INTRODUCTION:Disordered eating (DE) is primarily observed in endurance athletes and sports that emphasize aesthetics. However, DE prevalence, exercise dependence (EXD), body dissatisfaction, and fueling habits in resistance-trained individuals-particularly CrossFit® athletes-are not well understood. CrossFit® promotes a culture that encourages strong, athletic, and muscular bodies. Both CrossFit® and endurance athletes often strive for low body fat percentages to enhance performance, which may contribute to body dissatisfaction, EXD, and eating concerns. This cross-sectional study investigated DE prevalence and its associations with EXD risk, body dissatisfaction, and fueling habits in female CrossFit®-only (CO) versus CrossFit® plus endurance (CE) athletes. METHODS:Participants (n = 325) completed a Qualtrics survey assessing DE, EXD, body dissatisfaction, and fueling practices. RESULTS:Across the sample, 37.2 % of participants were at risk for DE, and 84.6 % were classified as symptomatic for EXD. CO athletes were at a significantly greater risk (p < 0.001) for both DE and EXD compared with CE athletes. Athletes at risk for DE were significantly more likely to be symptomatic for EXD, train more days per week, report a stronger desire for muscularity, and follow specific dietary patterns to attain an ideal body. CONCLUSION:Given the high prevalence of DE and EXD among female CrossFit® athletes, incorporating both screening tools is an important step in the initial evaluation process for Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs).

Branded as ‘the sport of fitness’, CrossFit is well known for its physical benefits, but the benefits may extend far beyond general fitness. Through the lens of positive psychology, we focused on a global CrossFit community to examine the potential psychological and workplace benefits behind this popular exercise program. Results showed that the frequency of CrossFit participation each week significantly predicted well-being and positive Psychological Capital (PsyCap). Additionally, both well-being and PsyCap mediated the relationship between weekly frequency and employee engagement. Our findings show support for benefits in frequent weekly CrossFit participation that reach far beyond physical health. This research underscores CrossFit's multifaceted benefits and encourages organizations to incorporate CrossFit into employee wellness initiatives. It also paves the way for further exploration into the complex impacts of physical fitness on psychological and organizational health.

Participating in regular physical activity has been shown to increases one’s quality of life. Individuals may choose not to participate in regular physical activity because of a perceived lack of time and enjoyment. With the potential of these barriers to decrease exercise adherence, the purpose of this study was to compare perceived exercise duration and enjoyment between a virtually interactive stationary bike and a clamped workload on a standard non-interactive stationary bike. Thirteen active participants completed a VO2 peak test and four counterbalanced trials (two 20-min, two 40-min) with one trial at each duration on the interactive ExpressoTM bike (EXP) and a workload matched trial on a Velotron (VEL). Metabolic data (VO2), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR) was recorded every 5 minutes throughout the trial. Perceived duration and exercise enjoyment (measured by the PACES questionnaire) was assessed 15-minutes after the trial concluded. No significant differences were found for perceived duration (min) between EXP and VEL trials at both short and long duration. For the long duration ExpressoTM (LDE) trial, RPE-overall (RPE-O) was significantly lower at the 25-, 35-, and 40-min mark and RPE-legs (RPE-L) was significantly lower at the 25 min mark compared to the long duration Velotron (LDV) trial. Exercise enjoyment was significantly higher on both EXP trials (vs. VEL). Despite matched intensities, participants perceived the LDE trial more enjoyable and easier (based on RPE) at timepoints beyond 25-min. Virtually interactive cycling could lead to longer exercise durations and/or greater intensities vs. traditional cycling.

742 Background: Current biomarkers offer modest predictive capacity for drug sensitivity testing in pancreatic cancer. Patient-specific pharmacotyping offers the potential for a more direct, personalized prediction model. Recently, an implantable microdevice was developed to facilitate in situ multi-agent pharmacotyping and has since entered clinical trials in multiple cancer types, but had not yet been tested in pancreatic cancer. Here we evaluated the use of a microdosing device (microdevice) in a mouse xenotransplant model of pancreatic cancer as proof of principle to inform future translation to the clinic. Methods: A microdevice consists of a cylindrical frame and 18 wells embedded with standard chemotherapy agents (5 FU, gemcitabine, SN 38, paclitaxel, oxaliplatin), a non-toxic polyethylene glycol (PEG) matrix as control, and doxorubicin, the auto-fluorescent properties of which allow us to determine the distance of drug diffusion for each tumor. Devices were implanted into murine xenotransplanted human organoids (hM1A and hM1E Table 1). Microdevices retrieved at 4h, 8h, and 24h post-implantation together with tumors were fixed in 10% formalin. The tissue was embedded in paraffin and sectioned parallel to the device. A distance-dependent drug diffusion rate and concentration profiles with doxorubicin were evaluated. Co-immunohistochemistry (IHC) for cleaved caspase-3 (CC3), gamma H2AX (apoptosis markers), and human mitochondria (human cancer cell marker) was performed in the area of drug diffusion to determine the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy. Results: 15 animals were enrolled in the experiment with 100% postoperative survival. One device per animal was placed, and all devices were successfully retrieved. Microdevice insertion and exposure to PEG had no effect on tumor integrity. At 250-350µm from the well, we observed intensity from doxorubicin, suggesting drug diffusion. The signal on differential response to drugs was detected as early as 4 hours. Conclusions: Utilization of implantable microdevice to predictcancer drug sensitivity is feasible in organoid transplantation animal models of pancreatic cancer. Future work is needed to expand this model to other cancer drugs and biomarkers to evaluate the cancer drug sensitivity and to test the feasibility of this model to study the effects of chemotherapy on the tumor microenvironment. [Table: see text]

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effectiveness of Bingocize®. This health promotion program strategically combines the game of bingo with fall prevention/nutrition education and exercise in 39 community centers across the state of Virginia. METHODS: Older adults and participants with disabilities (N = 410; age 75.4 + 7.5 y) attended the group Bingocize® sessions two times per week for 10 weeks. Participants played the traditional game of bingo with intermittent strength, balance, and flexibility exercise sessions and nutrition/falls prevention education. Participants completed a pre and post assessment to determine their individual rating for general health, fear of falling, and physical activity level. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in self-reported physical activity levels (Wilcoxon signed-rank; Z = -2.804, p = 0.005) and in pre and post self-reported responses for general health (Z = -2.133, p = 0.033), but fear of falling was not different (Z = -1.866, p = 0.059). However, participants (n = 54) with fair or poor health at baseline reported significantly decreased fear of falling (Z = -3.145, p = .002). CONCLUSIONS: A 10-week Bingocize® program can have a positive impact on increasing the general health and physical activity level of older adults and people with disabilities. The program also appears to improve fear of falling in the participants who report fair or poor health and, therefore, can benefit the most from participation.

A sex-data gap exists between females and males within the sport and exercise science literature, and implications are far-reaching. The purpose of this work was to (a) heed recent calls and scrutinize data from within IJES to address the gap and (b) gain insight on self-identified sex of IJES corresponding authors. The present self-study included all published manuscripts from 2008 through 2021. A total of 851 publications were included, and 806 (94.7%) reported data on participant sex. There was a difference between publications that included only females (n = 132) versus only males (n = 215), and three publications reported data on sex according to non-binary identifications (0.4%). There was an overall difference between the number of female (n = 54,153; 35.9%) and male (n = 96,890; 64.1%) participants. To gain insight on self-identified sex of corresponding authors, we performed an IRB-approved research study. Among 761 unique corresponding authors, 168 individuals provided 157 usable responses-58 biological females (36.9%) and 99 biological males (63.1%). We fully support the prerogative of researchers to ethically conduct investigations and encourage open-mindedness and inclusion in future research. With data revealing an approximate one-third female (36%) and two-thirds male (64%) composition, and corresponding author feedback on self-identified sex being similar (36.9% and 63.1%, respectively), we propose a new concept that should be analyzed: is the sex-data gap representative of the composition of the field? We are not excusing the sex-data gap issue as if it cannot be addressed, and we urge others to join us in researching this line of inquiry.

Following acute genotoxic stress, both normal and tumorous stem cells can undergo cell-cycle arrest to avoid apoptosis and later re-enter the cell cycle to regenerate daughter cells. However, the mechanism of protective, reversible proliferative arrest, “quiescence,” remains unresolved. Here, we show that mitophagy is a prerequisite for reversible quiescence in both irradiated Drosophila germline stem cells (GSCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). In GSCs, mitofission (Drp1) or mitophagy (Pink1/Parkin) genes are essential to enter quiescence, whereas mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC1α) or fusion (Mfn2) genes are crucial for exiting quiescence. Furthermore, mitophagy-dependent quiescence lies downstream of mTOR- and PRC2-mediated repression and relies on the mitochondrial pool of cyclin E. Mitophagy-dependent reduction of cyclin E in GSCs and in hiPSCs during mTOR inhibition prevents the usual G1/S transition, pushing the cells toward reversible quiescence (G0). This alternative method of G1/S control may present new opportunities for therapeutic purposes.

The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if there is a difference in metabolic cost when jumping on platforms of varying thickness, as well as whether a difference exists in metabolic cost between genders exists on the different platforms. Fourteen participants (seven males and seven females) completed three repetitive jumping trials on the DigiJump machine. Each trial was performed at a cadence of 120 jumps per minute and at a minimum height of 1/2″ per jump. Trials were completed on platforms of 1/2″, 3/8″, and 1/4″ thickness. Participants were instructed to jump as long as possible while maintaining the prescribed cadence or until fifteen minutes had elapsed. There were no differences observed in metabolic cost or exertion for all participants or between genders as indicated by oxygen consumption, respiratory exchange ratio, upper leg RPE, or lower leg RPE. There were also no differences for durations of exercise the participants were able to sustain on the machine. However, when comparing data between genders, a significant interaction was observed in total body RPE across the three platforms (p = .009) and in HR on the 1/2″ platform (p = .018). Results from this study indicate that metabolic cost is similar during repetitive jumping regardless of platform rigidity or gender. However, post-trial comments from participants did show preferences towards specific platforms, though this was not apparent in exercise duration.

PURPOSE: Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training is an intervention in increasing clinical use. However, most research on BFR to date is aimed at resistance exercise. The impact of BFR upon the following attributes has received lesser attention in the literature: response to various occlusion pressures, gross motor coordination measures, maximal cycling, cognition, and mood state. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of BFR upon metabolic and psychological markers during maximal cycling. METHODS: Twenty-seven women (27.48 ± 3.89 yr, 168.95 ± 4.86 cm, 70.00 ± 9.67 kg) completed this study.Using a counterbalanced design, participants visited the laboratory on two occasions and completed the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) following two protocols: utilizing Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) at 40% occlusion pression and no BFR or control (CON). In addition to measures of serum glucose and lactate, standardized measures of cognitive function, mood state, and perceived effort were also gathered prior to and following the WAnT protocol. All measures were analyzed via repeated-measures ANOVA (SPSS v 29). RESULTS: Significant differences were found for the following variables between pre- and post-testing: serum glucose levels (F = 4.397, p < 0.046) and lactate levels (F = 150.822, p < 0.001); markers of mood state for positive Well Being (F = 9.136, p < 0.006), Psychological Distress (F = 15.317, p < 0.001), and Fatigue (F = 30.266, p < 0.001); Borg Scale of RPE (F = 541.873, p < 0.001); Numeric Pain Scale (F = 11.050, p < 0.003); and Mental Fatigue (F = 10.033, p < 0.004). No significant differences were found between pre- and post-testing for the following variables: ability to concentrate (F = 0.405, p < 0.530) and motivation (F = 0.668, p < 0.421). No significant differences were found between the BFR and CON conditions for any variable. CONCLUSIONS: The findings do not support the hypothesis that maximal cycling with BFR at 40% occlusion pressure impacts metabolic and psychological measures to a greater extent than does the CON condition. The present findings may assist clinicians in making better use of BFR routines in rehabilitation and training programs.

The Bruce and Astrand treadmill protocols are commonly utilized when assessing maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). However, the steep grade implemented in the protocols often leads to localized muscular fatigue, potentially causing participants prematurely to terminate the test prior to reaching their true VO2max. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a Novel VO2max protocol that may be better suited for young, apparently healthy populations. The Novel protocol starts at a higher speed and lower initial grade to limit lower extremity fatigue. Fifteen participants performed the Bruce, Astrand, and Novel protocols with the following maximal values recorded from each: VO2max, maximal ventilation (VEmax), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and time to exhaustion (TTE). The Novel protocol displayed substantial agreement with both criterion protocols. Mean absolute percent error (MAPE) was less than 10% indicating that the Novel protocol is a valid measurement for VO2max values. Bland-Altman analysis revealed that the Novel protocol exhibited a low degree of bias, with tight limits of agreement when compared to the Bruce (bias ±95% LOA = 0.824 ± 3.163) and Astrand protocols (-0.153 ± 3.528) for VO2max. A paired samples t-test revealed no significant differences between Novel and criterion protocols for VO2max. Paired samples t-tests revealed that the Novel protocol had significantly lower TTE when compared to the Bruce and Astrand protocols and produced similar VO2max values to that of the Bruce and Astrand. The Novel protocol may be considered a valid and time-efficient protocol.

There are limited data comparing the efficacy of resistance loads within the hypertrophy range for promoting muscular growth, particularly when similar training volumes are utilized. The purpose of this study was to determine if two similar volume-loads, utilizing different intensities, would produce dissimilar muscular damage and inflammation. Eleven resistance-trained, college-aged males participated in this study. After testing 1RM barbell squats, participants completed two similar volume-load barbell squat sessions at two different resistance loads (67% and 85% of 1RM) on two separate visits. Venous blood samples were collected at baseline and one hour after completion of each exercise session. Plasma was isolated and analyzed for myoglobin and C-reactive protein (CRP) expression via ELISA. Plasma myoglobin expression was significantly elevated above baseline (BASE) values only after the 85% of 1RM (HHL) session (p =0.031), though the 67% (LHL) trial (p = 0.054; η2 = 0.647) was approaching significance (BASE: 1.42±.12 ng/mL; LHL: 4.65±1.13 ng/mL; HHL: 5.00±1.01 ng/mL). No changes in plasma CRP were observed. Despite attempts to equate volumes between resistances, mean total volume-load was significantly higher during the 67% of 1RM trial than during the 85% trial. Resistance loads at 85% of 1RM inflict significantly increased muscle damage over baseline values, even when significantly less total volume was lifted during the 85% trial. Individuals looking to maximize strength and hypertrophy during general training or during rehabilitation may benefit from these findings when determining the appropriate training load.

The mammalian genome encodes thousands of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are developmentally regulated and differentially expressed across tissues, suggesting possible roles in cellular differentiation. Despite this expression pattern, little is known about how lncRNAs influence lineage commitment at the molecular level. Here, we reveal that perturbation of an embryonic stem cell (ESC)-specific lncRNA, Pluripotency associated transcript 4 ( Platr4 ), in ESCs directly influences the downstream meso/endoderm differentiation program without affecting pluripotency. We further show that Platr4 interacts with the TEA domain transcription factor 4 (Tead4) to regulate the expression of a downstream target gene crucial in the cardiac lineage program known as connective tissue growth factor (Ctgf). Importantly, Platr4 knockout mice exhibit myocardial atrophy, valve mucinous degenration associated with reduced cardiac output and sudden heart failure. Together, our findings provide evidence that Platr4 expression in undifferentiated ESCs is critical for downstream lineage differentiation, highlighting its importance in disease modeling and regenerative medicine.

Cancer stem cells, in contrast to their more differentiated daughter cells, can endure genotoxic insults, escape apoptosis, and cause tumor recurrence. Understanding how normal adult stem cells survive and go to quiescence may help identify druggable pathways that cancer stem cells have co-opted. In this study, we utilize a genetically tractable model for stem cell survival in the Drosophila gonad to screen drug candidates and probe chemical-genetic interactions. Our study employs three levels of small molecule screening: (1) a medium-throughput primary screen in male germline stem cells (GSCs), (2) a secondary screen with irradiation and protein-constrained food in female GSCs, and (3) a tertiary screen in breast cancer organoids in vitro. Herein, we uncover a series of small molecule drug candidates that may sensitize cancer stem cells to apoptosis. Further, we have assessed these small molecules for chemical-genetic interactions in the germline and identified the NF-κB pathway as an essential and druggable pathway in GSC quiescence and viability. Our study demonstrates the power of the Drosophila stem cell niche as a model system for targeted drug discovery.

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 2: Issue 1, Article 1, 2021. While Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology (TESK) was originally designed to fill a void in publishing applied information for practitioners in physical activity and sport, the TESK editors have determined a need to update the submission categories. The categories of Process of Science and Implementation Strategies have been retained, and three new types of submissions now will be accepted: Expedited Articles, Review Articles, and Case Studies. Process of Science submissions should seek to answer the question, “What was learned from the experience of performing the investigation?”, while Implementation Strategies should address, “How can what was carried out be explained?” Required elements for both submission types are outlined along with guidelines for conducting peer-reviews. Expedited Articles can be submitted to TESK and undergo an accelerated review by the editors. Required elements and the peer review processes are also outlined for Review Articles and Case Studies.

The Bruce treadmill protocol is commonly utilized when assessing maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). As the Bruce was developed originally for cardiac patients, and its initial stages are very slow coupled with a steep grade, it may not be an appropriate protocol for young or trained individuals with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness. Additionally, the steep grade used in the Bruce protocol elicits significant local muscular fatigue, which may cause participants to end the test prior to reaching their true VO2max. Secondly, the Astrand protocol also utilizes a steep grade and the speed of the first two stages is relatively slow, which may not elicit a significant cardiovascular response in healthy individuals. The apparent flaws of these two validated tests may present limitations that can induce measurement error and underestimation of VO2max in healthy or well-trained populations. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to validate a novel VO2max protocol that may be better suited for healthy or well-trained populations. METHODS: Ten participants performed the Bruce, Astrand, and Novel protocols in a randomized and counterbalanced order with the following maximal values being recorded from each protocol: VO2max, minute ventilation (Ve), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and time to exhaustion (TTE). RESULTS: Paired samples t-tests revealed no differences in VO2max when comparing the Novel versus both the Bruce (p = .151) and Astrand protocols (p = .503). Results from the Bland-Altman Analysis revealed that the Novel protocol exhibited a low degree of bias with tight limits of agreement when compared to the Bruce (mean bias ±95% LOA = 1.102 ± 4.357) and Astrand protocols (mean bias ±95% LOA = -0.440 ± 3.920). Additionally, the Novel protocol resulted in significantly lower TTE when compared to the Bruce (p < .001) and Astrand protocols (p = .001). CONCLUSION: The Novel protocol produces similar VO2max values to that of the Bruce and Astrand protocols with lower TTE, or test duration, making it a quicker and more effective protocol for this population.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of evidence-based educational materials and access to local resources on physical activity (PA) levels, beliefs, and motivation (including self-efficacy) regarding PA during pregnancy in a rural setting. Methods: Information on PA levels (step counts, Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire) and beliefs and motivation regarding PA (main surveys: Exercise Beliefs Questionnaire, Protection Motivation Theory and Health Action Process Approach) were collected between 8 and 16 weeks gestation. Women from a rural community were randomly assigned to the PA group (PAG, n = 38) or control group (n = 32). The PAG participants received an evidence-based educational brochure and access (at no charge to them) to local fitness facilities. At approximately 34 to 37 weeks gestation, baseline assessments were repeated. Results: Sedentary time was significantly different between groups over time, with control participants increasing sedentary time and PAG participants decreasing sedentary time (P = .04). Sixteen women (42%) in the PAG utilized the resources provided (prenatal yoga being utilized most). Postintervention, there was a significant group × time interaction for Perceived Self-Efficacy scores; scores in the PAG remained consistent with baseline values, whereas scores in the control group decreased (P = .03). Conclusions: The intervention reduced sedentary time and maintained self-efficacy scores during pregnancy.

This work aims to present concepts related to ethical issues in conducting and reporting scientific research in a clear and straightforward manner. Considerations around research design including authorship, sound research practices, non-discrimination in subject recruitment, objectivity, respect for intellectual property, and financial interests are detailed. Further, concepts relating to the conducting of research including the competency of the researcher, conflicts of interest, accurately representing data, and ethical practices in human and animal research are presented. Attention pertaining to the dissemination of research including plagiarism, duplicate submission, redundant publication, and figure manipulation is offered. Other considerations including responsible mentoring, respect for colleagues, and social responsibility are set forth. The International Journal of Exercise Science will now require a statement in all subsequent published manuscripts that the authors have complied with each of the ethics statements contained in this work.

Cardiovascular (CV) and resistance training (RT) can moderate negative effects of aging, disease, and inactivity. Post-exercise hypotension (PEH) has been used as a non-pharmacological means to control and reduce BP. Few have evaluated PEH response following a bout of exercise combining CV and RT, whether or not there is an order effect, or if PEH continues when activities of daily living (ADLs) are resumed. Participants (N = 10) completed a non-exercise control, a graded exercise test (GXT), and two concurrent sessions (CVRT and RTCV). Each session was followed by a 60-minute laboratory and 3-hour ADLs PEH assessment, respectively. Two-way and Welch-one-way repeated measures ANOVAs were used to determine differences between among conditions in PEH. There was a significant interaction between BP and condition following the 60-minute laboratory measure (p = .030, ηp2 = .166) and the ADLs BP assessments (p = .008, ηp2 = .993), respectively. PEH occurred following concurrent exercise conditions at minute 45 for RTCV (118 ± 8, p = .041; 95% CI [0.223, 17.443]) and minutes 50 (117 ± 9; p = .036 95% CI [0.441, 21.097]) and 55 (118 + 8; p < .001; 95% CI [5.884, 14.731]) following CVRT. BP was elevated during ADLs following the control session compared to the GXT, RTCV, and CVRT. Regardless of the order, concurrent exercise is effective in potentiating PEH. Elevation in BP associated with ADLs can be mitigated if exercise is performed previously.

The purpose of this document is to serve as a guide for evaluators who agree to review work submitted to Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology. To assist evaluators, a Reviewer Rubric has been created with the following sections: Title Page and Abstract, Introduction and Methods Page, Point of Application Page(s), Other Considerations, and Reviewer Decisions. Point of application: Reviewing the Title and Abstract page – rubric shared for title, author list, affiliations, the abstract, and key words. Point of application: Reviewing the Introduction and Methods page – evaluation of introductory paragraph, paragraph for methodology and/or results. Point of application: Reviewing the Point of Application pages – rubric for Each Point of Application, which should consist of a title, written text, and a figure or table. Point of application: Reviewing the Figures and Tables, and Making a Decision – rubric for the evaluation of figures or tables, others comments, and decisions that can be made.

Statistical reporting of quantitative research data has been plagued by potential bias and reporting suppression due to a single numerical output: the p-value. While there is great importance in its merit, creating a pass-fail system (set at point of .05) has created a culture of researchers submitting their project's data to a filing cabinet if it does not yield "statistical significance" based on this value. The editors of the International Journal of Exercise Science are following the American Statistical Association's call for statistical reform by adjusting our reporting guidelines to the following requirements: [1.] make an intentional effort to move away from statements "statistically significant" or "not significant;" [2] all p-values are to be reported in their raw, continuous form; [3.] measures of the magnitude of effect must be presented with all p-values; [4.] either an a-priori power analysis with relevant citations should be included or post-hoc power calculations should accompany p-values and measures of effect. The ultimate goal of this editorial is to join with other scholars to push the field toward transparency in reporting and critical, thoughtful evaluation of research.