Carotenoids have been associated with a lower risk of mortality in the general population. However, their association with mortality among individuals with steatotic liver disease is unclear. This study investigated the relationship between serum carotenoids with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality among individuals with and without steatotic liver disease and whether the presence of metabolic dysfunctions might modify this association. This study used data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, with mortality follow-up through December 31, 2019. Total serum carotenoids were calculated based on the serum levels of α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, and lycopene. Cox proportional hazards regression models were employed to assess the association between serum carotenoids and all-cause and CVD mortality in individuals with and without steatotic liver disease, in unadjusted and adjusted models for metabolic dysfunctions (obesity, diabetes, CVD). The results showed that higher serum levels of total and most individual carotenoids were associated with a lower risk of all-cause and CVD mortality, independent of steatotic liver disease. Furthermore, steatotic liver disease was also independently associated with all-cause mortality. These associations were generally consistent after adjusting for metabolic dysfunctions, though β-carotene was no longer associated with CVD mortality, and the association between steatotic liver disease and all-cause mortality was no longer significant. Findings from this study demonstrated that total and most individual serum carotenoids were associated with a lower risk of all-cause and CVD mortality in both individuals with and without steatotic liver disease, even after adjusting for metabolic dysfunctions.
Despite data showing half of active-duty servicewomen use hormonal contraception, its impact on physical performance during military training remains unclear. This study examined differences in general and military-specific physical performance and bone health changes based on hormonal contraceptive use. 185 female Marine Officer Candidates (MOCs) were grouped by self-reported menstrual/hormonal contraceptive status. Questionnaires, countermovement jumps (CMJ), isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), physical fitness tests (PFT), peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT; 4%, 38%, 66% tibia length), and bone biomarkers were assessed at the start and end of the 10-week program. A combat fitness test (CFT) was completed during training. Mixed ANOVAs (group*time) assessed training responses. Among 104 MOCs not using hormonal contraception (Non-Users; age=25[IQR; 22, 27], BMI=23.98±1.98) and 81 MOCs using hormonal contraception (Users; age=24[IQR; 22,26], BMI=23.97±2.19), Users showed no change in CMJ reactive strength index, while Non-Users decreased (interaction p=0.042; Non-Users Δ= -0.03, p<0.001). CMJ jump height was lower in Users than Non-Users (mean difference=-0.02m, p=0.031). CMJ performance decreased overall (all p<0.001); braking and propulsive metrics increased (p≤0.005). PFT total points improved (Δ=6.05 points; p<0.001); total volumetric bone mineral density increased (4% site, Δ=1.37±0.62 mg/ cm3;p=0.029), cortical density decreased (38% site: Δ=-3.04±1.45 mg/ cm3, p=0.038, 66% site: Δ=-2.91±1.35 mg/ cm3, p=0.033); bone formation markers (P1NP: Δ=9.40±1.91 μg/ L; OC Δ=3.42±0.74 ng/ mL; both p<0.001) increased. CFT scores were similar between groups (p≥0.304). Among Non-Users, self-reported menstrual cycle irregularity increased. Users demonstrated minor differences in neuromuscular performance/fatigue, but small in effect. Hormonal contraception use was not meaningfully associated with military outcomes.
Exercise and nutrition, particularly dairy, are lifestyle factors that influence bone health, however, there is limited evidence on how wholefood dairy consumption affects acute post-exercise bone status indicator (BSI) responses. Additionally, products like milk and Greek yogurt (GY) may elicit distinct BSI responses due to their differing dairy matrices. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine whether the consumption of either MILK, GY, carbohydrate (CHO) or WATER, differentially modulates BSIs post-exercise. Using a randomized crossover design, twenty participants (naïve to resistance training; 8/12 male/female; age: 22.7±4.0 years; body mass index: 22.0±2.3 kg/m2) underwent an acute, multimodal exercise session consisting of plyometrics, resistance exercises and high-intensity interval cycling, followed by post-exercise supplementation. Supplements were provided immediately, 1h and 12h post-exercise. Blood samples were collected pre-exercise, immediately, 1h, 4h and 24h post-exercise. There were trial*time interactions for procollagen type-1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP; p<0.001), C-terminal telopeptide of type-1 collagen (p<0.001), parathyroid hormone (p=0.010), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL; p=0.010) and OPG:RANKL ratio (p=0.047). P1NP had a trial*sex interaction (p=0.023) and total osteocalcin had a main sex effect (p=0.020). Thus, the main findings were higher P1NP with MILK vs. WATER at 24h post-exercise (p=0.039), and lower RANKL with MILK vs. all trials at 24h post-exercise (p<0.050). These data suggest that milk consumption produced more pronounced changes in circulating BSIs vs. CHO, GY, or WATER. By effectively managing the acute post-exercise response, milk may serve as a strategic nutritional intervention to support bone remodeling and structural adaptations over time.
This scoping review systematically evaluated the effects of protein supplements on the gut microbiome, metabolites, integrity, and inflammation. Studies investigating plant- or animal-based protein supplements in adults were identified from five electronic databases. Data were thematically synthesized; study quality was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Fourteen studies were included: whey protein (n=9), pea protein (n=3), soy protein (n=2), and casein protein (n=1). Doses ranged from 10-85 g/day (whey), 7.3-25 g/day or 30% of total energy (pea), and 15-40 g/day (soy). Intervention durations ranged from 4 days to 12 weeks (whey), 31 days to 12 weeks (pea), and 17-21 days (soy). Most studies found minimal effects on gut microbial alpha- and beta-diversity, although taxa-specific shifts were observed. Whey protein was associated with increases in Veillonellaceae, Bacteroides, and Bifidobacterium, while pea protein showed reductions in Firmicutes and Bacteroidota. Functional and metabolomic outcomes were inconsistent, with some evidence of altered amino acid-derived metabolites and polyphenol-related compounds, particularly in studies involving co-interventions. No consistent effects on gut barrier integrity or inflammatory markers were observed. Importantly, protein supplementation was rarely evaluated in isolation, with many studies incorporating co-interventions (e.g., exercise, caloric restriction, fermentation, or pre-/probiotic and polyphenol enrichment) that may independently influence the gut microbiome. As such, observed effects likely reflect combined exposures rather than protein alone, varying by protein type, dose, co-supplementation, population characteristics, and study conditions. Well-controlled studies that isolate protein effects are needed to clarify the mechanistic and clinical relevance of protein supplementation on gut health.
The energy cost of running (Erun) has traditionally been assessed in the laboratory as the mass-specific rate of oxygen uptake during treadmill running. Since 1996, a 1% treadmill incline has been used to best approximate overground Erun. Building upon previous reviews questioning the universal applicability of this correction, we re-examine from biomechanical, physiological, and technological perspectives whether a fixed 1% treadmill gradient is appropriate, and under what circumstances. Evidence accumulated over the past three decades suggests that the energetic equivalence between treadmill and overground running is influenced by running speed, environmental conditions, methodological factors, and inter-individual variability. Consequently, a fixed 1% incline may not consistently reflect overground Erun across different contexts or populations. We therefore advocate for more individualized and context-specific approaches to Erun assessment when extrapolation from laboratory to outdoor running is required.
Healthy and efficient mitochondria have a critical role in maintaining intestinal cell function and preventing pathological conditions. The influence of dietary fat, and possible protection by dietary polyphenols, on mitochondrial function in intestinal epithelial cells, however, is relatively unexplored. In this study, we aimed to test the influence of dietary fat on mitochondrial content and function in intestinal epithelial cells, possible protection by berry anthocyanins and resveratrol, and the mechanisms involved. Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells were exposed to 0.4 or 0.1 mM mixed micelles (MM) composed of lipids and bile acid in the absence or presence of 20 µM resveratrol or anthocyanins in an anthocyanin-rich bilberry extract (ARBE), added 5 or 2 h, respectively, prior to MM. After 24 h, indices of mitochondrial content and function were measured. MM exposure significantly (P < 0.05) decreased measures of mitochondrial function (membrane potential and respiratory functions), as well as citrate synthase activity and expression of mRNA for mtDNA-encoded respiratory complex proteins (MTND1, MTCYB, MTCO1, MTATP). Treatment with resveratrol increased mitochondrial content and transcription of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1α, NRF-1, TFAM), but did not significantly protect against MM-induced declines in mitochondrial functions. Conversely, ARBE protected against decreases in parameters of mitochondrial function, but had little effect on indices of mitochondrial content and biogenesis. Neither resveratrol nor ARBE protected against the MM-induced decrease in expression of mtDNA-encoded mRNAs. The results support that MM, representing emulsified dietary fat, produce mitochondrial dysfunction in intestinal epithelial cells, and that berry anthocyanins, unlike resveratrol, can protect intestinal cell mitochondria by a direct mechanism not involving mitochondrial biogenesis.
Enjoyment across treadmill-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is unclear in women with cardiometabolic risk factors. Nineteen inactive women (53 ± 13 years; 29.1 ± 7.1 kg/m2) performed three HIIT protocols in randomized order: 4 × 4 min (80% volume of oxygen consumption reserve (VO2R)), 10 × 1 min (90% VO2R), and 8 × 15 s (110% VO2R). Heart rate, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and exercise enjoyment (short-form physical activity enjoyment scale ∼5 min post-exercise) were assessed. The 4 × 4 min protocol elicited higher heart rate and RPE and lower enjoyment than other protocols (p < 0.05). Enjoyment did not differ between 10 × 1 min and 8 × 15 s (p > 0.05), although 10 × 1 min elicited greater exertion (p < 0.05). The 10 × 1 min protocol may balance enjoyment and exertion. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05758857.
This cohort study aims to document longitudinal and trimester-specific associations between serum 25(OH)D concentrations ([25(OH)D]) and cardiometabolic markers and gestational weight gain. Participants (n=79) underwent fasting blood sampling each trimester and a 2-hour 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in the first and second trimesters. Serum [25(OH)D] was measured by LC-MS/MS. Glucose and insulin were measured enzymatically or by electrochemiluminescence to calculate glycemic indices. Lipids were measured enzymatically. Subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) abdominal adipose tissue thickness was measured by ultrasound. In longitudinal mixed models, each 10nmol/L increase in [25(OH)D] was associated with lower fasting insulin (β=-8.0pmol/L, 95% CI: -14.5, -1.5; p<0.05), higher HOMA-IS (β=0.01, 95% CI: 0.002, 0.018; p=0.01), and higher fasting total cholesterol (β=0.06mmol/L, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.11; p<0.05) across pregnancy, after adjustment for season, age, parity and pre-pregnancy BMI. Unadjusted trimester-specific analyses indicated that in the first trimester, each 10 nmol/L increase in [25(OH)D] was associated with thinner SAT (β=-1.5mm, 95% CI: -2.4, -0.1; p<0.01) and VAT (β=-2.4mm, 95% CI: -4.0, -0.1; p<0.01). No association was found with gestational weight gain. In the first trimester, participants with [25(OH)D] below the clinical sufficiency threshold of 50 nmol/L had higher fasting insulin, lower insulin sensitivity, and thicker SAT (p<0.05), after adjustment for age and parity. In conclusion, higher serum [25(OH)D] were associated with more favorable cardiometabolic profiles during pregnancy, especially glucose regulation and abdominal adiposity. These findings suggest that maintaining an adequate vitamin D status is associated with better cardiometabolic health during pregnancy, although causality cannot be inferred.
Chronic inflammation associated with excess adiposity can compromise bone microstructure, increasing fragility and fracture risk. Thus, developing strategies to improve bone health in adults with obesity (OB) is critical, particularly in premenopausal females, to protect bone before menopause. While acute exercise transiently increases bone turnover, beginning with resorption, dairy products containing bone-supporting nutrients may attenuate the bone resorption phase. This secondary analysis assessed the effects of post-exercise Greek yogurt (GY) consumption versus a carbohydrate pudding (CP) on bone status indicator responses in premenopausal females with OB. Using a randomized crossover design, 20 participants (age: 36±5years; BMI: 38.7±7.6kg/m2) completed high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE; 10x1-min cycling intervals at ≥90%HRmax) followed by consumption of GY (247kcal, 14g carbohydrate, 32g protein, 350mg calcium) or isoenergetic CP (247kcal, 62g carbohydrate, 0g protein, 0mg calcium). Trials were separated by 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected pre-exercise (fasted), immediately post-exercise, 1h and 3h postprandially, and 24h post-exercise. Significant time*trial interactions were observed whereby osteoprotegerin (OPG) and osteocalcin (OC) were higher at 1h (p<0.001) and 3h (p=0.03) postprandially, respectively, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) was lower at both 1h (p<0.001) and 3h postprandially (p=0.001) in GY versus CP. Net incremental area under the curve analysis also revealed a significant elevation in PTH across the CP trial compared to GY. Therefore, GY consumption following HIIE may support a more favourable bone turnover response by attenuating resorption (PTH), maintaining bone formation (OC), and supporting anti-resorptive responses (OPG) compared with CP during the 1-3h postprandial period in premenopausal females with OB.
Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been suggested to enhance endurance performance, yet the influence of stimulation parameters and participant characteristics remains unclear. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis to quantify the acute effects of anodal tDCS on endurance performance, examine potential moderators, and explore dose-response relationships. A systematic search was conducted (21 August 2025) in Web of Science, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus. A three-level random-effects meta-analysis was performed, and standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were used to examine moderating factors. Twenty-four randomized crossover trials (n = 347) were included. Anodal tDCS significantly improved time to exhaustion (TTE) compared with sham stimulation (SMD = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.94; p = 0.001). A small, nonsignificant effect was observed for time-trial (TT) performance (SMD = 0.42, 95% CI: -0.00, 0.85; p = 0.051). Subgroup analysis showed that stimulation over the primary motor cortex (M1) yielded greater improvements in TTE, and recreationally active individuals responded more strongly. Meta-regression revealed a U-shaped relationship between stimulation duration and TTE effect. Anodal tDCS significantly prolonged TTE but did not reliably improve TT performance. The ergogenic effect appears to depend on electrode montage, training status, testing protocol, and stimulation duration. These findings provide updated evidence to guide the use of tDCS as a potential ergogenic aid in endurance sports.
Palmar sweating plays a key role in enhancing hand grip function and is implicated in clinical conditions such as hyperhidrosis and anhidrosis. However, our understanding of the mechanisms underlying palmar sweating remains unresolved. This is in part because pharmacological investigation of palmar sweat gland function is limited by the thick stratum corneum, which restricts transdermal drug delivery. We therefore assessed whether passive diffusion of pilocarpine induced by pretreatment of palmar skin with microneedles can induce sweating. In 30 healthy adults (15 males), sweat induction was compared among three delivery methods of pilocarpine by iontophoretic administration with and without microneedle pretreatment and passive diffusion after microneedle pretreatment. Local palmar sweat rate was measured using the ventilated capsule technique, and pilocarpine delivery was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. Passive diffusion following microneedle pretreatment induced a lower sweat rate than iontophoresis with and without microneedle pretreatment (0.21 ± 0.07 vs. 0.61 ± 0.28 and 0.47 ± 0.27 mg·cm⁻2·min⁻1, P < 0.001). Passive diffusion-induced sweating did not correlate with iontophoresis after microneedles (r = 0.346, P < 0.065). While microneedle pretreatment enhanced pilocarpine delivery (0.54 ± 0.09 mg, P ≤ 0.002), responses did not differ between iontophoresis alone and passive diffusion (0.48 ± 0.06 and 0.49 ± 0.06 mg, P = 0.876). Altogether, while we showed that passive diffusion of pilocarpine following microneedle pretreatment induced palmar sweating, the magnitude of this response was not comparable to the levels with iontophoresis, probably due to thick stratum corneum and transient skin barrier disruption.
The off-season may induce adverse metabolic adaptations in highly trained Division I athletes due to reduced training load. Myonectin, a skeletal muscle-derived myokine, may be a sensitive marker of physical-activity change; however, its response to different off-season training strategies in highly trained female basketball players remains unclear. This study compared the effects of exercise cessation versus exercise reduction on circulating myonectin levels and metabolic health in highly trained Division I female basketball players. Thirty-four highly trained Division I female basketball players were allocated to either an exercise cessation (EC) group or an exercise reduction (ER) group during a 4-week off-season. Assessments were performed at baseline (3 days post-season; T0), after 2 weeks (T2), and after 4 weeks (T4). Outcomes included circulating myonectin, free fatty acids (FFA), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and glucose-insulin homeostasis assessed using a standard 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. A significant group × time interaction was observed for circulating myonectin, with a greater decline in the EC group compared with the ER group (p < 0.05). Exercise cessation was associated with larger increases in FFA and insulin area under the curve, along with a greater reduction in whole-body insulin sensitivity assessed by the Matsuda index. Changes in fasting-based indices of insulin resistance were modest and diverged from dynamic OGTT-derived measures. Short-term off-season exercise cessation induces greater endocrine and metabolic disturbances than exercise reduction in highly trained Division I female basketball players. Maintaining a reduced level of physical activity during the off-season may attenuate early detraining-related alterations in myonectin and insulin sensitivity. Clinical Trial Registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20180822040849N8), registered 5 January 2019.
Movement behaviour guidelines should be tailored to contextual factors influencing physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep to support effective mobilization. Compared to urban areas, rural communities have distinct environmental characteristics and require context-specific strategies to promote healthy movement behaviours. This study aimed to evaluate awareness and knowledge of the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults (18-64 years) living in rural communities and explore how to adapt the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines Communications Toolkit for greater impact and relevance. We adopted an explanatory sequential mixed methods study design, in which adults living in rural communities of British Columbia, Canada, completed a cross-sectional survey (N = 76) followed by individual interviews (N = 12). Survey data were analysed for awareness and knowledge of Movement Guidelines using descriptive statistics and chi-squared test. Interview data were analyzed following a deductive thematic approach using the behaviour change wheel to identify the barriers and facilitators to meeting guideline recommendations. Approximately half of the participants reported being aware of the guidelines (44.7%), 64.5% reported moderate knowledge of recommendations, and 27.6% of participants reported meeting guidelines for physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep. Participants perceived factors associated with physical opportunities and psychological capabilities to have strong influences on their ability to meet movement behaviour guidelines. Recommendations for adapting 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for rural communities include providing additional information on being active outdoors and at home, information on discerning sedentary behaviour and inactivity, and tips to combat seasonal changes in daylight.
Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) appears to be related to the metabolic and inflammatory profile of immune cells, though this association is still uncertain. This study presents two main objectives: (1) to determine whether individuals with low CRF, compared to high CRF, would have lower peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) mitochondrial respiration and higher inflammatory profile, and (2) to analyze the association between PBMCs mitochondrial respiration and cytokine release at rest and upon stimulation. Adults self-reporting male sex were classified as Low- (n = 9) or High-CRF (n = 7) based on established thresholds. To control for confounders, variables related to metabolism, inflammation, body composition, physical activity, and diet were assessed. PBMCs were isolated to evaluate mitochondrial respiration and cytokine release under basal and stimulated conditions (lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)+ionomycin-in vitro culture during 24 h). As main results, PBMCs from individuals with high CRF exhibited higher mitochondrial oxygen consumption than those from the Low-CRF group; however, this difference did not remain after controlling for visceral fat. At rest, PBMCs from low CRF individuals released more pro-inflammatory cytokines, which correlated negatively with mitochondrial oxygen consumption. Moreover, PBMCs from low CRF individuals showed strong responsiveness to LPS (higher TNF-α release), while PBMCs from high CRF individuals showed strong responsiveness to PMA plus ionomycin (higher IFN-γ release), without correlation to mitochondrial respiration. These findings indicate that low CRF is associated with lower mitochondrial respiration and greater basal and LPS-induced cytokine release in PBMCs. Differences in visceral fat appear to be an additional factor associated with PBMCs metabolism and function when comparing individuals with low- and high-CRF.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most prevalent severe pediatric motor disability and often leads to compromised bone health due in part to limitations in functional mobility. While moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) positively influences bone health, its relationship with bone parameters in adolescents with CP remains understudied. Our primary objective was to identify whether bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) differ between ambulatory adolescents with CP and sex and maturity-status (years from peak height velocity) matched typically developing (TD) adolescents. Our secondary objective evaluated the association between MVPA and bone parameters. We conducted a secondary analysis on data from 64 adolescents (32 CP, 32 TD) and examined BMC and areal BMD (aBMD) using total body dual X-ray absorptiometry scans. MVPA was assessed using waist-worn accelerometers. Height-adjusted bone Z-scores accounted for differences in body size. Linear-mixed effects models revealed no significant differences in total body BMC (β: -0.34, 95% CI: -0.74 to 0.06, p = 0.097) or aBMD (-0.30, 95% CI: -0.76 to 0.17, p = 0.203) Z-scores between adolescents with CP and TD peers. MVPA was positively associated with height-adjusted BMC Z-scores, regardless of group (β: 0.01, 95% CI: 0.00 to 0.02, p = 0.023). These findings suggest that the greater functional ability of ambulatory adolescents with CP may play a protective role in bone accrual, and highlight the importance of physical activity for bone health in adolescents with and without CP.
Although socioeconomic status is known to influence dietary intakes, effects are variable and population-specific. This cross-sectional study aimed to document dietary intakes and overall diet quality according to indicators of socioeconomic status in adults of the province of Québec, Canada. Dietary intake data from 24 h dietary recalls in 6334 adults recruited online as well as through community organizations in the NutriQuébec project were used. Overall diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Food Index (HEFI)-2019. Usual intake distributions and thresholds of vegetables and fruits (V&F), sodium, and sugary drinks were estimated using the National Cancer Institute method. The sample was calibrated for sex, age, and area of residence. Overall, 36.1% (95% CI 34.2-38.1) of adults in Québec consumed ≥5 servings of V&F/day, 17.6% (95% CI 15.2-19.9) had sodium intakes ≤ 2300 mg/day and 32.1% (95% CI 22.9-41.3) consumed the equivalent of ≤1 serving of sugary drink/week. Individuals with lower household income, lower individual educational attainment, living in materially deprived areas and living in food insecure households had lower HEFI-2019 scores and lower usual intakes of V&F. Individuals with lower educational attainment and living in food insecure households had also higher daily intakes of sugary drinks. Sodium intake did not differ across socioeconomic groups. Overall, these data indicate that most individuals in the province of Québec do not meet current targets for healthy eating and that diet inequities remain a major public health challenge in Québec.
Segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) evaluates cellular health through phase angle (PhA), resistance (R), and reactance (Xc), providing insights into localized muscle and fluid balance changes during exercise recovery. This exploratory study examined localized BIA responses following an eccentric plantar flexor exercise protocol combined with functional testing. Twenty male participants (82.6 ± 16 kg; 177 ± 8.7 cm; 23.8 ± 3.45 years) completed unilateral eccentric plantar flexor resistance training (40% of body mass as a weighted vest, four sets of fifty repetitions, fifth set to failure). One leg was trained (intervention), while the other served as a control. Pre-, immediate post-, and 24, 48, and 72 h post-exercise measurements included segmental intracellular water (ICW), extracellular water (ECW), R, Xc, and PhA at 50 kHz, impedance (Z at 5, 50, and 250 kHz) and impedance ratio (IR; 250/5 kHz). Two-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant leg-by-time interactions for all BIA parameters (p < 0.05), except for ECW, ICW, and Z, which had main effects for time (p > 0.05), and ECW/ICW which had no significant interaction or main effects. In the intervention leg, R (↓13.9 ± 6.8 Ω), IR (↑0.012 ± 0.006), and Xc (↓3.0 ± 1.6 Ω) changed immediately post-exercise (p < 0.001). PhA decreased immediately post (↓0.31 ± 0.18°) in the intervention leg, increased beyond baseline values at 24 h (↑0.33 ± 0.20°), and remained elevated at 48 h (↑0.17 ± 0.27°) compared to pre-testing (p < 0.05). Findings demonstrate significant BIA changes in muscles subjected to eccentric exercise, potentially aligned with evidence-based time courses of muscle recovery, which could inform monitoring strategies for training and rehabilitation. OpenScienceFramework Trial Registration ID: 8S2MN.
Fragility fractures, falls, and age-related bone loss remain major contributors to morbidity, loss of independence, and healthcare utilization among older adults. Although Canadian clinical guidelines provide clear recommendations for fracture risk assessment and prevention, practical guidance for implementing evidence-based, group-based lifestyle interventions in primary care settings remains limited, particularly in rural contexts. Strong Bones is a 13-week, primary care-linked group exercise and nutrition program designed to translate osteoporosis and bone health evidence into scalable clinical practice. The program integrates progressive resistance training, balance and posture education, spine-sparing movement strategies, and nutrition education, delivered in a group fitness format by an interdisciplinary team. Implementation insights on referral pathways, program redesign, rebranding, and hybrid delivery are summarized. Limitations include lack of long-term outcome data and challenges in monitoring exercise progression. Overall, Strong Bones represents a scalable model for delivering osteoporosis-focused, group-based exercise and education within primary care-linked settings, offering guidance for clinicians and exercise professionals seeking to improve fracture prevention in rural communities.
Canada's Food Guide (CFG) was revised in 2019 to emphasize food quality through a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based proteins. Although the Canadian Food Scoring System (CFSS) was developed to assess the alignment of individual foods and beverages with CFG 2019, no validated tool exists to evaluate multi-ingredient recipes. In this study, we modified the CFSS to create the CFSS for recipes (CFSSr), a nutrient profiling model that classifies recipes into five alignment categories ("very poor" to "excellent") based on food group composition and nutrient-of-concern thresholds from Canadian front-of-package labelling regulations. The CFSSr was applied to 93 021 unique generic recipes from the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey-Nutrition. The majority (64%) of recipes were rated "poor" or "very poor" according to CFG 2019, with dessert and dessert topping recipes scoring lowest and nuts and seeds and snack recipes scoring highest. A sub-analysis of home-prepared recipes (n = 21 774) showed a similar pattern, with 57.6% rated "poor" or "very poor". Home-prepared recipes showed statistically significantly better alignment than otherwise-prepared recipes (median CFSSr: 45.0 vs. 43.8, p < 0.001), though the effect size was negligible, suggesting that preparation location alone does not ensure dietary quality but rather the cooking method (e.g., frying or added ingredients like salt and fats during preparation). These findings underscore a persistent gap between the nutritional quality of common recipes and CFG recommendations, highlighting the need for targeted policies, food literacy initiatives, and tools to promote healthier recipe choices and preparation methods.
Monitoring energy expenditure, such as VO2max, enables individuals to track their progress over time and can be used to guide training. Athletes are restricted to impractical wearable systems or smartwatches with high variable error rates. The device-driven model estimates caloric expenditure by using two wireless Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs). Our system uses off-the-shelf parts, each unit weighing 8.5 g with a total cost of $250. This was compared to the reference standard breath-by-breath respirometry during a maximal exercise protocol and found an average RMSE of 2.16 ± 1.50 W/kg. When the initial 180 s are excluded, the RMSE drops to 1.53 ± 0.97 W/kg indicating there may be a systematic bias present during the initial period of exercise. Validation of this device may provide individualized feedback in a wireless, affordable, and easy to use package.
