Brittanie Lockard

Aim: To compare the efficacy of two popular weight loss approaches on weight loss, body composition, and markers of health in sedentary obese women. Methods: In total, 51 sedentary women (age 34.5 ± 7.7 yrs.; weight 90.0 ± 14.5 kg; BMI 34.0 ± 5.1 kg/m²; 46.5 ± 7.0% fat) were matched and randomized to participate in the Weight Watchers^® Momentum™ (WW) or Curves^® (CV) Fitness and Weight Management program for 16 weeks. Participants in the WW group (n = 27) were provided a point-based diet program, received weekly progress checks and counseling, and were encouraged to exercise. Participants in the CV group (n = 24) followed a menu-based higher protein/low-fat diet (1200 kcal/d) for 1 week; 1500 kcal/d diet for 3 weeks; and 2000–2500 kcals/d for 2 weeks that was repeated three times (except the last segment) while participating in a supervised circuit-style resistance training program (3 d/wk). A general linear model (GLM) with repeated measures was used to analyze data and are presented as mean changes from baseline (mean [UL, LL]). Results: Supervised CV training resulted in greater amounts of vigorous and total physical activity. After 16 weeks, both groups lost weight (WW −6.1 [−7.8, −4.6], CV −4.9 [−6.2, −3.2] kg, p = 0.264). Participants in the CV group observed greater reductions in fat mass (WW −2.9 [−6.7, −0.2], CV −6.4 [−9.2, −3.6] kg, p = 0.081) and increases in lean mass (WW −2.5 [−4.3, −0.7], CV 1.3 [−0.6, 3.2] kg, p = 0.005) resulting in more favorable changes in percent body fat (WW −1.4 [−4.1, 1.2], CV −4.7 [−7.5, −1.8]%, p = 0.098). Both groups observed improvements in peak aerobic capacity and muscular endurance, although bench press lifting volume was greater in the CV group. Those in the CV group experienced a greater increase in HDLc and reduction in the CHL–HDLc ratio and triglycerides. Conclusion: Both interventions promoted weight loss and improvements in fitness and markers of health. The CV program, which included supervised resistance training and higher protein diet menus, promoted greater fat loss, increases in lean mass, and improvements in percent body fat and blood lipids. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov, #NCT04372771, registered retrospectively 1 May 2020.

Introduction: Benefits of protein consumption are established, yet athletes often consume insufficient protein. The effect of protein supplementation timing on self- reported wellness measures (SRWM) is unknown. The purpose was to examine the effect of protein supplementation timing on overall protein intake and SRWM. Methods: Collegiate athletes (men: n=13; body mass: 76.1 ± 6.6 kg; body fat %: 14.8 ± 2.3%) (women: n=16; body mass: 72.5 ± 10.8 kg; body fat %: 24.9 ± 4.6%), defined as protein-insufficient (daily intake <1.5 g/kg body weight) participated. Protein supplementation occurred over two 2-week periods (morning, evening) separated by a 2-week washout. Daily SRWM (fatigue, soreness, sleep, stress, mood, energy, recovery, satiety) were collected. ANOVA assessed differences in total protein intake and SRWM measures across conditions. Spearman correlations assessed relationships between protein intake and SRWM.Results: No sex difference existed in protein intake based on supplementation timing. Compared to baseline, morning and evening supplementation led to an increase (p<0.05) in absolute and relative protein intake for men and women. Satiety was increased during morning and evening conditions compared to washout for men (p=0.004) and women (p=0.012), but other SRWM did not differ. Correlations existed for relative protein intake and satiety (r=0.499, p<0.001) and stress (r=-0.321, p=0.019).Conclusions: Protein supplementation enabled participants to achieve the recommended protein intake and provided a greater feeling of satiety. Satiety did not differ between morning and evening, providing flexibility as to when to ingest a daily supplement.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to: 1) examine if Health Qigong is effective in improving children's psychological well-being, and 2) compare the relative effectiveness of Health Qigong with two traditional Western exercises (i.e., aerobic exercise and physical education activities) on children's mental health. Methods: Using a pre and post-test quasi-experimental design, we compare the effects of three different modes of exercise (i.e., aerobic exercise, mind-body exercise, and regular physical education) on reducing stress (n=101) and improving self-esteem (n=68) in children over a 16-week period. Results: Our study revealed a significant improvement in reducing stress (p=0.006) and improving self-esteem (p<0.001) using the repeated measures analysis of variance. No significant difference was detected among the three exercise groups. Conclusion: It appears that the three different modes of exercise have a similar effect on improving psychological well-being for children. Health Qigong may be considered as an alternative mind-body exercise for children who may not enjoy competitive sports and do not fit in well with conventional exercise activities.