Ryan R. Porter

Was not provided for this article.

Video games are a popular yet sedentary activity, with adult players averaging 27 hr weekly. Limited research has examined how play time relates to physical activity or differs by player skill level. This study examined the associations between weekly video game play and leisure-time physical activity and compared behaviors across player levels. A total of 221 participants (lower level = 195, higher level = 26) completed an online survey evaluating video game play, physical activity, demographics, and health history. Weekly leisure-time physical activity was negatively correlated with weekly video game play time (ρ = −.17, p = .01). Those with the least weekly video game play time are more likely to engage in higher levels of physical activity compared with those with the most. Leisure and amateur players combined had lower odds of being in a higher leisure-time physical activity quartile in comparison with the combination of semiprofessional and professional players. Leisure players reported less playtime than amateur players and semiprofessional and professional players combined, while amateurs spent less time in leisure-time physical activity. Further research using objective measures and more nuanced player classifications may better inform health behavior outcomes and targeted interventions, as well as update sedentary behavior guidelines.

Background: Evidence suggests that lipoprotein subclass particles are critical markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Older women have increased CVD risk related to age. The purpose of this study was to determine whether low and moderate doses of exercise influence lipoprotein subclasses. Methods: Women (60–75 years) were randomized into groups for 16 weeks of moderate-intensity exercise training at a low or moderate dose (33.6 and 58.8 kJ/kg body weight weekly, respectively). Lipoprotein subclasses were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy before and after the training. RESULTS: The average weekly exercise duration was 109 and 164 min, for low- and moderate-dose groups, respectively. In the low-dose group, high-density lipoprotein particle (HDL-P) concentration decreased (Δ = −1.9 ± 3.1 µmol/L, mean ± SD, p = 0.002) and mean HDL-P size increased (Δ = 0.1 ± 0.3 nm, p = 0.028). In the moderate-dose group, mean HDL-P size (Δ = 0.1 ± 0.2 nm; p = 0.024) and low-density lipoprotein particle size increased (Δ = 0.4 ± 3.9 nm; p = 0.007). Baseline body mass index, peak oxygen consumption and age were associated with changes in a few lipoprotein subclasses. Conclusions: In this sample of inactive older women, moderate-intensity exercise training at a dose equivalent to or even lower than the minimally recommended level by public health agencies induced changes in lipoprotein subclasses in line with reduced CVD risk. However, higher doses are encouraged for greater health benefits.

This study investigated the effects of a non-contact boxing exercise program on maximum expiratory pressure and aerodynamic voice measurements. Methods: Eight adult males diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease participated in the study. Individuals participated in twice-weekly exercise classes lasting one hour across 12-months. Dependent variables were measured on three baseline days and then at six additional time points. A pressure meter acquired maximum expiratory pressure, and a pneumotachograph system acquired transglottal airflow and subglottal air pressure. Results: Measures of average maximum expiratory pressure significantly increased after 9- and 12- months of exercise when compared to baseline. There was an increasing trend for these measures in all participants, with a corresponding large effect size. Measures of transglottal airflow and subglottal pressure did not change over the course of 9- or 12-months, although their stability may indicate that the exercise program influenced maintenance of respiratory-phonatory coordination during voicing. Conclusions: A non-contact boxing exercise program had a significant effect on maximum expiratory pressure in people with Parkinson’s disease. The aerobic nature of the program and challenges to the respiratory muscles potentially explain the “ingredient” causing this effect. The small sample size of this pilot study necessitates future research incorporating larger and more diverse participants.

The aim of this study was to determine which characteristics of recreational, collegiate, and professional endurance athletes were associated with training changes due to COVID-19 safety restrictions. A Qualtrics survey was distributed to endurance athletes around the world from June 2020 to February 2021. Significant differences between athlete characteristics and changes in training status were determined using a Chi-squared test (significance p < 0.05). Approximately 66% of the 331 endurance athletes changed their training due to restrictions. Significant group differences were found for age, sex, prior coaching status, prior use of a training program, and athlete primary sport compared to the whole sample. Understanding these factors may allow athletes/coaches to approach training in a different way to help minimize or prevent the effects of detraining for a greater portion of athletes should a COVID-19 variant or any other pandemic emerge in the future.

Proper nutrition is critical for optimal performance in endurance athletes. However, it is unclear if endurance athletes are meeting all their energy and nutrient needs. We examined if endurance athletes are meeting their nutritional requirements and if this differed by sex. Ninety-five endurance athletes (n = 95; 50.5% men; 34.9 ± 12.9 y) participated in the study. Dietary intake was evaluated using the 24 h dietary recall method. Energy and nutrient intakes were calculated using the ESHA Food Processor Diet Analysis Software and compared against reference nutrient intakes. Endurance athletes did not consume the recommended amount of energy (76.8% of athletes), carbohydrates (95.8%), linoleic acid (75.8%), α-linolenic acid (ALA) (77.9%), eicosatetraenoic and docosahexaenoic acid (96.8%), dietary fiber (49.5%), vitamins D (93.7%), E (71.6%), and K (54.7%), folate (54.7%), pantothenic acid (70.5%), biotin (83.2%), manganese (58.9%), magnesium (56.8%), chromium (91.6%), molybdenum (93.7%), choline (85.3%), and potassium (56.8%), and consumed too much saturated fat (50.5%) and sodium (94.7%) than recommended. Fisher’s Exact test showed that the requirements for dietary fiber (70.8% vs. 27.7%), ALA (87.5% vs. 68.1%), and total water (70.8% vs. 44.7%) were not met by more men versus women (p < 0.05). The needs for protein (70.2% vs. 25%) and vitamin B12 (46.8% vs. 22.9%) were not met by more women compared to men (p < 0.05). These findings need to be confirmed by a larger study.