Supplementation of probiotic strains can enhance the absorption of amino acids from protein in the gut. The purpose of this study was to assess if supplementation of a multi-strain probiotic or a postbiotic, consisting of the same strains, would alter the absorption of individual and total amino acids following ingestion of a plant-based meal. Sixteen male participants consumed either probiotic (PRO) or postbiotic (cells inactivated by γ-irradiation; POST), both consisting of L. paracasei LP-DG® (CNCM I-1572) plus L. paracasei LPC-S01 (DSM 26760), or a placebo (PLA) for 2 weeks in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design study separated by a 4-week washout period. During the testing session, blood samples were taken at baseline, 30-, 60-, 120-, and 180-min post-ingestion of a plant-based vegan burger patty. Plasma amino acid levels were analyzed, and percent changes from baseline were assessed using linear mixed-effects models, with the PLA condition as the reference group. There was statistically significant POST condition-by-time interactions for percent changes in alanine, asparagine, citrulline, cystine, glycine, methionine, proline, and total amino acids ( p < 0.05, for all). Additionally, there was a statistically significant condition (PRO) by time interactions for cystine ( p = 0.02). Two weeks of POST supplementation resulted in significant improvements in amino acid absorption profiles for various individual amino acids and total amino acids compared to PLA. This is the first study to report improved amino acid absorption from a mixed macronutrient meal following a period of postbiotic supplementation.

Biotransformation of minerals via glycosylation by microorganisms such as yeast and/or probiotics yields nutrients bound to a food matrix, resulting in increased bioavailability. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of glycoprotein matrix-bound zinc (GPM) on absorption compared to inorganic zinc oxide. Sixteen participants ingested 11 mg of zinc as either GPM™ Soy-Free Zinc (GPM, Ashland, Kearny, NJ, USA) or zinc oxide (USP). Blood samples were taken at 0 (i.e., baseline), 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, 300, 360, 420, and 480 min post-ingestion. GPM zinc concentrations were significantly higher at 120 min (p = 0.02; 12.4 ± 5.1 mcg/dL), 180 min (p = 0.002; 16.8 ± 5.1 mcg/dL), and 240 min (p = 0.007; 14.6 ± 5.1 mcg/dL) in comparison to USP zinc oxide. In addition, GPM zinc significantly increased iAUC by 40% (5840 ± 2684 vs. 4183 ± 1132 mcg/dL * 480 min, p = 0.02), and Cmax values were 10% higher in GPM compared to USP (148 ± 21 mcg/dL vs. 135 ± 17.5 mcg/dL, p = 0.08). Tmax was 12% slower in GPM compared to USP (112.5 ± 38.7 min vs. 127.5 ± 43.1 min); however, differences in Tmax failed to reach statistical significance (p = 0.28). Zinc bound to a glycoprotein matrix significantly increased absorption compared to zinc oxide.

Introduction We examined if acute ingestion of a novel thermogenic supplement influences resting energy expenditure (REE), mood, and hemodynamic function. Methods Forty-six adults completed this randomized, placebo -controlled, double-blind, crossover study. Participants underwent two conditions: placebo (PL) and treatment (TX) containing 300 mg of caffeine and 3 g of acetylL-carnitine. REE, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), and mood states were assessed at baseline and 30, 60, and 120 minutes post -ingestion. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. Results A significant condition -by -time interaction was observed for REE. At the 30-, 60-, and 120 -minute postingestion timepoints, REE was 202 +/- 26, 238 +/- 40, and 209 +/- 29 kcal/d greater in the TX condition compared to PL. No significant differences were observed for SBP and HR but a significant interaction indicated that DBP was elevated at 30 minutes in the TX vs. PL, though values remained within normal ranges. Significant interactions were observed for perceived alertness, concentration, energy, and focus, with increases in TX. Conclusion These data provide evidence that acute consumption of the thermogenic dietary supplement OxyShred (EHPlabs, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA) stimulates increases in REE that are sustained for >= two hours, along with increasing perceived alertness, concentration, energy, and focus. Changes in hemodynamic function are minimal and within normal ranges.

Caffeine’s metabolism is determined by CYP1A2 genotypes: AC/CC (SLOW) and AA (FAST). This trial evaluated CYP1A2 genotypes’ impact on exercise and cognitive effects in 36 resistance-trained females assessed under placebo (PL) and caffeine (6 mg/kg bw anhydrous caffeine-CAF) conditions, before ingestion and throughout the session. 23andMe® (San Francisco, CA, USA) determined genotypes using saliva. Data were analyzed using two-way RMANOVA and paired-samples t-tests (p < 0.05). A significant main effect for genotype existed for leg press repetitions to failure (RTF) for CAF (p = 0.038), with the FAST group performing more repetitions than the SLOW (p = 0.027). There was a significant condition x genotype interaction for the subjective outcome index score (p = 0.045), with significant differences for time (p < 0.01) and between genotype (p < 0.001). Follow-up analysis revealed a higher total score (p = 0.028) following CAF for the FAST group and a lower total score (p < 0.01) in the SLOW group. Dizziness was reported following CAF in the SLOW group (p = 0.014; Cohen’s d = 0.725). Aside from leg press RTF, subjective outcome index score, and dizziness, the genotype groups experienced similar responses to resistance exercise performance and subjective mood states following caffeine ingestion.

Multi-ingredient thermogenic supplements can acutely increase resting energy expenditure (REE) and subjective energy. However, less is understood about the effects of chronic consumption on body composition, metabolism, and subjective variables such as mood, sleep quality, and eating behaviors. Fifty-two healthy, exercise-trained participants (50% female; mean ± SD age: 23.5 ± 3.0 years; body fat percentage: 27.3 ± 8.0%) were randomized 2:2:1 to take a whey protein supplement alone (PRO; n = 20), in combination with a thermogenic supplement (PRO + FB; n = 19), or no supplement at all (CON; n = 13) for four weeks. Body composition, anthropometric, metabolic, hemodynamic, and subjective outcomes were collected before and after the intervention. Greater changes in REE occurred in PRO + FB as compared to CON (111.2 kcal/d, 95% CI 2.4 to 219.9 kcal/d, p = 0.04), without significant differences between PRO and CON (42.7 kcal/d, 95% CI −65.0 to 150.3 kcal/d, p = 0.61) or between PRO + FB and PRO (68.5 kcal/d, 95% CI −28.3, 165.3, p = 0.21). No changes in hemodynamic outcomes (blood pressure and heart rate) were observed. In exercising adults, four weeks of supplementation with protein and a multi-ingredient thermogenic product maintained fasted REE as compared to no supplementation, for which a decrease in REE was observed, without differential effects on body composition, anthropometrics, or subjective variables.

Rodriguez, C, Florez, CM, Prather, J, Zaragoza, J, Tinnin, M, Brennan, KL, Taylor, L, and Tinsley, GM. Influence of upper-extremity and lower-extremity resistance exercise on segmental body composition and body fluid estimates. J Strength Cond Res 37(5): 1042-1051, 2023-The purpose of this analysis was to determine if acute, localized resistance exercise (RE) artificially influences total and regional estimates of body composition from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Recreationally active male (n = 14) and female (n = 18) subjects completed 3 testing visits: rest (R), upper-extremity RE (U), and lower-extremity RE (L). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans were completed before exercise and 60 minutes after exercise. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was completed immediately before and after exercise and at 15, 30, and 60 minutes after exercise. Subjects were not allowed to intake fluid during the exercise session or during the postexercise assessment period. The effects of the acute RE session on DXA and BIA estimates were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models with a random intercept for subject. Condition by time interactions were observed for most BIA outcomes. Relative to the reference model (i.e., R condition at baseline), total body water and fat-free mass estimates were, on average, approximately 1 and approximately 1.2 kg higher, in the U condition. In contrast, lower-extremity RE exerted little or no impact on most BIA variables. Some DXA estimates exhibited time main effects, but the magnitude of changes was negligible. An acute bout of localized RE, particularly upper-extremity RE, can artificially influence BIA body fluid and composition estimates, whereas DXA may be robust to the acute biological error introduced by RE. Although body composition assessments should ideally be conducted under standardized conditions, DXA may be suitable in less standardized situations. In addition, BIA is differentially influenced by upper-extremity and lower-extremity resistance exercise.

ABSTRACT Background Thermogenic supplements are widely used in the general population to support attempted fat loss; however, the efficacy and safety of these supplements are questioned. Purpose To determine whether a thermogenic supplement affects metabolic rate, hemodynamic responses, and mood states. Methods In a randomized double-blind crossover design, 23 females (22.2 ± 3.5 years; 164.8 ± 6.4 cm; 73.5 ± 6.9 kg) who were moderate caffeine consumers (<150 mg/day) reported to the lab after a 12 h fast for baseline assessments of resting energy expenditure (REE) via indirect calorimetry, heart rate (HR), blood pressure (SBP and DBP), blood variables, and hunger, satiety, and mood states. Thereafter, subjects ingested the assigned treatment (active treatment containing caffeine, micronutrients, and phytochemicals [TR] or placebo [PL]). All variables were reassessed at 30-, 60-, 120-, and 180 min post-ingestion. Subjects repeated the same protocol with ingestion of the opposite treatment on a separate day. All data were analyzed using a 2 × 5 ANOVA with repeated measures and significance was accepted a priori at p < 0.05. Results In the TR group, mean increases in REE of 121 to 166 kcal/d were observed at 30-, 60-, and 180 min post-ingestion (p < 0.01 for all). PL group mean decreases in REE of 72 to 91 kcal/day were observed at 60-, 120-, and 180 min (p < 0.05 for all). Respiratory quotient decreased at 120 and 180 min in both treatments. Slight increases in SBP of 3–4 mmHg were observed at 30, 120, and 180 min (p < 0.05 for all) post-ingestion of TR, while no effects were observed for DBP. Observed increases in SBP were within normal blood pressure ranges. TR decreased subjective fatigue with no other significant changes in mood states. Glycerol was maintained in TR, while there was a decrease at 30, 60, and 180 min (p < 0.05 for all) post-ingestion of PLA. Free fatty acids increased in TR at 60 and 180 min (p < 0.05) post-ingestion as well as a significant difference between treatments at 30 min post-ingestion indicating greater circulating free fatty acids levels in TR vs. PL (p < 0.01). Conclusion These findings indicate that ingestion of a specific thermogenic supplement formulation produces a sustained increase in metabolic rate and caloric expenditure and reduces fatigue over 3 h without producing adverse hemodynamic responses.

Purpose Quantify and compare the movement demands of gameplay in a male only and a female only touch rugby team competing in the International Touch World Cup (2019). Methods Movement demands (male: n = 16; female: n = 15) were assessed across 16 games (male open's: 8; female open's: 8) with 10 Hz global positioning system devices. Separate linear mixed models and Cohen's effect size (ES) comparisons were used to analyze variables by half (1(st) vs. 2(nd) half) and gender (male vs. female). Results Within game comparisons revealed reductions in run distance (ES = -0.26; p = 0.003) and worst-case scenario one-minute relative distance (ES = -0.29; p = 0.019) from the first to second half in a male only team. The female only team experienced an increase in walk distance (ES = 0.42; p <0.001) and a reduction in run distance (ES = -0.27; p <0.001) from the first to second half. Gender comparisons revealed the male only team maintained a higher average speed (ES = -0.49; p = 0.006) while covering a greater run distance (ES = -1.03; p = <0.001) and sprint distance (ES = -0.98; p < 0.001) than the female only team. The male only team also achieved a higher peak speed than the female only team (ES = -0.70; p < 0.001). Conclusions Movement demands of touch games remain consistent from the first to second half in male only and female only teams. However, male only games appear to be played at a higher intensity than female only games. Results from our study suggest gender specific conditioning programs should be implemented to best prepare players for international competition.

National health organizations report on the prevalence of obesity utilizing statistics based upon Body Mass Index (BMI), a noninvasive, anthropometric measurement used for weight classification. Though the limitations of the BMI formula are well known, it is still commonly used in clinical settings due to the ease of calculation using weight and height (kg/m2). Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is a criterion method for body composition estimation. PURPOSE: The purpose of this analysis was to analyze the agreement between BMI classification and measured percent body fat (PBF) via DXA in a resistance-trained (RT) population. METHODS: DXA scans of resistance-trained male and female volunteers were included in this secondary analysis. Participants were divided into BMI classification then categorized into PBF levels as defined by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). These categories were then collapsed into “obese” versus “not obese” cases according to BMI and “obese” versus “not obese” cases according to PBF. Agreement was then measured using Chi-square goodness-of-fit. BMI represented expected cases and PBF represented observed cases. The analysis was repeated with categories collapsed into “overweight or obese” versus “not overweight or obese” cases for both BMI and PBF. RESULTS: Male (n = 237; age: 27.7 ± 10.7y; BMI: 29.6 ± 5.6; PBF: 20.9 ± 8.4%) and female (n = 95; age: 25.2 ± 8.6y; BMI: 26.2 ± 5.6; PBF: 29.7 ± 8.3%) participants were distributed into collapsed BMI categories by sex and PBF categories by sex. Chi-square goodness-of-fit analysis revealed statistical significance between BMI and PBF in both obese versus not obese cases (males: χ2 = 138.7, p < .001; females: χ2 = 22.2, p < .001) and overweight or obese versus not overweight or obese cases (males: χ2 = 60, p < .001; females: χ2 = 12.2; p < .001). In males, BMI overestimated overweight and obese cases and underestimated overweight and obese cases in females. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that alternative methods for classification should be developed to accurately assess body composition of resistance-trained individuals. Moreover, because RT female classified in a normal weight category may be at risk for normal weight obesity, further emphasis should be placed upon increasing lean muscle mass in active females.

Background Thermogenic supplements are often consumed by individuals seeking to improve energy levels and reduce body fat. These supplements are sold in powdered or ready-to-drink (RTD) forms and consist of a blend of ingredients such as caffeine, green tea extract, and other botanical compounds. While there is evidence that thermogenic supplements can positively affect resting energy expenditure (REE), the effect varies based on the combination of active ingredients. Additionally, there is some concern that thermogenic supplements may cause unwanted side effects on hemodynamic variables, like heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP). Therefore, further investigation into the efficacy and safety of commercially available products is warranted. Methods Twenty-eight individuals (14 F, 14 M; age: 23.3 +/- 3.9 yrs; height: 169.4 +/- 8.6 cm; body mass: 73.3 +/- 13.1 kg) completed two visits in a randomized, double-blind, crossover fashion. Each visit began with baseline REE, HR, and BP assessments, which were followed by ingestion of an active RTD thermogenic beverage (RTD; OxyShred Ultra Energy) or placebo (PL). Assessments were repeated at the intervals of 35-50- and 85-100-minutes post-ingestion. In addition, subjective outcomes of energy, focus, concentration, alertness, and mood were collected five times throughout each visit. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed with condition and time specified as within-subjects factors and sex and resistance training (RT) status as between-subjects factors. Statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05. Results A significant condition x time interaction was observed for REE (p < 0.001). Higher REE values were demonstrated at 35-50 min (0.08 +/- 0.02 kcal/min; p = 0.001; 5.2% difference) and 85-100 min (0.08 +/- 0.02 kcal/min; p = 0.001; 5.5% difference) after RTD ingestion as compared to PL. No significant condition x time interactions were observed for respiratory quotient, HR, or BP. Condition main effects indicated lower HR (3.0 +/- 0.9 bpm; p = 0.003), higher SBP (3.5 +/- 1.1 mm Hg; p = 0.003) and higher DBP (3.5 +/- 0.9 mm Hg; p < 0.001) in RTD as compared to PL, irrespective of time. Condition x time interactions were observed for all subjective outcomes (p <= 0.02). Post hoc tests indicated statistically significant benefits of the RTD over PL for energy, focus, concentration, and alertness, without significant differences for mood after correction for multiple comparisons. Sex and RT status were not involved in interactions for any outcomes, except for a Sex x RT status interaction for energy, indicating higher energy ratings in non-resistance-trained vs. resistance-trained males. Conclusions These data suggest that acute ingestion of a thermogenic RTD beverage significantly increases REE, and this elevated caloric expenditure is sustained for at least 100 minutes following ingestion. Furthermore, the RTD beverage increased measures of energy, focus, concentration, and alertness as compared to placebo. While minor differences in hemodynamic variables were observed between conditions, all values stayed within normal ranges. Individuals aiming to increase energy expenditure may benefit from acute ingestion of an RTD thermogenic supplement.

Segmental multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (S-MFBIA) estimates body composition and fluids by passing electrical currents through the body and can separate the body into distinct segments. The minimum required abstention from exercise before S-MFBIA is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to monitor changes in total body water (TBW), intracellular water (ICW), and extracellular water (ECW) estimated via S-MFBIA following acute, localized bouts of resistance exercise (RE). METHODS: Thirty-two female (n = 18; age: 22.7 ± 1.4 y; height: 167.5 ± 7.5 cm; body mass: 66.6 ± 14.5 kg; body fat: 30.3 ± 6.2%) and male (n = 14; age: 24.2 ± 2.9; height: 178.7 ± 5.3; body mass: 85.7 ± 7.8 kg; body fat: 19.6 ± 6.9%) resistance-trained volunteers completed three randomly assigned conditions in a crossover design. Each RE protocol (REUPPER or RELOWER) consisted of three exercises and began with two warm-up sets of 12-15 repetitions per exercise. This was followed by a RE circuit of 5 sets of 10 repetitions per exercise with a one-minute rest interval between circuits. In the resting (REST) condition, participants did not complete any physical activity. S-MFBIA was performed at five timepoints: pre-exercise, immediate post-exercise, 15-, 30-, and 60-minutes post-exercise. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models with a random intercept for participant. In all models, REST was the reference condition, and pre-exercise was the reference time point. RESULTS: Although body mass did not differ between conditions, condition by time interactions were observed for TBW, ICW, and ECW (p < 0.001 each), with the higher values observed at post-exercise time points in REUPPER as compared to the REST condition. Mean differences between REUPPER and REST for TBW, ICW, and ECW ranged from 0.6-1.0 kg, 0.4-0.6 kg, and 0.2-0.4 kg, respectively. Conversely, RELOWER did not alter fluid estimates. CONCLUSIONS: An acute increase in TBW, ICW, and ECW is detected by S-MFBIA after a single bout of upper body, but not lower body, RE. This could be due to the smaller initial diameter and greater relative change in diameter of the arms as compared to legs. Due to the potential of artificial body fluid changes, users should avoid exercise - particularly upper body exercise - prior to S-MFBIA assessments.

Tracking changes in body composition may provide key information about the effectiveness of training programs for athletes. This study reports on the agreement between bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for tracking body composition changes during a seven-week offseason training program in 29 NCAA collegiate American football players. Body composition in subjects (mean ± SD; age: 19.7 ± 1.5 y; height: 179.8 ± 6.6 cm; body mass (BM: 96.1 ± 12.6 kg; DXA body fat: 20.9 ± 4.4%) was estimated using BIA (InBody 770) and DXA (Hologic Horizon) before and after the training intervention. Repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc comparisons were performed. Longitudinal agreement between methods was also examined by concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and Bland–Altman analysis alongside linear regression to identify bias. Significant method by time interactions were observed for BM (DXA: 1.1 ± 2.4 kg; BIA: 1.4 ± 2.5 kg; p < 0.03), arms fat-free mass (FFM) (DXA: 0.4 ± 0.5 kg; BIA: 0.2 ± 0.4 kg; p < 0.03), and legs FFM (DXA: 0.6 ± 1.1 kg; BIA: 0.1 ± 0.6 kg; p < 0.01). Post hoc comparisons indicated that DXA—but not BIA—detected increases in FFM of the arms and legs. Time main effects, but no method by time interactions, were observed for total FFM (DXA: 1.6 ± 1.9 kg; BIA: 1.2 ± 2.1 kg; p = 0.004) and trunk FFM (DXA: 0.7 ± 1.3 kg; BIA: 0.5 ± 1.0 kg; p = 0.02). Changes in total BM (CCC = 0.96), FFM (CCC = 0.49), and fat mass (CCC = 0.50) were significantly correlated between BIA and DXA. DXA and BIA may similarly track increases in whole-body FFM in American collegiate football players; however, BIA may possess less sensitivity in detecting segmental FFM increases, particularly in the appendages.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if acute, localized resistance exercise disrupts the validity of DXA total body composition estimates. METHODS: In a crossover design, 18 healthy, resistance-trained, college-aged adults, including 7 females (age: 22.7 ± 1.9 y; height: 165.4 ± 8.4 cm; body mass: 62.1 ± 10.9 kg; body fat: 25.9 ± 7.3%) and 11 males (age: 24.2 ± 4.1 y; height: 180.0 ± 5.1 cm; body mass: 90.2 ± 9.5 kg; body fat: 18.7 ± 7.2%) completed three conditions in a randomized order: lower-body resistance exercise (RELOWER), upper-body resistance exercise (REUPPER), and rest (REST). The resistance exercise (RE) protocol consisted of a RE warm-up consisting of 2 sets of 12-15 repetitions of 3 upper-body exercises (upper), or 3 lower-body exercises (lower) or nothing (rest). The RE circuit consisted of 5 sets of 10 repetitions per exercise, with 1-minute rest intervals between circuits. A DXA scan was performed immediately before exercise and at 60 minutes post exercise. DXA estimates of fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM; calculated as lean soft tissue plus bone mineral content) were analyzed using 3 x 2 (condition x time) analysis of variance with repeated measures, follow-up pairwise comparisons, and evaluation of the partial eta-squared (ηp2) effect sizes. RESULTS: Pre-exercise FM and FFM did not differ between conditions (0.2 to 0.4 kg; p > 0.14 for all). For FM, no statistically significant interaction or main effects were present (interaction: p=0.80, ηp2=0.01; time main effect: p=0.14, ηp2=0.12; condition main effect: p=0.92, ηp2=0.01). For FFM, no statistically significant interaction (p=0.13, ηp2=0.12) or condition main effect (p=0.56, ηp2=0.03) was present. However, a statistically significant time main effect was present (p=0.009, ηp2=0.34). Pairwise comparisons indicated that post-condition FFM estimates were 0.20 ± 0.07 kg lower than pre-condition values in all conditions combined. CONCLUSIONS: No differences were seen among conditions, indicating that DXA total body composition estimates may be relatively robust to the effects of acute, localized RE. However, investigation of segmental estimates is warranted due to RE-induced blood flow redistribution.

The squat is a fundamental exercise performed by athletes to improve muscular fitness. There are many variations of the back squat including the chained squat, box squat, and barefoot squat. Strength training literature recommends the inclusion of proper squats for athletes as well as variations of the squat to improve adaptations. Several studies have been published that analyze the neuromuscular relationship using electromyography (EMG) but few studies exist that compare EMG responses between squat variation. Purpose: Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to compare the electromyography (EMG) amplitude of the gluteus maximus (GM), biceps femoris (BF), and vastus lateralis (VL) during a back, chained, barefoot, and box squat. Methods: Seven college-aged resistance trained volunteers, three men and four women (age 21.4 ± 0.98; height 166.87 ± 12.84cm; weight 77.44 ± 18.52kg; percent body fat 22.97 ± 9.51 BF%) were recruited for this study and completed a baseline testing session to determine 70% of their 1 repetition maximum (1RM) and familiarize subjects with the squat variations: box, barefoot, back, and chained squats. Following the first testing session, each subsequent session occurred after a one-week washout period. EMG testing sites were located at each session via anatomical landmarks and palpation then abraded prior to applying surface electrodes in a bipolar configuration. Using the BIOPAC MP3X and Biopac system software, EMG activity was recorded through an integrated, high pass frequency filter. Participants performed 5 sets of 10 repetitions for each randomly assigned squat variation and data was analyzed for peak and mean values from the 1st set. Frequencies were normalized and recorded in millivolts (mV). The values from the subjects’ dominant leg were then analyzed using a one-way ANOVA with a p-value of <0.05 was set to determine the level of statistical significance. Results: No significant differences were observed between back squat variations for both peak (VL: p = 0.817; BF: p = 0.941; GM: p = 0.766) and mean (VL: p = 0.877; BF: p = 0.738; GM: p = 0.602) EMG values. VL mean activation values (mean±SD) were as followed for the squat variations: back 0.254 ± 0.164, barefoot 0.297 ± 0.179, box 0.337 ± 0.239, chained 0.294 ± 0.155. VL peak activation values (mean±SD) were as followed for the squat variations: back 0.522 ± 0.335, barefoot 0.652 ± 0.395, box 0.720 ± 0.486, chained 0.650 ± 0.320. Conclusions: Despite varying levels of VL peak activation, this data suggests EMG activity for each muscle group does not seem to vary significantly between the squat variations used in this study. Data was collected from each leg which could be used in a future study to identify imbalances when compared to leg dominance across squat variation. The results could be applied clinically and practically in that multiple back squat variations can elicit similar muscular activation levels in a resistance-trained population.

Artificial sweeteners, both nutritive and non‐nutritive, are widely used in soft drinks and various food products in the United States. Claims have been made that non‐nutritive sweeteners used in a product like Diet Coke can have negative effects on blood sugar, satiety, and insulin release following consumption. However, the research on this is limited.PURPOSEThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a popular soda brand, both regular and diet, on how acute ingestion of these products affects blood glucose, insulin, and satiety levels.METHODSSixteen (age: 28.63 ± 5.55 yrs.; height: 169.75 ± 7.94 cm; weight: 84.65 ± 33.36 kg; body fat %: 19.49 ± 7.14 BF%; systolic BP: 115.94 ± 10.15 mm hg; diastolic BP: 68.97 ± 7.13 mm hg) males and females participated in this randomized, single‐blind crossover design. Participants reported to the lab fasted (10 hours) on two separate occasions and consumed either 24 fluid ounces of regular Coke (RC) or Diet Coke (DC) separated by one week. Fasting blood samples were obtained via venipuncture prior to consumption and participants remained in the lab in a rested state and had subsequent blood samples collected at 30, 60, 90 and 120‐minutes post‐ingestion. Satiety scale was administered at each time point prior to the blood collection. Glucose, insulin, and satiety were analyzed using 2 × 5 (condition × time) analysis of variance with repeated measures, follow‐up pairwise comparisons, and evaluation of partial eta‐squared (ηp2) effect sizes.RESULTSNo variables differed between conditions at baseline. Condition × time interactions were present for glucose (p=0.0001, ηp2=0.45) and insulin (p=0.0001, ηp2=0.42), but not satiety (p=0.80, ηp2=0.02). A time main effect (p=0.004, ηp2=0.32) was present for satiety. Follow‐up testing indicated that glucose concentration was significantly elevated 30 minutes after RC ingestion as compared to DC ingestion ([mean difference ± SE] 28.0 ± 4.6 mg/dL; p <0.001), with no differences at other time points. In contrast, insulin concentrations were significantly higher at all post‐ingestion time points in the RC condition as compared to the DC condition (range: 3.6 ± 1.7 to 14.0 ± 1.7 μIU/mL; p ≤0.04 for all post‐ingestion time points). Satiety was significantly elevated at 30 minutes post‐ingestion (p=0.009) regardless of which drink was consumed but did not differ from baseline values for the remaining time points.CONCLUSIONIn conclusion, it appears that acute ingestion of RC increases both blood glucose and insulin levels in the post absorptive period with no differential effects than DC on levels of satiety. The significant sustained elevation in circulating insulin levels following the ingestion of a sugar sweetened beverage could lead to a sub‐optimal acute metabolic environment. This data suggests that acute consumption of non‐nutritive sweetened beverages does not have negative effects on blood glucose, insulin, or appetite in a healthy population and seems to be a better alternative to nutritive sweetened beverage options.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by a Graduate Faculty Research Grant at the University of Mary Hardin‐Baylor.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if acute, localized resistance exercise (RE) compromises the validity of BIA total body composition estimates. METHODS: In a crossover design, 16 healthy, resistance trained adults, including 7 females (age: 22.7 ± 1.9 y; height: 165.4 ± 8.4 cm; body mass: 62.1 ± 10.9 kg; body fat: 25.9 ± 7.3%) and 9 males (age: 24.3 ± 3.6 y; height: 179.1 ± 5.1 cm; body mass: 88.0 ± 7.6 kg; body fat: 18.4 ± 6.6%) completed three conditions in a randomized order: lower-body resistance exercise (RELOWER), upper-body resistance exercise (REUPPER), and no exercise (REST). A warm-up consisting of 2 sets of 12-15 repetitions of 3 upper- or lower-body exercises, followed by 5 sets of 10 repetitions per exercise, with 1-minute rest intervals. BIA (InBody 770) was completed immediately pre and post-exercise and at 15-, 30-, and 60-minutes post-exercise. BIA estimates of fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) were analyzed using 3 x 5 (condition x time) ANOVA with repeated measures, follow-up pairwise comparisons, and evaluation of the partial eta-squared (ηp2) effect sizes. RESULTS: Pre-exercise FM and FFM did not differ between conditions (0.1 to 0.4 kg; p > 0.4 for all). Condition x time interactions were present for both FM (p<0.0001, ηp2=0.48) and FFM (p<0.0001, ηp2=0.45). Pairwise comparisons indicated that FM was lower in the REUPPERcondition as compared to both REST (1.5 kg; p<0.001) and RELOWER(1.3 kg; p<0.001) conditions immediately post-exercise. These differences remained at 15-, 30-, and 60-minutes post-exercise (0.6 to 1.6 kg; p≤0.01 for all). Pairwise comparisons also indicated that FFM was higher in the REUPPERcondition as compared to both REST (1.3 kg; p<0.001) and RELOWER(0.9 kg; p<0.01) conditions immediately post-exercise. These differences remained at 15- and 30-minutes post-exercise (0.8 to 1.3 kg; p≤0.02 for all). At 60-minutes post-exercise, FFM remained higher in REUPPERas compared to REST (1.0 kg; p=0.005) but no longer differed between REUPPER and RELOWER(0.4 kg; p=0.44). CONCLUSION: These data indicate that acute upper-body RE compromises the validity of BIA total body composition estimates compared to REST and lower-body RE and reinforces exercise abstinence as a pre-test consideration.

The fate of dietary protein in the gut is determined by microbial and host digestion and utilization. Fermentation of proteins generates bioactive molecules that have wide-ranging health effects on the host. The type of protein can affect amino acid absorption, with animal proteins generally being more efficiently absorbed compared with plant proteins. In contrast to animal proteins, most plant proteins, such as pea protein, are incomplete proteins. Pea protein is low in methionine and contains lower amounts of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which play a crucial role in muscle health. We hypothesized that probiotic supplementation results in favorable changes in the gut microbiota, aiding the absorption of amino acids from plant proteins by the host. Fifteen physically active men (24.2 ± 5.0 years; 85.3 ± 12.9 kg; 178.0 ± 7.6 cm; 16.7 ± 5.8% body fat) co-ingested 20 g of pea protein with either AminoAlta™, a multi-strain probiotic (5 billion CFU L. paracasei LP-DG® (CNCM I-1572) plus 5 billion CFU L. paracasei LPC-S01 (DSM 26760), SOFAR S.p.A., Italy) or a placebo for 2 weeks in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design, separated by a 4-week washout period. Blood samples were taken at baseline and at 30-, 60-, 120-, and 180-min post-ingestion and analyzed for amino acid content. Probiotic administration significantly increased methionine, histidine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, total BCAA, and total EAA maximum concentrations (Cmax) and AUC without significantly changing the time to reach maximum concentrations. Probiotic supplementation can be an important nutritional strategy to improve post-prandial changes in blood amino acids and to overcome compositional shortcomings of plant proteins. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: ISRCTN38903788