Showing papers by "Ben Desbrow published in 2019"

International Association of Athletics Federations Consensus Statement 2019: Nutrition for Athletics

Abstract: The International Association of Athletics Federations recognizes the importance of nutritional practices in optimizing an Athlete's well-being and performance. Although Athletics encompasses a diverse range of track-and-field events with different performance determinants, there are common goals around nutritional support for adaptation to training, optimal performance for key events, and reducing the risk of injury and illness. Periodized guidelines can be provided for the appropriate type, amount, and timing of intake of food and fluids to promote optimal health and performance across different scenarios of training and competition. Some Athletes are at risk of relative energy deficiency in sport arising from a mismatch between energy intake and exercise energy expenditure. Competition nutrition strategies may involve pre-event, within-event, and between-event eating to address requirements for carbohydrate and fluid replacement. Although a "food first" policy should underpin an Athlete's nutrition plan, there may be occasions for the judicious use of medical supplements to address nutrient deficiencies or sports foods that help the athlete to meet nutritional goals when it is impractical to eat food. Evidence-based supplements include caffeine, bicarbonate, beta-alanine, nitrate, and creatine; however, their value is specific to the characteristics of the event. Special considerations are needed for travel, challenging environments (e.g., heat and altitude); special populations (e.g., females, young and masters athletes); and restricted dietary choice (e.g., vegetarian). Ideally, each Athlete should develop a personalized, periodized, and practical nutrition plan via collaboration with their coach and accredited sports nutrition experts, to optimize their performance.

Nutrition for special populations: Young, female, and masters athletes

Abstract: Adolescent, female, and masters athletes have unique nutritional requirements as a consequence of undertaking daily training and competition in addition to the specific demands of age- and gender-related physiological changes. Dietary education and recommendations for these special population athletes require a focus on eating for long-term health, with special consideration given to "at-risk" dietary patterns and nutrients (e.g., sustained restricted eating, low calcium, vitamin D and/or iron intakes relative to requirements). Recent research highlighting strategies to address age-related changes in protein metabolism and the development of tools to assist in the management of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport are of particular relevance to special population athletes. Whenever possible, special population athletes should be encouraged to meet their nutrient needs by the consumption of whole foods rather than supplements. The recommendation of dietary supplements (particularly to young athletes) overemphasizes their ability to manipulate performance in comparison with other training/dietary strategies.

Women Experience the Same Ergogenic Response to Caffeine as Men.

Abstract: This study aimed to determine if 1) consumption of caffeine improves endurance cycling performance in women, and 2) sex differences exist in the magnitude of the ergogenic and plasma responses to caffeine supplementation. Twenty-seven (11 women and 16 men) endurance-trained cyclists and triathletes participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Participants completed an incremental exercise test to exhaustion, two familiarization trials and two performance trials. Ninety minutes prior to the performance trials participants ingested opaque capsules containing either 3 mg·kg body mass of anhydrous caffeine or a placebo. They then completed a set amount of work (75% of peak sustainable power output) in the fastest possible time. Plasma was sampled at baseline, pre- and post-exercise for caffeine. Strict standardization and verification of diet, hydration, training volume and intensity, and for women, contraceptive hormone phase was implemented. Performance time was significantly improved following caffeine administration in women (placebo: 3863±419s, caffeine: 3757±312s; p=0.03) and men (placebo: 3903±341s, caffeine: 3734±287s; p Ingestion of 3 mg·kg body mass of caffeine enhanced endurance exercise performance in women. The magnitude of the performance enhancement observed in women was similar to that of men, despite significantly greater plasma caffeine concentrations following exercise in women. These results suggest the current recommendations for caffeine intake (i.e. 3-6 mg·kg caffeine prior to exercise to enhance endurance performance), which are derived almost exclusively from studies on men, may also be applicable to women.

Caffeine content of pre-workout supplements commonly used by Australian consumers

Abstract: The stimulant properties of caffeine are often promoted in pre-workout supplements (PWS) to assist with training, reduce the perception of fatigue, and for some brands, assist body fat loss While manufacturers of PWS often indicate the inclusion of significant amounts of caffeine, no independent verification of the caffeine content of these products exists The aim of this investigation was to independently assess the caffeine content of popular PWS in Australia and compare these values to nutrition information panel data Fifteen PWS were tested for their caffeine content (both within and between batches of the same product) The caffeine content of selected PWS ranged from 91 to 387 mg·serve-1 Only 6 of the 15 PWS nutrition information panels included details on caffeine content The percent of caffeine present ranged from 59% to 176% of packaging claims All but one PWS contained a variation of caffeine within and between batches that was considered "practically" significant (ie, ≥40 mg·serve-1 variation) Consumers are likely to be exposed to large and variable caffeine doses if ingesting PWS Product information panels do little to improve consumer awareness of likely caffeine intakes

Fluid, energy, and nutrient recovery via ad libitum intake of different commercial beverages and food in female athletes.

Abstract: This study investigated the effect of consuming different commercial beverages with food ad libitum after exercise on fluid, energy, and nutrient recovery in trained females. On 4 separate occasion...

Caffeine content of Nespresso® pod coffee

Abstract: Background:Little independent information on the caffeine content of the popular Nespresso® coffee pod range exists.Aim:To quantify the caffeine content of Nespresso® pod coffees.Methods:Initially,...

Feeding Practices and Nutrition Intakes Among Non-Critically Ill, Postoperative Adult Patients: An Observational Study.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Evidence-based guidelines (EBG) recommend recommencing oral feeding (liquids and solids) ≤24 hours after surgery. The aims of this study were to determine time to first diet (any) and solid-diet prescriptions, delivery, and intakes among adult, non-critically ill, postoperative patients. METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study included 100 postsurgical patients. Demographic and perioperative dietary-related data were collected from patients' medical records or via direct observation. Dietary intakes were observed for the duration patients were enrolled in the study (from end of surgery to discharge). The amount of energy (kcal) and protein (g) consumed per patient per day was analyzed and considered adequate if it met ≥75% of a patient's estimated requirements. RESULTS: 89 and 52 patients consumed their first intake and first solid intake ≤24 hours after surgery, respectively. For their first intake, 53% of patients had clear or free liquids. Median times to first diet prescription (range: 1.3-5.7 hours), delivery (range: 2.1-12.5 hours), and intake (range: 2.2-13.9 hours) were ≤24 hours after surgery for all patient groups. Time to first solid-diet prescription (range: 1.3-77.8 hours), delivery (range: 2.1-78.0 hours) and intake (range: 2.2-78.2 hours) varied considerably. Urologic and gastrointestinal patients experienced the greatest delays to first solid-diet prescription and first solid intake. Only 26 patients met both their energy and protein requirements for ≥1 day during their stay. CONCLUSION: While practice appears consistent with EBG recommendations for commencing nutrition (any type) after surgery, the reintroduction of adequate diet requires improvement.

A qualitative exploration of patients’ experiences with and perceptions of recommencing feeding after colorectal surgery

Abstract: Background Many patients who undergo lower gastrointestinal surgery neither recommence feeding within timeframes outlined by evidence-based guidelines, nor meet their nutrition requirements in hospital. Given that the success of timely and adequate post-operative feeding is largely reliant on patient adherence, the present study explored patients' perceptions of recommencing feeding after colorectal surgery to determine areas of improvement to meet their needs and expectations. Methods This qualitative study involved one-on-one, semi-structured interviews with patients receiving care after colorectal surgery in an Australian tertiary teaching hospital. Purposive sampling was used to ensure maximal variation in age, sex, procedural type and post-operative nutrition care experience. Interviews were audio recorded, with data transcribed verbatim before being thematically analysed. Emergent themes and subthemes were discussed by all investigators to ensure consensus of interpretation. Results Sixteen patients were interviewed (female 56%; age 61.5 ± 12.3 years). Three overarching themes emerged from the data: (i) patients make food-related decisions based on ideologies, experience and trust; (ii) patients appreciate the opportunity to participate in their nutrition care; and (iii) how dietary information is communicated influences patients' perceptions of and behaviours towards nutrition. Conclusions Enabling patients to select from a wide range of foods from post-operative day 1 (by prescribing an unrestricted diet in line with evidence-based practice guidelines) in conjunction with delivering clear, simple and encouraging dietary-related information may facilitate patient participation in care and increase oral intakes among patients who have undergone colorectal surgery.

A qualitative exploration of factors influencing medical staffs’ decision-making around nutrition prescription after colorectal surgery

Abstract: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guidelines recommend early oral feeding with nutritionally adequate diets after surgery. However, studies have demonstrated variations in practice and poor adherence to these recommendations among patients who have undergone colorectal surgery. Given doctors are responsible for prescribing patients’ diets after surgery, this study explored factors which influenced medical staffs’ decision-making regarding postoperative nutrition prescription to identify potential behaviour change interventions. This qualitative study involved one-on-one, semi-structured interviews with medical staff involved in prescribing nutrition for patients following colorectal surgery across two tertiary teaching hospitals. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants with varying years of clinical experience. The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) underpinned the development of a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were audio recorded, with data transcribed verbatim before being thematically analysed. Emergent themes and sub-themes were discussed by all investigators to ensure consensus of interpretation. Twenty-one medical staff were interviewed, including nine consultants, three fellows, four surgical trainees and five junior medical doctors. Three overarching themes emerged from the data: (i) Prescription preferences are influenced by perceptions, experience and training; (ii) Modifying prescription practices to align with patient-related factors; and (iii) Peers influence prescription behaviours and attitudes towards nutrition. Individual beliefs, patient-related factors and the social influence of peers (particularly seniors) appeared to strongly influence medical staffs’ decision-making regarding postoperative nutrition prescription. As such, a multi-faceted approach to behaviour change is required to target individual and organisational barriers to enacting evidence-based feeding recommendations.

Clients expect nutrition care to be provided by personal trainers in Australia.

Abstract: Aim: To describe client expectations and the experience of nutrition care provided by personal trainers and explore factors that influence expectations of nutrition care. Methods: A cross-sectional survey identified expectations of nutrition care provided by personal trainers. Likert scales explored expected nutrition care, nutrition knowledge of personal trainers and experiences of those who had received nutrition care from a personal trainer. Expectations were evaluated using descriptive statistics. Associations between expectations and participant characteristics were explored with Pearson chi-squared tests. Results: Six hundred twenty-seven Australian residents participated (77% female; 16–74 years of age). Participants frequently expected personal trainers to be knowledgeable about and discuss general healthy eating, muscle gain and weight loss. Half of the participants expected personal trainers to discuss and be knowledgeable about nutrition for chronic disease. Of the 334 participants who had engaged a personal trainer, 98% received nutrition care. Half of these participants (n = 167) were satisfied with the nutrition care they received, and 40% reported positive dietary changes because of their personal trainers’ nutrition care. Tertiary education and perceived healthfulness of diet lowered expectations of nutrition care from personal trainers (P 0.01) but increased expectations of personal trainer nutrition knowledge (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Clients expect personal trainers to provide nutrition care. Client expectations may compel personal trainers to provide nutrition care beyond the recommended scope of practice. Strategies to manage client expectations, including awareness of the personal trainer scope of practice, are needed to ensure safe and effective nutrition care from personal trainers.

The influence of a fruit smoothie or cereal and milk breakfast on subsequent dietary intake: a pilot study.

Abstract: Smoothies are popular breakfast foods. This study examined the effect of consuming Cereal & Milk (CM) or a nutritionally-comparable Fruit Smoothie (FS) for breakfast on daily energy intake (EI) in ...

Challenges following a personalised diet adhering to dietary guidelines in a sample of Australian university students.

Abstract: Background:Food-based dietary guidelines are designed to support populations to adopt a healthy diet. University students studying nutrition related courses are typically en-route to professional r...

Calorie-Containing Recovery Drinks Increase Recreational Runners’ Voluntary Energy and Carbohydrate Intake, with Minimal Impact on Fluid Recovery

Abstract: This study assessed voluntary dietary intake when different beverages were provided within a recovery area following recreational exercise. Participants completed two 10-km runs 1 week apart. Immed...

Sensitive and Reliable Measures of Driver Performance in Simulated Motor-Racing.

Abstract: Motor racing is a physically and mentally demanding sport, associated with a high degree of risk for drivers. Hence, driving simulation provides a safe alternative to explore the impact acute physiological perturbations (e.g. heat stress or dehydration) on a driver's performance. This study aimed to determine sensitive and reliable simulated driving performance parameters that could be employed in future driving performance studies. Thirty-six healthy males (age: 26.5 ± 8.1 y, body mass: 75.6 ± 12.2 kg, mean ± SD) completed a single experimental trial involving four simulated motor-racing drives (2 initial drives and 2 repeat drives) separated by a 1 h period. Drives were conducted under two conditions, with one condition (wearing Fatal Vision Goggles (FVG)) designed to impair driving performance by distorting vision. Sensitivity was assessed by comparing Normal vs FVG outcomes and reliability was determined by comparing initial vs repeat drives for the same condition. Measures of driving performance included lap time (LT), sector-time (ST) for one section of the track, position displacement to a marker on the first track corner (PD), and vehicle Speed at PD. Results indicated that LT and ST were reliable and sensitive performance measures to a visual disturbance. However, PD was neither sensitive nor reliable and Speed at PD was not sensitive as driving performance measures to the study conditions. Overall, this study demonstrates two sensitive and reliable performance measures (LT and ST) that can be used to assess simulated motor-racing performance in future investigations.

Effects of acute aerobic exercise, dehydration and ad libitum fluid consumption on mood and choice reaction time in trained females: A distributional analysis

Abstract: This study investigated the effect of acute aerobic exercise, dehydration and fluid intake on choice reaction time (CRT) and the ex-Gaussian CRT distribution. On 4 separate occasions, 8 trained females (body mass [BM]: 61.8±10.7 kg; VO2 max: 46.3±7.5 mL·kg-1·min-1) lost 2.0±0.3% BM cycling at ~75% VO2max (~60 min, 24.2±0.9°C) before commencing a 1 h recovery period with ad libitum access to one of 4 beverages: Water, Powerade® Isotonic (SD), Up&Go EnergizeTM (HP-MILK) and Up&Go Reduced SugarTM (LS-MILK). Participants had an additional 15 min to consume food (e.g. muesli bars, fruit, bread and condiments) ad libitum at the end of the 1 h period. CRT and mood (concentration and alertness) were assessed ‘Pre-Exercise’, ~5 min ‘Post-Exercise’ and ‘Post-Recovery’. Median CRT decreased Post-Exercise (401±48 ms) compared to Pre-Exercise (420±48 ms, p=0.025) and Post-Recovery values (427±49 ms, p=0.050). This improvement was localized to the μ-component of the ex-Gaussian CRT distribution (Pre-Exercise: 393±40 ms; PostExercise: 366±47 ms; Post-Recovery: 395±52 ms, p=0.018); the spread and skew of the distribution (i.e. σand τ-parameters) was unchanged across trials (p’s>0.05). The effect on μ was relatively consistent across each exercise occasion (Hedges’ g range: 0.32–0.63). No changes in mood were identified across time (p’s>0.05). While beverage intake was similar across treatments (p=0.351), differences in total (i.e. food plus fluid) energy (p=0.014) and carbohydrate (CHO) (p<0.001) consumption were observed. Still, the type of beverage consumed did not affect mood, CRT or the ex-Gaussian CRT distribution (p’s>0.05). Acute aerobic exercise provides a cognitive performance Danielle McCartney, Ben Desbrow, Gregory R. Cox and Christopher Irwin 170 Pertanika J. Soc. Sci. & Hum. 27 (S2): 169 181 (2019) benefit, which appears to outweigh any adverse effects imposed by dehydration in the immediate post-exercise period in trained females.

No Impact of Heat Stress and Dehydration on Short Duration Simulated Motor-Racing Performance.

Abstract: Motor-racing drivers are often exposed to hot environments and may be susceptible to fluid loss and hydration issues, which could influence driving performance This study assessed the effect of dehydration and heat stress on performance during a short, simulated motor-racing task Nine healthy males (age: 266 ± 75 y, body mass: 788 ± 125 kg, mean ± SD) completed two passive dehydration (sauna) procedures (targeting -1% and -3% body mass loss (BML)) on separate occasions Driving performance was assessed pre-dehydration (Baseline), immediately post-dehydration (Hot) and following a cooling period (Cool) Measures of driving performance included lap time and sector-time for one section of the track Subjective ratings of mood, thermal stress and comfort were also collected during trials Mean lap times were not different between Baseline, Hot, Cool conditions for both 1% (6844 ± 143 s, 6806 ± 117 s, 6823 ± 125 s) and 3% (6833 ± 168 s, 6801 ± 115 s, 6806 ± 126 s) trials respectively In addition, mean sector times were not different between Baseline, Hot, Cool conditions for both 1% (1161 ± 028 s, 1155 ± 045 s, 1159 ± 035 s) and 3% (1149 ± 033 s, 1156 ± 033 s, 1163 ± 071 s) trials respectively Changes in participants’ subjective ratings (ie decreased alertness, concentration and comfort; increased tiredness and light-headedness) were observed at both levels of dehydration (1% and 3% BML), irrespective of heat stress Thus, fluid loss and heat stress are unlikely to affect driver’s motor-racing performance during short duration events However, the impact of dehydration and heat stress on tasks of longer duration that accurately represent the demands associated with motor-racing requires further consideration