The present study utilized a randomized crossover design to compare the short-term effects of time-restricted feeding (TRF) and alternate-day fasting (ADF) on the subjective experiences of young females. Twenty-three females ( M age = 18.3 ± 0.4 years) participated in this study. Participants were asked to complete three days of TRF and three days of ADF, separated by a four-day washout period. On the day before fasting and on each fasting day, the participants completed an online questionnaire at noon. The questionnaire collected information on mood, hunger, diet satisfaction and subjective sleep quality. Total mood disturbance increased following ADF compared to TRF [condition x time interaction: F (3, 57) = 3.35, p = .03, η²ₚ = .15], but this effect disappeared by the second fasting day. Hunger increased on fasting days following both TRF and ADF [main effect of time: F (3, 57) = 19.82, p < .001, η²ₚ = .51, and a condition x time interaction: F (3, 57) = 10.08, p < .001, η²ₚ = .35]. Diet satisfaction was significantly higher during TRF than ADF [main effect of condition: F (1, 19) = 5.21, p = .03, η²ₚ = .22]. Neither fasting protocol significantly affected subjective sleep quality. Together, these findings suggest that TRF may offer a more tolerable fasting strategy than ADF, particularly in terms of mood and diet satisfaction, without adverse effects on subjective sleep quality.

The progressive accumulation of physiological stress as we age, known as allostatic load, is linked to an increased risk of dementia. Fostering brain resilience through physical exercise can counteract allostatic load and improve adaptation to age-related brain alterations. Fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5)/irisin is a neuroprotective exercise-linked hormone found in extracellular vesicles (EV-FNDC5/irisin). Here, we sought to analyse EV-FNDC5/irisin in ageing as a promising biomarker of brain resilience. We measured exercise-associated factors, including EV-FNDC5/irisin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and cathepsin B in the serum of 31 young (18-28 years) and 19 older subjects (65-79 years). Levels of FNDC5/irisin in serum-derived EVs are markedly reduced in older subjects compared to young (P = 0.004). We report a reduction in nanoparticles isolated from the serum of older participants (P = 0.009). While EV-FNDC5/irisin positively correlates with BDNF in young subjects (Spearman r = 0.40, P = 0.038), this correlation is absent in elderly subjects (Spearman r = -0.25, P = 0.34). This study provides initial evidence that EV-FNDC5/irisin is reduced in older individuals and loses correlation with BDNF. Our identification of peripheral, exercise-linked factors associated with age may inform biomarker discovery and interventions to promote brain resilience.

Reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebrovascular function are critical early-stage biomarkers preceding changes in brain function and structure observed in normal aging and during the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD). Though several interventions attempt to curb the effects of aging and brain neurodegeneration, exercise and lifestyle habits remain one of the most impactful and easily modifiable factors for preserving brain health. Although the effects of aerobic exercise on cerebrovascular function and brain health are well established, resistance training (RT) is rapidly increasing in popularity across all age demographics due to its numerous health benefits. Despite the clear physiological benefits of resistance exercise, its potential efficacy for preserving or improving cerebrovascular and overall brain health remains understudied to date. The aim of this review is to examine the literature pertaining to ways in which resistance exercise may reduce the risk of ADRD and slow age-related decline of brain structures and functions. Additionally, this review seeks to highlight key considerations and challenges regarding the feasibility, adoption, and adherence to resistance exercise in the context of normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, and ADRD.

PurposeTo understand the independent and combined effects of sleep and mental health on academic performance, while also exploring gender differences.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was distributed to undergraduate students at two Canadian universities in March 2022. Sleep quality and quantity was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Mental health variables included stress, depression, and anxiety. Academic performance was self-reported as students’ cumulative percent average. Multiple linear regressions were used to investigate how (1) sleep, (2) mental health, (3) sleep and mental health together related to academic performance. These analyses were then repeated, stratified by gender.ResultsA total of 1,258 undergraduate students participated. While mental health and sleep duration predicted academic performance among the whole sample, there were important gender differences. In gender-stratified data, sleep quality and quantity predicted academic performance in men but not mental health in the combined model. For women, stress, depression, and anxiety predicted academic performance but not sleep quality. Sleep duration squared, but not sleep duration simply, was associated with academic performance in women.ConclusionSleep and mental health are essential for academic performance in undergraduate students. Further, gender may play a critical role. Universities should consider gender-specific supports to improve the wellbeing of their students.

Background. The growth in participation in collegiate athletics has been accompanied by increased sport-related injuries. The complex and multifactorial nature of sports injuries highlights the importance of monitoring athletes prospectively using a novel and integrated biopsychosocial approach, as opposed to contemporary practices that silo these facets of health. Methods. Data collected over two competitive basketball seasons were used in a principal component analysis (PCA) model with the following objectives: (i) investigate whether biomechanical PCs (i.e., on-court and countermovement jump (CMJ) metrics) were correlated with psychological state across a season and (ii) explore whether subject-specific significant fluctuations could be detected using minimum detectable change statistics. Weekly CMJ (force plates) and on-court data (inertial measurement units), as well as psychological state (questionnaire) data, were collected on the female collegiate basketball team for two seasons. Results. While some relationships (n = 2) were identified between biomechanical PCs and psychological state metrics, the magnitude of these associations was weak (r = |0.18-0.19|, p<0.05), and no other overarching associations were identified at the group level. However, post-hoc case study analysis showed subject-specific relationships that highlight the potential utility of red-flagging meaningful fluctuations from normative biomechanical and psychological patterns. Conclusion. Overall, this work demonstrates the potential of advanced analytical modeling to characterize components of and detect statistically and clinically relevant fluctuations in student-athlete performance, health, and well-being and the need for more tailored and athlete-centered monitoring practices.

Exercise enhances aspects of human cognition, but its intensity may matter. Recent animal research suggests that vigorous exercise, which releases greater amounts of lactate, activates more brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus and, thus, may be optimal for supporting cognitive function. The cognitive benefits of exercise may be further augmented when combined with cognitive training. The sport of orienteering simultaneously combines exercise with spatial navigation and, therefore, may result in greater cognitive benefits than exercising only, especially at vigorous intensities. The present study aimed to examine the effects of an acute bout of orienteering at different intensities on cognition and BDNF compared to exercising only. We hypothesized that vigorous-intensity orienteering would increase lactate and BDNF and improve cognition more than moderate-intensity orienteering or vigorous exercise alone. Sixty-three recreationally active, healthy young adults (Mage = 21.10±2.75 years) with no orienteering experience completed a 1.3 km intervention course by navigating and exercising at a vigorous (80-85% of heart rate reserve) or moderate (40-50% of heart rate reserve) intensity or exercising vigorously without navigation. Exercise intensity was monitored using peak lactate, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion. Serum BDNF was extracted immediately before and after the intervention. Memory was assessed using the Mnemonic Similarity Task (high-interference memory) and the Groton Maze Learning Test (spatial memory). Both exercising and orienteering at a vigorous intensity elicited greater peak lactate and increases in BDNF than moderate-intensity orienteering, and individuals with higher peak lactate also had greater increases in BDNF. High-interference memory improved after both vigorous-intensity interventions but did not improve after the moderate-intensity intervention. Spatial memory only increased after vigorous-intensity orienteering, suggesting that orienteering at a vigorous intensity may particularly benefit spatial cognition. Overall, the results demonstrate the benefits of vigorous exercise on human cognition and BDNF.

The sport of orienteering combines physical activity with spatial navigation. Using only a map and a compass, the orienteer must locate a series of checkpoints over unfamiliar terrain using any navigational route they choose and while moving as quickly as possible. Although expert orienteers have superior spatial memory and navigational abilities, even a single session of orienteering can benefit cognition, suggesting that orienteering may be a promising way to train the brain. Research interventions involving orienteering may be especially beneficial for staving off Alzheimer's disease and related dementias that are afflicted by early impairments in wayfinding and spatial cognition. Though orienteering has gained traction in recent literature, certain barriers exist for researchers who are unfamiliar with the sport and wish to implement an intervention. Specifically, a lack of research-based resources for creating orienteering maps and courses may prevent those wishing to study orienteering from designing an intervention. Therefore, this report provides the fundamental information needed to develop orienteering maps and courses and how to implement orienteering interventions in a research setting.

IntroductionPoor mental health is a known risk factor for poor sleep among university students; however, less is known about the role of dysfunctional sleep beliefs and its relation to mental health and sleep. Additionally, students who identify as people of color (POC) may experience unique stressors related to discrimination and inequalities which can contribute to mental health issues and in turn, influence their sleep. The present study evaluated the impact of dysfunctional sleep beliefs and poor mental health on a student's susceptibility to worse sleep and examined differences among POC.MethodsPost-secondary students completed a survey including the Insomnia Severity Index and the Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep Scale. Participants also completed questionnaires measuring symptoms of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress.ResultsOne thousand five hundred and sixty-two students were included in the analyses, 58% of which were POC. POC students had more dysfunctional sleep beliefs (p < 0.01) and worse insomnia severity (p < 0.01) compared to white students. Overall, greater dysfunctional sleep beliefs were significantly associated with worse symptoms of depression (b = 1.521), anxiety (b = 1.170), stress (b = 1.370), and poor sleep (b =1.963; ps < 0.001). Dysfunctional sleep beliefs also moderated the relation between poor mental health and sleep, specifically depression (p = 0.035) and anxiety (p = 0.007), by exacerbating sleep outcomes.DiscussionThe results suggest that dysfunctional sleep beliefs may play a role in perpetuating poor mental health and sleep. Interventions to improve students' sleep and wellbeing focused on reframing dysfunctional sleep beliefs should be examined.

ObjectivesThis study sought to understand how university student’s academic discipline relates to sleep factors including attitudes, hygiene, quality, and duration.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional approach, a 30-min survey was advertised to students at two Canadian universities in March of 2022. Sleep measures included the Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes Scale, the Sleep Hygiene Index, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Insomnia Severity Index. Academic discipline was categorized into four groups: Health, Arts, Sciences, and Engineering. Multiple linear regressions were used to investigate (1) the effect of academic discipline on sleep measures, and (2) the effect of academic discipline, dysfunctional sleep attitudes, and sleep hygiene practices on insomnia, sleep quality and duration.Results1,566 students completed the survey (69.4% women; 80.3% undergraduates). Compared to Health students, Art students had worse dysfunctional sleep attitudes, hygiene, quality, and insomnia severity (p < 0.001). This relationship disappeared after controlling for differences in mental health (p ≥ 0.05). Art students had longer sleep durations (p < 0.01), whereas Engineering students had shorter sleep durations (p < 0.05). When dysfunctional sleep attitudes and hygiene were included in the model, both academic discipline (p < 0.05) and sleep hygiene (p < 0.001) were associated with sleep duration. Sleep hygiene and attitudes were also associated with sleep quality and insomnia severity (p < 0.001), while academic discipline was not (p ≥ 0.05).DiscussionThese results suggest differences in sleep quality across academic discipline are impacted by dysfunctional sleep attitudes, sleep hygiene, and mental health, whereas differences in sleep duration appear to be independent of these factors. Overall, students in different academic disciplines have unique relationships with sleep and thus may require targeted approaches to improve their sleep. Future interventions should focus on supporting sleep hygiene and attitudes to improve students’ sleep and well-being.

OBJECTIVE:Associations between measures of executive functioning (EF) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) were examined for adults with and without ADHD.METHOD:Measures of executive functioning including the Stroop task, Wisconsin Card Sorting task, and Operation Span Task were completed virtually (n = 36 ADHD; n = 36 Control). Participants completed the Six-Minute Walk Test to estimate CRF.RESULTS:Mean performance measures of executive function did not differ by group. However, higher estimated CRF was associated with better Stroop task performance, and the association was strongest for individuals with ADHD.CONCLUSION:In adults with ADHD, higher estimated CRF was associated with better inhibitory control, but not with other measures of executive functioning.

Many older adults do not achieve recommended amounts of aerobic or strengthening exercise and high-intensity interval or circuit-based strengthening may offer a time-efficient solution. This review sought to determine the effects of high-intensity interval/circuit strengthening on physical and cognitive functioning for community-dwelling older adults, and its associated adherence, retention, and adverse events. Six databases were searched to June 2022 and 15 studies (11 for effectiveness) were included. The current certainty of evidence is low to very low; upper body-focused physical functioning measures demonstrated small to large benefits and lower body-focused, self-report, and cardiovascular measures had mixed results. There was insufficient evidence (one study) to determine cognitive effects. The mean adherence rates ranged from 73.5% to 95.8%, overall retention across all studies (n = 812) was 86%, and no serious adverse events were reported, suggesting that this type of exercise is feasible for community-dwelling older adults.

During the final proofreading step of this paper [...]

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by executive dysfunction. Physical activity (PA) may improve executive dysfunction; however, specific barriers and facilitators to PA participation for adults with ADHD have not been formally documented, which was the aim of the present study. Thirty adults with ADHD completed virtual semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed thematically and guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework. Expressions of both barriers and facilitators to PA were identified. Themes such as executive dysfunction (described as forgetfulness, difficulty with sustained focus, and time management), poor self-esteem, and lack of motivation were seen as barriers to PA. Key facilitators were tied to the benefits of being physically active including improvements in executive functioning, mood, and mental health during and after activity, as well as the enjoyment of being active with others. To better support adults with ADHD in initiating physical activity, it is crucial to develop unique resources that are tailored to their specific needs. These resources should be designed to minimize barriers and maximize facilitators, while also supporting the awareness and acceptance of neurodiverse experiences.