Active Men Research Articles

Supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids does not impact physical performance but affects n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels

Although the usual focus is on how n-3 PUFA supplementation affects athletes’ health, questions remain as to whether short-term supplementation affects anaerobic performance and how this type of supplementation is associated with exercise-induced changes in n-6 PUFA content. Physically active young healthy men were assigned to two groups to determine the effect of 21 days of n-3 PUFA supplementation (the study was completed by 9 subjects receiving 3250 mg n-3 PUFA supplement daily, and 15 subjects receiving placebo filled with aqueous solution). Physical performance was measured by double Wingate aerobic test (WAnT). Blood was collected for analysis at four-time points (baseline and 24 h after WAnT, both before and after 21 days of supplementation). The n-3 and n-6 PUFAs were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A significant increase in the n-3 PUFA (140.1 %, p ≤ 0.01) content and decreased dihomo-γ-linolenic (DGLA) (26.5 %, p ≤ 0.01) and adrenic (AdA) (28.3 %, p ≤ 0.01) acid content were observed in the supplementation group compared to the placebo group following supplementation. No exercise-induced changes in PUFA content were observed. Concluding, n-3 PUFA supplementation modified PUFA content in favour of n-3 PUFAs at the expense of some n-6 PUFAs (DGLA and AdA).

Sensitivity to rewards and punishments in karate athletes: an examination of the temperamental characteristics and profile of karate competitors according to the revised reinforcement sensitivity theory

BackgroundThe revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (rRST) assumes the existence of three systems controlling motivation and behavior: the behavioral activation system (BAS), the behavioral inhibition system (BIS), and the fight-flight-freeze system (FFFS). This study aims to examine for the first time the features of BAS, BIS, and FFFS among karate players in comparison with athletes representing other sports disciplines (physical education students) and physically inactive people. The specific configuration of temperament traits and profiles characterizing karate players will also be found.MethodsThe cross-sectional study was performed among male karate athletes and control groups (physically active and inactive men). The study used the modified Reinforcement Sensitivity Questionnaire (rRSQ) to measure BAS, BIS, and FFFS.ResultsThe ANOVA showed that both karate competitors KS and KK scored significantly higher in BAS than the sample of PI participants. In addition, KK athletes scored significantly lower in Freeze than in PI and KS groups. Research also suggests that KK athletes presented significantly lower overall scores in FFFS than PI individuals. Furthermore, the results of K-means cluster analysis indicated the existence of two distinct patterns of temperamental traits: (1) Cluster 1 suggests avoidance tendencies (high Flight and Freeze, and low BAS, BIS, and Fight levels); while (2) the Cluster 2 describes approach tendencies (high BIS, BAS and Fight scores, and low levels of Flight and Freeze). Significantly more KK athletes were included in Cluster 2 than in Cluster 1, compared to PI, PA, and KS samples.ConclusionsThe research indicates that individuals engaged in karate, particularly those practicing Kyokushin karate, tend to exhibit a heightened sensitivity to rewards (high BAS). This finding holds significance for coaches and sports instructors, suggesting that motivating karate athletes through incentives is more effective, while the use of punishment should be minimized during training. Additionally, the study proposes that the practice of Kyokushin karate has the potential to significantly diminish the freezing response in threatening situations and enhance overall fear management by reducing levels of the Fight-Flight-Freeze System (FFFS). Consequently, the Kyokushin karate style may be considered more advantageous than the Karate Shotokan (KS) style in these aspects, despite both styles contributing to the improvement of BAS. Given that a higher BAS is linked to positive emotions, optimism, and happiness, karate training emerges as a form of health intervention, acting as a preventive measure against mental disorders and promoting overall well-being.

Effects of Dietary Nitrate Supplementation on High-Intensity Cycling Sprint Performance in Recreationally Active Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the influence of dietary nitrate supplementation on performance metrics during cycling sprint exercise according to the PRISMA guidelines. Searches were conducted on MEDLINE, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus databases up to September 2023. Inclusion criteria were healthy recreationally active men and women who consumed nitrate-rich and nitrate-deficient beetroot juice to assess performance outcomes of mean power, peak power, time-to-peak power, and minimum power during 30-s cycling sprints. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 and TESTEX tools and funnel plots. A random effects model was performed on six studies and showed that dietary nitrate had significant effects on time-to-peak power (SMD: -0.66, 95% CI: -1.127 to -0.192, p = 0.006) but not on mean power, peak power, or minimum power. Subgroup analysis revealed that an acute low nitrate dose improved time-to-peak power (SMD: -0.977, 95% CI: -1.524 to -0.430, p < 0.001) but not after a multiday moderate nitrate dose (SMD: -0.177, 95% CI: -0.619 to -0.264, p = 0.431). These data suggest that acute nitrate supplementation can benefit time-to-peak power during 30-s cycling sprints, but due to the limited availability of data and heterogeneity in methodology, these results should be interpreted with caution. There was insufficient data on women to analyze sex-based differences. Future studies are required to provide insight on how supplementation regimen and population impact the effects of dietary nitrate for enhancing cycling sprint performance.

Post-exercise metabolic response to kettlebell complexes vs. high intensity functional training.

This study compared the magnitude of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) between kettlebell complexes (KC) and high-intensity functional training (HIFT) and identified predictors of the EPOC response. Active men (n = 11) and women (n = 10) (age 25 ± 6yr) initially completed testing of resting energy expenditure and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), followed by lower and upper-body muscle endurance testing. On two subsequent days separated by ≥ 48h, participants completed KC requiring 6 sets of kettlebell exercises (pushups, deadlifts, goblet squats, rows, and swings) with 60s recovery between sets, and HIFT requiring 6 sets of bodyweight exercises (mountain climbers, jump squats, pushups, and air squats) with 60s recovery. During exercise, gas exchange data and blood lactate concentration (BLa) were acquired and post-exercise, EPOC was assessed for 60min. Results showed no difference in EPOC (10.7 ± 4.5 vs. 11.6 ± 2.7 L, p = 0.37), and VO2 and ventilation (VE) were significantly elevated for 30 and 60min post-exercise in response to KC and HIFT. For KC and HIFT, HRmean and post-exercise BLa (R2 = 0.37) and post-exercise BLa and VE (R2 = 0.52) explained the greatest shared variance of EPOC. KC and HIFT elicit similar EPOC and elevation in VO2 which is sustained for 30-60min post-exercise, leading to 55 extra calories expended. Results show no association between aerobic fitness and EPOC, although significant associations were revealed for mean HR as well as post-exercise VE and BLa.

Influence of Grip Width on the Load-Velocity Relationship and 1 Repetition Maximum Value in the Bench Press Exercise: A Comparative and Reliability Analysis of Mean Velocity Vs. Mean Propulsive Velocity Vs. Peak Velocity.

Herrera-Bermudo, JC, Puente-Alcaraz, C, Díaz-Sánchez, P, González-Badillo, JJ, and Rodríguez-Rosell, D. Influence of grip width on the load-velocity relationship and 1 repetition maximum value in the bench press exercise: a comparative and reliability analysis of mean velocity vs. mean propulsive velocity vs. peak velocity. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-This study aimed to analyze the reliability and compare the load (percentage of 1 repetition maximum [%1RM])-velocity relationship, bar displacement (DIS), the 1RM, and the velocity attained against the 1RM value (V1RM) in the bench press exercise using 3 different bar grip widths: narrow (120% of the biacromial distance [BD]), medium (160%), and wide (200%). A group of 54 healthy, physically active men randomly performed a total of 6 incremental tests (1 week apart) up to 1RM (2 with each bar grip width) on a Smith machine. The mean velocity (MV), mean propulsive velocity (MPV), peak velocity, and DIS were recorded for the subsequent analysis. The 3 velocity variables showed high relative (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.90-0.97) and absolute (coefficient of variation: 2.21-9.38%) reliability in all grip widths against all relative loads. The 1RM value and the V1RM present high absolute and relative reliability in all grip widths. There are no significant differences in the value of 1RM and V1RM between grip widths. High relationships were observed between the relative load (%1RM) and velocity variables, with MPV showing the best fit. Significant greater values in MPV, MV, and DIS associated with each %1RM were observed for narrow and medium compared with wide grip width. In conclusion, our results suggest that the 3 velocity variables were highly reliable at the different grip widths used against all relative loads. In addition, there was a tendency to reach higher MV, MPV, and DIS values as the grip width decreased. Therefore, this factor should be considered for the assessment and design of training.

The Sexual Double Standard toward Non-Heterosexual Populations: Evaluations of Sexually Active Gay Men and Lesbian Women.

We examined the sexual double standard (SDS) toward sexually active gay men and lesbian women and the role that participants' masculinity and femininity played in their evaluations. We hypothesized that there would be a reverse SDS in which highly sexually active lesbian women would be evaluated positively and highly sexually active gay men negatively, with both being evaluated more negatively than less sexually active gay men and lesbians. We also hypothesized that masculinity would moderate this effect, with participant masculinity being positively related to stronger negative evaluations of highly sexually active gay targets and more positive evaluations of highly sexually active lesbian targets. Results indicate a weak SDS in the areas of likability and morality, with highly sexually active lesbians being liked by masculine participants the most and highly sexually active gay men being rated as the least moral. The SDS appears to be influenced by expectations of gender roles and may be reversed for gay men and lesbian women because of these expectations.

Management of metacarpal shaft fractures.

The aims of this study were to describe the epidemiology of metacarpal shaft fractures (MSFs), assess variation in treatment and complications following standard care, document hospital resource use, and explore factors associated with treatment modality. A multicentre, cross-sectional retrospective study of MSFs at six centres in the UK. We collected and analyzed healthcare records, operative notes, and radiographs of adults presenting within ten days of a MSF affecting the second to fifth metacarpal between 1 August 2016 and 31 July 2017. Total emergency department (ED) attendances were used to estimate prevalence. A total of 793 patients (75% male, 25% female) with 897 MSFs were included, comprising 0.1% of 837,212 ED attendances. The annual incidence of MSF was 40 per 100,000. The median age was 27 years (IQR 21 to 41); the highest incidence was in men aged 16 to 24 years. Transverse fractures were the most common. Over 80% of all fractures were treated non-surgically, with variation across centres. Overall, 12 types of non-surgical and six types of surgical treatment were used. Fracture pattern, complexity, displacement, and age determined choice of treatment. Patients who were treated surgically required more radiographs and longer radiological and outpatient follow-up, and were more likely to be referred for therapy. Complications occurred in 5% of patients (39/793). Most patients attended planned follow-up, with 20% (160/783) failing to attend at least one or more clinic appointments. MSFs are common hand injuries among young, working (economically active) men, but there is considerable heterogeneity in treatment, rehabilitation, and resource use. They are a burden on healthcare resources and society, thus further research is needed to optimize treatment.

The OMNIVEG STUDY: Health outcomes of shifting from a traditional to a vegan Mediterranean diet in healthy men. A controlled crossover trial

Background and aimThe Mediterranean diet is a plant-based dietary pattern with well-established health benefits such as the reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, incorporating more plant-based foods into a Mediterranean diet may provide further health benefits. The study aimed to assess the effect of shifting from a traditional Mediterranean diet to a vegan Mediterranean diet on cardiorespiratory fitness and lipid profile in physically active and healthy men. Methods and ResultsParticipants underwent a baseline period with adhesion to the general patterns of the Mediterranean diet for three weeks and then they changed to an isocaloric vegan version of the Mediterranean diet for four weeks, with a 7-day washout period between diets. The shift from the traditional Mediterranean diet to the vegan Mediterranean diet required substituting animal-based foods with plant-based foods that contain comparable amounts of protein and fat. Fourteen participants with a mean age of 24.6 ± 7.0 years (range: 18–37 years), completed the study protocol. The change from the traditional to the vegan Mediterranean diet reduced blood concentration of total cholesterol (−22.6 mg/dl, p < 0.01, Effect size [ES] = 1.07) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (−12.8 mg/dl, p < 0.01, ES = 0.72). An inverse correlation was observed between the intake of dietary fibre and LDL-C (partial rho = −0.43, p = 0.040). ConclusionsThe adoption of a vegan Mediterranean diet with plant-based proteins and fats instead of the traditional Mediterranean diet improved several cardiometabolic health outcomes in physically active and healthy men. Clinical Trial RegistryNCT06008886.

Greater molecular potential for glucose metabolism in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle of women compared with men.

Women typically have less muscle mass and more fat mass than men, while at the same time possessing similar or even greater whole-body insulin sensitivity. Our study aimed to investigate the molecular factors in primarily adipose tissue, but also in skeletal muscle, contributing to this sex difference. In healthy, moderately active premenopausal women and men with normal weight (28 ± 5 and 23 ± 3 years old; BMI 22.2 ± 1.9 and 23.7 ± 1.7) and in healthy, recreationally active women and men with overweight (32.2 ± 6 and 31.0 ± 5 years old; BMI 29.8 ± 4.3 & 30.9 ± 3.7) matched at age, BMI, and fitness level, we assessed insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance with a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp or oral glucose tolerance test and studied subcutaneous adipose tissue and skeletal muscle samples with western blotting. Additionally, we traced glucose-stimulated glucose disposal in adipose tissues of female and male C57BL/6J littermate mice aged 16 weeks and measured glucose metabolic proteins. Our findings revealed greater protein expression related to glucose disposal in the subcutaneous adipose tissue (AKT2, insulin receptor, glucose transport 4) and skeletal muscle (hexokinase II, pyruvate dehydrogenase) in women compared to matched men with normal weight and with overweight. This increased protein capacity for glucose uptake extended to white adipose tissues of mice accompanied with ~2-fold greater glucose uptake compared to male mice. Furthermore, even in the obese state, women displayed better glucose tolerance than matched men, despite having 46% body fat and 20 kg less lean mass. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the superior potential for glucose disposal in female subcutaneous adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, driven by greater expression of various glucose metabolic proteins, compensates for their lower muscle mass. This likely explains women's superior glucose tolerance and tissue insulin sensitivity compared to men.

Metamodern economy: Between war and peace

Man's economic activity and his worldview are closely interrelated, and this relationship has attracted the attention of philosophers and scientists for centuries. When making economic decisions, a person entered into relations of cooperation, collaboration and/or competition and even war. Since ancient times, war was used by man as a tool for resolving economic conflicts and achieving economic interests and evolved along with the development of socio-economic systems and the worldview of man himself. The economic worldview and socio-economic systems, in turn, evolve under the influence of the development of economic activity, philosophical knowledge, science and technology. In the development of mankind, we can distinguish eras of dominance of a certain philosophical paradigm (classicism, modernity, postmodernity, metamodernity), which determined the worldview of people, the “spirit of the times”, as well as their economic activities, the choice of tools for resolving economic conflicts and achieving economic interests, including characteristics and distinctive features of wars. Since in the modern global world of the metamodern era, military conflicts have a significant impact on the economic decisions of economic entities, identifying the distinctive features of modern wars in conjunction with the philosophy of metamodernism is relevant. The purpose of the study is to identify the distinctive characteristics of war as an economic instrument in each of the above-mentioned eras in conjunction with the dominant philosophical paradigm and the characteristics of the socio-economic systems of the parties to military conflicts, as well as to substantiate the key features of war in the modern metamodern era. To achieve this goal, the following tasks were solved: a comparative historical and economic analysis of the wars of the eras of classicism, modernity, postmodernity, and metamodernity was be carried out; differences between them were identified according to a number of criteria. The relationship between the characteristics of wars and the dominant philosophical paradigm were identified. The role of war in the economy of metamodernity was determined. The research methodology was based on a synthesis of historical and economic methodology, a systemic economic approach, and comparative analysis, which determined the novelty of the research results: the rationale for the relationship of war as a tool for solving economic conflicts and/or realizing economic interests with the dominant philosophical paradigm.

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Correlate with Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation but Not with Men's Sexual Activity: Results from a Large Population-Representative Study.

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE). However, only a few studies have been conducted with representative groups of men that had well-balanced demographic characteristics. Thus, we aimed to confirm the effect of LUTS on ED and PE and to analyze the association between LUTS and men's sexual activity in a large representative cohort. In addition, we evaluated the sex-specific and overall quality of life of men who had LUTS with either ED or PE. We used the latest census and estimated the sample size to build a group of men representative of the population. LUTS, ED, and PE were evaluated with reliable instruments. Regression models were used to analyze the data. All included men were representative in relation to their age and residential location (n = 3001). ED and PE were more common in men who reported LUTS compared with men who did not have LUTS (p < 0.001). Age, comorbidity, and lifestyle did not affect the negative effect of LUTS on ED or PE (regression coefficients of 0.159 and 0.528 for ED and PE, respectively, p < 0.001). However, regression models did not validate the impact of LUTS on sexual activity, defined by intercourse frequency and number of sexual partners (odds ratio of 0.981, CI 0.961-1.001, p = 0.061). Nevertheless, men with LUTS and either ED or PE had worse quality of sexual life and general quality of life compared with the remaining respondents. LUTS worsened ED and PE but had no impact on men's sexual activity. Our findings confirm the recommendations to assess for LUTS in men reporting ED or PE. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05462171).

The Effect of Passive Dehydration on Phase Angle and Body Composition: A Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis.

To determine the effect of body weight loss elicited by passive dehydration on body composition scores, including phase angle (PhA). Twenty-five euhydrated apparently healthy and physically active men's (age = 22.6 ± 3.3 yr.; body mass = 76.7 ± 15.9 kg; height = 172.0 ± 6.3 cm) body composition variables and PhA were measured before and after sitting quietly for 5 h in a controlled environment (26.6 ± 1.7 °C, 72 ± 4.9%RH). It was found that five hours of passive dehydration caused a loss in body weight (Δ = 0.76 ± 0.34 kg, p < 0.05) and a decrease in body fat estimation (Δ = 0.90 ± 0.87 kg, p < 0.001). Additionally, an increase in ECW (Δ = 0.12 ± 0.30 L, p < 0.021) and PhA (Δ = 0.10 ± 0.15°, p < 0.005) was observed. Body weight loss due to passive dehydration decreased BIA-derived fat mass, and increased extracellular water and PhA in physically active and apparently healthy men. Nonetheless, these changes had a negligible effect on the accuracy of the equipment, rendering them clinically insignificant.

Acute inflammatory response following lower-and upper-body Wingate anaerobic test in elite gymnasts in relation to iron status.

Introduction: Artistic gymnastics is one of the most demanding sports disciplines, with the athletes demonstrating extremely high levels of explosive power and strength. Currently, knowledge of the effect of gymnastic training adaptation on exercise-induced inflammatory response is limited. The study aimed to evaluate inflammatory response following lower- and upper-body high-intensity exercise in relation to the iron status in gymnasts and non-athletes. Methods: Fourteen elite male artistic gymnasts (EAG, 20.6 ± 3.3years old) and 14 physically active men (PAM, 19.9 ± 1.0years old) participated in the study. Venous blood samples were taken before and 5min and 60min after two variants of Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT), upper-body and lower-body WAnT. Basal iron metabolism (serum iron and ferritin) and acute responses of selected inflammatory response markers [interleukin (IL) 6, IL-10, and tumour necrosis factor α] were analysed. Results: EAG performed significantly better during upper-body WAnT than PAM regarding relative mean and peak power. The increase in IL-6 levels after upper-body WAnT was higher in EAG than in PAM; the opposite was observed after lower-body WAnT. IL-10 levels were higher in EAG than in PAM, and tumour necrosis factor α levels were higher in PAM than those in EAG only after lower-body WAnT. The changes in IL-10 correlated with baseline serum iron and ferritin in PAM. Discussion: Overall, gymnastic training is associated with the attenuation of iron-dependent post-exercise anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion.

Gender Gaps in Housework Activities in Europe before and after COVID-19

Abstract We use data from the European working condition survey to describe the frequency of housework activities by men and women before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in European countries. We find that, although women continue to spend more time than men in housework activities, men increase housework activities after the pandemic and the gender gaps narrow. The result is driven by countries initially characterized by larger gender gaps in housework activities.

Recovery effect of self‐myofascial release treatment using different type of a foam rollers

Among athletes, foam rolling is popular technique of myofascial release aimed to support recovery processes and counteract delayed onset muscle soreness. However, there is no consensus on the optimal parameters of the roller texture used in the procedure. The study aimed to determine whether using rollers with different textures and hardness (smooth/soft, grooved/mid, serrated/hard) in myofascial release affects post-exertional restitution rate and the level of perceived DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) after intense anaerobic exercise. The study involved 60 healthy and physically active men randomly divided into three experimental groups and one control group (passive rest)—each consisting of 15 individuals: STH—rolling with a smooth roller; G—rolling with a grooved roller; TP—rolling with a serrated roller; Pass—passive rest group. After performing a exercise test (one-minute high-intensity squat), blood lactate (LA), creatine kinase (CK) and pain perception (VAS Scale) were monitored. The analysis of the average LA concentration in the blood 30 min post-exercise showed a statistical difference for all rolling groups compared to the passive rest group: STH (p < 0.001), G (p < 0.001), TP (p = 0.035). No statistically significant differences were found between the CK measurement results in individual assessments. Statistically significant differences in VAS values were observed between G (p = 0.013) and TP (p = 0.006) groups and the Pass group at 48 h, as well as between STH (p = 0.003); G (p = 0.001); TP (p < 0.001) groups and the Pass group at 72 h. Based on statistical data, a strong influence (η2 = 0.578) of time on the quadriceps VAS variable was noted. The research results confirm the effectiveness of rolling in supporting immediate and prolonged recovery. The conducted studies indicate a significantly better pace of post-exertional recovery after a rolling procedure lasting at least 120 s. The texture and hardness of the tool used did not matter with such a duration of the treatment.

Assessing the Validity of Two Non-Exercise Regression Equations for Predicting Maximal Oxygen Consumption

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to develop two regression equations to predict maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) using non-exercise data from a substantial cohort of healthy Iranian adult males. Additionally, this study sought to examine the predictive accuracy of these equations across four different levels of physical activity. Methods: A total of 126 participants (age: 34.9 ± 11.3 years, body mass index [BMI]: 24.9 ± 2.7 kg/m², and body fat percentage [BF%]: 18.3 ± 4.9) completed a maximal graded exercise test to measure VO2max, with a mean of 45.0 ± 3.4 ml.kg−1.min−1. Participants also provided information on age, current physical activity rating (PA-R), and either BMI or BF% to estimate VO2max using Jackson and colleagues’ regression equations. The PA-R was assessed via a standardized questionnaire and categorized into four levels: sedentary, low, moderate, and high. Results: The key findings from this study indicate that both original models significantly underestimated actual VO2max in a large cohort of Iranian adults (both, p < .001 and mean differences exceeding 2.19 ml.kg−1.min−1). Nevertheless, these models provided accurate predictions for VO2max among individuals with moderate levels of physical activity (both, p > .08 and mean differences between 0.51 and 1.03 ml.kg−1.min−1). Furthermore, the models demonstrated moderate validity, as evidenced by an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.841 and a coefficient of variation averaging 10.9%, with a range from 8.5% to 13.6%. Conclusions: While Jackson’s two non-exercise models showed limited accuracy in predicting VO2max among Iranian healthy male adults, they exhibited reasonable precision, particularly among moderately active men.

The Effect of Functional Training on 9+ Functional Test Scores in Active Men

The Effect of Functional Training on 9+ Functional Test Scores in Active Men

Accelerometer-Based Estimates of Physical Activity and Sedentary Time Among Samoan Adults.

The prevalence of obesity-related cardiometabolic disease in Samoa is among the highest globally. While physical activity is a modifiable risk factor for obesity-related disease, little is known about physical activity levels among adult Samoans. Using wrist-worn accelerometer-based devices, this study aimed to characterize physical activity among Samoan adults. Samoan adults (n = 385; 55% female, mean [SD] age 52 [10] y) wore Actigraph GT3X+ devices for 7 to 10days. General linear models were used to examine mean daily minutes of sedentary time, light physical activity, and moderate to vigorous physical activity by various participant characteristics. Time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity did not differ statistically between men (88 [5]min; 95% confidence interval [CI], 80-97) and women (78 [4]min; 95% CI, 70-86; P = .08). Women, however, spent more time than men in light physical activity: 380 (7)minutes (95% CI, 367-393) versus 344 (7)minutes (95% CI, 329-358; P < .001). While there were no differences in physical activity by census region, education, or occupation among women, men in urban areas spent significantly less time in moderate to vigorous physical activity than those in peri-urban and rural areas (P = .015). Women with class II/III obesity spent more time in sedentary activities than those with healthy weight or overweight/class I obesity (P = .048). This study characterizes physical activity among Samoan adults and highlights variation by sex, urbanicity, and weight status. In providing initial device-measured estimates of physical activity in Samoa, this analysis establishes a baseline from which the success of future attempts to intervene on physical activity may be assessed.

Coingestion of Collagen With Whey Protein Prevents Postexercise Decline in Plasma Glycine Availability in Recreationally Active Men.

Whey protein ingestion during recovery from exercise increases myofibrillar but not muscle connective protein synthesis rates. It has been speculated that whey protein does not provide sufficient glycine to maximize postexercise muscle connective protein synthesis rates. In the present study, we assessed the impact of coingesting different amounts of collagen with whey protein as a nutritional strategy to increase plasma glycine availability during recovery from exercise. In a randomized, double-blind, crossover design, 14 recreationally active men (age: 26 ± 5years; body mass index: 23.8 ± 2.1kg·m-2) ingested in total 30g protein, provided as whey protein with 0g (WHEY), 5g (WC05); 10g (WC10), and 15g (WC15) of collagen protein immediately after a single bout of resistance exercise. Blood samples were collected frequently over 6hr of postexercise recovery to assess postprandial plasma amino acid kinetics and availability. Protein ingestion strongly increased plasma amino acid concentrations (p < .001) with no differences in plasma total amino acid availability between treatments (p > .05). The postprandial rise in plasma leucine and essential amino acid availability was greater in WHEY compared with the WC10 and WC15 treatments (p < .05). Plasma glycine and nonessential amino acid concentrations declined following whey protein ingestion but increased following collagen coingestion (p < .05). Postprandial plasma glycine availability averaged -8.9 ± 5.8, 9.2 ± 3.7, 23.1 ± 6.5, and 39.8 ± 11.0mmol·360min/L in WHEY, WC05, WC10, and WC15, respectively (incremental area under curve values, p < .05). Coingestion of a small amount of collagen (5g) with whey protein (25g) is sufficient to prevent the decline in plasma glycine availability during recovery from lower body resistance-type exercise in recreationally active men.

Staged Repair of Bilateral Isolated Teres Major Tears: A Case Report.

A 58-year-old, very active man sustained bilateral isolated teres major (TM) tendon tears when his arms were forcefully elevated overhead while wakeboarding. Staged surgical repair was performed. A progressive rehabilitation protocol was followed, and he returned to high-level activities 7 months postoperatively. At 1-year follow-up, outcome measures for bilateral shoulders were DASH 0, SST 12, ASES 100, and EQ-5D 1.0. Despite literature supporting conservative treatment, this case demonstrates that operative treatment of acute, isolated TM tears can result in highly successful outcomes for motivated active patients.