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Brandon D. Spradley

Bio: Brandon D. Spradley is an academic researcher from United States Sports Academy. The author has contributed to research in topics: B vitamins & Repeated measures design. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 4 publications receiving 107 citations.

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Ingesting the SUP before exercise significantly improved agility choice reaction performance and lower body muscular endurance, while increasing perceived energy and reducing subjective fatigue, suggest that the SUP may delay fatigue during strenuous exercise.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the pre-workout supplement Assault™ (MusclePharm, Denver, CO, USA) on upper and lower body muscular endurance, aerobic and anaerobic capacity, and choice reaction time in recreationally-trained males. Subjective feelings of energy, fatigue, alertness, and focus were measured to examine associations between psychological factors and human performance. Twelve recreationally-trained males participated in a 3-week investigation (mean +/- SD, age: 28 +/- 5 y, height: 178 +/- 9 cm, weight: 79.2 +/- 15.7 kg, VO2max: 45.7 +/- 7.6 ml/kg/min). Subjects reported to the human performance laboratory on three separate occasions. All participants completed a baseline/familiarization day of testing that included a maximal graded exercise test for the determination of aerobic capacity (VO2max), one-rep maximum (1-RM) for bench and leg press to determine 75% of 1-RM, choice reaction tests, and intermittent critical velocity familiarization. Choice reaction tests included the following: single-step audio and visual, one-tower stationary protocol, two-tower lateral protocol, three-tower multi-directional protocol, and three-tower multi-directional protocol with martial arts sticks. Subjects were randomly assigned to ingest either the supplement (SUP) or the placebo (PL) during Visit 2. Subjects were provided with the cross-over treatment on the last testing visit. Testing occurred 20 min following ingestion of both treatments. Significant (p < 0.05) main effects for the SUP were observed for leg press (SUP: 13 ± 6 reps, PL: 11 ± 3 reps), perceived energy (SUP: 3.4 ± 0.9, PL: 3.1 ± 0.8), alertness (SUP: 4.0 ± 0.7, PL: 3.5 ± 0.8), focus (SUP: 4.1 ± 0.6, PL: 3.5 ± 0.8), choice reaction audio single-step (SUP: 0.92 ± 0.10 s, PL: 0.97 ± 0.11 s), choice reaction multi-direction 15 s (SUP: 1.07 ± 0.12 s, PL: 1.13 ± 0.14 s), and multi-direction for 30 s (SUP: 1.10 ± 0.11 s, PL: 1.14 ± 0.13 s). Ingesting the SUP before exercise significantly improved agility choice reaction performance and lower body muscular endurance, while increasing perceived energy and reducing subjective fatigue. These findings suggest that the SUP may delay fatigue during strenuous exercise.

81 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Investigation of the safety and efficacy of consuming a preworkout supplement containing caffeine, creatine, β-alanine, amino acids, and B vitamins for 28 days in healthy, recreationally trained, college-aged men found no adverse effects.

31 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A familiarization session between testing days may result in similar reliability to that of within-day trials (p = 1.00).
Abstract: Methods Twelve recreationally trained males participated in Part a, which consisted of two visits (mean +/SD, 3.7 +/1.3 days); a familiarization testing day (V1a), followed by a subsequent testing day (V1b), and was conducted over a three week investigation period (28 +/5 yr, 178 +/9 cm, 79.15 +/15.7 kg, 17.5 +/6.6 % body fat). Part a was composed of nine choice reaction time testing protocols, including single step audio (CRA); single step visual (CRV); 15/30s single tower unidirectional [CRS(15s) (30s)]; 15/30s two tower lateral-directional [CRL(15s), (30s)]; 15/30s three tower multi-directional [CRM (15s), (30s)]; and a three tower, 2-minute stick hit test (stick hits). Seventeen recreationally trained males participated in Part b, which consisted of two visits (4.9 +/1.9 days) following a familiarization day (V1b and V2b), and was conducted over a two week investigational period (21.5 +/4.7 y, 181.1 +/6.1 cm, 85.2 +/17 kg, 14.5 +/11 % body fat). Part b comprised the same choice reaction time testing protocols as Part a. Part c consisted of a pooled mean of 62 tests taken from Part a and Part b, which examined data within choice reaction testing days between V1a, V2a, V1b, and V2b, except the 2-minute Stick Hits data. Results Mean (+/SD) time (seconds) values for Part a, Part b, and Part c were 0.87, 0.91 and 0.86 for Day/Trial 1 respectively, and 0.81, 0.89, and 0.85 for Day/Trial 2 which resulted in no significant differences from Day/Trial 1 to Day/Trial 2 for Part a, b, and c (p > 0.05). However, all times between testing days/trials decreased (a: -0.071 sec, b: -0.021 sec, c: -0.010). Differences in days from Part b (-0.02 sec) and Trials for Part c (-0.01 sec) resulted in similar findings, suggesting a familiarization session between testing days may result in similar reliability to that of within-day trials (p = 1.00). Two testing batteries showed a significant decrease in time between Day 1 and Day 2 after familiarization: CRL15 (Mean difference = -0.07, p = 0.036) and CRM30 (Mean difference = -0.05, p = 0.022).

2 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors evaluated the effectiveness of implementing task-specific, post activation performance enhancement (PAPE) strategies, performed immediately prior to the event for which PAPE exercises are designed.
Abstract: PURPOSE: The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) aims to accurately reflect Soldier combat performance capability and includes a 3-rep-max deadlift (MDL), standing power throw (SPT), hand-release pushup (HRP), sprint-drag-carry (SDC), leg tuck (LTK), and two-mile run (2MR). The purpose of this study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing task-specific, post activation performance enhancement (PAPE) strategies, performed immediately prior to the event for which PAPE exercises are designed. The PAPE strategies were as follows: MDL = 1 rep at 10% higher than target 3RM, SPT = 5 consecutive vertical jumps, HRP = 5 plyometric pushups, SDC = 5 consecutive broad jumps, LTK = 5 medicine ball slams, and 2MR = 4 x 20 m sprints. METHODS: A total of 19 ROTC members completed two ACFT tests, separated by 72 hours. Approximately half (n = 10) completed the traditional “Preparation Drill” as their warmup prior to the first session and added PAPE warmup strategies as part of their second session. The remainder of the group (n = 9) completed the treatments in the opposite order to facilitate a repeated-measures, crossover design. The participants’ composite ACFT score (passing score = 360, max = 600 pts) was used to test for mean difference in a two-way (Time x Treatment), repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: The results of the two-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed that there was no interaction effect (Time x Treatment) (F(1,8) = 0.075, p = 0.79, ηp2 = 0.009) nor main effect of Treatment (F(1,8) = 0.084, p = 0.78, ηp2 = 0.010). However, there was a main effect of Time (F(1,8) = 58.87, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.88) (mean ACFT score ± SD: Session 1 = 527 ± 43, Session 2 = 537 ± 39). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study did not support the use of additional PAPE strategies to improve ACFT performance. Of note, all passed by a large margin (range 428 - 600). Additionally, there was a practice effect when the test was completed twice, separated by 72 hours - with 17/19 participants matching or exceeding their first score. Therefore, further investigation is warranted with particular attention to minimizing the impact of familiarization and targeting soldiers whose scores are closer to the passing threshold for some - or all - events.
Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article , the authors investigated the correlation of two visual analog scales (VAS) to their counterparts for readiness and exertion metrics for the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT).
Abstract: PURPOSE: Subjective measures of perceived readiness and exertion are widely used in research and practical settings. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of two visual analog scales (VAS) to their counterparts for readiness and exertion metrics. METHODS: A sample of 20 ROTC participants (female n = 1, aged 18-28 y) participated this study. Participants were asked to provide subject measures of readiness (before) and exertion (after) completing the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) during two sessions. Upon arrival, participants were asked to report their perceived readiness on a commonly-used perceived readiness scale (PRS: 0-10) and on a modified visual analog scale of perceived readiness (100-mm line anchored with “Unable to Perform” and “Ready for Peak Performance”). Then, all participants completed the current Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) and reported post session ratings of perceived exertion on the Omni scale (Omni RPE: 0-10) and a modified visual analog scale of perceived exertion (100-mm line anchored with “Rest/No Exertion” and “Maximal Exertion”). VAS scoring required the participant to mark on the 100-mm line where they fell on the spectrum and their score was later measured to the nearest millimeter the line passed. The protocol was repeated 72 h later. Data from both sessions were pooled for analysis for each comparison. Spearman’s Rho correlations were used to explore the relationships between the visual analog scales and their traditional, ordinal counterparts. RESULTS: The results of the Spearman’s Rho correlations showed moderately-strong correlations between the measures of readiness (rs(37) = 0.65, p < 0.001) and exertion (rs(35) = 0.77, p < 0.001). Of note, one participant did not complete session two and participant errors on the data collection sheet for Omni RPE called for the removal of two exertion-related data points. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that both visual analog scales have moderately-strong relationships with traditionally-used subjective metrics for readiness and exertion - establishing a level of criterion validity. Therefore, visual analog scales show promise as tool with which researchers and practitioners can assess subjective responses and be confident the data are continuous, limiting bias related to recall with serial measures.

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: More research is needed to determine the effects of beta-alanine on strength, endurance performance beyond 25 min in duration, and other health-related benefits associated with carnosine.
Abstract: The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) provides an objective and critical review of the mechanisms and use of beta-alanine supplementation. Based on the current available literature, the conclusions of the ISSN are as follows: 1) Four weeks of beta-alanine supplementation (4–6 g daily) significantly augments muscle carnosine concentrations, thereby acting as an intracellular pH buffer; 2) Beta-alanine supplementation currently appears to be safe in healthy populations at recommended doses; 3) The only reported side effect is paraesthesia (tingling), but studies indicate this can be attenuated by using divided lower doses (1.6 g) or using a sustained-release formula; 4) Daily supplementation with 4 to 6 g of beta-alanine for at least 2 to 4 weeks has been shown to improve exercise performance, with more pronounced effects in open end-point tasks/time trials lasting 1 to 4 min in duration; 5) Beta-alanine attenuates neuromuscular fatigue, particularly in older subjects, and preliminary evidence indicates that beta-alanine may improve tactical performance; 6) Combining beta-alanine with other single or multi-ingredient supplements may be advantageous when supplementation of beta-alanine is high enough (4–6 g daily) and long enough (minimum 4 weeks); 7) More research is needed to determine the effects of beta-alanine on strength, endurance performance beyond 25 min in duration, and other health-related benefits associated with carnosine.

171 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the importance of preoperative nutrition and strategies for effective pre-operative nutrition optimization is discussed. But the authors focus on the preoperative immune-modulating formulas, using combinations of arginine, ω-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients.
Abstract: Optimization of metabolic state prior to major surgery leads to improved surgical outcomes. Nutrition screening protocols should be implemented in the preoperative evaluation, possibly as part of a bundle. Strategies to minimize hyperglycemia and insulin resistance by aggressive preoperative nutrition and carbohydrate loading may promote maintenance of a perioperative anabolic state, improving healing, reducing complications, and shortening the time to recovery of bowel function and hospital discharge. Short courses of preoperative immune-modulating formulas, using combinations of arginine, ω-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients, have been associated with improved surgical outcomes. These immune-modulating nutrients are key elements of metabolic pathways that promote attenuation of the metabolic response to stress and improve both wound healing and immune function. Patients with severe malnutrition and gastrointestinal dysfunction may benefit from preoperative parenteral nutrition. Continuation of feeding through the intraoperative period for severely stressed hypermetabolic patients undergoing nongastrointestinal surgery is another strategy to optimize metabolic state and reduce prolonged nutrition deficits. In this paper, we review the importance of preoperative nutrition and strategies for effective preoperative nutrition optimization.

113 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It appears that multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements have promise as an ergogenic aid for active individuals, though further information is required regarding long-term efficacy and safety in a wider variety of populations.
Abstract: In recent years, a new class of dietary supplements called multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements (MIPS) has increased in popularity. These supplements are intended to be taken prior to exercise and typically contain a blend of ingredients such as caffeine, creatine, beta-alanine, amino acids, and nitric oxide agents, the combination of which may elicit a synergistic effect on acute exercise performance and subsequent training adaptations compared to single ingredients alone. Therefore, the purpose of this article was to review the theoretical rationale and available scientific evidence assessing the potential ergogenic value of acute and chronic ingestion of MIPS, to address potential safety concerns surrounding MIPS supplementation, and to highlight potential areas for future research. Though direct comparisons between formulations of MIPS or between a MIPS and a single ingredient are challenging and often impossible due to the widespread use of “proprietary blends” that do not disclose specific amounts of ingredients in a given formulation, a substantial body of evidence suggests that the acute pre-exercise consumption of MIPS may positively influence muscular endurance and subjective mood, though mixed results have been reported regarding the acute effect of MIPS on force and power production. The chronic consumption of MIPS in conjunction with a periodized resistance training program appears to augment beneficial changes in body composition through increased lean mass accretion. However, the impact of long-term MIPS supplementation on force production, muscular endurance, aerobic performance, and subjective measures is less clear. MIPS ingestion appears to be relatively safe, though most studies that have assessed the safety of MIPS are relatively short (less than eight weeks) and thus more information is needed regarding the safety of long-term supplementation. As with any dietary supplement, the use of MIPS carries implications for the athlete, as many formulations may intentionally contain banned substances as ingredients or unintentionally as contaminants. We suggest that athletes thoroughly investigate the ingredients present in a given MIPS prior to consumption. In conclusion, it appears that multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements have promise as an ergogenic aid for active individuals, though further information is required regarding long-term efficacy and safety in a wider variety of populations.

66 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Here, it is sought to derive rational interpretations of what is currently known—and what else the authors need to know—regarding habitual caffeine use in athletes, and how athletes and performance staff may pragmatically approach these important, complex, and yet under-explored phenomena.
Abstract: Caffeine is a well-established ergogenic aid, demonstrated to enhance performance across a wide range of capacities through a variety of mechanisms As such, it is frequently used by both athletes and non-athletes alike As a result, caffeine ingestion is ubiquitous in modern society, with athletes typically being exposed to regular non-supplemental caffeine through a variety of sources Previously, it has been suggested that regular caffeine use may lead to habituation and subsequently a reduction in the expected ergogenic effects, thereby blunting caffeine’s performance-enhancing impact during critical training and performance events In order to mitigate this expected performance loss, some practitioners recommended a pre-competition withdrawal period to restore the optimal performance benefits of caffeine supplementation However, at present the evidence base exploring both caffeine habituation and withdrawal strategies in athletes is surprisingly small Accordingly, despite the prevalence of caffeine use within athletic populations, formulating evidence-led guidelines is difficult Here, we review the available research regarding habitual caffeine use in athletes and seek to derive rational interpretations of what is currently known—and what else we need to know—regarding habitual caffeine use in athletes, and how athletes and performance staff may pragmatically approach these important, complex, and yet under-explored phenomena

63 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: There appears to be some evidence from this review that supplementation with BA may increase athletic performance, but there is insufficient evidence examining the safety of BA supplementation and its side effects.
Abstract: Purpose: To critically review the methodological quality and synthesize information from systematic reviews and high quality studies on the effects of beta alanine (BA) on exercise and athletic performance. Methods: A search strategy was developed in accordance with the standards for the reporting of scientific literature via systematic reviews. Five databases were thoroughly searched from inception to November 2012. Inclusion criteria were English language, human studies, used BA to increase exercise or athletic performance, system- atic reviews or randomized controlled trials and were published in a peer-reviewed journal. Included studies were systematically graded for their methodological quality by rotating pairs of reviewers and the results were qualitatively synthesized. Results: One systematic review and 19 randomized trials were included in this review. There is one systematic review with several methodological weaknesses that limit the confidence in its results. There are moderate to high quality studies that appear to support that BA may increase power output and working capacity, decrease the feeling of fatigue and exhaustion, and have of positive effect on body composition and carnosine content. The reporting of side effects from BA supplementation in the athletic population was generally under-reported. Conclusions: There appears to be some evidence from this review that supplementation with BA may increase athletic performance. However, there is insufficient evidence examining the safety of BA supplementation and its side effects. It is therefore recommended to err on the side of caution in using BA as an ergogenic aid until there is sufficient evidence confirming its safety.

60 citations