- Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
This study investigated the acceptable accuracy of common body composition techniques compared with the reference 4-compartment (4C-R) model, which has not been investigated in a sample with diverse characteristics, including age and sex.... more
This study investigated the acceptable accuracy of common body composition techniques compared with the reference 4-compartment (4C-R) model, which has not been investigated in a sample with diverse characteristics, including age and sex. Techniques included components of the 4C-R model [dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), air displacement plethysmography (ADP), deuterium dilution (DD)] and surrogate compartment-models, which utilized bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS) rather than DD. Men and women (sex=1:1, 18-85 years, n=90) completed body composition testing under best-practice guidance. For measurement of individuals, only the reference 3-compartment (3C-R) equation met acceptable error limits (<5% error among individuals) within the a priori cut-point (80%) for fat-free mass (FFM; CV=0.52%) and fat mass (FM; CV=1.61%). However, all investigated techniques reached equivalency to the 4C-R model for FFM on average (CV=0.52–4.31%), but for FM only the 3C and 4C equat...
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Background: Regular exercise has been recommended as a potential strategy to counteract the age-related bone loss experienced by men; however, the optimal exercise prescription is not known. Objective: To perform a pilot study to examine... more
Background: Regular exercise has been recommended as a potential strategy to counteract the age-related bone loss experienced by men; however, the optimal exercise prescription is not known. Objective: To perform a pilot study to examine the osteogenic effect, safety and feasibility of a combined program of upper body resistance exercise and two doses of impact-loading exercise on bone mineral density (BMD) of middle-aged and older men. Methods: Forty-two community-dwelling men aged 50-74 years were randomly assigned to either an exercise program of combined upper body resistance exercise and either high-dose impact-loading (HI; 80 jumps per session) or moderate-dose impact-loading (MOD; 40 jumps per session) or a control (CON) group. The 9-month intervention involved 4 sessions each week: 2 supervised clinic-based and 2 home-based. BMD of the lumbar spine, femoral neck, total hip, trochanter and whole body as well as lean and fat mass were assessed at baseline and 9 months by dual-...
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Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer has been shown to deteriorate body composition (reduced lean mass and increased body and fat mass) and increase the risk of cardiovascular morbidity. The Mediterranean... more
Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer has been shown to deteriorate body composition (reduced lean mass and increased body and fat mass) and increase the risk of cardiovascular morbidity. The Mediterranean style dietary pattern (MED-diet) and high intensity interval training (HIIT) may synergistically alleviate these side effects and improve quality of life in men treated with ADT. Methods: Twenty-three men (65.9 ± 7.8 years; body mass index: 29.6 ± 2.7 kg/m2; ADT duration: 33.8 ± 35.6 months) receiving ADT for ≥3 months were randomly assigned (1:1) to 20 weeks of usual care or the MED-diet (10 nutrition consults) with HIIT (4 × 4 min 85–95% heart rate peak, 3× week, starting at 12 weeks). Results: The MED-diet with HIIT significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness (+4.9 mL·kg−1·min, p < 0.001), and body mass (−3.3 kg, p < 0.001) compared to the usual care group at 20 weeks. Clinically meaningful (≥3 points) improvements were seen in quality of ...
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To explore the attitudes and practices of clinical haematologists towards promoting physical activity (PA) and exercise for patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Using a quantitative cross-sectional survey, clinical haematologists reported... more
To explore the attitudes and practices of clinical haematologists towards promoting physical activity (PA) and exercise for patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Using a quantitative cross-sectional survey, clinical haematologists reported on the perceived benefits and acceptability of PA and exercise and frequency, confidence and barriers to providing exercise advice. Clinical haematologists (n=34; 68% response rate), who cumulatively treated ~340 patients with MM each week, completed the survey. Almost all (97%) agreed that PA was important, with benefits for quality of life, activities of daily living, mental health and fatigue. Whilst 88% discussed PA at least occasionally with their patients, approximately two-thirds were not confident advising specific exercises (68%) or identifying PA resources (62%). Despite this, 44% never referred patients to exercise professionals, with 18% only doing so if the patient asked. Over half did not recommend exercise when patients had spine fractures or were physically unwell. No differences were observed in individual factors (age, gender, practice type and own PA participation) and promotion of PA. Clinical haematologists perceive PA as important, but lack confidence on what exercise/s to recommend and if exercise is appropriate for specific disease complications. They tend to not refer patients to exercise professionals. Patients with MM often suffer from symptoms and toxicities that may be alleviated through PA. However, PA participation rates are low. Support for clinical haematologists for when and how to discuss exercise, and clearer referral pathways to exercise professionals may improve PA uptake and hence ensure access to optimal care, thereby improving patient outcomes.
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Purpose: Using a case study approach this study aimed to describe the cardiorespiratory fitness, neuromuscular strength and flexibility of Australian Supercar drivers. Methods: Three elite and one sub-elite Australian Supercar drivers... more
Purpose: Using a case study approach this study aimed to describe the cardiorespiratory fitness, neuromuscular strength and flexibility of Australian Supercar drivers. Methods: Three elite and one sub-elite Australian Supercar drivers participated in the study. Each driver completed a test of peak aerobic capacity, body composition to assess lean and fat mass, a series of strength measurements to assess grip strength, forearm rotation, upper body and lower body strength, and measures of flexibility of the lower limbs and torso. Results: High inter-individual variation in cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, upper body strength, cervical strength, wrist pronation and leg extension strength was observed amongst drivers. Participants’ peak aerobic capacity [median (IQR) V O_2peak = 45.0 (9.5) mL/kg/min] were similar to those previously reported from the Australian adult population (49.1 mL/kg/min). In comparison to recreationally-active Australian males, the participants produc...
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Background Reliability of body composition measurement techniques is essential to the accurate reporting of intervention outcomes. However, the between-day precision error of commonly used techniques, as well as the reference... more
Background Reliability of body composition measurement techniques is essential to the accurate reporting of intervention outcomes. However, the between-day precision error of commonly used techniques, as well as the reference multi-compartment model, in a population-representative sample are currently unknown. Objectives To quantify technical and biological precision error of body composition techniques in comparison to the referent 4-compartment (4C) model. Methods Men and women (1:1 ratio; 18–85 years old; n = 90) completed 2 consecutive-day body composition testing sessions, including individual components of the referent 4C model. Testing was undertaken in accordance with best practice guidance for each technique, including standardized presentation and a consistent time of day. Repeat measurements were conducted on day 1 for technical precision, and between-day measurements were conducted for biological precision quantification. Results On average, all measurements met acceptab...
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To determine the pooled effect of exercise on the bone health of people diagnosed with cancer. Four electronic databases were systematically searched. Controlled trials that assessed the effect of exercise on the bone mineral density... more
To determine the pooled effect of exercise on the bone health of people diagnosed with cancer. Four electronic databases were systematically searched. Controlled trials that assessed the effect of exercise on the bone mineral density (BMD) or content (BMC) measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry or peripheral quantitative computed tomography in people who had been diagnosed with cancer were included in the study. Random-effect meta-analyses of effect size (ES) were conducted. Sub-group analyses were performed to explore the influence of intervention duration, prescription and participant characteristics. Of 66 full-text articles screened, 22 studies, from 21 interventions, were included (primarily breast/prostate cancer, sample range n = 36–498). When all interventions were grouped, a significant pooled ES was observed for exercise on hip (ES = 0.112, 95% CI: 0.026 to 0.198; p = 0.011) and lumbar spine BMD (ES = 0.269, 95% CI: 0.036 to 0.501; p = 0.024) compared to control. There was also an influence of sex, where females had greater improvements in hip (ES = 0.120, 95% CI: 0.017 to 0.223; p = 0.022) and spine BMD (ES = 0.415, 95% CI: 0.056 to 0.774; p = 0.23) compared to males. Overall, exercise regimens of studies included in this review appear to improve bone health at the hip and spine in people diagnosed with cancer. Sub-analyses suggest some influence of sex, where females had greater improvements in BMD compared to males. It is essential that future studies evaluate the dose–response of exercise training on bone health and create exercise protocols that better align with the laws of bone modelling to enhance osteogenic potential.
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ABSTRACT The efficacy of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to elicit physiological and performance adaptations in endurance athletes has been established in men and to a lesser extent in women. This study compared lactate threshold... more
ABSTRACT The efficacy of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to elicit physiological and performance adaptations in endurance athletes has been established in men and to a lesser extent in women. This study compared lactate threshold (LT2) and performance adaptations to HIIT between men and women. Nine male and eight female cyclists and triathletes completed trials to determine their LT2 and 40 km cycling performance before, and after 10 HIIT sessions. Each HIIT session consisted of 10 × 90 s at peak power output, separated by 60 s active recovery. Main effects showed that HIIT improved peak power output (p = 0.05; ES: 0.2); relative peak power output (W.kg−1; p = 0.04; ES: 0.3 and W.kg−0.32; p = 0.04; ES: 0.3); incremental time to fatigue (p = 0.01; ES: 0.4), time trial time (p < 0.001; ES: 0.7) and time trial power output (p < 0.001; ES: 0.7) equally in both sexes. Although LT2 power output explained 77% of the performance improvement in women, no variable explained the performance improvement in men, suggesting another mechanism(s) was involved. Although HIIT improved cycling performance in men and women, it might not be appropriate to evaluate the effectiveness of HIIT using the same variables for both sexes.
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OBJECTIVES Aviation Rescue Firefighters (ARFF) require physical fitness specific to the aviation environment. This study aims to determine the physical fitness of ARFF and predictors of performance on ARFF-specific tasks from... more
OBJECTIVES Aviation Rescue Firefighters (ARFF) require physical fitness specific to the aviation environment. This study aims to determine the physical fitness of ARFF and predictors of performance on ARFF-specific tasks from laboratory-based fitness measures. DESIGN Cross-sectional, observational study. METHODS Forty-two male ARFF (mean±SD; age 38.4±7.6 years, body mass index 26.2±2.2kgm-2) completed a physical fitness testing battery, comprising maximal aerobic capacity (V˙O2max), lactate threshold, anaerobic power, body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), muscular strength (3 repetition maximum (3RM) bench and leg press) and muscular endurance (maximum curl ups and push ups) under controlled laboratory conditions. On a separate occasion, ARFF completed timed work-related tasks including a hose drag, dummy drag, Stihl saw hold, stair climb and simulated ARFF emergency protocol. RESULTS All participants finished the simulated ARFF emergency protocol under the criterion time (5min 50s); the average completion time was 4min and 31s. Performance time on the simulated ARFF emergency protocol was inversely correlated to V˙O2max (r=-0.514; p<0.001), anaerobic step test performance (r=-0.549; p<0.001), height (r=-0.325; p=0.038) and lean mass (r=-0.429; p=0.005). Higher fat mass (r=0.318; p=0.043) and % body fat (r=0.481; p=0.001) were associated with slower performance time. Muscular strength, muscular endurance and flexibility were not related to performance on the simulated ARFF emergency protocol. CONCLUSIONS Aerobic and anaerobic capacities, as well as body composition are the strongest predictors of simulated ARFF emergency protocol performance. This study highlights the importance of aerobic and anaerobic fitness, compared to muscular strength or muscular endurance, for ARFF job-specific performance, employment and training.
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The perceptions of high-performance swimming coaches regarding the relative contribution of the upper and lower limbs are crucial in optimising athletic performance through subsequent prescription of training. Problematically, examination... more
The perceptions of high-performance swimming coaches regarding the relative contribution of the upper and lower limbs are crucial in optimising athletic performance through subsequent prescription of training. Problematically, examination of these perspectives is lacking. To develop knowledge in this area, perceptions regarding the upper and lower limb velocity and metabolic contributions and reasoning surrounding whole body, arms-only and legs-only training prescription (referred to as swim, pull and kick, respectively) were garnered from seven male expert swimming coaches. The semi-structured interviews were transcribed verbatim by the lead researcher. Thematically analysed through open and axial-coding, results revealed that all coaches believed the upper limbs were the primary velocity generators but placed great importance on having well-conditioned muscles of the lower limbs. All coaches identified multiple interrelated parameters contributing to velocity generation and metabo...
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Research Interests: Oncology, Breast Cancer, Physical Activity, Prostate Cancer, Medicine, and 15 moreColorectal cancer, Humans, Female, Body Composition, Male, Exercise, Peer Support, Peer group, Adherence, High Intensity Interval Training, Medicine and Health Sciences, Cancer Survivors, Breast Neoplasms, Prostatic neoplasms, and Colonic Neoplasms
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Oral contraceptive (OC) use reduces peak aerobic capacity (V˙O2peak); however, whether it also influences adaptations to training has yet to be determined. This study aimed to examine the influence of OC use on peak performance (peak... more
Oral contraceptive (OC) use reduces peak aerobic capacity (V˙O2peak); however, whether it also influences adaptations to training has yet to be determined. This study aimed to examine the influence of OC use on peak performance (peak power output [PPO]) and physiological adaptations (V˙O2peak and peak cardiac output [Q˙peak]) after sprint interval training (SIT) in recreationally active women. Women taking an OC (n = 25) or experiencing natural regular menstrual cycles (MC; n = 16) completed an incremental exercise test to assess V˙O2peak, PPO, and Q˙peak before, immediately after, and 4 wk after 12 sessions of SIT. The SIT consisted ten 1-min efforts at 100% to 120% PPO in a 1:2 work-rest ratio. Though V˙O2peak increased in both groups after SIT (both P < 0.001), the MC group showed greater improvement (OC, +8.5%; MC, +13.0%; P = 0.010). Similarly, Q˙peak increased in both groups, with greater improvement in the MC group (OC, +4.0%; MC, +16.1%; P = 0.013). PPO increased in both ...
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The contributions of the limbs to velocity and metabolic parameters in front-crawl swimming at different intensities have not been identified with the consideration of both stroke and kick rate. Consequently, velocity, oxygen uptake... more
The contributions of the limbs to velocity and metabolic parameters in front-crawl swimming at different intensities have not been identified with the consideration of both stroke and kick rate. Consequently, velocity, oxygen uptake (V̇O2) and metabolic cost of swimming with the whole body (swim), the upper-limbs only (pull) and lower-limbs only (kick) were compared with stroke and kick rate controlled. Twenty elite swimmers completed six 200m trials; two swim, two pull and two kick. Swim trials were guided by underwater lights at paces equivalent to 65±3% and 78±3% of participants' 200m freestyle personal best pace; paces were described as 'low' and 'moderate', respectively. In the pull and kick trials, swimmers aimed to match the stroke and kick rates recorded during the swim trials, respectively. V̇O2 was measured continuously, with velocity and metabolic cost calculated for each 200m effort. The velocity contribution of the upper-limbs (mean±SD: low 63.9±6.2%...
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Research Interests: Exercise Physiology, Nutrition, Medicine, Medicine Science, Humans, and 15 moreCaffeine, Queensland, Male, Plasma, Exercise, Absorption, Physiological Response, Ships, Physical Exercise, Athletic performance, Medicine and Science In Sports and Exercise, C, Athlete, Ergogenic aid, and physical exertion
People with multiple myeloma (MM) are second only to people with lung cancer for the poorest reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of all cancer types. Whether exercise can improve HRQoL in MM, where bone pain and lesions are... more
People with multiple myeloma (MM) are second only to people with lung cancer for the poorest reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of all cancer types. Whether exercise can improve HRQoL in MM, where bone pain and lesions are common, requires investigation. This trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of an exercise intervention compared with control on HRQoL in people with MM. Following baseline testing, people with MM (n = 60) will be randomized to an exercise (EX) or waitlist control (WT) group. EX will complete 12-weeks of supervised (24 sessions) and unsupervised (12 sessions) individualized, modular multimodal exercise training. From weeks 12–52, EX continue unsupervised training thrice weekly, with one optional supervised group-based session weekly from weeks 12–24. The WT will be asked to maintain their current activity levels for the first 12-weeks, before completing the same protocol as EX for the following 52 weeks. Primary (patient-reported HRQoL) and secondary (bo...
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To evaluate the feasibility of implementing an integrated multicomponent survivorship care model for men affected by prostate cancer.
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People with multiple myeloma (MM) often experience disease symptoms and treatment toxicities that can be alleviated through physical activity (PA). However, the majority of people with MM are insufficiently active. This study explored PA... more
People with multiple myeloma (MM) often experience disease symptoms and treatment toxicities that can be alleviated through physical activity (PA). However, the majority of people with MM are insufficiently active. This study explored PA among people with MM, including differences by treatment stage, symptoms and demographics, and programming preferences. Overall, 126 people with MM (77% response rate) completed the survey. Pre-diagnosis, 25.4% were sufficiently active, with 12.0% remaining active after treatment. Respondents who were physically active pre-diagnosis were 46.7 times (95% confidence intervals CI: 2.03, 1072.1) more likely to meet PA guidelines following an MM diagnosis compared to people not meeting guidelines pre-diagnosis. Experiencing MM symptoms and receiving PA advice from healthcare professionals were not associated with meeting PA guidelines. People with MM were interested in exercise programs (55%) that are low-cost (77%), offered at flexible times (74%), and ...
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Purpose People with severe mental illness (SMI) experience poor physical health and premature mortality, contributed significantly by modifiable lifestyle risk factors such as poor nutrition, low cardiorespiratory fitness, and physical... more
Purpose People with severe mental illness (SMI) experience poor physical health and premature mortality, contributed significantly by modifiable lifestyle risk factors such as poor nutrition, low cardiorespiratory fitness, and physical inactivity. Lifestyle interventions can reduce cardiometabolic risk and confer a range of other positive mental and physical health benefits. We assessed the feasibility, acceptability, safety, and preliminary effectiveness of a lifestyle (combined dietary and exercise) intervention lead by senior exercise and dietetics students in a residential mental health rehabilitation setting. Design Single arm, prospective study evaluating outcomes pre and post a 10-week dietary and exercise intervention. Method People with SMI from three residential rehabilitation units participated in a mixed aerobic and resistance training exercise intervention three times per week that was combined with a dietary intervention (six individual and group sessions). Primary outcome considerations were feasibility (recruitment, retention, and participation rates), acceptability, and adverse events. Secondary outcomes were preliminary effectiveness; (functional exercise capacity, volume of exercise, and metabolic markers), psychiatric symptoms, quality of life, and attitudes to exercise. Results Forty-two participants were recruited (92% primary diagnosis of schizophrenia). Intervention feasibility was supported by high levels of recruitment (68%), retention (77%), and participation (70% exercise, 65% diet sessions); and the absence of serious adverse events. Significant improvements in functional exercise capacity, volume of exercise, general psychiatric symptoms, and negative psychotic symptoms occurred. Anthropometric and metabolic blood markers did not change. While the intervention was acceptable to participants, motivation for and perceived value of exercise reduced over 10 weeks. Conclusions A brief pragmatic student-led lifestyle intervention integrated into usual mental health care was feasible, acceptable, safe, and scalable across two additional mental health residential rehabilitation sites, and resulted in physical and mental health improvements. Increased frequency of dietary sessions and length of dietary intervention may improve metabolic outcomes in the future. People with SMI living in residential rehabilitation units should have access to lifestyle programs to address modifiable lifestyle risk factors. While this brief intervention was feasible and acceptable, this study highlights some of the challenges associated with maintaining motivation for healthy lifestyles for people with SMI. Longer term investigation of real-world lifestyle interventions is warranted, together with additional interventions that may support people with SMI to sustain motivation to address lifestyle factors. Clinical Trial Registration The trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), Unique Identifier: ACTRN 12618000478213, http://www.anzctr.org.au Universal trial number (UTN)—U1111-1211-4009.
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Prostate cancer and its associated treatments can cause significant and lasting morbidities, such as cardiovascular and sexual dysfunctions. Various interventions have attempted to prevent or mitigate these dysfunctions. This review... more
Prostate cancer and its associated treatments can cause significant and lasting morbidities, such as cardiovascular and sexual dysfunctions. Various interventions have attempted to prevent or mitigate these dysfunctions. This review summarises the available evidence on the effects of exercise training on markers of cardiovascular disease (as assessed via vascular health outcomes) and sexual health in this prevalent cancer population. Current studies predominantly report blood pressure outcomes as a marker of vascular health, as well as various questionnaires assessing sexual health parameters, in men on active treatment (i.e., hormone or radiation therapies) or post-treatment. Preliminary evidence suggests that exercise interventions may elicit improvements in sexual function, but not blood pressure, in these populations. Future studies in more advanced and varied prostate cancer populations (i.e., those on chemotherapies or immunotherapies, or undergoing active surveillance) are re...
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Physical activity (PA) is an independent predictor of mortality and frailty in middle-aged women, but fatigue remains a major barrier in this group. While caffeine intake has been associated with reduced exertion and perceived fatigue, it... more
Physical activity (PA) is an independent predictor of mortality and frailty in middle-aged women, but fatigue remains a major barrier in this group. While caffeine intake has been associated with reduced exertion and perceived fatigue, it is not well understood whether consumption of naturally caffeinated drinks is associated with physical activity. The aim of this study was to determine whether habitual consumption of coffee and tea is associated with participation in physical activity. Women (n = 7580) from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health were included in this investigation. Participants reported average tea and coffee intake over the last 12 months and usual PA. Logistic regression models were adjusted for relevant health and lifestyle confounders, and Sobel test was used for mediation analysis. Participants who consumed 1–2 cups of coffee/day were 17% more likely to meet the recommended 500 metabolic equivalent (MET).min/week than women who had <1 cup/day ...
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Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) often suffer from disease symptoms and treatment toxicities that may be alleviated through physical activity (PA). The attitudes and practices of treating physicians and their patients regarding PA... more
Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) often suffer from disease symptoms and treatment toxicities that may be alleviated through physical activity (PA). The attitudes and practices of treating physicians and their patients regarding PA participation for MM patients remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of hematologists and patients on PA for patients diagnosed with MM to assist with the development of an individualized, supervised exercise intervention as standard care. Paper-based surveys, with responses rated on a 5-point Likert scale, were distributed to clinical hematologists across Australia, and to patients with MM at public and private clinics. The hematologist survey asked questions regarding the importance of, or agreeance to, the benefits and barriers of PA participation. The patient survey included questions regarding the incidence of disease symptoms and personal perspectives and preferences for the design of an exercise program. Patients with MM (n=119; 79% response rate) and hematologists (n=34; 68% response rate) completed the surveys. The hematologists cumulatively treated approximately 340 patients each week. The patient population was well-represented in the older age groups with 57% aged 65 years or older. Almost all hematologists (97%) agreed that PA was important for patients with MM, with 85% reporting at least occasionally recommending PA to their patients. Exercise recommendations by hematologists diverged for MM patients who were experiencing disease complications; 55% did not recommend exercise when patients had spine fractures or were physically unwell. However 44% never referred patients for supervised PA with accredited exercise physiologists (AEP). An overwhelming majority of patient respondents (84%) experienced at least one symptom to a moderate intensity in the past month. Fatigue was experienced with the highest incidence (55%), with nerve symptoms (46%), back pain (44%) and lethargy (44%) also reported. There was a preference for PA programs during both active treatment and remission (69%) and for them to be guided by an AEP with an interest in cancer (62%). Programs of low-cost (91%), with flexible times (82%) and at locations close to home (77%) were considered important features for participation. Utilizing the information gained from the surveys, an exercise intervention has been developed for patients with MM, with 20 participants currently commenced and recruitment continuing. Hematologists perceive PA as very important for MM patients, however often do not recommend exercise for those experiencing disease complications. Patients are interested in participating in PA with a strong preference for convenient, low-cost programs, supervised by accredited exercise professionals. Availability of dedicated MM programs with clear referral pathways will increase the number of MM patients being referred by their hematologists.
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Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most commonly reported disease- and treatment-related side effects that impede quality of life. This systematic review and meta-analysis describes the effects of nutrition therapy on CRF and... more
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most commonly reported disease- and treatment-related side effects that impede quality of life. This systematic review and meta-analysis describes the effects of nutrition therapy on CRF and quality of life in people with cancer and cancer survivors. Studies were identified from four electronic databases until September 2017. Eligibility criteria included randomised trials in cancer patients and survivors; any structured dietary intervention describing quantities, proportions, varieties and frequencies of food groups or energy and macronutrient consumption targets; and measures of CRF and quality of life. Standardised mean differences (SMD) were pooled using random-effects models. The American Dietetic Association’s Evidence Analysis Library Quality Checklist for Primary Research was used to evaluate the methodological quality and risk of bias. A total of sixteen papers, of fifteen interventions, were included, comprising 1290 participants....
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Hoffmann, SM, Skinner, TL, van Rosendal, SP, Osborne, MA, Emmerton, LM, and Jenkins, DG. The efficacy of the lactate threshold: A sex-based comparison. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2018-The second lactate threshold (LT2) has... more
Hoffmann, SM, Skinner, TL, van Rosendal, SP, Osborne, MA, Emmerton, LM, and Jenkins, DG. The efficacy of the lactate threshold: A sex-based comparison. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2018-The second lactate threshold (LT2) has previously been associated with endurance performance; however, comparisons between sexes are lacking regarding its efficacy. The aim of this study was to compare LT2 between men and women, specifically regarding its (a) relationship with endurance performance and (b) capacity to establish training and competition intensities. Competitive male (mean ± SD: age, 27.7 ± 4.7 years; V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, 59.7 ± 5.2 ml·kg·min; n = 10) and female (mean ± SD: age, 27.3 ± 6.2 years; V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, 54.5 ± 5.3 ml·kg·min; n = 12) cyclists and triathletes completed an incremental cycle trial to volitional fatigue (for determination of V[Combining Dot Above]O2max and LT2 via the modified D-max method), a constant load (±5%) exercise trial of 30 min...
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Patients with advanced liver disease are at increased risk of infection and other complications. A significant proportion of patients also have poor fitness and low muscle mass. The primary aim of this study was to investigate if... more
Patients with advanced liver disease are at increased risk of infection and other complications. A significant proportion of patients also have poor fitness and low muscle mass. The primary aim of this study was to investigate if cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition are risk factors for sepsis and other complications of advanced liver disease. Patients being listed for liver transplantation underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing to determine ventilatory threshold (VT). Computed tomography was used to measure skeletal muscle and subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue indexes. All unplanned hospital admissions, deaths or delistings prior to transplantation were recorded. Eighty-two patients [aged 55.1 (50.6-59.4) years, median (interquartile range); male 87%] achieved a median VT of 11.7 (9.7-13.4) mL[BULLET OPERATOR]kg[BULLET OPERATOR]min. Their median MELD-Na score was 18 (14-22); and 37 had hepatocellular carcinoma. There were 50 admissions in 31 patients; with 16 a...
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To critically analyse the literature surrounding the efficacy of exercise interventions in patients with advanced cancer. A literature search was undertaken of health and medical electronic databases (PubMED, Medline, CINAHL, Embase,... more
To critically analyse the literature surrounding the efficacy of exercise interventions in patients with advanced cancer. A literature search was undertaken of health and medical electronic databases (PubMED, Medline, CINAHL, Embase, PEDRO, Web of Science and Scopus) until 1 March 2017. Studies were included if they were published in the English language and met the following criteria: structured exercise as the primary intervention, ≥80% study participants diagnosed with advanced cancer that is unlikely to be cured; reported outcomes concerning physical function, quality of life, fatigue, body composition, psychosocial function, sleep quality pain and/or survival. Following title and abstract screening, 68 articles were eligible for full-text review, with a total of 25 studies (n=1188; 16 controlled trials, 9 non-controlled trials) included in the quantitative synthesis. Two reviewers assessed methodological quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for controlled trials and a m...
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ABSTRACT Background and Aim: Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx) is a lifesaving treatment for end stage liver disease. In order to minimize peri- and post-operative morbidity and mortality patients undergo a comprehensive... more
ABSTRACT Background and Aim: Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx) is a lifesaving treatment for end stage liver disease. In order to minimize peri- and post-operative morbidity and mortality patients undergo a comprehensive pre-operative evaluation. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is a safe and non-invasive measure to determine cardiorespiratory fitness, which has demonstrated to predict wait-list and peri-transplant mortality. The aim of this study is to investigate whether cardiorespiratory fitness (measured as ventilatory threshold, VT) predicts the development of cardiometabolic conditions in OLTx recipients. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. As part of routine care, patients received a CPET prior to OLTx listing. Successful completion of the CPET was defined as the ability to reach VT determined by the V-slope method. Post-operative cardiometabolic outcomes were the development of new onset diabetes mellitus, hypertension and chronic renal impairment (CKD Stage 3 or above). This data was collected at 90 days following OLTx. Results: Thirty-one patients were included in this analysis. At the time of CPET, the median Model of End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was 14 (IQR = 13–18) and VT was 11.8 ml/kg/min (IQR = 10.9 ml/kg/min– 13.3 ml/kg/min). Twenty patients (64%) developed one or more new cardiometabolic complications in the first 90 days post-OLTx. Seventeen patients (55%) had a VT &lt; 12 ml/kg/min and of these, fourteen (82%) developed one or more cardiometabolic conditions, compared to only six (42%) of fourteen patients with a VT &gt; 12 ml/kg/min (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Patients with a pre-operative VT &lt; 12 ml/kg/min were twice as likely to develop one or more new cardiometabolic conditions within 90 days following surgery. Whether the implementation of an exercise training intervention to improve VT prior to surgery will result in improved post-operative cardiometabolic outcomes remains to be investigated.