Carbohydrate-protein (CHO-PRO) and carbohydrate (CHO) beverages are two popular nutritional supplements currently used by many athletes to improve exercise performance. Research regarding these supplements effectiveness during resistance exercise (RE) has been inconsistent. PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of CHO-PRO versus CHO supplementation and a placebo (PLA) on RE performance, perceived exertion during RE, and post-exercise salivary cortisol. METHODS: Twenty seven college aged (18 to 30 yrs) healthy males who participated in recreational strength training were recruited from the university community to participate in this investigation. Subjects randomly received either a: 1) CHO-PRO; 2) CHO; or 3) PLA supplement 15 minutes prior to exercise, between every other set during exercise, and immediately post-exercise. Subjects completed a RE session consisting of multiple sets of seated leg press exercise starting with 1 set of 10 repetitions at 40, 50, and 60% of 1 repetition maximum (RM), continuing with multiple sets of 8 to 10 repetitions at 70% of their 1 RM until fatigue. Ratings of perceived exertion for the active muscle group (RPE-AM) and overall body (RPE-O) were measured immediately following each set and Session-RPE was measured 30 minutes after the RE session concluded. Salivary cortisol samples were collected approximately 15 minutes prior to exercise and 30 minutes post-exercise. RESULTS: CHO-PRO and CHO supplementation resulted in a significantly greater total number of repetitions performed to fatigue than a PLA. CHO supplementation resulted in an attenuated RPE-AM response at 25% and 50% of total volume of work performed compared to the CHO-PRO supplementation or a PLA. There were no significant differences for RPE-O or Session-RPE between the three treatment groups. Finally, CHO supplementation resulted in an attenuation of post-exercise salivary cortisol response compared to CHO-PRO supplementation or a PLA. CONCLUSION: The results of this investigation suggest that both CHO-PRO and CHO supplementation before and during RE can have a positive impact on exercise performance which may ultimately lead to enhanced muscular adaptations and improved sport performance.

THE INFLUENCE OF VARIATION IN THE CATECHOL-O-METHYLTRANSFERASE GENE ON PERCEPTUAL RESPONSE TO EXERCISE Nikhil Satchidanand, PhD University of Pittsburgh, 2010 INTRODUCTION: Exercise is a psycho-physiological stressor that activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, eliciting increased catecholamine production. The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene codes for the enzyme that catabolizes catecholamines as part of antinonciception. Haplotypes of COMT are implicated in interindividual differences in sensation of pain and possibly exertional perception. PURPOSE: To examine the influence of haplotypes of COMT on exertional perceptions and lower-body pain (LBP) during a sub-maximal graded exercise test (GXT) among adults. METHODS: Subjects (n=169, 55% female, mean age: 29.16 + 4.10 yrs) completed one sub-maximal GXT to 85% of age-adjusted maximal heart-rate. Oxygen uptake (VO2), minute ventilation (VE) and heart rate were measured at each stage. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE; OMNI Scale) were estimated for the overall body (RPE-O), legs (RPE-L), and chest (RPE-C) at 2:45 of each stage. Exercise-induced LBP (Cook Pain Scale) was assessed at 2:55. One sample for DNA extraction was collected. Subject categories were Low Responder (LR), Average Responder (AR), or High Responder (HR). For each subject, linear regression models were generated for RPE or Pain expressed as a function of each physiological criterion variable. A separate slope was calculated for each regression model. Slopes were compared among subgroups via ANCOVA, controlling for age and physical activity. RESULTS: For males when RPE (Legs, Chest) was expressed as a function of %VO2max, HR subjects exhibited higher (p < .001) slopes than LR subjects. When RPE-L was expressed as a function of VE, HR subjects exhibited higher (p <.001) slopes than LR subjects. Finally, among males when RPE (Legs, Chest) was expressed as a function of heart rate, HR subjects exhibited higher (p < .001) slopes than LR subjects. No significant differences existed among females for any of the associations. For both males and females, when LBP was expressed as a function of each physiological criterion variable, HR subjects exhibited significantly higher slopes than LR subjects (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Haplotypes of the COMT gene appear to influence interindividual differences in exertional perceptions and LBP during a sub-maximal GXT. Subjects with the HR genotype exhibited higher RPEs and LBP than LR subjects at a given workload.

The Effects of a Nutrition Intervention on Adults in a Community Program Maddison M. Krug, Amy D. Otto, Robert J. Robertson, FACSM, Diane L. Helsel, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA. Obesity continues to be a national epidemic affecting many individuals in our communities today. One way to positively affect these individuals may be through a community intervention program focused on healthy eating behaviors; however, there is currently no data on the effects of this program. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of a nutrition intervention program on adults in a community program called the Community Leisure Learn Program (CLLP) at the University of Pittsburgh. METHODS: Twenty-two men and women participated in a 10-week behavioral weight-loss nutrition intervention as part of an ongoing community program that provided physical activity opportunities as a primary focus. Participants were assigned to either a Non-Interactive Nutrition Intervention Program (NINIP) group or an Interactive Nutrition Intervention Program (INIP) group. In addition to the community program activities undertaken by both groups, INIP received a weekly behavioral weight-loss class and 1200-1500 kcal/20% fat diet. Baseline to 10 week differences between the NINIP and INIP groups were determined for body weight (kg), Eating Behavior Inventory (EBI), Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire, and a nutrition exam. Mean age was 38.3 ± 7.1 years and mean body mass index (BMI) was 34.1 ± 5.5 kg/m². RESULTS: Significant baseline to 10 week differences between the INIP and NINIP groups were found for the nutrition exam scores and EBI. CONCLUSION: Significant improvements were seen in the nutrition exam and EBI for the INIP group. However, there was not a significant difference in weight change and physical activity between the NINIP and INIP groups. A longer program with a physical activity focus may be necessary to achieve significant weight and physical activity changes. Supported by the University of Pittsburgh School of Education Student Research Grant.

Exercise is an important component in preparing for competition. Failure to properly train can lead to performance decrements, fatigue and injury. Scientific based sport conditioning programs are available for a variety of sports. However, there is lack of information concerning sport conditioning for motorcycle road racing. The purpose of this investigation was to conduct an initial study of body mass index (BMI), estimated cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) and exercise training patterns of expert and novice amateur motorcycle road racers. A total of 53 Western Eastern Roadracing Association (WERA) racers provided self-reported height, weight, age, gender, resting heart rate (RHR), physical activity habits, aerobic exercise training patterns and resistance exercise training patterns on an on-line survey. Height and weight was used to calculate BMI. Gender, age, RHR and habitual physical activity were used to estimate VO2max. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was employed to assess total physical activity (PA) in minutes per week. A supplemental survey was utilized to assess exercise training participation, frequency, duration, resistance exercise selection, repetitions and sets. An independent sample t-test was used to compare BMI and estimated VO2max between expert and novice racers. A Mann-Whitney u test was performed to compare Total PA. Pearson Chi-Squared tests were used to compare exercise training patterns. Expert racers had a significantly lower mean BMI (p<.05) compared to novice racers, 23.55 and 25.77, respectively . No significant difference was found in estimated VO2max between expert and novices racers, 46.65 ml/kg/min and 44.31 ml/kg/min, respectively. A significant difference (p<.05) was found in Total PA. Expert racers had a mean total PA of 1110 min/wk and novice racers had a mean total PA of 743 min/wk. A significant difference (p< .05) was established in one resistance exercise (i.e. lunges). Novices had a larger participation rate compared to expert racers in the lunge resistance exercise. The findings do not provide sufficient information to conclusively develop a sport-specific exercise program. However, this study provides preliminary data concerning anthropometric and fitness characteristics of motorcycle road racers. Additional research is necessary to fully understand characteristics associated with improved motorcycle road racing performance.

Key metabolic impairments in obesity are reduced skeletal muscle and systemic fatty acid oxidation (FAO). Few clinical trials in severely obese adults examined how the BMI classification relates to FAO and how the addition of exercise to weight loss interventions impacts FAO. PURPOSE: To examine how BMI levels that include severely obese relate to FAO. To examine how weight loss interventions with or without exercise in severely obese adults impact FAO. METHODS: Adults (BMI:20-52 kg/m2) were recruited to examine skeletal muscle FAO with histochemical analysis of muscle biopsies and systemic FAO at rest and during submaximal exercise with indirect calorimetry. Changes in skeletal muscle and systemic FAO of severely obese adults randomized to one of the following weight loss interventions were examined: surgery (S), surgery plus exercise (SE) and diet plus exercise (DE). RESULTS: BMI was not significantly related to skeletal muscle or systemic FAO at rest. During exercise at an absolute workload, BMI only had a significant moderate, positive association with systemic absolute FAO (mg/min) in the univariate analysis (r=0.46,p<0.01). During exercise at the relative workload, BMI had a moderate, negative association with respiratory exchange ratio (RER; r=0.54,p<0.01) and moderate, positive associations with absolute FAO (r=0.45,p<0.01) and proportion of energy derived from fat (EF; r=0.55,p<0.01). When controlling for confounders (age, gender, race, cardiovascular fitness and physical activity), BMI only maintained significance with RER, explaining 21% of the variance (p<0.01). Upon completion of weight loss interventions, change in skeletal muscle or systemic FAO at rest was not significantly different across intervention groups. DE had greater positive changes in RER and EF during submaximal exercise bouts compared to the other groups (p<0.05). SE had significantly greater positive changes compared to S only with FAO normalized to fat free mass during the relative submaximal workload (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: BMI does not explain the variance in FAO at rest, but is associated with higher FAO during submaximal exercise bouts. Inclusion of exercise to weight loss induced by caloric restriction results in more favorable changes in FAO during sumbaximal exercise compared to surgery induced weight loss with or without exercise.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if a correlation exists between the number of cigarettes smoked and the amount of exercise leisure-time activity performed in heavy adult smokers who were motivated to quit smoking. METHODS: Twenty-seven adult smokers (smoking ≥ 15 cigarettes per day for a minimum of 5 years) participated in the study. The subjects enrolled were motivated (scored ≥ 120 on motivation/confidence 0200 scale) to quit smoking. Participants received a brief behavioral stop-smoking intervention at baseline, and were instructed to quit smoking within the next 48 hours (over the weekend). Subjects were followed for a total of two weeks during which time smoking behavior and exercise habits were recorded. The Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire was administered at baseline and again at the end of weeks I and II (once a week for three weeks) to capture leisure time exercise habits. Smoking behavior was recorded (number of cigarettes smoked) daily. RESULTS: It was hypothesized that individuals who smoke less cigarettes during a cessation attempt may tend to exercise more in their leisure time. It was also hypothesized that BMI and gender could play a role in the relationship between physical activity performed and number of cigarettes smoked. Baseline vigorous physical activity was not found to be statistically significant, but there was a trend towards decreased smoking rates at this intensity. No statistical significance was found for any other exercise intensity at baseline, week one or week two. BMI and gender did not play a role in the relationship between physical activity performed and the number cigarettes smoked. FUTURE DIRECTIONS: While an inverse relationship between amount of leisure time exercise performed and the number of cigarette smoked was not detected in the current study, future studies with a longer follow up period and larger sample sizes should be conducted. Should a negative correlation be found among these two variables, larger scale, statistically strong, causal studies should be conducted. Current smoking cessation programs may benefit from the inclusion of promoting healthy life style choices such as increasing the amount of leisure time activity performed.

Introduction: African-American women are among those with the highest rates of obesity and hypertension, while also having low rates of physical activity (PA). While weight loss and PA have been implicated as lifestyle factors that can reduce blood pressure, the influence of these lifestyle factors on blood pressure in African-American women is not well studied, and the existing research has shown inconsistent findings. Purpose: To examine the relationship between the change in measures of adiposity and resting systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure in overweight and obese non-hypertensive African-America women. In addition, this investigation will examine the influence of changes in PA and/or fitness on the relationship between the change in measures of adiposity and the change in resting SBP and DBP. Methods: Data from 97 overweight and obese (31.4±4.0 kg/m2), non-hypertensive African- American women who participated in one of 5 weight control interventions were analyzed for this study. The behavioral weight control interventions included dietary restriction and/or PA. Outcome measures included weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, body composition, PA, and fitness. The hypotheses were tested using linear regression analysis. The mediation hypothesis was tested using linear regression analysis and separately adjusting for fitness and PA. Results: There was a significant reduction in weight (5.0±5.9) systolic (4.4±10.9 mmHg), and diastolic blood pressure (2.8±7.7 mmHg). The change in SBP was significantly correlated with change in weight, BMI, waist circumference, and fitness, with the change in DBP significantly correlated with weight, BMI, waist circumference, PA and fitness. The relationship between measures of both weight and BMI and resting SBP were fully mediated by the change in either PA or fitness, with the relationship between change in waist circumference and change in SBP partially mediated by the change in either PA or fitness. The relationships between DBP and measures of adiposity were fully mediated by the change in either PA or fitness. Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential importance of PA and fitness within the context of weight control for reducing resting blood pressure in overweight and obese African- American women.

Introduction: A recommended strategy to influence energy balance, which may influence body weight regulation, is to eat breakfast regularly. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of breakfast consumption versus a non-breakfast condition on concentrations of the appetite-regulating hormones acylated ghrelin (AG) and glucacon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), daily energy intake, and subjective ratings of hunger in women. Methods: This randomized crossover trial recruited a total of 18 normal weight, overweight, and obese women (age 26.3 ± 6.0 years; BMI 26.8 ± 5.9 kg/m2). Each participant reported to the research center on two mornings following a minimum 12-hour fast to undergo one of two experimental condtions: breakfast consumption that provided 20% of their estimated daily energy needs, or a waiting period with no breakfast. Study visits were separated by at least 3 days. At each experimental session, participants provided blood samples to measure plasma AG and GLP-1 concentrations and visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaires to measure subjective hunger and satiety ratings prior to each testing condition (baseline) and at 30, 60, and 120 minutes after each testing condition. Participants also self-reported discretionary intake for the remainder of each testing day in a food and physical activity diary. Results: Following breakfast consumption compared to the non-breakfast condition, AG was significantly lower and GLP-1 was significantly higher at the 30-, 60-, and 120-minute time points (P < 0.001, each), but there was no difference in total daily energy intake between conditions (P = 0.199). In addition, subjective ratings of hunger significantly correlated with energy intake following the breakfast consumption condition (P < 0.05) but not following the non-breakfast condition. Subjective ratings of hunger did not correlate with AG or GLP-1 concentrations. Conclusion: Even though a significant acute hormonal response was observed following breakfast consumption when compared to a non-breakfast condition, total daily energy intake between conditions was not significantly different. Thus, further studies are needed to understand the influence of breakfast consumption on energy balance and body weight regulation.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Indiana University, School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, 2009. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on Feb. 4, 2010). Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 70-04, Section: A, page: 1425. Adviser: Alan W. Ewert.

Thesis (M.S.)--Central Connecticut State University, 2001. / Thesis advisor: David Truly. " ... in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Geography." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 144-149). Also available via the World Wide Web.