Digital Commons Network^™

Unrecognized Hypertension Among A General Adult Ghanaian Population: An Urban Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study Of Prevalence And Putative Risk Factors Of Lifestyle And Obesity Indices, Enoch O. Anto, Wina I. O. Boadu, Emmanuel E. Korsah, Ezkiel Ansah, Eric Adua, Joseph Frimpong, Patience Nyarkoa, Valentine C. K. T. Tamakloe, Emmanuel Acheampong, Evans A. Asamoah, Stephen Opoku, Ebenezer Afrifa-Yamoah, Max E. Annani-Akollor, Christian Obirikorang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Hypertension (HTN) is the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases. Nevertheless, most individuals in developing countries are unaware of their blood pressure status. We determined the prevalence of unrecognized hypertension and its association with lifestyle factors and new obesity indices among the adult population. This community-based study was conducted among 1288 apparently healthy adults aged 18–80 years in the Ablekuma North Municipality, Ghana. Sociodemographic, lifestyle characteristics, blood pressure and anthropometric indices were obtained. The prevalence of unrecognized HTN was 18.4% (237 / 1288). The age groups 45–54 years [aOR = 2.29, 95% CI (1.33–3.95), p = 0.003] and 55–79 years [aOR …

Vitamin K-1 Intake And Incident Diabetes In The Danish Diet, Cancer, And Health Study, Pratik Pokharel, Jamie W. Bellinge, Frederik Dalgaard, Kevin Murray, Marc Sim, Bu B. Yeap, Emma Connolly, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Catherine P. Bondonno, Joshua R. Lewis, Gunnar Gislason, Anne Tjønneland, Kim Overvad, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Carl Schultz, Nicola P. Bondonno

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Context: Observational studies have reported lower risks of type 2 diabetes with higher vitamin K1 intake, but these studies overlook effect modification due to known diabetes risk factors. Objective: To identify subgroups that might benefit from vitamin K1 intake, we examined associations between vitamin K1 intake and incident diabetes overall and in subpopulations at risk of diabetes. Methods: Participants from the prospective cohort, the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health Study, with no history of diabetes were followed up for diabetes incidence. The association between intake of vitamin K1, estimated from a food frequency questionnaire completed at baseline, and incident diabetes …

Working Together To Increase Australian Children’S Liking Of Vegetables: A Position Statement By The Vegetable Intake Strategic Alliance (Visa), David N. Cox, Karen J. Campbell, Lynne Cobiac, Claire Gardner, Lucinda Hancock, Gilly Hendrie, Amber Kelaart, Michelle Lausen, Astrid Poelman, Ros Sambell, Kim M. Tikellis, Bonnie Wiggins

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Children need to be repeatedly and consistently exposed to a variety of vegetables from an early age to achieve an increase in vegetable intake. A focus on enjoyment and learning to like eating vegetables at an early age is critical to forming favourable lifelong eating habits. Coordinated work is needed to ensure vegetables are available and promoted in a range of settings, using evidence-based initiatives, to create an environment that will support children’s acceptance of vegetables. This will help to facilitate increased intake, and ultimately realise the associated health benefits. The challenges and evidence base for a new approach are …

A Potential Role For Sirtuin-1 In Alzheimer's Disease: Reviewing The Biological And Environmental Evidence, Mehrane Mehramiz, Tenielle Porter, Eleanor K. O'Brien, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Simon M. Laws

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Sirtuin-1 (Sirt1), encoded by the SIRT1 gene, is a conserved Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) dependent deacetylase enzyme, considered as the master regulator of metabolism in humans. Sirt1 contributes to a wide range of biological pathways via several mechanisms influenced by lifestyle, such as diet and exercise. The importance of a healthy lifestyle is of relevance to highly prevalent modern chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). There is growing evidence at multiple levels for a role of Sirt1/SIRT1 in AD pathological mechanisms. As such, this review will explore the relevance of Sirt1 to AD pathological mechanisms, by describing the involvement …

Bouncing Back From Covid-19: A Western Australian Community Perspective, Kiira K. Sarasjärvi, Paola Chivers, Ranila Bhoyroo, Jim Codde

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: This study explored the behavioral profiles of residing Western Australians during a COVID-19 lockdown period and transitions in behavior post-lockdown. Methods: A total of 313 participants (76% female, age: M = 50.1, SD = 15.7 years) completed behavioral and mental health questionnaire items ~2 months after a 3-month COVID-19 lockdown in October 2020, using a retrospective recall to assess their experience during the lockdown period. Latent transition analysis (LTA) was used to identify behavioral profiles and transitions. Indicators were identified by assessing during–post-lockdown group differences (Kruskal–Wallis, chi-square tests) and profiles described using qualitative open-ended questions. Results: Significant indicators included …

Plant-Based Dietary Patterns And Parkinson's Disease: A Prospective Analysis Of The Uk Biobank, Anna Tresserra-Rimbau, Alysha S. Thompson, Nicola Bondonno, Amy Jennings, Tilman Kühn, Aedín Cassidy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Plant-based diets have been associated with a lower risk of several chronic diseases, but the relationship with PD is unknown. Objectives: We examined the association of three different plant-based diets with PD incidence in the UK Biobank cohort. Methods: We conducted a prospective study among 126,283 participants from the UK Biobank cohort. Three plant-based diet indices (overall plant-based diet index, PDI; healthful plant-based diet index, hPDI; and unhealthful plant-based diet index, uPDI) were derived from 24-hour dietary recalls based on 17 food groups. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to estimate the risk of PD across quartiles of the …

An Investigation Of The Morphological, Thermal, Mechanical, And Barrier Properties Of An Active Packaging Containing Micro- And Nano-Sized Zno Particles, Raihan Syarifa, Yasaman Esmaeili, Shima Jafarzadeh, Farhad Garavand, Shahrom Mahmud, Fazilah Ariffin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Biodegradable films are extremely important for food packaging applications since they minimize environmental effects. However, their application areas are limited due to insufficient characteristics required for particular applications. The objective of the present research was to improve the properties of sago-based biodegradable films embedded with nano- and micro-ZnO (zinc oxide). Nano and micro-ZnO were incorporated in the films at different percentages (1%, 3%, and 5%) in that the films were formed using the solvent casting method. The physicochemical, barrier, thermal, optical, morphology, and mechanical properties of sago-based films were investigated. Adding 5% of micro- and nano-ZnO significantly improved film thickness …

Rural Nutrition And Dietetics Research—Future Directions, Laura Alston, Susan Heaney, Katherine Kent, Stephanie Godrich, Lucy Kocanda, Jaimee Herbert, Tracy Schumacher, Leanne J. Brown

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: The aim of this study was to summarise key evidence from recent Australian rural nutrition research and provide recommendations for future nutrition and dietetics research with rural communities. Context: Clear evidence demonstrates that diet plays a role in the health gap between rural and metropolitan Australia. Despite the opportunity to address the health of rural Australians through better nutrition, alarmingly low investment in nutrition and dietetics research has occurred historically, and over the past decade. Approach: A review of the evidence was undertaken by rural nutrition and dietetics leaders to provide a commentary piece to inform future rural nutrition …

Weight Cutting In Female Ufc Fighters, Cassandra Evans, Charles Stull, Gabriel Sanders, Anthony Ricci, Duncan French, Jose Antonio, Corey A. Peacock

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: It is common practice for fight sport athletes to use a variety of weight manipulation strategies to compete in desired weight classes. Although numerous studies have highlighted rapid weight loss (RWL) strategies and the magnitude of weight loss, few have focused specifically on weight loss in female fighters. The purpose of this study was to provide descriptive information on professional UFC female fighters engaging in RWL in all women’s UFC weight divisions: strawweight (52.2 kg): flyweight (56.7 kg); bantamweight (61.2 kg); featherweight (65.8 kg). Methods: All fighter’s weights were obtained at five separate time points: 72 hrs. pre-weigh-in, 48 …

Testing Campaign Slogans Designed To Motivate Older People To Be More Physically Active, Simone Pettigrew, Michelle I. Jongenelis, Liyuwork M. Dana, Rajni Rai, Ben Jackson, Robert U. Newton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives and importance of study: Being physically active is critical for healthy ageing, yet many older people do not meet physical activity guidelines. The aim of this study was to test the relative effectiveness of five previously identified campaign slogans designed to encourage older people to be more physically active: ‘Be active 30–60 minutes a day to stay fit and well’; ‘Move more, live longer’; ‘Stay fit to stay functional’; ‘This is your time – enjoy being strong and active’; and ‘Use it or lose it’. Study type: Online experiment Methods: A total of 1200 Australians aged 50 years and …

Evidence-Based Guidelines For Intrapartum Maternal Hydration Assessment And Management: A Scoping Review, Lauren Kearney, Alison Craswell, Nellie Dick, Debbie Massey, Rachael Nugent

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Problem: Inconsistent practice relating to intrapartum hydration assessment and management is reported, and potential harm exists for laboring women and birthing persons. Background: Labor and birth are physically demanding, and adequate nutrition and hydration are essential for labor progress. A lack of clear consensus on intrapartum hydration assessment and management during labor and birth currently exists. In addition, there is an inconsistent approach to managing hydration, often including a mixture of intravenous and oral fluids that are poorly monitored. Aim: The aim of this scoping review was to identify and collate evidence-based guidelines for intrapartum hydration assessment and management of …

Development Of A Scoring Tool For Australian Rural Food Retail Environments, Tracy L. Schumacher, Carissa A. Alderton, Leanne J. Brown, Susan Heaney, Laura Alston, Katherine Kent, Stephanie L. Godrich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Current tools scoring the healthiness of food retail outlets do not reflect outlets found in rural locations. This study aimed to adapt pre-existing Australian scoring tools to represent non-metropolitan areas. Rural nutrition experts were identified, and a modified Delphi technique was used to adapt two pre-existing, food-scoring tools in five iterative stages. Stages included identifying all relevant outlets, providing a description and score for each, ensuring consistency between outlet scores and pre-existing, metro-centric tools, and providing instructions for correct use. Six rural nutrition experts were identified and engaged in the modified Delphi technique. The final tool consisted of 12 categories …

Lesbian, Anorexic, Disabled, And Big: Other Ways Of Being A Female Physical Education Teacher, Gustavo González-Calvo, Valeria Varea

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Research has shown that Physical Education (PE) is a white, male, and able body-dominated profession, particularly in Spain. When some female pre-service PE teachers, who had a difficult relationship with their bodies and sports abilities, enrol in such a degree, some of these problematic relations come to light. Participants for this study were four female pre-service teachers who self-identified as lesbian, anorexic, visually impaired, and big respectively. Data were collected through participant-produced texts, graphical representations, and interviews. The authors then reconstructed the participants’ stories which are presented in the form of narratives. The conceptual tool of embodying norm-criticality helped us …

Machine-Learning Assessed Abdominal Aortic Calcification Is Associated With Long-Term Fall And Fracture Risk In Community-Dwelling Older Australian Women, Jack Dalla Via, Abadi Gebre, Cassandra Smith, Zulqarnain Gilani, David Suter, Naeha Sharif, Pawel Szulc, John T. Schousboe, Douglas P. Kiel, Kun Zhu, William D. Leslie, Richard L. Prince, Joshua R. Lewis, Marc Sim

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), a recognized measure of advanced vascular disease, is associated with higher cardiovascular risk and poorer long-term prognosis. AAC can be assessed on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived lateral spine images used for vertebral fracture assessment at the time of bone density screening using a validated 24-point scoring method (AAC-24). Previous studies have identified robust associations between AAC-24 score, incident falls, and fractures. However, a major limitation of manual AAC assessment is that it requires a trained expert. Hence, we have developed an automated machine-learning algorithm for assessing AAC-24 scores (ML-AAC24). In this prospective study, we evaluated the …

Improving The Transition Of Older Adults Into Residential Aged Care: A Scoping Review, Stacey Scott, Annette Raynor, Julie Dare, Jennifer Grieve, Leesa Costello

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: The transition into residential aged care (RAC) is often associated with loss, grief, isolation and loneliness. This scoping review aimed to identify quantitative research which focused on reducing the negative effects associated with transition, thereby improving the transition experience. Methods: A scoping review, which concentrated on quantitative research, was conducted. MEDLINE, CINAHL andPSYCHINFO databases were searched using the initial search terms “olderadults”, “residential aged care” and “transition”. Results: From the 457 original citations identified, four met the inclusion criteria. The interventions used a range of professionals and clinicians, diverse content, and a mixture of outcomes. The content of the …

Tackling Dementia Together Via The Australian Dementia Network (Adnet): A Summary Of Initiatives, Progress And Plans, Sharon L. Naismith, Johannes C. Michaelian, Cherry Santos, Inga Mehrani, Joanne Robertson, Kasey Wallis, Xiaoping Lin, Stephanie A. Ward, Ralph Martins, Colin L. Masters, Michael Breakspear, Susannah Ahern, Jurgen Fripp, Peter R. Schofield, Perminder S. Sachdev, Christopher C. Rowe

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In 2018, the Australian Dementia Network (ADNeT) was established to bring together Australia's leading dementia researchers, people with living experience and clinicians to transform research and clinical care in the field. To address dementia diagnosis, treatment, and care, ADNeT has established three core initiatives: the Clinical Quality Registry (CQR), Memory Clinics, and Screening for Trials. Collectively, the initiatives have developed an integrated clinical and research community, driving practice excellence in this field, leading to novel innovations in diagnostics, clinical care, professional development, quality and harmonization of healthcare, clinical trials, and translation of research into practice. Australia now has a national …

Altered Dietary Behaviour During Pregnancy Impacts Systemic Metabolic Phenotypes, Charlotte E. Rowley, Samantha Lodge, Siobhon Egan, Catherine Itsiopoulos, Claus T. Christophersen, Desiree Silva, Elizabeth Kicic-Starcevich, Therese A. O’Sullivan, Julien Wist, Jeremy Nicholson, Gary Frost, Elaine Holmes, Nina D’Vaz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Rationale: Evidence suggests consumption of a Mediterranean diet (MD) can positively impact both maternal and offspring health, potentially mediated by a beneficial effect on inflammatory pathways. We aimed to apply metabolic profiling of serum and urine samples to assess differences between women who were stratified into high and low alignment to a MD throughout pregnancy and investigate the relationship of the diet to inflammatory markers. Methods: From the ORIGINS cohort, 51 pregnant women were stratified for persistent high and low alignment to a MD, based on validated MD questionnaires. 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to investigate the …

Clinical Practice Guideline For Best Practice Management Of Pediatric Patients By Chiropractors: Results Of A Delphi Consensus Process, Genevieve Keating, Cheryl Hawk, Lyndon Amorin-Woods, Deisy Amorin-Woods, Sharon Vallone, Ronald Farabaugh, Angela Todd, Randy Ferrance, Jessie Young, Stephanie O. Bhogal, Helen Sexton, Helen Alevaki, Joyce Miller, Gregory Parkin-Smith, Alec Schielke, Andrew Robinson, Robyn Thompson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: To build upon existing recommendations on best practices for chiropractic management of children by conducting a formal consensus process and best evidence synthesis. Design: Best practice guide based on recommendations from current best available evidence and formal consensus of a panel of experienced practitioners, consumers, and experts for chiropractic management of pediatric patients. Methods: Synthesis of results of a literature search to inform the development of recommendations from a multidisciplinary steering committee, including experts in pediatrics, followed by a formal Delphi panel consensus process. Results: The consensus process was conducted June to August 2022. All 60 panelists completed the …

Does Lower-Limb Osteoarthritis Alter Motor Cortex Descending Drive And Voluntary Activation? A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Myles C. Murphy, Christopher Latella, Ebonie K. Rio, Janet L. Taylor, Stephanie Martino, Colin Sylvester, William Hale, Andrea B. Mosler

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: The aim of the study was to quantify motor cortex descending drive and voluntary activation (VA) in people with lower-limb OA compared to controls. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis according to the PRISMA guidelines was carried out. Seven databases were searched until 30 December 2022. Studies assessing VA or responses to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS; i.e. motor evoked potential, intracortical facilitation, motor threshold, short-interval intracortical inhibition, and silent period) were included. Study quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute criteria and evidence certainty using GRADE. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan inverse variance, mixed-effect models. Results: Eighteen studies …

Investigating Pre-Professional Dancer Health Status And Preventative Health Knowledge, Joanna Nicholas, Sara Grafenauer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Dance is a highly demanding physical pursuit coupled with pressure to conform to aesthetic ideals. Assessment of health status and preventative health knowledge of pre-professional dancers may help inform educational strategies promoting dancers’ health and career longevity. The aim of this research was to establish a baseline understanding of dance students at a single pre-professional institution based on metrics focused on current health, nutrition, lifestyle, and wellbeing while also gauging knowledge of longer-term health implications. Methods: Adopting a cross-sectional study design, the Dance-Specific Energy Availability Questionnaire was tailored for Australian participants and administered online. Results: The response rate was …

Ketone Bodies Mediate Alterations In Brain Energy Metabolism And Biomarkers Of Alzheimer’S Disease, Matin Ramezani, Malika Fernando, Shaun Eslick, Prita R. Asih, Sina Shadfar, Ekanayaka M. S. Bandara, Heidi Hillebrandt, Silochna Meghwar, Maryam Shahriari, Pratishtha Chatterjee, Rohith Thota, Cintia B. Dias, Manohar L. Garg, Ralph N. Martins

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. AD is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive dysfunction, including learning and memory deficits, and behavioral changes. Neuropathology hallmarks of AD such as amyloid beta () plaques and neurofibrillary tangles containing the neuron-specific protein tau is associated with changes in fluid biomarkers including A , phosphorylated tau (p-tau)-181, p-tau 231, p-tau 217, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light (NFL). Another pathological feature of AD is neural damage and hyperactivation of astrocytes, that can cause increased pro-inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress. In addition, reduced brain glucose metabolism and …

Midwives’ Experiences Of The Consequences Of Navigating Barriers To Maternity Care, Yakubu Ismaila, Sara Bayes, Sadie Geraghty

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Midwives in Low- and middle-income countries, experience myriad barriers that have consequences for them and for maternity care. This article provides insight into the consequences of the barriers that Ghanaian midwives face in their workplaces. Glaserian Grounded Theory methodology using semi-structured interviews and non-participant observations was applied in this study. The study participants comprised of 29 midwives and a pharmacist, a social worker, a health services manager, and a National Insurance Scheme manager in Ghana. Data collection and analysis occurred concurrently while building on already analyzed data. In this study it was identified that barriers to Ghanaian midwives’ ability to …

Utilizing Proteomics To Identify And Optimize Microalgae Strains For High-Quality Dietary Protein: A Review, Sara Hamzelou, Damien Belobrajdic, James A. Broadbent, Angéla Juhász, Kim L. Chang, Ian Jameson, Peter Ralph, Michelle L. Colgrave

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Algae-derived protein has immense potential to provide high-quality protein foods for the expanding human population. To meet its potential, a broad range of scientific tools are required to identify optimal algal strains from the hundreds of thousands available and identify ideal growing conditions for strains that produce high-quality protein with functional benefits. A research pipeline that includes proteomics can provide a deeper interpretation of microalgal composition and biochemistry in the pursuit of these goals. To date, proteomic investigations have largely focused on pathways that involve lipid production in selected microalgae species. Herein, we report the current state of microalgal proteome …

Intake Of Dietary Flavonoids And Incidence Of Ischemic Heart Disease In The Danish Diet, Cancer, And Health Cohort, Benjamin H. Parmenter, Frederik Dalgaard, Kevin Murray, Guillaume Marquis-Gravel, Aedín Cassidy, Catherine P. Bondonno, Joshua R. Lewis, Kevin D. Croft, Cecilie Kyrø, Gunnar Gislason, Augustin Scalbert, Anne Tjønneland, Kim Overvad, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Nicola P. Bondonno

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background/Objectives:

Few studies have investigated the association between dietary flavonoid intake, including all major subclasses, and the long-term risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD). We examined whether dietary flavonoid intake associated with IHD incidence, assessing the possible modifying role of sex and smoking, in participants from the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health study.

Subjects/Methods:

In a cohort study design, 54,496 adults (46.8 % male), aged 50 – 64 years, without a history of IHD, were followed for up to 23 years. Habitual dietary flavonoid intake was estimated from food frequency questionnaires using Phenol-Explorer. Incident cases of IHD were identified within …

Student Motivations, Perceptions And Opinions Of Participating In Student Evaluation Of Teaching Surveys: A Scoping Review, Daniel Sullivan, Richard Lakeman, Debbie Massey, Dima Nasrawi, Marion Tower, Megan Lee

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Several times each year the teaching performance of academics at higher education institutions are evaluated through anonymous, online student evaluation of teaching (SET) surveys. Universities use SETs to inform decisions about staff promotion and tenure, but low student participation levels make the surveys impractical for this use. This scoping review aims to explore student motivations, perceptions and opinions of SET survey completion. Five EBSCO® databases were searched using key words. Thematic analysis of a meta-synthesis of qualitative findings derived from 21 papers identified five themes: (i) the value students’ place on SET, (ii) the knowledge that SET responses are acted …

Dosing And Therapeutic Conduct In Administration Sessions In Substance-Assisted Psychotherapy: A Systematized Review, S. B. Thal, M. Wieberneit, J. M. Sharbanee, P. M. Skeffington, R. Bruno, T. Wenge, Stephen J. Bright

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

While the potential of serotonergic psychedelics and related substances as adjuncts in substance-assisted psychotherapy (SAPT) has been investigated for the treatment of several disorders, evidence for the appropriate therapeutic conduct in administration sessions is sparse. In this article, we discuss the current evidence for best therapeutic practice during administration sessions with serotonergic psychedelics and entactogens as adjuncts to psychotherapy. We conducted a systematized review of the literature following PRISMA guidelines. PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Clinical trials, treatment manuals, study protocols, qualitative studies, case studies, descriptive studies, opinion papers, reviews, book chapters, and conference proceedings published until …

Relationship Between Dietary Intake And Erythrocyte Pufa In Adolescents From A Western Australian Cohort, Fuzhen Wan, Feng Pan, Trevor A. Mori, Therese A. O’Sullivan, Lawrence J. Beilin, Wendy H. Oddy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background:

Population-based studies show that the intake of omega-3 (n-3) and omega-6 (n-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are associated with a range of health conditions. Therefore, the reliability of food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) as rapid and easily accessible screening tools for PUFA intake deserve investigation.

Objective:

We aimed to assess the relationship between erythrocyte fatty acids and fatty acid intake collected using the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) food frequency questionnaire in an adolescent cohort.

Design:

A cross-sectional study using data from 1155 young adolescents participating in the 14-year follow-up of the Raine Study. Bland–Altman plots were used …

The Impact Of Acute Calcium Intake On Bone Turnover Markers During A Training Day In Elite Male Rowers, Bronwen Lundy, Alannah K. A. Mckay, Nikita C. Fensham, Fensham, Nicolin Tee, Bryce Anderson, Aimee Morabito, Megan L. R. Ross, Marc Sim, Kathryn Ackerman, Louise M. Burke

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: While an acute exercise session typically increases bone turnover markers (BTM), the impact of subsequent sessions and the interaction with pre-exercise calcium intake remains unclear despite the application to the ‘real life’ training of many competitive athletes. Methods: Using a randomized crossover design, elite male rowers (n = 16) completed two trials, a week apart, consisting of two 90-minute rowing ergometer sessions (Ex1, Ex2) separated by 150 minutes. Prior to each trial, participants consumed a high (CAL: ~1000 mg) or isocaloric low (CON: < 10 mg) calcium meal. Biochemical markers including parathyroid hormone: PTH; serum ionised calcium (iCa) and bone turnover markers (C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen: β-CTX-I; osteocalcin: OC) were monitored from baseline to 3 hours post Ex2. Results: While each session caused perturbances of serum iCa, CAL maintained calcium concentrations above those of CON for most time points, 4.5 and 2.4 % higher post EX1 and EX2 respectively. The decrease in iCa in CON was associated with an elevation of blood PTH (p < 0.05) and β-CTX-I (p < 0.0001) over this period of repeated training sessions and their recovery, particularly during and after Ex2. Pre-exercise intake of calcium-rich foods lowered BTM over the course of a day with several training sessions. Conclusions: Pre-exercise intake of a calcium-rich meal prior to training sessions undertaken within the same day had a cumulative and prolonged effect on the stabilisation of blood iCa during exercise. In turn, this reduced the post-exercise PTH response, potentially attenuating the increase in markers of bone resorption. Such practical strategies may be integrated into the athlete’s overall sports nutrition plan, with the potential to safeguard long term bone health and reduce the risk of bone stress injuries.

Does High-Velocity Resistance Exercise Elicit Greater Physical Function Benefits Than Traditional Resistance Exercise In Older Adults? A Systematic Review And Network Meta-Analysis Of 79 Trials, Pedro Lopez, Anderson Rech, Maria Petropoulou, Robert Newton, Dennis Taaffe, Daniel A. Galvão, Douglas P. J. Turella, Sandro R. Freitas, Régis Radaelli

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background

A systematic review and network meta-analysis was undertaken to examine the effectiveness of different modes of resistance exercise velocity in fast walking speed, timed-up and go, 5-times sit-to-stand, 30-second sit-to-stand, and 6-minute walking tests in older adults.

Methods

CINAHL, Embase, LILACS, PubMed, Scielo, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases were searched up to February 2022. Eligible randomized trials examined the effects of supervised high-velocity or traditional resistance exercise in older adults (ie, ≥ 60 years). The primary outcome for this review was physical function measured by fast walking speed, timed-up and go, 5-times sit-to-stand, 30-second sit-to-stand, and 6-minute walking …

Vitamin D Supplementation And Exercise For Improving Physical Function, Body Composition And Metabolic Health In Overweight Or Obese Older Adults With Vitamin D Deficiency: A Pilot Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial, Jakub Mesinovic, Alexander J. Rodriguez, Mavil May Cervo, Anoohya Gandham, Cecilia L. H. Xu, Costas Glavas, Barbora De Courten, Ayse Zengin, Peter R. Ebeling, David Scott

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose:

Vitamin D supplementation may have non-skeletal health benefits and enhance exercise responsiveness, particularly in those with low vitamin D levels. We determined whether, compared with placebo, vitamin D supplementation taken prior to and during a 12-week exercise program improves physical function, body composition or metabolic health, in overweight and obese older adults with vitamin D deficiency.

Methods:

Fifty overweight or obese older adults (mean ± SD age: 60 ± 6 years; BMI 30.6 ± 5.7 kg/m2) with vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] < 50 nmol/L) were recruited. Participants were randomly allocated to receive either vitamin D3 (4000 IU/day) or matching placebo for 24 weeks. Between weeks 12 and 24, all participants completed multi-modal exercise three days per week while continuing with vitamin D/placebo. Mean changes in physical function (primary outcome: gait speed), body composition and biochemical parameters at weeks 12 and 24 were compared between groups.

Results:

Vitamin D supplementation, with or without exercise, had no effect on gait speed. From baseline …