Profile Of Mood States Questionnaire Research Articles

Monitoring Physical and Cognitive Overload During a Training Camp in Professional Female Cyclists.

High training loads combined with other stressors can lead to performance decrements. The time needed to recover determines the diagnosis of (non)-functional overreaching or the overtraining syndrome. The aim of this study was to describe the effects of an 8-day (intensified) training camp of professional female cyclists on physical and cognitive performance. Nine subjects performed a 30-min time trial (TT), cognitive test, and Profile of Mood States questionnaire before, during, and after a training camp (49% increased training volume). On data collection, cyclists were classified as "overreached" (OR) or "adapted" (A) based on TT performance. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to detect changes in physical and cognitive parameters. Five cyclists were described as OR based on decreased mean power output (MPO) (-7.03%) on day 8. Four cyclists were classified as A (increased MPO: +1.72%). MPO and maximal heart rate were significantly different between A and OR groups. A significant slower reaction time (RT) (+3.35%) was found in OR subjects, whereas RT decreased (-4.59%) in A subjects. The change in MPO was negatively correlated with change in RT in the cognitive test (R2 = .52). This study showed that the use of objective, inexpensive, and easy-to-interpret physical and cognitive tests can facilitate the monitoring of training adaptations in professional female athletes.

Water Turnover, Urinary Markers Of Hydration, And Mood In Men And Women

PURPOSE: Past research has identified relationships between daily total water intake (TWI) measured by diet diary with dimensions of mood in free living, and laboratory confined men and women. However, diet records have been associated with subjective errors and thus these findings should be confirmed in objective of body water turnover (WTO). METHODS: 49 women (42±14y, 164±6cm, 71±16kg) and 46 men (40±14y, 177±7cm, 81±16kg) volunteered for WTO measurement via deuterium oxide dilution technique over two consecutive weeks. Total water intake (TWI) was calculated as WTO (L·d-1) - metabolic water production. The Profile of Mood State questionnaire (POMS) was administered in the morning on the 4th day of each week. Physical activity was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The influence of the prior days, and acute hydration status (via urine osmolality) on mood was considered with; a) 24h urine collections comprised of the full day leading up to, and, b) single urine samples collected immediately prior to completion of the POMS. Measurements were averaged between weeks. Multivariate linear regression was completed to assess if WTO or either of the hydration markers predicted any of the 6 POMS sub-scales or the composite mood measurement of total mood disturbance, over and above the influence of age, body mass index, and MET minutes of physical activity completed during the week. RESULTS: The vigor sub-scale of was significantly associated with WTO, (Fchange[1,94]=5.00, R2change=0.05, Beta=0.23, P=0.03). This finding was not apparent in relationships with 24h urine osmolality (Fchange[1,94]=2.58, R2change=0.03, Beta=0.16, P=0.11) or single sample urine osmolality (Fchange[1,94]=2.65, R2change=0.03, Beta=-0.17, P=0.10). No other sub-scales or TMD were significantly related to WTO, or hydration indices, after accounting for the covariates. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms a positive relationship between mood and fluid intake using direct measurement of WTO. The lack of significance to urinary hydration markers is indicative of the multi-faceted composition of urine concentration (i.e., kcal, protein intake, etc.). However, daily WTO is modestly associated with mood and should be further explored in controlled laboratory conditions to further elucidate this relationship.

Gut microbes in correlation with mood: case study in a closed experimental human life support system.

Gut microbial community, which may influence our mood, can be shaped by modulating the gut ecosystem through dietary strategies. Understanding the gut-brain correlationship in healthy people is important for maintenance of mental health and prevention of mental illnesses. A case study on the correlation between gut microbial alternation and mood swing of healthy adults was conducted in a closed human life support system during a 105-day experiment. Gut microbial community structures were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing every 2 weeks. A profile of mood states questionnaire was used to record the mood swings. Correlation between gut microbes and mood were identified with partial least squares discrimination analysis. Microbial community structures in the three healthy adults were strongly correlated with mood states. Bacterial genera Roseburia, Phascolarctobacterium, Lachnospira, and Prevotella had potential positive correlation with positive mood, while genera Faecalibacterium, Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, and Anaerostipes were correlated with negative mood. Among which, Faecalibacterium spp. had the highest abundance, and showed a significant negative correlation with mood. Our results indicated that the composition of microbial community could play a role in emotional change in mentally physically healthy adults.

Lactobacillus helveticus Lafti L10 supplementation reduces respiratory infection duration in a cohort of elite athletes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to evaluate if Lactobacillus helveticus Lafti L10 (Lallemand Health Solutions, Montreal, Que., Canada) supplementation during 14 weeks in winter can influence the duration, severity, and incidence of upper respiratory tract illness (URTI), as well as to monitor different immune parameters in the population of elite athletes. Before and after the treatment, cardiopulmonary testing and self-rated state of moods evaluation (by Profile of Mood States questionnaire) were performed and blood samples were collected. Thirty-nine elite athletes were randomized either to the placebo (n = 19) or the probiotic (n = 20) group. The probiotic group received L. helveticus Lafti L10, 2 × 10(10) Colony Forming Units. Lafti L10 significantly shortened the URTI episode duration (7.25 ± 2.90 vs. 10.64 ± 4.67 days, p = 0.047) and decreased the number of symptoms in the probiotic group (4.92 ± 1.96 vs. 6.91 ± 1.22, p = 0.035). Severity and incidence of URTI did not differ between the treatments. There were no significant changes in leukocyte subpopulation abundance, transforming growth factor-β serum levels, level of interleukin-10 secreted from peptidoglican stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), interferon-γ level secreted from concanavalin A-stimulated PBMCs or viability/proliferation of PBMCs upon antigen stimulation. Group effect for CD4+/CD8+ ratio was significant (F[1,37] = 6.99, p = 0.020, η(2) = 0.350); this difference was not significant at baseline, but was evident after 14 weeks (p = 0.02). A significant interaction effect was noted for self-rated sense of vigor (F[1,37] = 11.76, p = 0.009, η(2) = 0.595). Self-rated sense of vigor increased in the probiotic group (18.5 ± 4.1 vs. 21.0 ± 2.6, p = 0.012). Probiotic strain Lafti L10 can be a beneficial nutritional supplement for the reduction of URTI length in elite athletes.

Effect of Enzyme-Treated Asparagus Extract (ETAS) on Psychological Stress in Healthy Individuals.

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of Enzyme-Treated Asparagus Extract (ETAS) on improving stress response. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over trial was undertaken in healthy volunteers. ETAS (150 mg/d) or a placebo was consumed for 28 d, with a washout period. Psychological parameters were examined using a self-report scale questionnaire and psychological stress was applied using the Uchida-Kraepelin (U-K) test. During the stress load, autonomic nervous function was analyzed. After the stress load, a profile of mood states (POMS) psychological rating was performed, and serum cortisol, plasma catecholamine, salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), and salivary cortisol were analyzed. ETAS intake improved the self-reported rating for the items "Feel tired," "Hard to get up," and "Feel heavy" in the psychological questionnaire; ameliorated the self-reported rating for the items "Depression-Dejection" and "Fatigue" in the POMS questionnaire; and increased salivary sIgA levels after the U-K test. In contrast, serum and salivary cortisol levels, and plasma catecholamine did not change. During the U-K test, ETAS significantly upregulated the sympathetic nerve activity. Furthermore, ETAS intake significantly increased the number of answers and the number of correct answers in the U-K test, suggesting that it might improve office work performance with swiftness and accuracy under stressful conditions. In conclusion, ETAS supplementation reduced feelings of dysphoria and fatigue, ameliorated quality of sleep, and enhanced stress-load performance as well as promoted stress response by increasing salivary sIgA levels. These data suggest ETAS intake may exert beneficial effects, resulting from well-controlled stress management, in healthy individuals.

Anthropometric and Biochemical Effects of the 5 and 2 Diet: A Case Study

Objective: The aims of this paper were to undertake the 5 and 2 diet over a 5 week period to determine its effect on anthropometry, biochemical markers and psychological variables. Methods: Five weeks of the 5 and 2 diet were undertaken. Intake was restricted to 600 kcal on 2 days and was unrestricted on remaining days. Pre- and post- blood tests including fasting blood glucose, fasting plasma cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglyceride, fasting insulin and IGF-1 were performed following the same overnight fasting period. Pre- and post- Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry scans were performed, food intakes were recorded via weighed food record and Foodworks analysis was conducted to determine adequacy of macro and micronutrient intakes. Psychological variables were assessed during the trial via a modified profile of mood states questionnaire. Results: This case study showed significant losses of lean tissue. No significant change in fat mass was observed however, a small loss of bone tissue was noted. Plasma cholesterol and LDL levels increased while plasma triglyceride, fasting insulin and IGF-1 levels decreased. No significant change in fasting blood glucose was observed. Inadequate dietary intakes of key micronutrients were identified such as calcium, magnesium and iodine. Psychological variables assessed showed increased hunger, irritability as well as decreased concentration and poorer sleep quality. Conclusion: This indicates the need for more future research including randomised controlled trials with much larger sample sizes and longitudinal studies to determine more chronic effects. Such studies should investigate the efficacy of the 5 and 2 diet in a variety of populations before the diet can be safely prescribed to the general population.

Effects of Single Bouts of Walking Exercise and Yoga on Acute Mood Symptoms in People with Multiple Sclerosis.

Little is known about the acute or immediate effects of walking exercise and yoga on mood in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Such an examination is important for identifying an exercise modality for inclusion in exercise-training interventions that yields mood benefits in MS. We examined the effects of single bouts of treadmill walking and yoga compared with a quiet, seated-rest control condition on acute mood symptoms in MS. Twenty-four participants with MS completed 20 minutes of treadmill walking, yoga, or quiet rest in a randomized, counterbalanced order with 1 week between sessions. Participants completed the Profile of Mood States questionnaire before and immediately after each condition. Total mood disturbance (TMD) and the six subscales of the Profile of Mood States were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance and paired-samples t tests. There was a significant condition × time interaction on TMD scores (ηp (2) = 0.13). Walking and yoga conditions yielded comparable reductions in TMD scores. There was a significant condition × time interaction on vigor (ηp (2) = 0.23) whereby walking but not yoga yielded an improvement in vigor. There was a significant main effect of time on anger, confusion, depression, and tension (P < .05) but not on fatigue. Walking and yoga yielded similar improvements in overall acute mood symptoms, and walking improved feelings of vigor. These effects should be further investigated in long-term exercise-training studies.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Tong Len Meditation Practice in Cancer Patients: Evaluation of a Distant Psychological Healing Effect

Tong Len meditation is an important therapeutic tool in the Tibetan medicine, and it can be used for self-healing and/or to heal others. Currently, in the West, there is no scientific study concerning the efficacy of a Tong Len distant healing effect on psychological disorders in cancer patients. To evaluate a distant healing effect of Tong Len meditation on stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and self-perceived quality of life in cancer patients. These psychological objectives were chosen as a consequence of the limited scientific literature of present day. We performed a double-blind randomized controlled trial on 103 cancer patients with tumors. Overall, 12 meditators used Tong Len in aid of 52 patients randomly selected as experimental group, while the remaining 51 patients constituted the control group. Patients and meditators did not know each other. All patients completed profile of mood states (POMS) and European Quality of Life-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaires before treatment (T0), after two (T1) and three months of treatment (T2), and one month after treatment cessation (T3). With regard to the parameters related to depression, a statistically significant improvement (P = .003) was observed in the treatment group compared to controls. On the other hand, the vigor/activity parameter saw significant improvements in the control group (P = .009). Both groups exhibited significant improvements in the other factors assessed in the POMS and EQ-5D questionnaires. This study did not provide sufficient evidence supporting an efficacy of Tong Len meditation in distant psychological healing as compared to a control condition. The research highlighted some psychological improvements through Tong Len distant meditation in a group of patients unknown to meditators. Therefore, the enhancement detected in most parameters in both treatment and control groups raises interest on in-depth analysis and evaluation of distant meditation on cancer patients to mitigate psychological problems caused by the disease.

Lifestyle Intervention for Sleep Disturbances Among Overweight or Obese Individuals

Little is known about the effect of different lifestyle interventions on sleep disturbances among sedentary obese or overweight persons. We randomized men and women aged 35–65 to 6 months of a weight loss diet (D); or D combined with supervised exercise training Measurements were self-reported sleep disturbances, the Profile of Mood States questionnaire, BMI, total abdominal subcutaneous and visceral fat by magnetic resonance imaging, and aerobic fitness expressed as VO2peak. The groups did not differ in changes for body weight, abdominal total fat, VO2peak, and sleep disturbances. The novel finding herein is that reduced abdominal subcutaneous fat and depressive symptoms, with either D or were associated with less sleep disturbances.

Effect of time of day on soccer specific skills in children: psychological and physiological responses

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of time of day on soccer-specific skills and physiological and psychological parameters in children. Ten male children soccer players (age: 14.6 ± 0.8 years; height: 1.63 ± 0.4 m; body mass: 52.5 ± 4.9 kg) performed two shooting accuracy tests before and after a 10 × 20-m dribbling sprint test with 20-s of passive recovery between repetitions. The measurements were taken at 08:00 h, 13:00 h, and 17:00 h in a randomized order. Mean heart rate (HR) was monitored during the dribbling test. At the beginning of each test session, blood pressure and intra-aural temperature were measured. Likewise, children were asked to complete the profile of mood state (POMS) and the Hooper Index questionnaires. Lactate concentration ([La]) was recorded at rest, post-fifth recovery periods and post-second accuracy test. Moreover, they indicate their rating of perceived exertion (RPE) score immediately at the end of each test session. The results of this study showed that dribbling performance was higher at 13:00 h and 17:00 h in comparison with 08:00 h (p < 0.05). Likewise, intra-aural temperature, RPE scores, depression recorded by the POMS questionnaire, and the stress recorded by the Hooper questionnaire were higher in the afternoon (p < 0.05). However, the fatigue during the 10 × 20-m dribbling sprint and the kicking accuracy were not affected by the time of day. Moreover, [La], mean HR, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were not affected by the time of day. For the correlations analysis between all parameters, the statistical analysis showed significant correlation only between TT and RPE scores and between MT and RPE scores (r = 0.6, p < 0.05). In conclusion, shooting accuracy was not affected by the time of day. However, dribbling performance of children is better in the afternoon than in the morning. This diurnal variation could not been explained by variation in mood or in [La], mean HR, SBP, and DBP.

Correlates of Mood and RPE During Multi-Lap Off-Road Cycling.

This study examined the relationship between mood and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during a simulated multiple-lap time trial (MLTT). Nineteen male cyclists performed a MLTT consisting of four 9.9 km laps, each lap with a gradient ranging from 0 to 10 %. Mood as measured by the Profile of Mood States Questionnaire (POMS) and perceived exertion as measured by the Borg CR100 scale (RPE) were obtained at the end of each lap. A categorical multiple regressive model, having median of POMS subscales as independent variables, was obtained to explain the variance in median RPE responses. Increases in POMS fatigue scores and decreases in POMS vigour scores were observed throughout the MLTT (P < 0.001). A linear increase in RPE during the MLTT was also observed (P < 0.001). POMS fatigue subscale scores accounted for 88 % of the variance in RPE during the MLTT (R(2) = 0.88, P = 0.002), and no other POMS subscale improved the final predictive model. With the exception of fatigue these results suggest that most aspects of mood do not have a discernable effect on RPE during a MLTT. The rate of increase in RPE can predict the MLTT endpoint.

Multivariate analysis of subjective responses to d-amphetamine in healthy volunteers finds novel genetic pathway associations.

Researchers studying behavioral and physiologic effects of d-amphetamine have explored individual response differences to the drug. Concurrently, genome-wide analyses have identified several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with these traits. Univariate methods can identify SNPs associated with behavioral and physiological traits, but multivariate analyses allow identification of clusters of related biologically relevant SNPs and behavioral components. The aim of the study was to identify clusters of related biologically relevant SNPs and behavioral components in the responses of healthy individuals to d-amphetamine using multivariate analysis. Individuals (N = 375) without substance abuse histories completed surveys and detailed cardiovascular monitoring during randomized, blinded sessions: d-amphetamine (10 and 20 mg) and placebo. We applied parallel independent component analysis (Para-ICA) to data previously analyzed with univariate approaches, revealing new associations between genes and behavioral responses to d-amphetamine. Three significantly associated (p < .001) phenotype-genotype pairs emerged. The first component included physiologic measures of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) along with SNPs in calcium and glutamatergic signaling pathways. The second associated components included the "Anger" items from the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire and the marijuana effects from the Addiction Research Center Inventory (Cuyas, Verdejo-Garcia et al.), with enriched genetic pathways involved in cardiomyopathy and MAPK signaling. The final pair included "Anxious," "Fatigue," and "Confusion" items from the POMS questionnaire, plus functional pathways related to cardiac muscle contraction and cardiomyopathy. Multifactorial genetic networks related to calcium signaling, glutamatergic and dopaminergic synapse function, and amphetamine addiction appear to mediate common behavioral and cardiovascular responses to d-amphetamine.

Mechanical, hormonal and psychological effects of a non-failure short-term strength training program in young tennis players.

This study examined the effects of a 6-week non-failure strength training program in youth tennis players. Twenty tennis players (age: 15.0 ± 1 years, body height: 170.9 ± 5.1 cm, body mass: 63.3 ± 9.1 kg) were divided into experimental and control groups. Pre and post-tests included half squats, bench press, squat jumps, countermovement-jumps and side-ball throws. Salivary cortisol samples were collected, and the Profile of Mood States questionnaire was used weekly during an anatomical adaptation period, a main training period and after a tapering week. The results showed that, after the main training period, the experimental group significantly improved (p<0.05) in mean and peak power output and in the total number of repetitions during the half-squat endurance test; mean force, power and velocity in the half-squat power output test; Profile of Mood States (in total mood disturbance between the last week of the mean training period and the tapering week); and in squat-jump and countermovement-jump height. Moreover, significant differences were found between the groups at the post-tests in the total number of repetitions, mean and peak power during the half-squat endurance test, mean velocity in the half-squat power output test, salivary cortisol concentration (baselines, first and third week of the mean training period) and in the Profile of Mood States (in fatigue subscale: first and third week of the mean training period). In conclusion, a non-failure strength training protocol improved lower-limb performance levels and produced a moderate psychophysiological impact in youth elite tennis players, suggesting that it is a suitable program to improve strength. Such training protocols do not increase the total training load of tennis players and may be recommended to improve strength.

Effects of Waon Therapy on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Pilot Study

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disabling condition of unknown etiology, and no definitive therapy has been identified to date. We developed Waon therapy, a form of thermal therapy using a far-infrared dry sauna, and in this study herein examined its feasibility and safety in patients with CFS. Ten consecutive inpatients with CFS stayed in a 60°C sauna for 15 minutes and then rested on a bed under a blanket for an additional 30 minutes outside the sauna room. The treatments were performed once a day, five days a week for four weeks. Perceived fatigue, the primary outcome measure, was evaluated using a numerical rating scale before, during (two weeks after the commencement of therapy) and after therapy. The pain level, evaluated using a numerical rating scale, mood, assessed using the Profile of Mood States questionnaire, and performance status, assessed using a scale developed for CFS patients were also examined before and after therapy. Perceived fatigue significantly decreased after therapy, although no significant reductions were observed during therapy. In addition, a negative mood, including anxiety, depression and fatigue, and the performance status significantly improved after therapy. However, the levels of pain and vigor did not change significantly. No patients reported any adverse effects during the therapy. These findings suggest that Waon therapy may be a useful and safe treatment for CFS.

Analysis of Mood States among Cricket Players during Competitive Season

The aim of the study was to analyze the mood states of high and low level cricket players during competitive season. 260 cricket players those participated in the Virudhunagar district cricket league during the year 2012-13 were selected as subjects to achieve the study objectives. The subjects confined to this study were classified into two groups as high and low level cricket players on the basis of their competitive standards. The high level group comprising 130 players selected from A Division teams and low level group constitutes 130 players selected from B Division teams. The age of the subjects were ranged between 15 and 34 years. Profile of Mood States Questionnaire developed by McNair et al., (1971) was used in the present study. This questionnaire constitutes 65-items which measures five negative scales such as fatigue, depression, tension, anger, confusion and positive scale vigour. The two-way factorial ANOVA with repeated measures on the last factor showed that tension, depression, anger and confusion showed no difference during cricket season between high and low level cricket players. However, vigor and fatigue interaction is significant and Scheffe S post hoc test was applied. Vigor and fatigue showed significant difference between the groups at start and mid season. However, vigor showed significant difference between the groups at end and within low level cricket players. It is concluded that positive factor vigor showed high in high level cricket players than low level cricket players. The cricket season showed fatigue in the middle of the season.

Increased blood serotonin concentrations are correlated with reduced tension/anxiety in healthy postpartum lactating women

The serotonin (5-HT) system in the brain plays an important role in mood regulation. The postpartum period is considered a high-risk time for mood and anxiety disorders. We assessed changes in 5-HT levels in whole blood (as an indicator of brain 5-HT concentrations) and mood states before and after delivery in 28 healthy, lactating postpartum women. Mood states were evaluated using Profile of Mood States questionnaires (POMS). Measurements were done on the same day in early (first week) and late (third–fourth and sixth–seventh weeks) postpartum, and compared with those in the third trimester and in age-matched, healthy, non-pregnant women. Mean 5-HT concentrations were significantly higher and mean tension/anxiety scores of POMS were significantly lower in late (but not early) postpartum than in the third trimester or non-pregnant controls. 5-HT concentrations correlated with tension/anxiety in the third trimester and late postpartum, indicating an important role for the 5-HT system in the regulation of tension/anxiety in healthy postpartum women. The mechanism underlying the changes in the 5-HT system may be rapid inhibition induced by the marked decrease in estradiol after delivery and gradual excitation caused by lactation-induced brain oxytocin release during the postpartum period.

The Effects of an Acute Dose of Rhodiola rosea on Endurance Exercise Performance

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an acute oral dose of 3 mg·kg(-1) of Rhodiola rosea on endurance exercise performance, perceived exertion, mood, and cognitive function. Subjects (n = 18) ingested either R. rosea or a carbohydrate placebo 1 hour before testing in a double-blind, random crossover manner. Exercise testing consisted of a standardized 10-minute warm-up followed by a 6-mile time trial (TT) on a bicycle ergometer. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was measured every 5 minutes during the TT using a 10-point Borg scale. Blood lactate concentration, salivary cortisol, and salivary alpha amylase were measured before warm-up, 2 minutes after warm-up, and 2 minutes after TT (n = 15). A Profile of Mood States questionnaire and a Stroop Color Test were completed before warm-up and after TT. Testing was repeated 2-7 days later with the other condition. Rhodiola rosea ingestion significantly decreased heart rate during the standardized warm-up (R. rosea = 136 ± 17 b·min(-1); placebo = 140 ± 17 b·min(-1); mean ± SD; p = 0.001). Subjects completed the TT significantly faster after R. rosea ingestion (R. rosea = 25.4 ± 2.7 minutes; placebo = 25.8 ± 3.0 minutes; p = 0.037). The mean RPE was lower in the R. rosea trial (R. rosea = 6.0 ± 0.9; placebo = 6.6 ± 1.0; p = 0.04). This difference was even more pronounced when a ratio of the RPE relative to the workload was calculated (R. rosea = 0.048 ± 0.01; placebo = 0.057 ± 0.02; p = 0.007). No other statistically significant differences were observed. Acute R. rosea ingestion decreases heart rate response to submaximal exercise and appears to improve endurance exercise performance by decreasing the perception of effort.

Mood improvement in young adult males following supplementation with gold kiwifruit, a high-vitamin C food.

Enhanced intakes of fruit and vegetables have been associated with improved psychological well-being. We investigated the potential mood-enhancing effects of kiwifruit, a fruit rich in vitamin C and a number of other important micronutrients. Young adult males (n 35) were supplemented with either half or two kiwifruit/d for 6 weeks. Profile of Mood States questionnaires were completed at baseline and following the intervention. No effect on overall mood was observed in the half a kiwifruit/d group; however, a 35 % (P=0·06) trend towards a decrease in total mood disturbance and a 32 % (P=0·063) trend towards a decrease in depression were observed in the two kiwifruit/d group. Subgroup analysis indicated that participants with higher baseline mood disturbance exhibited a significant 38 % (P=0·029) decrease in total mood disturbance, as well as a 38 % (P=0·048) decrease in fatigue, 31 % (P=0·024) increase in vigour and a 34 % (P=0·075) trend towards a decrease in depression, following supplementation with two kiwifruit/d. There was no effect of two kiwifruit/d on the mood scores of participants with lower baseline mood disturbance. Dietary intakes and body status of specific micronutrients indicated a significant increase in the participants' vitamin C intakes and corresponding plasma levels of the vitamin. The results indicate that enhanced intake of kiwifruit by individuals with moderate mood disturbance can improve overall mood.

Investigation of the Effects of Alcohol on Sleep Using Actigraphy

Aims: To investigate the effect of alcohol consumption on the sleep and mood of healthy individuals in a college-based, mixed gender population. Methods: Forty-seven individuals participated in this study, of whom 33 consumed alcohol and were included in the analysis. Sleep quality was objectively recorded using actigraphy. Subjects completed a daily sleep diary and bipolar Profile of Mood States Questionnaire, recording the subjective perception of sleep quality and waking mood respectively. Results: Mean self-reported alcohol consumption among the drinkers was 84.6 ml ethanol/night. Mean total sleep time for those who consumed less than the mean reported intake was significantly reduced on alcohol. This reduction in sleep time was associated with increased wakefulness in the second half of the night, a truncated sleeping period and increased waking fatigue. This rebound wakefulness could not be demonstrated in those who consumed higher than the mean intake, though these individuals also reported increased waking fatigue. Conclusion: These results add weight to the clinical evidence that ethanol should not be used as a hypnotic due to its potential to affect both the quantity and quality of sleep. The finding that total sleep time is reduced on low doses of alcohol is novel and may arise from measuring sleep in an environment other than the sleep laboratory.

The Handgrip Strength Test as a Measure of Function in Breast Cancer Survivors

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of muscular strength, as measured by the handgrip strength (HGS) test, with pain, fitness, fatigue, mood, and autonomic nervous system function in breast cancer survivors. A cross-sectional study comprising 95 breast cancer survivors was conducted. HGS; heart rate variability; pressure pain threshold of the neck, shoulder, hand, and tibia of the affected side; and fitness level (6-min walk test, neck-shoulder mobility, vertical jump, sit-to-stand test, and trunk curl test) were assessed as outcomes. Participants completed the Fatigue Piper Scale and Profile of Mood States questionnaires and the neck-shoulder visual analog scale. Correlation was conducted to examine the relationship of HGS with pain, fitness, fatigue, and mood. We observed a fair relationship of HGS with shoulder pain and a moderate to fair relationship with fitness (all P < 0.01; ρ range, 0.24-0.56). The relationship between HGS and heart rate variability (high-frequency domain) was weak (P = 0.049, ρ = 0.23). Likewise, the relationship between HGS and Profile of Mood States subscales ranged from weak to fair (all P < 0.001; ρ range, -0.22 to -0.36). HGS showed a weak relationship with Fatigue Piper Scale (all P < 0.01; ρ range, -0.28 to -0.35). Passive shoulder flexion, fatigue, and vertical jump were independent and significant predictors of HGS (P < 0.01; R = 0.466). These results suggest that the HGS test might be an important correlate of health in breast cancer survivors. This finding suggests that HGS could be recommended as an adjuvant method of evaluation, which may help with efficiency of clinical practice. Further research on breast cancer patients is needed to confirm or refute these findings.