where the treatment group was faster than the placebo group at the 45-minute post-consumption (reaction time: treatment 862 ± 160 ms, placebo 942 ± 204 ms, p = 0.0424). There were no significant differences in the Stroop test in congruent scores at either time interval or the incongruent at the 90-minute interval. There was not a significant difference between groups in the psychomotor vigilance (PVT) at either interval. There are no significant differences in either interval for the CPT, the vertical jump, or the Profile of Mood States (POMS) as well.
Conclusions: A multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement (MIPS) resulted in better performance on the incongruent task vs. the placebo group 45 minutes postconsumption.
Acknowledgments: Product and placebo were an in-kind donation from MRM (Oceanside CA USA). Background: Sex differences in pain tolerance and perceived pain exists. Similar evidence suggests that the effects of exercise can vary between genders. The purpose of this investigation was to assess sex differences in skeletal muscle pain/soreness following a bout of eccentric loading of the non-dominant arm.
Conclusions: Women perceive less muscle pain than men following a bout of eccentric exercise of the non-dominant elbow flexor muscles.

Blood Lactate Responses to a Stand-up (SUP) Paddling Race: a Pilot Trial
Joseph Petruzzulli a , Amani Khan a , Cassandra Evans a , Veronica Mekhail a , Paulina Czartoryski a , Flavia Rusterholz a , Jose Antonio PhD a , Victoria Burgess PhD b a Exercise and Sport Science, Nova Southeastern University, Florida, Davie, Florida, USA b Concordia University, Chicago, IL, USA Corresponding author: Jose.Antonio@nova.edu

Background:
The blood lactate response to exercise is indicative of the contribution of the glycolytic energy system (aka lactic acid energy system). As exercise intensity increases, the reliance on glycolysis also increases thus resulting in higher concentrations of blood lactate. To date, there are no studies on the blood lactate response to a stand-up paddling race. Thus, the purpose of this pilot trial was to measure blood lactate at rest and after a stand-up paddling (i.e. SUP) race in a group of well-trained paddlers.
Conclusions: Stand-up paddling induces a significant elevation of blood lactate thus indicating a significant contribution of the lactic acid energy system (i.e. fast glycolysis) to this form of exercise. Conclusions: Differences in body composition between measurement modalities existed in men and women athletes. ADP underestimated %BF in men and women athletes by ~4.5% and 2.0%, respectively. FFM from DXA was lower in women by 4-5 kg. While not different in men, it may be of clinical interest that FFM was ~4.0 kg lower for DXA (ES = 0.30). When calculated from DXA, FFMI was lower in men and women by 1.1 kg of FFM/m2 and 1.8 kg of FFM/m2, respectively. It is recommended that practitioners be aware of the underestimation of %BF from ADP and exercise caution when using the different modalities to track changes in body composition. Background: Exercise consisting of high-volume eccentric contractions has been known to damage muscle fibers resulting in a loss of contractile force, muscular power, and increases in soreness up to 72-hours post-exercise. Recently, probiotics have garnered interest for their ability to mitigate these changes. Supplementation with the strain Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 has demonstrated the potential to support improvements in performance and recovery, however, this research has been minimal. Further, inactivated probiotic strains have also amassed interest, but research into any performance modulation is lacking. This study's purpose was to identify the impact of supplementation with inactive and active cultures of Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 on muscular performance, soreness, and recovery after a high-volume dose of resistance exercise.
Results: Changes in pressure-to-pain threshold (PPT) between PLA and INBC30 were different (p =0.01). Five-hours post-exercise, participants in the INBC30 group had a significantly lower PPT when compared to PLA (p =0.04). No changes in PPT between PLA and BC30 were identified (p =0.11). Further, changes in perceived recovery were identified at every timepoint (p <0.05) between PLA and BC30 with no changes identified between PLA and INBC30. All performance variables significantly decreased in response to the exercise bout (p <0.001) before returning to pre-exercise values, but no differences between groups were identified.
Conclusions: While performance was unaffected, BC30 supplementation, when compared to PLA, was able to improve perceptions of recovery in the hours and days following a high-volume resistance exercise bout. When compared to PLA, INBC30 reported a decreased ability to tolerate pain 5-hours after exercise.
skipping, shortness of breath, nervousness or blurred vision) were observed between groups.
Conclusions: Findings of this intervention suggest that consuming two servings of a commercially available thermogenic supplement results in a sustained increase in oxygen consumption and metabolic rate for at least a 2-hour period post consumption. The high dose of caffeine and other stimulant ingredients did not result in any adverse events or negative alterations in hemodynamic function.
Background: Competitive gaming requires visual selective attention, short-term memory or task switching, and an ability to sustain a high level of energy over time. Fucoxanthin is a major carotenoid, found in specific microalgae varieties like Phaeodactylum tricornutum that has been reported to possess neuroprotective and nootropic effects through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities on different signaling pathways like Nrf2-ARE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether acute and 30-day supplementation of a microalgae extract from Phaeodactylum tricornutum with Guarana would affect cognitive function of gamers.
Methods: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled manner, 51 male and 10 female experienced gamers (21.7 ±4 years, 73.0 ±13 kg, 24.2 ±3.6 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to ingest a placebo (PL); low-dose (LD) of GamePhyt™ (MicroPhyt, Baillargues, FR) containing 440 mg/day of Phaeodactylum tricornutum extract including 1% Fucoxanthin + 440 mg/day of guarana, or high-dose (HD) of GamePhyt™ containing 2 × 440 mg/day of Phaeodactylum tricornutum extract including 1% Fucoxanthin + 440 mg/day of guarana for 30-days. Participants refrained from consuming atypical amounts of stimulants, food, and supplements that may affect cognition during the study. Acute (single dose) cognitive function tests were administered on Day 0 prior to supplementation, 15-min post-supplementation, and after the participants played their most competitive video game for 60-minutes. Participants continued supplementation for 30-days and then repeated pre-supplementation and post-gaming cognitive function tests. The battery of cognitive function tests included the Psychomotor Vigilance Task Test (PVTT) which assesses sustained attention reaction times through responses to visual stimuli (as light) requiring participants to press a keyboard button in response to a randomly illuminating light on screen every few seconds. The number of times the button was not pressed, and the speed of response was measured, with sleepiness quantified as the number of lapses in attention during the test. A total of 20 trials were performed. Data were analyzed by General Linear Model (GLM) univariate analyses with repeated measures using weight as a covariate and mean and percent changes from baseline with 95% confidence intervals.
Results: Figure 1 presents selected analyses performed on PVTT data. Results revealed evidence that acute LD ingestion significantly reduced pre-game (Pre-G) Trial 6 reaction times. After 30-days of supplementation, reaction times in Trial 6 were faster prior to and following gaming with LD ingestion. However, no significant differences were observed in 20 Trial mean reaction time responses.

Conclusions:
Results provide some evidence that acute and chronic supplementation with a microalgae extract from Phaeodactylum tricornutum with Guarana can affect sustained attention reaction times and lapses in attention.
Acknowledgments: This study was funded by MicroPhyt (Baillargues, FR) as a fee-forservice project to the Human Clinical Research Facility at Texas A&M University and conducted by the Exercise & Sport Nutrition Lab. Changes from baselind are show as † (p<0.05 change from baseline) and ‡ (p<0.05 to p<0.10 trends from baseline). Small case letters indicate p<0.05 differences from placebo (pl), low dose (ld), or high dose (hl) whileupper-case letters (PL, LD, HD) indicate trends (p<0.0-5 to p<01.10).