Recent research efforts have attempted to determine the effectiveness of the combination of a pharmacological cardiac stimulant (theophylline) and pulmonary vasodilator (ambrisentan) in attenuating performance losses and mountain sickness at altitude. This combination has been observed to improve hypoxic exercise performance in rats, but never tested in human subjects. In the current study, 30 male participants were tested in a paired fashion to assess whether this drug combination would improve exercise performance and/or decrease symptoms of AMS. The experimental group (EXP, n = 15) received a treatment of 400 mg theophylline and 5 mg ambrisentan, while the placebo group (PLA, n = 15) received a placebo combination. Data collection was performed in the field at an altitude of 4,267 m. Participants completed two 2-mile time trials (TT) on subsequent days, between which they spent the night at 3,048 m. Treatment with theophylline and ambrisentan was not associated with improved 2-mile TT performances or AMS symptoms. The EXP group had significantly lower measures of diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure compared to PLA while at altitude (69.2 ± 7.9 vs 77.7 ± 8.0 mmHg and 90.8 ± 8.9 vs 97.2 ± 7.9 mmHg, respectively), main effect for group, p<0.05. Significantly, this study was the first to assess this drug combination in human subjects at altitude in a field setting. Additionally, the observed reduction in vascular pressures as a result of treatment may have positive implications for the health state of sojourners to altitude.

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of women in Montana who chose to attempt relactation. A phenomenological approach was utilized to understand the lived experiences of the 10 participants. In depth interviews were conducted and a 21 item, categorical and open-ended survey was administered seeking demographic and experiential data. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to organize and analyze the data. Most participants reported having good support from family, friends, lactation specialists, and/or physicians. Despite this support, the participants experienced breastfeeding difficulty. An overarching theme was having a difficult baby; whether it was colic, latching difficulties, or a lack of bond with the baby. Most of the participants were surprised they experienced such difficulty and stated their experience contradicted their previous expectations of breastfeeding. It was common for the participants to state it was assumed breastfeeding would be easy since it was a natural bodily function. Feelings of rejection, anger, stress, and failure were commonly expressed when participants reflected on their first attempt at breastfeeding. The participants who felt they relactated successfully stated the process was a defining moment in their lives, it gave them a second chance at breastfeeding, and many felt like they were able to overcome those negative feelings associated with breastfeeding difficulty. Future studies could examine the experience of breastfeeding a difficult baby, and what factors are present with women who continue or discontinue nursing difficult babies.

IMPLICATIONS OF DISCONTINUOUS EXERCISE ON THE MAINTENANCE OF THERMOREGULATION IN THE HEAT T.J. Hampton, F. von Sydow, J.S. Cuddy, B.C. Ruby, FACSM, and C.L. Dumke, FACSM. University of Montana, Missoula, MT Increases in physiological strain index (PSI) can be a barrier to endurance performance. The efficacy of discontinuous work on the attenuation of rises in PSI during exercise in the heat remains unclear. PURPOSE: To evaluate discontinuous exercise on the maintenance of thermoregulation in the heat. METHODS: Eight recreationally active men (age 28.5±5.5 yr, body mass 75.3±11.5 kg, VO2peak 56.3 ±6.3 ml*kg-1*min-1) performed 2 trials of 60 minutes each (discontinuous (DCON) run/walk and continuous (CONT) running) matched for overall work. Five of these subjects performed the trials outdoors (OUT) on a 400m gravel track at 30.9 ±3.1 °C and humidity of 25.5±5.5% RH. The speeds for the trials were 187.8 and 203.8 m/min for CONT and DCON, respectively. During the DCON trial, participants ran for 8.5 minutes then walked at 1 minute (80.5 m/min). Subsequently, three men acclimated to a climate chamber (IN) for 15 minutes and then performed DCON and CONT incremental trials on a treadmill at 34°C and 40% humidity. The trials were similar to the OUT conditions, where work was matched over the course of 1 hr, but with 3 different intensities increasing every 20 minutes. This was followed by a time trial (TT) which included an incremental increase in treadmill grade at 187.8 m/min until failure. RESULTS: The OUT group exhibited a significant effect of trial in DCON and CON for Tsk (36.75±1.3 vs 34.2±0.6 ˚C; P=0.002) and a trend towards significance in HR (152±14 vs 132±30 bpm; P=0.095) and PSI (6.1±2.1 vs 5.2±3.1, P=0.062). The IN group showed an effect of time for HR (141±21 vs 150±30 bpm for DCON and CON, respectively; P=0.016). There was no significant difference in TT performance (P=0.15) between trials. CONCLUSION: These findings imply that when total work is held constant DCON has a significant impact on HR and Tsk but not on Tc or PSI during exercise in the heat and that the Dcon trial did not result in elevated PSI despite working at a higher workload than the control trial.

EFFECT OF EXOGENOUS ICE SLURRY ON PHYSIOLOGICAL STRAIN INDEX DURING EXERCISE IN THE HEAT. F. von Sydow, T.J. Hampton, J.S. Cuddy, B.C. Ruby, FACSM, and C.L. Dumke, FACSM. The University of Montana, Missoula, MT Ice slurry solution (IS) ingested during exercise in the heat may alleviate physiological strain index (PSI) by lessening the rise of core temperature (Tc), and heart rate (HR.) PURPOSE: To investigate IS influence on PSI during submaximal running in the heat. METHODS: Six recreationally trained subjects (60+3 ml*kg-1*min-1) participated in two running trials on an outdoor track (30+1.5˚C, 25%RH). The two trials were run at the same absolute intensity (187.6 m*min-1), and given either an ambient carbohydrate drink (25˚C) or IS (-1˚C) in random order. Subsequently, three recreationally aerobic trained subjects (59+3 ml*kg-1* min-1) participated in two running trials inside a climate chamber (34˚C, 40%RH). Subjects acclimatized in the chamber for 15 minutes then ran for 1hr with increasing speed every 20 minutes followed by an incremental time trial (TT) test to exhaustion. RESULTS: Using 2x3 ANOVA, outside runners had a significantly lower PSI (5.4+1.6 vs. 7.1+1.3; P=0.01), however HR (P=0.63), Tc (P=0.56), Tsk (P=0.55), and sweat rate (P=0.06) did not reach significance (P>0.05). Chamber runners had a significantly increased TT performance when given IS compared to ambient drink (8.2+2.1 min vs 6.4+1.8 min; P=0.01). Although chamber runners did not achieve significantly lower PSI (P=0.35), HR (P=0.51), Tc (P=0.51), Tsk (P=0.43), sweat rate (P=0.21) or RPE (P=0.58) when given IS. Nevertheless, CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that IS may have a significant impact on PSI. The IS also significantly increased TT performance. These data show the potential for increased running performance when IS is given during moderate exercise in the heat.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Physical activity (PA) is a critical determinant of long term health and is necessary for the prevention of youth onsetadult diseases. It is recommended that all youth accumulate at least 60+ min of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) most days of the week in bouts lasting at least 10 min. PURPOSE: To evaluate the PA patterns of Missoula youth in order to make better recommendations for PA interventions for a wellness policy. METHODS: 324 elementary and middle school students from 5 schools wore accelerometers on their wrists for 5 days. The data were converted to activity energy expenditure (AEE) and also evaluated for single min and bouts of activity lasting at least 10 min of MVPA daily, in- versus out-of-school, and during sport, physical education (PE), and recess. Grade and gender differences were also assessed. RESULTS: The data show better than national averages in daily min of MVPA, with 70% of all students meeting the recommendation in 10 min bouts. Students showed low levels of MVPA during PE, recess, and sport. Sport was responsible for the highest accumulation of MVPA, followed by recess and then PE in both 1 and 10 min bouts. There was a drop in MVPA in both genders as grade level increased (both in and out of school), with more MVPA in single and 10 min bouts occurring out of school than in school. Males showed higher levels of MVPA than females during PE in 1 min bouts, recess in 1 and 10 min bouts, and in school in 1 and 10 min bouts. When scaled for body weight, genders did not differ in AEE. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest an overall healthy youth PA environment in Missoula. However, the 30% of students not meeting the recommendations for health in 10 min bouts are still of concern. Interventions could focus on encouraging slight increases of MVPA during PE, sport, and recess, especially at the middle school level. Increasing out of school MVPA is also necessary to make the biggest impact due to already overburdened school systems.

The purpose of the guide is to describe the steps in designing, implementing, and evaluating a cardiovascular health program for middle school students, called CATCH Fridays, and to create a guide for others who wish to replicate the program at their school.

INTRODUCTION: Interval training intensities are typically based on percentages of VO2max, heart rate max, or lactate threshold. Interval training based on current race pace has not been evaluated. PURPOSE: This study examined intervals at 95% VO2peak compared to race pace intervals on VO2peak, ventilatory threshold, time trial performance, peak power output, and vertical jump height in recreationally active subjects. METHODS: 34 subjects were randomly assigned to one of four training groups (TM-95%, Cycle-95%, TM-RP, Cycle-RP). Pre- and post- study, all subjects performed a ramped protocol test to exhaustion on a treadmill or electronically braked cycle ergometer for determination of VO2peak and ventilatory threshold and a 2.5 mile treadmill time trial or a 20 kilometer cycle time trial. The training intervention for the 95% groups was 4 x 4 minute intervals at 95% of VO2peak with 2 minute rest periods. The RP groups performed intervals with 2 minute rest periods at speeds 1% faster than their average time trial speed and increased 2% each week. All groups were matched for total work in ml/kg/min. Lab controlled interval sessions were three times per week for eight weeks. A-priori contrasts (1 tailed, dependent) were used to evaluate changes by interval type, mode of training, and gender. A two-way mixed design ANOVAs (time by group) were calculated to measure between group interactions (alpha p < 0.05). Results are presented as mean ± standard error (SE). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between any of the four groups from pre to post in all dependent variables. However within groups, all subjects significantly improved in VO2peak, VT, time trial performance, and vertical jump height. No group was significantly able to increase peak power output. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that RP intervals were just as effective at improving VO2peak, ventilatory threshold, and time trial performance as 95%VO2peak intervals independent of gender and exercise mode. These data provide athletes with another option for training. Further research is needed to evaluate race pace intervals efficacy on physiological function, performance, and long term use.

The focus of previous running research has been on physiological determinates of performance utilizing small sample sizes and short time frames with little regard to previous training methods. PURPOSE: The goal of this research was to describe, compare, and evaluate the relationships between anthropometric, run training, and ancillary training variables during the 2008 season and performance of male finishers at the NCAA Division I cross country championship 10k race. METHODOLOGY: An online survey was created based on previous research and all coaches who had male runners finish the 2008 NCAA championship race were asked to include their athletes in the online survey. 42 out of 252 runners (17%) completed the survey. RESULTS: Runners with better pre-college 1600 meter (r = 0.37) and 3200 meter (r = 0.32) track times ran faster at the championship race. A composite of these pre-college times was the best significant (p < 0.05) predictor of performance (adj. r2 = 0.12). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed an increased number of core training sessions during the peak period and form/drill sessions during the transition period also were significant (p < 0.05) predictors of slower 10k finish time. Threshold training during the peak period was a significant (p <0.05) predictor of 10k finish time (adj r2 = 0.07) when compared only to run-training variables. Evidence of the training principles of progressive overload, periodization, specialization, and tapering were evident in the data. CONCLUSION: Recruiting faster runners is important for college coaches to have successful teams. Due to a low number of significant (p < 0.05) findings, there is no single best training method when training for the 10k race although excessive ancillary training can hinder rest and hurt run-training and race performance while threshold training during the peak period can lead to overtraining and slower performance times at the NCAA championship 10k race. Optimal performance in the NCAA cross country championship 10k race is dependent on coaches who can recruit faster runners and best integrate all training methods into each period and the entire season specific for his/her athletes.

Hotter environments can often alter the normal exercises responses of metabolism and work performance compared to exercise in a more neutral condition. The goal of this study was to determine the effects of a hot (H) and room temperature (RT) environment on glycogen resynthesis during recovery from exercise. Recreationally active males (n = 9) completed two trials, each with 60-min of cycling exercise at 60% of maximum watts in a temperature-controlled chamber (32.6°C), followed by 4 hours of recovery at the same temperature (H) or 22.2°C (RT). Subjects were fed a carbohydrate beverage (1.8 g/kg bodyweight) at 0 and 2 hours post-exercise. Muscle biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis at 0, 2, and 4 hours post-exercise for analysis of muscle glycogen. Blood samples were collected at 0, 30, 60, 120, 150, 180, and 240 minutes of recovery for glucose and insulin analysis. Ambient and core temperatures were monitored for the duration of the trial. Expired gas was collected prior to 2- and 4-hour biopsies for calculation of whole-body carbohydrate (CHO) oxidation. Glycogen, core temperature, CHO oxidation, and blood marker values were analyzed using two-way ANOVA with repeated measures. Average core temperature was significantly higher in H compared to RT (38.1°C ± 0.01° vs. 37.9°C ± 0.08°, p<0.05) during recovery. Glycogen was not different at 0 and 2 hours post-exercise. However, at 4 hours post-exercise muscle glycogen was significantly higher in RT vs. H (105 ± 28 vs. 88 ± 24 mmolkg-1 wet weight, respectively). Blood glucose levels were similar between H and RT for the first two hours, but showed lower values (p<0.05) in RT compared to H at time points 150, 180, and 240 minutes post-exercise. CHO oxidation during recovery was higher in H compared to RT (0.36 ± 0.04 g/min vs. 0.22 ± 0.03 g/min, respectively, p<0.05), with greater CHO oxidation at 4-hours post-exercise in both trials. Glycogen resynthesis during recovery is impaired in a hot environment, likely due to increased oxidation of CHO instead of synthesis.

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a growing health concern among American Indian populations. Many behavioral risk factors for T2DM are influenced by the family unit. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of certain parent/guardian variables on youth type 2 diabetes risk factors. Methods: The parents/guardians of 10-14 year old Northern Plains American Indian youth (n=37) were surveyed regarding their knowledge for physical activity and nutrition, support behaviors for physical activity and nutrition in their youth, and their individual physical activity and nutrition behaviors. Youth variables including physical activity behavior, dietary behavior, and body mass index percentile-for-age (BMI %ile) were also collected. Results: Higher levels of parent/guardian physical activity support were correlated with higher youth BMI %ile (r= 0.433, p=0.013). Parent/guardian nutrition support was also significantly correlated with higher youth BMI %ile as well (r=0.406, p=0.021). Parent/guardian physical activity support and nutrition support were not significantly correlated (p>0.05) with youth physical activity behavior or dietary behavior. Parent/guardian knowledge about physical activity and nutrition was not associated with youth physical activity, youth dietary intake, or youth BMI %ile. Parent/guardian nutrition behaviors and physical activity behaviors were also not significantly correlated with youth physical activity, dietary intake, or BMI %ile. Discussion: The results for parent/guardian support to be associated with higher youth BMI %ile were unexpected and deserve attention in future research to evaluate the motivating forces behind parent/guardian support of youth physical activity and nutrition. Although parents/guardians have an influential role in the lives of adolescents, this role did not translate broadly to measurable outcomes concerning T2DM risk factors for the 10-14 year old Northern Plains American Indian youth in the study. While this study was not conclusive regarding the influence of parent/guardian factors on youth disease risk factors, this topic merits further research in light of the increasing incidence of T2DM among American Indian youth.