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Sex Differences In Carbohydrate Quality: Assessing The Carbohydrate-To-Fiber Ratio In Middle-Aged Hispanic Adults, Cristina Graña Gedrange, Mia I. Perez, Marcela Guadiana, Nicole Cantu, Jose M. Moris

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Hispanic adults in the United States face disproportionate rates of cardiometabolic disease, yet sex-specific disparities in diet quality remain understudied. PURPOSE: To determine diet quality among middle-aged Hispanic adults, assessing carbohydrate quality based on the carbohydrate-to-fiber ratio (CFR) and protein density as indicators of metabolic risk. METHODS: A total of 30 males and 49 females between 40 to 70 years old participated in a cross-sectional analysis of body composition and dietary behavior. Participants underwent girth measurements, a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan, and completed a paper-based 3-day dietary recall log. Dietary data were manually entered by researchers using an …

Investigating The Effectiveness And Benefits Of A 3d Printed Ladder For Rat Resistance Training Compared To A Previously Published Model, Raghav D. Sharma

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: To document and assess the training of rats using a new design and 3D printed ladder. The results were compared to the same rats climbing a ladder which is similar to ladders used in the majority of previous research. The rungs of the previous ladder were in the shape of a cylinder whereas the new model had rectangular flat steps. Rats were expected to exhibit different biomechanics while climbing the two different ladder models. In the new model we expected rats to use plant and push climbing (PPC) where rats put their entire foot on the step and push …

Relationships Between Postural Balance Performance And Muscle Morphology Of The Quadriceps In Healthy Older Men, Alexandra L. Khartabil, Ty B. Palmer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

ABSTRACT

Ultrasound-derived morphological measures of quadriceps cross-sectional area (CSA) and echo intensity (EI) are often used to assess lower-body muscle size and quality in older adults. Muscle CSA and EI of the quadriceps have been shown to be significantly correlated with physical performance outcomes, including gait speed and vertical jump power; however, their association with postural balance performance remains unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between unilateral postural balance performance and quadriceps muscle morphology (CSA and EI) in older men. METHODS: Fourteen healthy older men (mean ± SD: age = 69 ± 6 years; …

Accelerated Skeletal And Cardiometabolic Decline In Hispanic Women Versus Stability In Men During Mid-Life, Camila Guadiana, Grecia V. Morales, Marianna Gamboa, Jose M. Moris

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Mid-life represents a critical physiological juncture where skeletal and metabolic health often diverge. While Hispanic adults are known to face elevated risks for both osteoporosis and cardiometabolic disease, the specific temporal synchronization of these declines, particularly the concurrent acceleration of bone loss and visceral adiposity, remains understudied in this population. PURPOSE: To examine sex-specific differences in body composition, bone mineral density (BMD, g/cm²), and blood pressure across three mid-life decades (40s, 50s, 60s) in Hispanic adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 100 Hispanic adults (36 men and 64 women) from Laredo, TX, stratified into age groups 40-49, 50-59, …

The Impact Of Breakfast Consumption On Quality Of Life Among Rice University Undergraduate Students – A Cross-Sectional Study, Melissa C. Lee, Kyle Zhao, Piper J. Winn, Nadia Agha

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Breakfast consumption has been linked to improved physical and mental health, yet few studies have examined its impact on quality of life (QOL) in college students, a population with unique lifestyle challenges. PURPOSE: This study investigated the relationship between breakfast habits and QOL among Rice University undergraduates. METHODS: Rice undergraduates aged 18-25 (n = 61) completed a pre-screening questionnaire, demographic survey, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF). Participants were categorized as breakfast-skippers (n = 28; eat breakfast 0-1 weekdays/week) or breakfast-eaters (n = 33; eat breakfast 4-5 weekdays/week). Two-sample t-tests …

Resistance Training Frequency And Metabolic Health: Preliminary Insights From Global Untargeted Metabolomics, Nicole L. Cipriano, Macilynn E. Coles, Diana Kolb, Ross Moody, Martin R. Lindley, Sarah Deemer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Consistent resistance training (RT) is a potent stimulus for skeletal muscle remodeling, metabolic flexibility, and long-term health. Beyond improvements in strength and body composition, frequent RT may reshape metabolism by enhancing mitochondrial efficiency, redox balance, and substrate utilization. Limited evidence describes how habitual RT frequency influences metabolic health at the metabolomic level. PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between RT frequency, metabolic health, and exploratory metabolomic profiles in healthy adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional sample of healthy men and women (N = 34; age 19–69 y) were grouped by self-reported RT frequency from the Physical Activity Vital Sign into high …

Perceived Benefits Of Exercise In Masters Track And Field Athletes, Natalie N. Mclaurin, Philippe Brosselin, Kazumasa Manabe, Boyu Zhang, Jonas Boecker, Phil Chilibeck, Michael Arz, Daniel Arvidsson, Dominik Pesta, Joern Rittweger, Hirofumi Tanaka

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

One of the most significant challenges of regular exercise is sustaining it over time. Masters athletes have managed to turn exercise into a lifelong habit. Understanding the perceived benefits of exercise in masters athletes may uncover factors that lead to lifelong habits. PURPOSE: To evaluate the perceived benefits of exercise in masters athletes varying widely in age and sporting events. METHODS: A total of 244 masters athletes (mean 58±13, 35-91 years, 47% female) were surveyed from the 2024 World Masters Track and Field Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden. The Quality and Importance of Recreational Services (QIRS) survey assessed perceived benefits of …

The Effects Of Physical Activity On Bone Health In Women As They Age, Shannon A. Matthews, Deborah Rhea, Phil Esposito, Ryan Porter

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Osteoporosis affects one in three women over 50, often resulting in fractures that impair mobility and quality of life. Although bone mass and density decline with age, achieving higher peak values before menopause may reduce this risk. Physical activity (PA) is a modifiable factor in skeletal integrity, yet its impact across life stages remains underexplored. Since 80–90% of peak bone mass is accrued by age 16, PA during adolescence and early adulthood is critical. Few studies have examined how specific PA patterns during these periods relate to adult bone health in pre‑menopausal women. PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between early‑life …

Sex Differences In Cognitive Stability: Response Variability Following Acute High-Intensity Functional Training, Mason Northam, Yu Lun Tai, Jeremy Abshire, Kelvin Wu, Gary Guerra

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Acute exercise has been shown to enhance cognitive function such as inhibitory control, with aerobic and resistance exercises yielding significant benefits. High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT), such as CrossFit®, combines high-intensity, multi-joint movements and has shown promise in improving working memory. However, its acute effects on inhibitory control, particularly regarding potential sex differences, remain unclear. PURPOSE: This study investigated the acute effects of a single CrossFit®-based HIFT session on inhibitory control in healthy young adults and examined potential sex differences in response execution. METHODS: Eighteen healthy college students (8 females, 10 males) completed two counterbalanced sessions: (1) HIFT exercise consisting of …

Beyond The Scale: Exercise Frequency Reflects Metabolic Health Independent Of Adiposity, Macilynn E. Coles, Nicole Cipriano, Diana Kolb, Ross Moody, Martin R. Lindley, Sarah Deemer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Physical activity (PA) is an important determinant of metabolic health, yet individuals with similar body mass can differ in metabolic function. Frequency of aerobic (AT) and/or strength training (ST) may differentiate metabolically healthy from unhealthy individuals, independent of body composition. PURPOSE: To compare AT and ST frequency among metabolically healthy lean (MHL), and metabolically healthy (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy (MUO) adults with obesity. METHODS: 59 men and women arrived at the Applied Physiology Lab following an overnight fast (0700h-0900h). Metabolic health (MH) status was assessed by cardiometabolic disease (CMD) history, resting blood pressure (BP), lipid profile, and fasting and 2h …

Validity Of An Alternative Method For Estimating Anaerobic Contribution During Running In Normoxia And Hypoxia, Ethan J. Hein, Sarah E. Deemer, Lydia K. Caldwell, Austin B. Shaw, Brady C. Mclain, Jacob L. Mcnary, Claudio A. Gobatto, Marcelo Papoti, Fúlvia De Barros Machado-Gobatto, David W. Hill

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Anaerobic metabolism is vital for sustaining work rates during severe-intensity exercise, particularly under environmental conditions such as hypoxia where aerobic metabolism is constrained. Accumulated oxygen deficit (AOD) is the gold-standard method for quantifying anaerobic contribution, yet its implementation is limited by extensive laboratory testing. An alternative approach (AOD_alt) estimates anaerobic contribution from a single exercise bout and provides insight into the distinct contributions of phosphocreatine and glycolysis. However, its validity during running under conditions of reduced oxygen availability remains unexplored. PURPOSE: To determine the validity of AOD_alt during severe-intensity treadmill running in normoxia and hypoxia. METHODS: Twenty-three adults (10W/13M; age …

Fatigue-Matched Three Different Squats Elicit Blood Lactate Responses In Young Adults, Jiwon Song, Kase Pennartz, Wonjae Lee, Sarah Deemer, Jakob Vingren, David Church, Joshua L. Keller

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Resistance exercise (RE) with blood flow restriction (BFR) promotes muscle hypertrophy, using low external loads and may also improve cognitive function and neuroplasticity, possibly by increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Lactate accumulation during exercise has been proposed as a potential mediator of exercise-induced increases in BDNF. However, it is unclear whether different RE loading strategies or BFR under fatigue-matched conditions produce distinct lactate responses that could differentially influence downstream neurotrophic mechanisms. PURPOSE: This study examined blood lactate responses for high-load (HL), low-load (LL), and LL-BFR RE in recreationally active young adults. METHODS: Sixteen healthy, recreationally active young adults …

Sex Differences In The Perceptual Responses While Performing Intermittent Absolute Exercise In Warm And Hot Environments, Caitlin C. Sassetti, Mario I. Hernandez, Alexandra P. Brojanac, Tyler B. Mccollum, Rachel R. Roberts, Yasuki Sekiguchi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

With the recent increases in global temperatures and women working in tactical positions, understanding if sex-specific responses to hotter environments are present is crucial. However, it is currently unclear if females experience different perceptual responses to warm and hot environments compared to males while performing the same absolute exercise workload. PURPOSE: To investigate the sex differences in perceptual responses in warm and hot environments while performing the same absolute exercise workload. METHODS: Physically active eleven males (age: 23±5 yrs, body mass: 72±8 kg, height: 175±8 cm, estimated maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max]: 51.6±5.9 ml⋅kg^-1⋅min^-1) and …

Physical Education As A Determinant Of Adolescents’ Weekday Activity Behaviors, Jessica Pegg, Grant Dunn, Kevin Dames, Samantha Moss

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Physical education is a structured setting that facilitates physical activity and helps establish healthy habits in youth. Despite the recognized role of physical education and benefits of physical activity, Texas mandates only 1 credit (i.e., two semesters) of physical education across 4 years of high school (19 Texas Administrative Code §74.12(b)(6)(F)). PURPOSE: 1) Identify the amount of time adolescents spend in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior during physical education and weekdays, and 2) examine the predictive utilities of MVPA during physical education toward adolescents’ weekday MVPA and sedentary behavior. METHODS: The study recruited 50 students (32 …

Exercise-Induced Metabolic Demand Modifies Nirs-Based Assessments Of Reactive Hyperemia, Elizabeth G. Knoll, Wonjae Lee, Joshua L. Keller

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Combining near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) with a vascular occlusion test (VOT) is commonly used to assess the determinants of reactive hyperemia. However, the influence of exercise-induced metabolic demand on NIRS-derived outcomes remains unclear. Because reactive hyperemia is governed by redundant endothelial, myogenic, and metabolic factors, incorporating non-fatiguing exercise may provide an experimental approach to differentially emphasize their relative contributions. PURPOSE: Therefore, our purpose was to examine the effects of submaximal exercise on NIRS+VOT indices of skeletal muscle tissue oxygenation (StO2). METHOD: Twelve healthy adults ranging from 18 to 35 years old (6 males and 6 females; 25 ± 6 years; 72.7 …

Agreement Of Skeletal Muscle Mass Estimates Between Professional And Consumer-Grade Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, Julia A. Whitson, Carina M. Velasquez, Christine M. Florez, Ainsley E. Way, Madison H. Sullivan, Reva Ann Rudolph, John Alexander, Adhirath Malladi, Grant M. Tinsley

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) is a useful variable for evaluating overall fitness and detecting conditions like sarcopenia and cachexia. While several validated laboratory and clinical devices (including magnetic resonance imaging, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and laboratory-grade bioimpedance devices) are adept at SMM assessment, such measures may prove inaccessible or cost-prohibitive to the average person. Consumer-grade bioimpedance analyzers seek to bridge this gap and provide affordable, accurate body composition information. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the validity of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) assessment by a consumer-available hand-to-foot bioimpedance analyzer between females and males, using a professional-grade device as …

Influence Of Moderate-To-Vigorous Physical Activity During Physical Education For Fitness, Cognition, And School Day Activity In Adolescence, Grant Dunn, Jessica Pegg, Kevin Dames, Samantha Moss

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

In Texas, students K-12 are required to engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at least 50% of the time spent in physical education (Texas Education Code § 28.002, 2021). Engaging in MVPA advances developmental outcomes, including health-related fitness and cognition, to support long-term health behaviors. However, there is a lack of evidence examining if the MVPA requirement is being met and possible health impacts. PURPOSE: 1) Identify how many students adhere to the MVPA physical education requirement and 2) investigate differences in developmental outcomes (i.e., health-related fitness [upper and lower body strength], cognition), and school day MVPA and sedentary behavior …

Blood Flow Restriction Circuit Training Model Improves Gait Speed And Lower Limb Muscle In Adults Over 60, Pablo Cruz, Sten O. Stray-Gundersen, Regine Rossi, Teresa Gingles, Graham Trawick, Ronan Miller, Sameena Mathew, Ethan To, Savannah V. Rauschendorfer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is a low intensity modality capable of inducing neuromuscular and functional adaptations. While BFR has been implemented using isolated resistance or walking protocols in older adults, less is known about the effect of BFR application to popular circuit-based training modalities that integrate multi- exercise strength training, cardiovascular, and muscular endurance. PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effects of a 6-week BFR circuit training (BFRT) program on functional performance and thigh muscle cross-sectional area in healthy adults over 60, compared to a health education control group. METHODS: 45 healthy adults ≥60 years were randomly assigned to either …

Muscle Excitation And Prefrontal Cortex Oxygenation Responses During Resistance Exercise, Kase J. Pennartz, Jeremiah Blough, Wonjae Lee, Jiwon Song, Myungjin Jung, Joshua L. Keller

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Resistance exercise (RE) enhances cognitive function potentially through increases in cerebral blood flow and oxygenation (O₂Hb). These exercise-induced changes in cerebral blood flow and concomitant neural activity reflect the neurovascular coupling. Blood flow restriction (BFR) combined with low-load (LL) RE is an effective tool for increasing muscle excitation, size, and strength. However, the effects of BFR RE on cerebral oxygenation responses remain unknown. PURPOSE: Therefore, our purpose was to compare the effects of LL, LL + BFR, or (high-load) HL volume-equated squats on changes in prefrontal cortex (PFC) oxygenation and muscle excitation in adults. METHODS: Thirty healthy, young …

Thermography-Derived Skin Temperature Metrics Reflect Physiological And Perceptual Recovery, Tyler Mccollum, Marcos Keefe, Alexandra Brojanac, Isabel J. Richardson, Sophia J. Waller, Yasuki Sekiguchi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Monitoring recovery following fatiguing exercise requires tools that are sensitive to both physiological and perceptual stress while remaining practical for applied settings. Infrared thermography has emerged as a promising, non-invasive technique, yet its association with established recovery outcomes has not been fully elucidated. PURPOSE: To investigate the association between thermography-measured skin temperature with physiological and perceptual recovery metrics. METHODS: Eight recreationally active individuals (mean ± standard deviation; age: 29 ± 5yrs, height: 174.3 ± 7.7, weight: 72.5 ± 7.1kg) completed a whole-body fatiguing exercise protocol with either pre-exercise sauna, post-exercise sauna, or no sauna bathing in a randomized and counterbalanced …

Effect Of Menstrual Cycle On Lower-Body Power Output In Active College-Aged Women, Peyton Schmidt, Taylor Vannett, Erika Short

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The menstrual cycle is a normal physiological process that may influence physical and psychological performance in women. Many women report feeling less powerful during their menstrual cycle, which may affect athletic performance.  PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the menstrual cycle affects lower-body power output in active college-aged women.  METHODS: Twenty active women (18–25 years; M = 20.35 ± 1.98) participated in this study. All participants experienced regular menstrual cycles and were recreationally active or competitive athletes. Testing was conducted in the Texas Lutheran University Kinesiology Lab using a Biodex Dynamometer. After signing an informed consent, …

Muscle Excitation During Volume-Equated Squats Performed With And Without Blood Flow Restriction, Danielle Hitchens, Joshua L. Keller, Kase Pennartz, Wonjae Lee, Jeremiah Blough, Myungjin Jung, Jiwon Song

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Blood flow restriction (BFR) resistance training has gained increasing attention in clinical, athletic, and recreational settings. It has been proposed that low-load resistance exercise combined with BFR can elicit significant muscle adaptations, potentially mimicking the effects of high-load training. Despite the growing use of this modality, the effects of BFR on muscle excitation remain incompletely understood., Surface electromyography (EMG) provides a useful approach for examining these responses. Additionally, volume-matched exercise conditions are needed to isolate the unique effects of load and BFR. PURPOSE: Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether muscle excitation differs across four sets of …

Association Of Body Mass Index With Gait Dynamics And Fall Risk In College Students, Diego Diaz-Vega, Heontae Kim, Ho Han, Jungyu Lee

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: Although falls are typically associated with older adults, identifying early indicators of fall risk among young populations may help prevent future mobility decline. Because body mass index (BMI) is a modifiable factor that can influence balance and gait stability, understanding its role in early fall risk is important. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine differences in fall risk and gait characteristics across BMI categories in college students. METHODS: Fifteen college students participated in this study and were classified into normal, overweight, or obese groups according to BMI. Fall risk was assessed using the Fall Risk Assessment …

Enhancing Dispositional Mindfulness And Emotion Regulation In Youth Athletes Via A Breathwork And Visualization Intervention, Imare Tasby, Louis Hein, Rene Barbier, Kenia Gonzalez, Mei-Jing Ang, Sven Hoekstra, Kelvin Wu

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Competitive youth sports impose significant psychological demands, often leading to stress and maladaptive emotional regulation. Dispositional mindfulness protects against burnout, yet practical interventions for youth athletes are scarce. Breathwork and visualization offer a physiological gateway to emotional control, but their efficacy in this population is unclear. PURPOSE: This study examined the efficacy of a 12-week breathwork and visualization intervention on dispositional mindfulness and emotion regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal vs. expressive suppression) in adolescent soccer players. METHODS: Twenty-seven athletes were initially recruited from Soccer Central San Antonio. Following 5 dropouts (1 intervention, 4 control), a final sample of 22 participants …

The Effect Of A 12-Week Breathwork And Visualization Intervention On Inhibitory Control And Cognitive Flexibility In Adolescent Soccer Players, Louis Hein, Jace Nicolet, Tiffany Gomez, Mei-Jing Ang, Sven Hoekstra, Kelvin C. Wu

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Cognitive inhibition and flexibility are essential for soccer performance, enabling players to adapt to dynamic environments. However, accumulated season fatigue often degrades these executive functions. The Neurovisceral Integration Model posits that prefrontal cognitive function is linked to cardiac vagal tone, suggesting that autonomic regulation may support inhibitory control. While breathwork is known to enhance autonomic regulation, its potential to preserve cognitive function in youth athletes is untested. PURPOSE: This study investigated the effects of a 12-week breathwork and visualization protocol on inhibitory control (Stroop) and cognitive flexibility (Task-Switching) in adolescent soccer players. METHODS: Athletes were recruited from Soccer Central San …

Cross-Validating The Healthy Step Length Equation: Evaluating Prediction Accuracy In Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Jungyu Lee, Ho Han, Heontae Kim, Diego Diaz-Vega

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Step length is a key indicator of gait efficiency and mobility in older adults, closely associated with fall risk, frailty, and overall health. However, most available prediction equations are based solely on height or have not undergone empirical validation, which limits their precision and applicability in aging populations. PURPOSE: This study aimed to cross-validate the newly developed Healthy Step Length Equation, which incorporates age, sex, height, weight, and walking speed, by comparing it with three commonly used height-based models to evaluate its predictive accuracy, and clinical relevance in older adults. METHODS: A total of 174 healthy, community-dwelling adults …

Effect Of Acute Sleep Fragmentation On Skeletal Muscle Blood Flow During Handgrip Exercise, Gabriel Narvaez, Joaquin Gonzales

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Sleep fragmentation (arousals from sleep) has been shown to impair vascular function due to elevated inflammation and oxidative stress. Previous research on this topic has focused on resting vascular function, with little information available about the effect of poor sleep on hyperemic responses to exercise. PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that acute sleep fragmentation impairs skeletal muscle blood flow during exercise. METHODS: Fifteen adults (7F, 8M, age- 25 ± 5 y, BMI 23.5 ± 2.5 kg/m2) participated in a randomized crossover study that included one night of habitual sleep and one night of sleep fragmentation separated by at least 7 …

The Effect Of Mental Imagery On Free Throw Shooting Percentage, Kaydon Jackson, Kadyn Hall, Casi Helbig

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Mental imagery is a cognitive process involving the internal simulation of sensory experiences without external stimuli and is commonly used in sport performance preparation. When structured and deliberately practiced, mental imagery can enhance skill acquisition and performance outcomes PURPOSE: This study investigated whether PETTLEP-guided mental imagery (Physical, Environment, Task, Timing, Learning, Emotion, Perspective), performed without any physical practice, could enhance free-throw accuracy. METHODS: Twenty collegiate baseball players were randomly assigned to a PETTLEP imagery group (n=10) or a control group (n=10). Over two weeks, the experimental group participated in five guided mental imagery sessions, each lasting five minutes, while the …

What The Dose?: Assessing The Effect Of Different Doses Of Arugula Extract Capsules On Blood Pressure And Endothelial Function, Autumn E. Andrews, Leroy K. Bolden, Andrew R. Gallucci, Tomas J. Chapman-Lopez, Mary C. Pickler, Olivia C. Russell, Katherine M. Lee, Savannah V. Rauschendorfer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The effects of consuming nitrate-rich crops and supplements such as beetroot juice and spinach on endothelial function and blood pressure (BP) via nitric oxide (NO) production have been well established in previous literature. However, limited literature exists on arugula supplementation (e.g., arugula extract) as a source of NO and its effect on vascular function.  PURPOSE: The present study assessed the effect of high and low doses of arugula extract (AE) on blood pressure, vascular measures, and nitrate/nitrite concentrations. METHODS: Eight apparently healthy participants completed a single-blind crossover design study. All participants were randomized for three conditions (3000mg, 6000mg, …

Under Pressure: Arugula Extract’S Effect On Cardiovascular Measures In Hypertensive Individuals, Leroy K. Bolden, Andrew R. Gallucci, Autumn E. Andrews, Mary C. Pickler, Blake E. Wright, Tomas J. Chapman-Lopez, Savannah V. Rauschendorfer

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Hypertension (HTN) is one of the major contributing factors associated with the progression and development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Moreover, HTN is expected to significantly increase by the year 2050. Nitrate supplements such as beetroot juice (BRJ) have been utilized as a dietary therapeutic to mitigate the progression of HTN and CVD; however, arugula extract, which has a higher nitrate content, has yet to be assessed. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of arugula extract on cardiovascular health measures in hypertensive individuals.  METHODS: 12 participants (M = 11; F = 1) with stage …