Search

Objective: To investigate risk for relative energy deficiency in sports (RED-S) among a team of female and male collegiate long-distance runners. Methods: North Dakota State University (Fargo, ND, USA) female and male competitive long-distance runners who agreed to participate during fall semester, 2019, completed an electronic survey containing the LEAF-Q and EAT-26 surveys and additionally completed a DXA scan, to screen for low energy availability and RED-S, disordered eating/eating disorders, and bone health, respectively. Participants were required to be 18 - 25 years old, not injured, training a mini-mum of five hours per week, and currently participating as part of a collegiate competitive team. Thirteen participants (male = 3) finished the study which also included energy intake and exercise expenditure self-reported with a three-day food diary and exercise log and estimated with ESHA Food Processor. Response rate was 42% of entire team; mean age 19.8. Results: The LEAF-Q significantly predicted risk for RED-S (p < 0.007). Correlations using the participants EAT-26 score, energy availability levels (p < 0.508), and whether they were at risk for RED-S (p < 0.208) or not were non-significant for all comparisons, although there was a moderate positive correlation between EAT-26 and RED-S risk (R = 0.454). Participants at risk for RED-S had higher occurrences of injuries (p < 0.022) and lower DXA measured Z-scores (p < 0.063) than those not at risk for RED-S. Conclusion: Long distance runners at risk for RED-S may have higher occurrences of injuries and lower bone mineral density, which can be easily measured using available screeners and DXA technology. What are the new findings: · Long distance runners at risk for RED-S may have higher occurrences of injuries and lower bone mineral density then age- and sex-matched individuals. How might it impact on clinical practice in the near future: · This is important for future clinical practice to be aware of the potential negative impacts on the bone development in young adults; · Particularly long-distance runners or athletes in leanness focused sports should be screened for energy availability which can impact performance, and future bone density.

Purpose: Individuals in the emerging adult age group (18-30 years) with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) have unique medical and social needs. The purpose of this study was to observe barriers and strategies for diabetes management among emerging adults with T1DM. Methods: A qualitative grounded theory model was utilized. An open-ended approach with a telephone interview was designed to allow a deeper understanding of the T1DM experience. The participants were from a larger survey-volunteer participant group and were asked to complete 1 interview in spring 2020 (n = 21, diagnosed age: mean 15.00 ± 8.00, females, n = 19). The data were analyzed for cohesive themes using grounded theory. Results: Participants indicated three main barrier themes (physiology, environment, and insurance) and 3 barrier subthemes (mental health, lack of social support, and weather). Three main strategy themes to diabetes management were recognized (medical technology, access to social support, and physical activity). There were 2 strategy subthemes (social media and social accountability). Conclusions: Regular use of social media can be a key tool for social accountability while lack of social support and physiological shifts can be barriers to management of T1DM. Physical activity should be considered as part of an individualized plan for management of diabetes.

Background: The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) derived functional cross-sectional area (FCSA) and intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) to define skeletal muscle quality is of fundamental importance in order to understand aging and inactivity-related loss of muscle mass. Objectives: This study examined factors associated with lower-extremity skeletal muscle quality in healthy, younger, and middle-aged adults. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting and Participants: Ninety-eight participants (53% female) were classified as younger (20-35 years, n=50) or middle-aged (50-65 years, n=48) as well as sedentary (≤1 day per week) or active (≥3 days per week) on self-reported concurrent exercise (aerobic and resistance). Measurements: All participants wore an accelerometer for seven days, recorded a three-day food diary, and participated in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lower limbs. Muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) was determined by tracing the knee extensors (KE) and plantar flexors, while muscle quality was established through the determination of FCSA and IMAT via color thresholding. Results: One-way analysis of variance and stepwise regression models were performed to predict FCSA and IMAT. KE-IMAT (cm2) was significantly higher among sedentary (3.74 ± 1.93) vs. active (1.85 ± 0.56) and middle-aged (3.14 ± 2.05) vs. younger (2.74 ± 1.25) (p < 0.05). Protein intake (g•kg•day-1) was significantly higher in active (1.63 ± 0.55) vs. sedentary (1.19 ± 0.40) (p < 0.05). Sex, age, concurrent exercise training status, and protein intake were significant predictors of KE FCSA (R2 = 0.71, p < 0.01), while concurrent exercise training status and light physical activity predicted 33% of the variance in KE IMAT (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Concurrent exercise training, dietary protein intake, and light physical activity are significant determinants of skeletal muscle health and require further investigation to mitigate aging and inactivity-related loss of muscle quality.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this research is to assess and compare the self-reported hydration practices of long-distance trail runners during an intended long training run (LTR), an intended event, and during an actual event during COVID-19. The hypothesis is that hydration practices are inconsistent between these three scenarios and runners sometimes consume more than intended during an event. Consuming more fluids than intended may lead to exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH). METHODS: Cross-sectional pre- and post-survey design. The setting was the Macedonia Trail Race was in Kent, CT and the Angevine Farm Trail Race was in Warren, CT. A total of 26 (of 310 registered) eligible runners from one of the events volunteered to be participants. The pre-race survey assessed intended hydration practices of training and a possible event. The post-race assessed the actual hydration practices of the race. Main outcome measures were hydration practices, including strategies and volumes during a LTR, and intended event, and the actual event. Awareness and knowledge of EAH, and the understanding of an effective hydration plan were assessed. RESULTS: There was a strong correlation (0.91) between intended volumes before the LTR and the intended event. When comparing volumes consumed during the event to the intended event, the correlation was moderate (0.52). Moderate agreement (64–85%) was found when comparing the hydration strategies in the intended and the actual events. The comparisons were statistically significant when measured by the Kappa statistic (P

Background: Physical inactivity during the COVID-19 pandemic is a public health concern for older adults. Telehealth presents a safe platform for conducting health-related interventions that may have additional benefits such as widespread reach. Our pilot study sought to examine how a telehealth intervention changed activity profiles in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: There were n = 13 adults aged 70.6 ± 4.5 years that participated in a 6 week telehealth intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic. The didactic intervention contents were shared online, and participants worked with trained interviewers over the telephone to discuss physical activity. At baseline and post-intervention, the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults examined activity profiles, while accelerometry estimated time spent sedentary and in physical activity. Results: Relative to the baseline measures, there was an 88 min/day (95% confidence interval(CI): 39, 137) increase in computer time and 36 min/day (CI: 10, 62) reduction in time spent in active transport at post-intervention. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity participation also increased by an estimated 2 min/day (CI: −21, 26) and 12 min/week (CI: −154, 180), but this trend was not statistically significant. Conclusion: We recommend that support be provided to older adults transitioning to telehealth, especially as migration to telehealth progresses. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

The purpose of this study was to determine whether time‐restricted eating (TRE), also known as time‐restricted feeding, was an effective dietary strategy for reducing fat mass and preserving fat‐free mass while evaluating changes in cardiometabolic biomarkers, hormones, muscle performance, energy intake, and macronutrient intake after aerobic and resistance exercise training in physically inactive and overweight or obese adults. This study was a randomized, controlled trial. Overweight and obese adults (mean ± SD; age: 44 ± 7 years; body mass index [BMI]: 29.6 ± 2.6 kg/m2; female: 85.7%) were randomly assigned to a TRE or normal eating (NE) dietary strategy group. The TRE participants consumed all calories between 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., whereas NE participants maintained their dietary habits. Both groups completed 8 weeks of aerobic exercise and supervised resistance training. Body composition, muscle performance, energy intake, macronutrient intake, physical activity, and physiological variables were assessed. A total of 21 participants completed the study (NE: n = 10; TRE: n = 11). A mild energy restriction was observed for TRE (~300 kcal/day, 14.5%) and NE (~250 kcal/day, 11.4%). Losses of total body mass were significantly greater for TRE (3.3%) relative to NE (0.2%) pre‐ to post‐intervention, of which TRE had significantly greater losses of fat mass (9.0%) compared to NE (3.3%). Lean mass increased during the intervention for both TRE (0.6%) and NE (1.9%), with no group differences. These data support the use of TRE and concurrent exercise training as a short‐term dietary strategy for reducing fat mass and increasing lean mass in overweight and obese adults.

Ultrasonography advantageously measures skeletal muscle size and quality, but some muscles may be too large to capture with standardized brightness mode (B-mode) imaging. Panoramic ultrasonography can capture more complete images and may more accurately measure muscle size. We investigated measurements made using panoramic compared to B-mode ultrasonography images of the rectus femoris with muscular performance. Concurrently, protein intake plays an important role in preventing sarcopenia, therefore, we also sought to investigate the association between animal-based protein intake (ABPI) and muscular performance. Ninety-one middle-aged adults were recruited. Muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and thickness were obtained using B-mode and panoramic ultrasound and analyzed with Image J software. Muscular performance was assessed using isokinetic dynamometry, a 30-s chair test, and handgrip strength. Three-day food diaries estimated dietary intakes. Linear regression models determined relationships between measures from ultrasonography and muscular performance. Mixed linear models were used to evaluate the association between ABPI and muscular performance. Muscle CSA from panoramic ultrasonography and ABPI were positively associated with lower-body strength (β ± S.E., CSA, 42.622 ± 20.024, p = 0.005, ABPI, 65.874 ± 19.855, p = 0.001), lower-body endurance (β ± S.E., CSA, 595 ± 200.221, p = 0.001, ABPI, 549.944 ± 232.478, p = 0.020), and handgrip strength (β ± S.E., CSA, 6.966 ± 3.328, p = 0.004, ABPI, 0.349 ± 0.171, p = 0.045). Panoramic ultrasound shows promise as a method for assessing sarcopenia. ABPI is related to better muscular performance.

Expressions of circulating microRNA 935 and 140 were evaluated pre- and post-8-week diet and exercise intervention in overweight subjects using a sensor developed by our group. A unique pre-to-post microRNA expression pattern was identified only in the subjects who lost 5% or more excess weight.

Background: Adherence to the gluten-free diet is the only treatment for celiac disease (CD) and some patients report lack of expertise among registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs). Objective: To measure RDN self-reported celiac disease (CD) knowledge and preferences for resources for self-education and patient education. Methods: A cross-sectional research design was used to recruit RDNs from participating state affiliates Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Montana, Nebraska, and North Dakota in 2013. A 35 item internet-based survey was distributed via Survey Monkey and included Likert scale questions based on a previous RDN allergy survey. Demographic and gluten-free diet and CD multiple-choice questions were also included. Results: Four-hundred and five registered dietitians (RDNs) who volunteered from the seven participating affiliates responded to the survey. Chi-squares were used to determine frequencies and differences in responses per variable. Pearson correlation analyses were performed to determine the correlation of age, education level, years of practice, or number of CD patients seen per week and CD self-reported knowledge. RDNs reported either moderate or high levels of knowledge for all seven self-reported knowledge topics. Over 85% of RDNs selected correct answers for five CD knowledge questions. Professional and academic publications were the most commonly used resources by RDNs for self-education whereas handouts were the most commonly used resource by RDNs for patient education. Conclusion: RDNs may need more reinforcement on identification and treatment of nutritional deficiencies of CD management.

Objective: We sought to determine whether daily protein intake and protein distribution across eating occasions were associated with functional disability in a national sample of older Americans. Methods: Data from 8,070 adults aged ≥60 years from the 2007-2016 waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included. Protein intake and functional capacity was self-reported. A daily protein recommendation of ≥1.0 g/kg/day was utilized. The daily protein recommendation was then spread-out across four meals, whereby a ≥0.25 g/kg/meal threshold was used. Results: Those meeting the daily protein recommendation had 0.78 (95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.65, 0.93]) decreased odds for functional disability. Persons meeting the protein intake threshold per eating occasion for one, two, three, and four occasions had 0.60 (CI = [0.38, 0.95]), 0.48 (CI = [0.30, 0.77]), 0.47 (CI = [0.29, 0.77]), and 0.39 (CI = [0.20, 0.75]) decreased odds for functional disability, respectively. Discussion: Protein consumption seems to be important for preserving function in older Americans.

American Indian and Alaska Native students have a significantly lower college graduation rate than that of other ethnic groups in the United States. These students often face a variety of barriers to the completion of their education. Overcoming barriers for the achievement of an advanced education takes commitment, hard work, and dedication on behalf of the educational institution as well as the student. Identified and tested strategies that address barriers and assist American Indian and Alaska Native students with positive academic experiences can contribute to academic success.

Background: Handgrip strength (HGS) is a convent measure of strength capacity and associated with several age-related health conditions such as functional disability. Asymmetric strength between limbs has been linked to diminished function. Therefore, both HGS asymmetry and weakness could be associated with functional disability. We examined the associations of HGS asymmetry and weakness on functional limitations in a nationally representative sample of older Americans. Methods: Data were analyzed from 2689 adults &ge, 60 years who participated in the 2011&ndash, 2012 and 2013&ndash, 2014 waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Weakness was defined as HGS &lt, 26 kg for men and &lt, 16 kg for women. Asymmetry was determined from the ratio of the dominant and non-dominant HGS. Those with HGS ratio 0.9&ndash, 1.1 were considered as having HGS symmetry, and those outside this range had asymmetry. Results: Compared to those with symmetric HGS and were not weak, those with weakness alone, and both weakness and HGS asymmetry had 2.47 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14&ndash, 5.35) and 3.93 (CI: 1.18&ndash, 13.07) greater odds for functional limitations, respectively. However, HGS asymmetry alone was not associated with functional limitations (odds ratio: 0.80, CI: 0.62&ndash, 1.03). Conclusion: The use of HGS asymmetry in protocols could improve the prognostic value of handgrip dynamometers.

Consumption of fruits and vegetables is important for growth and development yet intake remains below recommended levels in children in the US. The purpose of this study was to determine whether children accompanying the primary grocery shopper impacts requests for fruit and vegetables and if those children requesting fruits and vegetables like to consume them on a daily basis. A cross-sectional survey design of matched pairs of third- and fourth-grade students and their parents/guardians in an urban Midwest school district was utilized. Third- and fourth-grade participants who asked for fruits and vegetables were more likely to accompany the primary grocery shopper and more prone to liking these key foods as part of their regular diet. Grocery shoppers should consider taking children along when food shopping, emphasizing strategies to find a variety of fruits and vegetables.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the intake of animal-based protein and total protein in middle-aged men and compared with AMDR requirements. Not only the amount, but the quality and type of dietary protein are important in assessing risk for sarcopenia. Leucine, an essential amino acid is effective at stimulating muscle protein synthesis and is found in beef. METHODS: This research utilized a non-experimental, cross-sectional design. Setting: Data were collected at a research university in the Upper-Midwestern United States. Participants: Forty-one men were recruited and participated in the study. Measurements: Dietary intake was estimated using both a three-day food diary and the Arizona Food Frequency Questionnaire (AFFQ). Food records were carefully data-entered into Food Processor Nutrition Analysis Software (ESHA Research) by a registered dietitian. Additionally, the AFFQ was utilized to assess trends in protein consumption and overall intake over the past three months. RESULTS: According to the AFFQ, the average total and animal-based protein intake of the men in this study was 98 and 56 g/day, respectively which is above the RDA recommended 42 g/day. The AFFQ-estimated range among participants in the total and animal-based protein intake was 30–170 and 15–118 g, respectively/day. This translates to a mean 17.2–17.0% of total daily energy. The AMDR for protein in adults is 10–35%. ESHA results averaged 16.6% protein calories. The AFFQ estimated the leucine intake at a mean of 6.9 g/day, with top 10 sources of protein animal-based. A recommended amount of 7 to 9 g/day has been suggested. CONCLUSIONS: This study was unique in the fact that middle aged men were recruited as the assessment group. This small study was part of a larger study to look for relationships among dietary intake and functional ability. Most studies in the area of functional abilities consider only older adults. In this study, the researchers found that this group of middle-aged healthy men was in the lower range of the AMDR even though the RDA was exceeded. Finally, their leucine intake was adequate. FUNDING SOURCES: This study was funded by the Beef Checkoff, through the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, Minnesota Beef Council.

Researchers examined a student-driven campaign intended to reduce high-risk drinking at a Midwestern, public research university in the United States. The campaign was implemented as part of a comprehensive social marketing effort to address high-risk drinking. Efforts employed on campus addressed various aspects of the marketing mix, including product, price, place, and promotion through late-night alcohol-free activities, increased enforcement, a substance abuse mentoring program, and the student-driven promotional campaign. Outcome measures of the campaign evaluation included assessing the effectiveness of promotional materials in prompting student visits to the campaign website and assessing the impact on students’ reported drinking-related beliefs and behaviors. Following extensive formative research, student developers designed campaign promotional materials that incorporated socially relevant images and messages to enhance students’ confidence related to making simple, low-risk decisions about drinking. Evaluation included an anonymous survey sent to a stratified random sample of undergraduate students. Responses were gathered regarding student demographics, appeal of promotional materials, self-reported drinking patterns, and whether the campaign impacted students’ reflections on drinking or beliefs and behaviors concerning their own alcohol consumption. Study results indicate online and interactive promotional materials (i.e., Facebook page and campaign video) increased the likelihood of student visits to the website, and students exposed to the website reported increased confidence and use of techniques to reduce alcohol-related harm. Use of socially relevant messages and online or interactive campaign components appear to be promising when implementing campaigns to address college student high-risk drinking.

The growing awareness for benefits of a healthy diet led recent legislation in some parts of the United States to require nutrition labeling at point of purchase. Whether or not mandated availability of nutrition information is effective, and how it affects customer satisfaction, are yet to be determined. In this study, availability of nutritional information in a small restaurant was found to be associated with decreased customer satisfaction compared to the control group. Although some qualities of customer satisfaction were related to customer perceptions of nutritional value of the meals, availability of nutrition information did not affect that relationship.

Students majoring in hospitality, family consumer science, and dietetics in undergraduate institutions could influence how often whole grains are used by both consumers and individually. Presently, some individuals are unfamiliar with a variety of whole grains and most do not consume the recommended number of servings per day. Students, working in groups, may learn more if allowed to self-direct their learning. The whole grains lesson offered during fall semester 2007 in one section of a university food principles and preparation class featured 10 different whole grains, prepared and rated by 46 students. Students rated some of the unfamiliar whole grains and the self-directed learning style favorably.

Age-related eye diseases that lead to lowvision and blindness are a growing challenge for public health professionals. Current prevalence of either blindness or low vision is 1 in 28 Americans aged 40 and older, and this rate is expected to double by 2020 as the United States population ages. Although treatments exist to prevent or delay vision loss for several blinding conditions (diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma), effective treatments do not exist for agerelated macular degeneration (AMD), especially the late stages. Therefore, prevention is important, because AMD is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss and severely reduces quality of life. Optometrists have no medical treatment that canhalt AMD, andmany recommend therapeutic diets. Following smoking cessation, diet is the most modifiable risk factor that has been associated with the disease. Specifically, luteinand zeaxanthin-rich food such as spinach and other dark green, leafy vegetables andeggyolk,or supplements have been beneficial for prevention or slowed progression of AMD. An educational program targeting the public was developed to increase knowledge regarding nutrition and eye health.

Students at a Midwest university (n=968) completed a survey regarding perceived confidence in cooking skills, food preparation frequencies, and average daily consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. A higher skills score was moderately correlated to higher vegetable intake (r=0.29, p

Deep-fat frying is a common food preparation method for potatoes in the foodservice industry. Deep-fried potatoes (French fries) are top-sellers at fast food establishments such as Burger King® and McDonald’s™. Intake of calorie-dense foods without increasing physical activity can lead to unhealthy weight gain. Burger King® currently offers a healthier deep-fried potato option (Satisfries™) claiming 40% less fat and 30% less calories than McDonald’s™ French fries. The fat content of McDonald’s™ and Burger King® regular deep-fried potatoes and Satisfries™ were compared in this study to evaluate the accuracy of the health claim. Results indicated the Burger King® Satisfries™ averaged 36% less fat than McDonald’s™ and 22% less fat than regular Burger King® French fries. These results fall within 4% of the health claim advertised by Burger King®.