Phosphatidylserine and caffeine attenuate postexercise mood disturbance and perception of fatigue in humans

Affective Responses to Acute Exercise: A Meta-Analysis of the Potential Beneficial Effects of a Single Bout of Exercise on General Mood, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms

OBJECTIVE

Acute exercise elicits various biobehavioral and psychological responses, but results are mixed with regard to the magnitude of exercise-induced affective reactions. This meta-analysis examines the magnitude of general mood state, anxiety, and depressive symptom responses to acute exercise while exploring exercise protocol characteristics and background health behaviors that may play a role in the affective response.

METHODS

A total of 2770 articles were identified from a MEDLINE/PubMed search and an additional 133 articles from reviews of reference sections. Studies had to have measured general mood before the acute exercise bout and within 30 minutes after exercise completion. Effect sizes were estimated using Hedges' g , with larger values indicating improvement in the outcome measure.

RESULTS

A total of 103 studies were included presenting data from 4671 participants. General mood state improved from preexercise to postexercise ( g = 0.336, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.234-0.439). Anxiety ( g = 0.497, 95% CI = 0.263-0.730) and depressive symptoms ( g = 0.407, 95% CI = 0.249-0.564) also improved with exercise. There was substantial and statistically significant heterogeneity in each of these meta-analyses. This heterogeneity was not explained by differences in participants' health status. Meta-regression analyses with potential moderators (intensity of exercise, mode of exercise, usual physical activity level, or weight status of participants) also did not reduce the heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis shows significantly improved general mood, decreased anxiety, and lower depressive symptoms in response to an acute bout of exercise. There was substantial heterogeneity in the magnitude of the effect sizes, indicating that additional research is needed to identify determinants of a positive affective response to acute exercise.

Test-Retest Reliability, Training, and Detraining Effects Associated With the Dynavision D2™ Mode A Visuomotor Reaction Time Test

CONTEXT

The Dynavision D2™ Mode A test (ModeA) is a 1-minute reaction time (RT) test commonly used in sports science research and clinical rehabilitation. However, there is limited data regarding the effect of repeated testing (ie, training) or subsequent periods of no testing (ie, detraining) on test-retest reliability and RT performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the test-retest reliability, training, and detraining effects associated with the D2™ ModeA test.

DESIGN

Repeated measures/reliability.

METHODS

Twenty-four recreationally active men and women completed 15 training sessions consisting of 2 ModeA tests per session (30 tests). The participants were then randomized to either 1 or 2 weeks of detraining prior to completing 15 retraining sessions (30 tests). The training and retraining periods were separated into 10 blocks for analysis (3 tests per block). The number of hits (hits) and the average RT per hit (AvgRT) within each block were used to determine RT performance. Intraclass correlation coefficients, SEM, and minimum difference were used to determine reliability. Repeated-measures analysis of variance/analysis of covariance were used to determine training and detraining effects, respectively.

RESULTS

The ModeA variables demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient2,3 > .93). Significant improvements in hits and AvgRT were noted within training blocks 1 to 5 (P < .05). No further improvements in RT performance were noted between training blocks 6 through 10. There was no effect of detraining period on RT. The RT performance was not different between blocks during retraining.

CONCLUSIONS

It appears that 15 tests are necessary to overcome the training effect and establish reliable baseline performance for the ModeA test. Detraining for 1 to 2 weeks did not impact RT performance. The authors recommend that investigators and clinicians utilize the average of 3 tests when assessing RT performance using the D2 ModeA test.

Radiation exposure and mitochondrial insufficiency in chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome

Chronic fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) is a heterogeneous disease that may be promoted by various environmental stressors, including viral infection, toxin uptake, and ionizing radiation exposure. Previous studies have identified mitochondrial dysfunction in CFIDS patients, including modulation of mitochondrial respiratory chain activity, deletions in the mitochondrial genome, and upregulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This paper focuses on radiation effects and hypothesizes that CFIDS is primarily caused by stressor-induced mitochondrial metabolic insufficiency, which results in decreased energy production and anabolic metabolites required for normal cellular metabolism. Furthermore, tissues neighbouring or distant from directly perturbed tissues compensate for this dysfunction, which causes symptoms associated with CFIDS. This hypothesis is justified by reviewing the links between radiation exposure and CFIDS, cancer, immune dysfunction, and induction of oxidative stress. Moreover, the relevance of mitochondria in cellular responses to radiation and metabolism are discussed and putative mitochondrial biomarkers for CFIDS are introduced. Implications for diagnosis are then described, including a potential urine assay and PCR test for mitochondrial genome mutations. Finally, future research needs are offered with an emphasis on where rapid progress may be made to assist the afflicted.

Reliability of the Dynavision task in virtual reality to explore visuomotor phenotypes

Daily-life behaviors strongly rely on visuomotor integration, a complex sensorimotor process with obvious plasticity. Visual-perceptive and visual-cognitive functions are degraded by neurological disorders and brain damage, but are improved by vision training, e.g. in athletes. Hence, developing tools to evaluate/improve visuomotor abilities has found echo among psychologists, neurophysiologists, clinicians and sport professionals. Here we implemented the Dynavision visuomotor reaction task in virtual reality (VR) to get a flexible tool to place high demands on visual-perceptive and visual-cognitive processes, and explore individual abilities in visuomotor integration. First, we demonstrated high test–retest reliability for the task in VR among healthy physically-active students (n = 64, 32 females). Second, the capture of head movements thanks to the VR-headset sensors provided new and reliable information on individual visual-perceptual strategies, which added significant value to explore visuomotor phenotypes. A factor analysis of mixed data and hierarchical clustering on principal components points to head movements, video-games practice and ball-tracking sports as critical cues to draw visuomotor phenotypes among our participants. We conclude that the visuomotor task in VR is a reliable, flexible and promising tool. Since VR nowadays can serve e.g. to modulate multisensorial integration by creating visual interoceptive-exteroceptive conflicts, or placing specifically designed cognitive demand, much could be learned on complex integrated visuomotor processes through VR experiments. This offers new perspectives for post brain injury risk evaluation, rehabilitation programs and visual-cognitive training.

Dynavision Normative Data for Healthy Adults: Reaction Test Program

IMPORTANCE

Previous research has calculated normative data for the Dynavision D2 Visuomotor Training (D2) System among healthy athletes to understand concussion management, but to date no studies have identified the norms for healthy adults over a large age range (18-80 yr) for physical response speed.

OBJECTIVE

To provide normative data for the D2 for physical response speed in adults ages 18-80 yr.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, descriptive study to obtain normative data on physical response speed using the D2 for adults in age categories 18-40, 41-60, and 61-80 yr.

SETTING

Genesis Physical Therapy and Wellness Center, a Midwestern outpatient hospital-based therapy center.

PARTICIPANTS

Three hundred adults, stratified into three different age categories. Normal standards with quartiles were identified for each age and sex category.

OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Multiple regression model of the inverse response times.

RESULTS

The results showed a significant difference in physical response speed between men and women and between the different age groups. Women in all age categories were slower than men. Physical response speed increased with age in both sexes, but each had significantly different age and sex main effects (p < .0005).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Occupational therapy practitioners can use the normative standards identified in this study in their assessment of clients with visual and cognitive deficits after a brain injury, stroke, or other neurologic pathology.

WHAT THIS ARTICLE ADDS

This study's results can be added to the battery of other common evaluation measures that occupational therapists use to evaluate visual and cognitive deficits after neurological impairments.

A pilot study on the effects of DHA/EPA-enriched phospholipids on aerobic and anaerobic exercises in mice

DHA/EPA-PL andl-carnitine had significant effects on aerobic exercise, while astaxanthin improved anaerobic exercise. The possible mechanism involved carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, mitochondrial respiratory chain and tricarboxylic acid cycle.

Combined Effect of Arginine, Valine, and Serine on Exercise-Induced Fatigue in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study

Although several kinds of amino acids (AAs) are known to affect physiological actions during exercise, little is known about the combined effects of a mixture of several AAs on fatigue during exercise. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of an AA mixture supplement containing arginine, valine, and serine on exercise-induced fatigue in healthy volunteers. These AAs were selected because they were expected to reduce fatigue during exercise by acting the positive effects synergistically. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover trial was conducted. Thirty-nine males ingested an AA mixture containing 3600 mg of arginine, 2200 mg of valine, and 200 mg of serine or a placebo each day for 14 days. On the 14th day, the participants completed an exercise trial on a cycle ergometer at 50% of VO₂max for 120 min. After the two-week washout period, the participants repeated the same trial with the other test sample. The participant's feeling of fatigue based on a visual analog scale (VAS) and a rating of perceived exertion (RPE), as well as blood and physical parameters were evaluated. The feeling of fatigue based on VAS and RPE were significantly improved in AA compared to those in placebo. In the blood analysis, the increase in serum total ketone bodies during exercise and plasma tryptophan/branched-chain amino acids were significantly lower in AA than those in placebo. The present study demonstrated that supplementation with an AA mixture containing arginine, valine, and serine reduced the feeling of fatigue during exercise. The AA mixture also changed several blood parameters, which may contribute to the anti-fatigue effect.

Association between circulating inflammatory markers and marksmanship following intense military training

Introduction

Intense military operations during deployment or training are associated with elevations in inflammatory cytokine markers. However, the influence of an inflammatory response on military-specific skills is unclear. This study examined the association between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial fibrillar acidic protein, markers of inflammation, marksmanship and cognitive function following a week of intense military field training.

Methods

Twenty male soldiers (20.1±0.6 years; 1.78±0.05m; 74.1±7.9kg) from the same elite combat unit of the Israel Defense Forces volunteered to participate in this study. Soldiers completed a five-day period of intense field training including navigation of 27.8km/day with load carriages of ~50% of their body mass. Soldiers slept approximately fivehours per day and were provided with military field rations. Following the final navigational exercise, soldiers returned to their base and provided a blood sample. In addition, cognitive function assessment and both dynamic and static shooting (15 shots each) were performed following a 200 m gauntlet, in which soldiers had to use hand-to-hand combat skills to reach the shooting range.

Results

Results revealed that tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations were inversely correlated with dynamic shooting (r=−0.646, p=0.005). In addition, a trend (r=0.415, p=0.098) was noted between TNF-α concentrations and target engagement speed (ie, time to complete the shooting protocol). BDNF concentrations were significantly correlated with the Serial Sevens Test performance (r=0.672, p=0.012).

Conclusion

The results of this investigation indicate that elevated TNF-α concentrations and lower BDNF concentrations in soldiers following intense military training were associated with decreases in marksmanship and cognitive function, respectively.

Enhanced aerobic exercise performance in women by a combination of three mineral Chelates plus two conditionally essential nutrients

BACKGROUND

Certain essential and conditionally essential nutrients (CENs) perform functions involved in aerobic exercise performance. However, increased intake of such nutrient combinations has not actually been shown to improve such performance.

METHODS

For 1 mo, aerobically fit, young adult women took either a combination of 3 mineral glycinate complexes (daily dose: 36 mg iron, 15 mg zinc, and 2 mg copper) + 2 CENs (daily dose: 2 g carnitine and 400 mg phosphatidylserine), or the same combination with generic mineral complexes, or placebo (n = 14/group). In Trial 1, before and after 1 mo, subjects were tested for 3 mile run time (primary outcome), followed by distance covered in 25 min on a stationary bike (secondary outcome), followed by a 90 s step test (secondary outcome). To test reproducibility of the run results, and to examine a lower dose of carnitine, a second trial was done. New subjects took either mineral glycinates + CENs (1 g carnitine) or placebo (n = 17/group); subjects were tested for pre- and post-treatment 3 mile run time (primary outcome).

RESULTS

In Trial 1, the mineral glycinates + CENs decreased 3 mile run time (25.6 ± 2.4 vs 26.5 ± 2.3 min, p < 0.05, paired t-test) increased stationary bike distance after 25 min (6.5 ± 0.6 vs 6.0 ± 0.8 miles, p < 0.05, paired t-test), and increased steps in the step test (43.8 ± 4.8 vs 40.3 ± 6.4 steps, p < 0.05, paired t-test). The placebo significantly affected only the biking distance, but it was less than for the glycinates-CENs treatment (0.2 ± 0.4. vs 0.5 ± 0.1 miles, p < 0.05, ANOVA + Tukey). The generic minerals + CENs only significantly affected the step test (44.1 ± 5.2 vs 41.0 ± 5.9 steps, p < 0.05, paired t-test) In Trial 2, 3 mile run time was decreased for the mineral glycinates + CENs (23.9 ± 3.1 vs 24.7 ± 2.5, p < 0.005, paired t-test), but not by the placebo. All changes for Test Formula II or III were high compared to placebo (1.9 to 4.9, Cohen's D), and high for Test Formula II vs I for running and biking (3.2 & 3.5, Cohen's D).

CONCLUSION

In summary, a combination of certain mineral complexes plus two CENs improved aerobic exercise performance in fit young adult women.

Effects of ingesting a pre-workout dietary supplement with and without synephrine for 8 weeks on training adaptations in resistance-trained males

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to examine whether ingesting a pre-workout dietary supplement (PWS) with and without synephrine (S) during training affects training responses in resistance-trained males.

METHODS

Resistance-trained males (N = 80) were randomly assigned to supplement their diet in a double-blind manner with either a flavored placebo (PLA); a PWS containing beta-alanine (3 g), creatine nitrate as a salt (2 g), arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (2 g), N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine (300 mg), caffeine (284 mg), Mucuna pruiriens extract standardized for 15% L-Dopa (15 mg), Vitamin C as Ascorbic Acid (500 mg), niacin (60 mg), folate as folic acid (50 mg), and Vitamin B12 as Methylcobalamin (70 mg); or, the PWS supplement with Citrus aurantium extract containing 20 mg of synephrine (PWS + S) once per day for 8-weeks during training. Participants donated a fasting blood sample and had body composition (DXA), resting heart rate and blood pressure, cognitive function (Stroop Test), readiness to perform, bench and leg press 1 RM, and Wingate anaerobic capacity assessments determined a 0, 4, and 8-weeks of standardized training. Data were analyzed by MANOVA with repeated measures. Performance and cognitive function data were analyzed using baseline values as covariates as well as mean changes from baseline with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Blood chemistry data were also analyzed using Chi-square analysis.

RESULTS

Although significant time effects were seen, no statistically significant overall MANOVA Wilks' Lambda interactions were observed among groups for body composition, resting heart and blood pressure, readiness to perform questions, 1RM strength, anaerobic sprint capacity, or blood chemistry panels. MANOVA univariate analysis and analysis of changes from baseline with 95% CI revealed some evidence that cognitive function and 1RM strength were increased to a greater degree in the PWS and/or PWS + S groups after 4- and/or 8-weeks compared to PLA responses. However, there was no evidence that PWS + S promoted greater overall training adaptations compared to the PWS group. Dietary supplementation of PWS and PWS + S did not increase the incidence of reported side effects or significantly affect the number of blood values above clinical norms compared to PLA.

CONCLUSION

Results provide some evidence that 4-weeks of PWS and/or PWS + S supplementation can improve some indices of cognitive function and exercise performance during resistance-training without significant side effects in apparently health males. However, these effects were similar to PLA responses after 8-weeks of supplementation and inclusion of synephrine did not promote additive benefits.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial (NCT02999581) was retrospectively registered on December 16th 2016.

Effects of 28-days ingestion of a slow-release energy supplement versus placebo on hematological and cardiovascular measures of health

Background

Recently, slow release tablets have been developed to prolong energy release throughout the day. The efficacy of the delivery of slow-release caffeine alone is fairly well documented; however, an assessment of safety and tolerability of prolonged use of slow-release energy supplements is lacking. Therefore the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of daily ingestion of a slow-release energy supplement for 28 days on blood chemistry and resting cardiovascular measures in healthy men and women.

Methods

Forty healthy individuals (20 males, 20 females; age: 22.73 ± 3.06 years; height: 171.68 ± 10.45 cm; mass: 74.49 ± 15.51 kg; BMI: 25.08 ± 3.66 (kg • m²) ^-1) participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study. Following a 12-hour fast, participants reported for pre-testing. Testing consisted of resting heart rate (RHR) and blood pressure (BP) measures, followed by assessment of metabolic blood chemistry, blood lipids and complete cell counts. Participants then supplemented with either Energize™ (SUPP) or placebo (PL) for 28 days. Post-testing occurred 24-hours after ingestion of the final dose and consisted of the same protocol at the same time of day as pre-testing.

Results

No significant changes in outcome measures were observed. A significant difference between groups was observed for plasma glucose concentrations; however, follow-up testing revealed that pre- to post-supplementation changes were not significant for either SUPP or PL. All variables remained within normal adult reference ranges. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that 28 consecutive days ingestion of a slow release energy supplement containing caffeine in caffeine users is both safe and tolerable.

β-Alanine ingestion increases muscle carnosine content and combat specific performance in soldiers

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of β-alanine (BA) ingestion on tissue carnosine levels and the impact such changes would have on combat specific activity. Eighteen soldiers (19.9 ± 0.8 year) from an elite combat unit were randomly assigned to either a BA or placebo (PL) group. Before and following a 30-day supplementation period carnosine content of the gastrocnemius muscle and brain was determined by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. During each testing session, participants performed military relevant tasks that included a 2.5 km run, a 1-min sprint, 50-m casualty carry, repeated 30-m sprints with target shooting, and a 2-min serial subtraction test (SST) to assess cognitive function under stressful conditions. A significant elevation (p = 0.048) in muscle carnosine content was noted in BA compared to PL. Changes in muscle carnosine content was correlated to changes in fatigue rate (r = 0.633, p = 0.06). No changes (p = 0.607) were observed in brain carnosine content. Following supplementation, no differences were noted in 2.5 km run, 1-min sprint, repeated sprint, or marksmanship performance, but participants in BA significantly (p = 0.044) improved their time for the 50-m casualty carry and increased their performance (p = 0.022) in the SST compared to PL. In summary, 30-days of BA ingestion can increase muscle carnosine content and improve aspects of military specific performance. Although cognitive performance was significantly greater in participants consuming BA compared to placebo, current study methods were unable to detect any change in brain carnosine levels, thus, the precise mechanism underlying these effects remains elusive.

β-alanine supplementation improves tactical performance but not cognitive function in combat soldiers

Background

There are no known studies that have examined β-alanine supplementation in military personnel. Considering the physiological and potential neurological effects that have been reported during sustained military operations, it appears that β-alanine supplementation may have a potential benefit in maintaining physical and cognitive performance during high-intensity military activity under stressful conditions. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 28 days of β-alanine ingestion in military personnel while fatigued on physical and cognitive performance.

Methods

Twenty soldiers (20.1 ± 0.9 years) from an elite combat unit were randomly assigned to either a β-alanine (BA) or placebo (PL) group. Soldiers were involved in advanced military training, including combat skill development, navigational training, self-defense/hand-to-hand combat and conditioning. All participants performed a 4-km run, 5-countermovement jumps using a linear position transducer, 120-m sprint, a 10-shot shooting protocol with assault rifle, including overcoming a misfire, and a 2-min serial subtraction test to assess cognitive function before (Pre) and after (Post) 28 days of supplementation.

Results

The training routine resulted in significant increases in 4-km run time for both groups, but no between group differences were seen (p = 0.597). Peak jump power at Post was greater for BA than PL (p = 0.034), while mean jump power for BA at Post was 10.2% greater (p = 0.139) than PL. BA had a significantly greater (p = 0.012) number of shots on target at Post (8.2 ± 1.0) than PL (6.5 ± 2.1), and their target engagement speed at Post was also significantly faster (p = 0.039). No difference in serial subtraction performance was seen between the groups (p = 0.844).

Conclusion

Results of this study indicate that 4-weeks of β-alanine ingestion in young, healthy soldiers did not impact cognitive performance, but did enhance power performance, marksmanship and target engagement speed from pre-ingestion levels.