Comparison of coconut water and a carbohydrate-electrolyte sport drink

Comparison of coconut water and a carbohydrate-electrolyte sport drink

Kalman, D. S., Feldman, S.,Krieger, D. R., & Bloomer, R. J. (2012). Comparison of coconut water and acarbohydrate-electrolyte sport drink on measures of hydration and physicalperformance in exercise-trained men. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 9(1).

 The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two different forms of coconut water (concentrated and not from concentrate) and a carbohydrate-electrolyte sport drink on measures of hydration status and physical performance in exercise-trained men. 

 The study used 12 exercised trained men who were eligible to participate after completing a healthy history questionnaire and physical examination. All the subjects were instructed to maintain their pre-study exercise program throughout the course of the study,with the exception of refraining from exercise during the 24 hours prior toeach test day. On initial screening day, height, body mass, heart rate, and blood pressure where allrecorded for baseline. On each ofthe four test days, subjects reported to the lab in the morning following anovernight fast (no food or beverages other than water were allowed aftermidnight). After baseline assessments, subjects were provided with a standardized breakfast consisting ofa bagel, one tablespoon of cream cheese, and up to 470 mL of water. Sixty minutes after the conclusion ofthe standardized breakfast, subjects performed the dehydrating exercise test. This test consisted of two, 30-minutesbouts of walking/jogging, interspersed with a 10-minute rest period. Specifically, subjects walked/jogged at2. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 miles per hour on a motorized treadmill, using a grade of0% (five minutes of exercise was performed at each speed). Within minutes following the conclusionof the dehydration exercise test, subjects received their assigned condition(beverage). The study designinvolved a random order, single blind, cross-over assignment to one of the followingfour conditions: Supermarket brand bottled water, pure coconut water (VitaCoco), coconut water from concentrate, or a carbohydrate-electrolyte sportdrink. The amount of beverage was determined based on the total amount of body mass lost during the dehydratingexercise protocol using the equation 1300 mL .kg^-1 x kg loss = amount of beverage consumed (mL). Subjects were allowed 60 minutes toconsume the entire volume of beverage. Each condition was consumed on a different test day, with minimum offive days separating test visits. Performancetesting involved subjects walking on a motorized treadmill which remained on aconstant speed of 4.2 miles per hour throughout the test, however, every threeminutes they would increase the intensity by increasing the incline as follows:min 1-3, 0%; min 4-6, 2.5%; min 7-9, 5%; min 10-12, 7.5%; min 13-15, 10%; min16-18, 12.5%; min 19-21, 15%. Subjects exercised until volitional exhaustion and the total exercisetime was recorded. Inaddition to the measure of total exercise time obtained in the performance testdescribed above, the following variables were used as outcome measures: bodymass, plasma osmolality, urine specific gravity, and subjective measures(thirst, bloatedness, refreshed, stomach upset, and tiredness). Subjective measures were assessedimmediately, 60 minutes, 120 minutes, and 180 minutes follow the dehydratingexercise test. 

 Overallthe study found that subjects lost approximately 1.7 kg during the dehydratingexercise testing and regained this amount in a relatively similar mannerfollowing consumption of all conditions. No significant differences were noted between coconut water, coconutwater concentrate, and sport drink for any measures of fluid retention. Regarding exercise performance, nosignificant difference was noted between bottled water, coconut water, coconutwater concentrate, and sport drink. In general, subjects reported feeling more bloated and experiencedgreater upset stomachaches with the coconut water and coconut water concentrateconditions. 

 Thefirst critique of this study was the lack of obtaining nutritional intakerecords of all the subjects during the study. I believe it would be valuable information to determine ifany supplements were being used during the study or if any macronutrients couldhave been an outside factor to results. Another critique of the study was measuring performance exercise testingwith volitional exhaustion. Ibelieve that motivation could play a role in the perception exhaustion;therefore, time trial test should be applied in further studies as stated inthe discussion section of the article. 

 Chiefly,the information obtained from this study could be used by athletes and coacheswhen determining preferences in rehydration protocol. 

Eating Attitude, Body Image, Body Composition, and Dieting Behavior among Dancers

Eating Attitude, Body Image, Body Composition and Dieting Behavior among Dancers

                Hidayah, G., & Bariah, S. (2011). Eating Attitude, Body Image, Body Composition and                                                        Dieting Behavior among Dancers. Asian Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2011.

Purpose of Study:

                The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of eating disorder risk in a population of dancers, along with the comparison of body composition between the dancers and a control group, attitude towards eating, dieting behavior, and concern over body image. This is due to the prevalence of eating disorders found in dancers due to an obsession with body image.

Methods and Materials:

                The study was conducted by providing a self-administered questionnaire which included a Body Attitude test and Eating Attitude Test. Dieting behaviors were also monitored on twenty-three dancers and fifty “lean subjects.” The measurements taken were of height, weight, skinfold thickness of super iliac crest, thigh, abdomen, and triceps.

Summary of Results/Conclusion

                After collecting the data, it was concluded that dancers (21.74%) are at high risk of developing an eating disorder than those in the control group(12%).  The data recorded from the body fat percentage and body weight should no significant differences between the two groups. Based off the questionnaires, a correlation between a negative attitudes towards eating with a negative body image. Diet pills, purging, and the use of laxatives were diet behaviors of dancers revealed through the study. Such harsh and extreme dieting techniques were directly related to an obsession of gaining weight.

Critique of Study:

                                To dismiss any sampling errors or criticism of the study, the researchers should have made the number of subjects in each of the groups equal. The number of dancers and subjects in the control group should have both been fifty. This would level the playing field and legitimized the results of the study more.

Practical Application:

                The results of this study can be utilized by dancer teachers, choreographers, and other authority figures in the dance industry to promote healthful living to their students. It presents the threat and reality that dancers face in the industry ,as well as, provides the necessary information to combat this epidemic.

Omega-3 Supplementation Attenuates the Production of C-Reactive Protein in Military Personnel During 5 Days of Intense Physical Stress and Nutrional Restriction

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Omega-3 Supplementation Attenuates the Production of C-Reactive Protein in Military Personnel During 5 Days of Intense Physical Stress and Nutrional Restriction

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Omega-3 Supplementation Attenuates the Production of C-Reactive Protein in Military Personnel During 5 Days of Intense Physical Stress and Nutrional Restriction

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Access the profile card for user: Teodoro Olivarez Teodoro Olivarez

Posted Date:

October 28, 2013 5:17 AM

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Published

Title

Omega-3 Supplementation Attenuates the Production of C-Reactive Protein in Military Personnel During 5 Days of Intense Physical Stress and Nutrional Restriction

Purpose of Study

The purpose of this study is to see if omega-3 (n-3) supplementation effects on C-reactive protein in military personnel.

Methods and Materials

The study composed of 20 subjects between the ages of 18-20 years of age and were students of the Preparation Nucleus for Reserve Officers (NPOR). All military personnel took part in the same physical exercise program five days a week as part of their training, and had normocaloric diet. At the end of the study the end result ended with 17 subjects, 9 who took the supplement and 8 who took the placebo. At the start of the 4th week of supplementation, the military personnel underwent a five-day military survival boot camp which would be characterized by constant physical exertion throughout the day and night, and nutritional and sleep restrictions. Blood samples to test for C-reactive protein and were taken before the start of supplementation and immediately before, during, and after camp. The physical activities were supervised. Food intake was measured by 24 hour recall method. Subjects also underwent measurements in height, weight, and body weight percentage. In terms of supplementation subjects were given 1000 mg of N-3 PUFA, 180 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 120 mg of docosahexaenice (DHA) and 700 mg of vehicle gel without caloric level. During the first three weeks the supplement was administered directly to the subject and during the last week it was administered to the subjects by an officer who was a collaborator for the study. Boot camp regimen consisted of 5 days of controlled caloric intake below nutrional requirements, both in calories and nutrional requirements. As stated before blood samples were taken before the start of supplementation, the night before the start of boot camp, the afternoon of the third day of boot camp, and immedicately two hours after boot camp. All this was done by an experienced nursing professional. A single use BD Vacutainer vacuum tubes with 5 ml of blood were sent to lab at Lauro Wanderly University Hospital for analysis. Results were read for tieh creatine kinase using the spectrophotometer, model SP22 and A25 automatic photometer for C-reactive protein.

Summary of Results/Conclusion

Looking at the results there was not change when looking at the weight and body fat percentage. Nutrion survery revealed no difference in the 24 hour recalls.  Now looking into the effects of the n-3 supplementation revealed that in the mere five days that the regimen was adopted it promoted a significant reduction in total cholesterol levels compared to the values that were found on the night before the start of the camp. Ck value showed no difference between the supplement and the placebo. There was a lower CRP level in the supplement group rather than the placebo groupl.

What the study reinforce was that there are other avenues that can be studied in regards to cardiovasular and metabolic protection to the protection of individuals exposed to regimens of intense physical activities and/or nutrional inadequacies. These are certain situations that can be found in athletes as well as other individuals in the population. Not only would mlitary personnel would benefit, but the private sector would benefit as well.

Critique of Study

I thought the study was well documented and it shed new light in regards to CRP and CK as well as the important benefits that it has to cardiovascular health. One thing that I noticed though was how they study went from 20 to 17 which might have effected the results a bit, but not to a point where it didn't have a good result. I think it could benefit form a bigger group. There are endless possibilities for this study and it is just finding different ways to incorporate it to sports performance. There is a major benefit of taking these supplements it is just finding other ways to benefit from them. As stated in the journal in future studies it could benefit looking into more biochemical variables such as procytokines and anti-inflammatories, cholesterol sub-fractions, and other markers of muscle damage and oxidative stress, could aid in confirming the results of the study. Other wise it is a great study and a good read.

Practical Applications of the Study

There are so many benefits from taking Omega-3 supplements and we know that it is related to mostly cardiovascular aspects, but this article touches on some different aspects looking at the inflammatory responses of the body to high intense exercises. Yes it did lower total cholesterol levels and with the addition to the exercise program can lead to healtier cardiovascular system, but its interesting to see the other benefits of omega-3s. I am interested to see if there are going to be other studies that focus on the other biochemical variables in terms of muscle damage, oxidative stress, and procytokines. That will only confirm this study.

References

Santos, E., Silva, A., Costa, M., Moura, J., Quirino, E., Franca, G., & Asciutti, L. (2012). Omega-3 supplementation attenuates the production of c-reactive protein in military personnel during 5 days of intense physical stress and nutrional restriction. Biology of Sport, 29(2), 93-99.

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Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Concussions: Treatment or Not?

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Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Concussions: Treatment or Not?

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Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Concussions: Treatment or Not?

Author:

Access the profile card for user: Gregory Peckels Gregory Peckels

Posted Date:

October 27, 2013 4:51 PM

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Published

Greg Peckels

KINE 5306

27 OCTOBER 2013

Title

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Concussions: Treatment or Not?

Purpose of Study

The purpose of this study is to address if fish oil should be used to help athletes with the recovery after mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI) (concussion).

Methods and Materials

This particular study, which is a meta-analysis, focused their research on animal and basic science data since clinical data in humans have not been published. The research study, Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA’s) and Concussions: Treatment or Not?, looked at fish oil/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) use following concussion, fish oil/DHA use before a concussion, a-linolenic acid (ALA) use, the risks of fish oil use, and specific dosing for omega-3 PUFA’s.

Summary of Results/Conclusion

When looking at spinal cord injuries (SCI), omega-3 PUFA’s may be necessary to protect neurons in a SCI patient. Looking at mild TBI’s, omega-3 PUFA supplementation ameliorates protein oxidation and reverses the reduction of Sir2-a levels in rats and levels of total and phosphorylated AMPK were reduced after TBI and levels were normalized by omega-3 PUFA supplements. This basically says that TBI’s may compromise neuronal protective mechanisms by the action of Sir2-a and other regulatory enzymes and that omega-3 PUFA correct those abnormalities. When looking at the supplementation prior to TBI in rats, it has be determined that these rats had reduced oxidative damage and less learning disability as measured by the Morris water maze, maintaining neuronal function and plasticity after TBI. It seems logical that fish oils, particularly omega-3 PUFA, are of great benefit to individuals that suffer from a TBI. During this study, risk of fish oil use was looked at and the main side effects include belching, bad breath, heartburn, nausea, and loose stools. It really seems that the potential benefits of omega-3 PUFA’s outweigh the potential risks of its use. Furthermore, according to this study, it has also been determined that supplements of fish oil, with 10 mg_*kg^-1 of EPA and DHA per day in a 2:1 ratio or 10 mg_*kg^-1 d^-1 of DHA alone seem to be sufficient if started right after a concussion from animal studies. In conclusion, the evidence in the animal models is convincing that omega-3 PUFA, especially, DHA is beneficial after mild TBI occurs, and supplementation for 30 days before mild TBI, even though costly, can be helpful as well. The excessive cost and unintended benefit compared with supplementation at the time of injury should also be looked at. Further studies need to be performed to determine the role that omega-3 PUFA plays in humans who sustain mild TBI’s.

Critique of the Study

I found the study to be very informative and could potentially use the information in the future when I deal with athletes sustaining and recovering from concussions in sport. I thought that the information was presented in a way that was easy to follow, making it easy to understand. The information presented, could definitely change the way that head injuries are reduced in severity and treated.  Obviously, further research is needed to determine whether the use of omega-3 PUFA in humans produces clinically measurable benefits after concussions.

Practical Application(s) of the Study

It has been determined from this study, that omega-3 PUFA’s could be used to help treat concussions and help reduce the severity of concussion symptoms in laboratory rats. The potential benefit of omega-3 PUFA’s seems safe and generally well tolerated and the potential benefit seems to be greater than the risk of taking fish oil. This is of particular benefit to athletes recovering from concussions, which may help to speed up the recovery, potentially allowing athletes to return back to their particular sport in a timely manner. More studies need to be performed to determine the effects on human subjects who are dealing with head injuries, specifically mild traumatic brain injuries (concussions).

Unanswered Questions

1.     Potentially how fast (in days) can omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids speed up the recovery for individuals?

2.     Is there a specific age in which it is safe or unsafe to take omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?

Reference

Trojian, T., & Jackson, E. (2011). Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Concussions: Treatment or Not?. American College of Sports Medicine,10(4), 180-186. 

Attachment:  Omega 3 PUFA and Concussions.pdf (582.66 KB)

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The effects of fat-free vs. fat-containing chocolate milk ingestion on muscular strength in female Collegiate softball players

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research assignment3

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research assignment3

Author:

Access the profile card for user: Susan Proctor Susan Proctor

Posted Date:

October 27, 2013 7:55 PM

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Published

The effects of fat-free vs. fat-containing chocolate milk ingestion on muscular strength in female

Collegiate softball players

Research Review #3

Purpose of Study:

            The purpose of this study, was to determine the effects of ingesting two forms of chocolate milk (fat free vs. fat containing) immediately after resistance exercise over an 8-week period to determine its effects on muscular strength

Methods and Materials:

In a double-blinded manner, 16 female collegiate softball players(18.4±0.6yrs;167.1±4.4cm;69.5±9.4kg) were randomized according to strength & bodyweight to ingest a fat free (300 kcals, 58g carbohydrate, 16g protein, 0g fat) or a fat-containing (380 kcals, 58g carbohydrate, 16g protein, 10g fat) chocolate milk beverage. The chocolate milk was ingested in a 16-ounce bottle & occurred immediately following all periodic resistance exercise training sessions for duration of 8-weeks.  Dependent variables included 1RM Bench Press and 1RM Leg Press which were assessed at baseline & following 8-weeks of periodic resistance training pro-gram. Dependent variables were assessed as changes

Summary of Results/Conclusion

                Based on these data, the ingestion of either fat-free chocolate milk or fat-containing chocolate  milk will have similar effects in relation to upper and lower body strength changes when ingested immediately following resistance exercise over an 8-week period in collegiate softball players.

Critique of the Study

                I believe this study was well thought out and executed. It was very interesting and something that I would have never thought of.

Reference

Campbell, B., Forsyth, A., Myers, B., Parker, B., Gomez, B., Elkins, A., & ... Marcello, B. (2012). The effects of fat-free vs. fat-containing chocolate milk ingestion on muscular strength in female collegiate softball players. Journal Of The International Society Of Sports Nutrition, 9(Suppl 1), 1-2.

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The influence of commercially-available carbohydrate and carbohydrate-protein supplements on endurance running performance in recreational athletes during a field trial

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The influence of commercially-available carbohydrate and carbohydrate-protein supplements on endurance running performance in recreational athletes during a field trial

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Access the profile card for user: Katherine Spotswood Katherine Spotswood

Posted Date:

October 24, 2013 4:33 PM

Status:

Published

Katherine Spotswood

10/24/13

Research Review 3

Reference

Coletta, A., Thompson, D. L., & Raynor, H. A. (2013). The influence of commercially-available supplements on endurance running performance in recreational athletes during a field trial. Journal Of The International Society Of Sports Nutrition, 10(1), 1-7.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of CHO and CHO-P supplementation under applied conditions of commercially available isocaloric and isocarbohydrate supplements compared to a placebo, in an outdoor running field trial, in order to assess their influence on endurance performance.  

Methods and Materials

The methods of this study include the random assignment of twelve male recreational runners from the University of Tennessee and a local running club. Runners were of 18-55 years of age, and engaged in running 45-90+ minutes up to four days a week. The supplements used in this study were commercially available. The Placebo used was Crystal Lite, the CHO supplement used was Gatorade, and the CHO-P supplement used was Accelerade. The study was a single-blind experiment. All running trials were conducted on an outdoor, paved running trail. For each trial participants were instructed to run with intensity similar to race pace, providing an all-out sprint for the last two laps. Supplementation was administered in 120ml servings five minutes before the start, and every 4km throughout the run (600ml total). Supplementation was not administered at the finish.  

Summary of Results and Conclusion

Outcomes indicated that there was no difference in athletic performance between commercially-available CHO and CHO-P supplementation during an endurance run. The results of this study yielded no significant differences in time to complete the 19.2 km run. The means and standard deviations of the variables are: Placebo =88.6 plus or minus 11.6 min; CHO =89.1 plus or minus 11.3 min; and CHO-P =89.1 plus or minus 11.8 min. The conclusion of this study demonstrates that commercially available CHO and CHO-P supplements do not appear to enhance performance in male recreational runners.   

Critique of the Study

This study is limited in its sample size (>15) and homogenous sample (all Caucasian males). Also this study did not control for participant exercise prior to each session or diet of the participants prior to each session. Evidence from this study and other research supports that CHO-P supplementation does not increase athletic performance and improvements in endurance performance greater than 60 minutes with CHO or CHO-P supplementation warrants further investigation

Practical Application of the Study

The use of CHO-P supplementation during exercise is becoming a rising trend among athletes, especially, endurance athletes as they strive to train harder and longer. Commercial CHO and CHO-P supplementation products can be misleading in the way they are advertised. The application of this study can be used to support the notion that CHO and CHO-P does not enhance performance.

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Coconut water and sports drinks on hydration and physical performance

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Coconut water and sports drinks on hydration and physical performance

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Coconut water and sports drinks on hydration and physical performance

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Access the profile card for user: Elizabeth Trevino Elizabeth Trevino

Posted Date:

October 27, 2013 11:10 PM

Status:

Published

Coconut water and sports drinks on hydration and physical performance

Kalman, D. S., Feldman, S., Krieger, D. R., & Bloomer, R. J. (2012). Comparison of coconut water and a carbohydrate-electrolyte sport drink on measures of hydration and physical performance in exercise-trained men. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 9(1), 1-10.

In keeping with current trends, many athletes are continually looking for organic/natural alternatives to consuming mass produced sport drinks. One such alternative is coconut water.  Coconut water has been reported to provide hydrating effects similar to those of carbohydrate-electrolyte sport drinks. The purpose of this study is to compare coconut water and a carbohydrate-electrolyte sport drink on measures of hydration and physical performance.

12 physically active men (age 26.6 ± 5.7 years) participated or this study. This study, a single blind, cross-over design, tested the same group of men on four occasions, separated by at least five days in between each study. Following a 60 minute bout of endurance exercise, the test participants were randomly assigned to a fluid type for consumption of a post-exercise fluid recovery beverage. The four beverages being researched were: bottled water (BW), pure coconut water (VitaCoco; CW), coconut water from concentrate (CWC), and a carbohydrate-electrolyte sport drink (SD).

The dehydrating exercise protocol (for each of the four trials) reportedly induced a 2-3% reduction in body weight, the threshold amount for performance reductions on endurance exercises. Immediately following conclusion of the dehydrating exercise, participants received their assigned condition (beverage). The amount of each beverage was determined based on the total amount of body mass lost during the dehydrating exercise protocol (1300 mL · kg^-1 x kg loss = amount of beverage consumed (mL)). Participants were allowed 60 min to consume the entire volume of assigned condition (beverage). Finally, three hours after the completion of the dehydrating exercise test, and 2 hours after participants consumed their assigned condition, a test of physical performance was conducted, a treadmill test until volitional exhaustion.

In regard to performance data, no significant difference was noted in total exercise time between BW, CW, CWC, and SD. Both the CW and the CWC and BW provide similar rehydrating effects as compared to SD. Overall, the findings indicate that all tested beverages were capable of promoting rehydration after one hour of dehydrating exercise.

Maintaining hydration status is vital for athletes and can directly impact exercise performance. While water intake is an adequate rehydration approach, many athletes involved in vigorous training benefit from the intake of water-carbohydrate or carbohydrate-electrolyte mixtures. This practice is reported to be superior to consuming water alone and is recommended for individuals that engage in long duration, strenuous bouts of acute exercise.

https://manowar.tamucc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=s3h AN=74136352&site=eds-live&scope=site

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Effects of Fed- Versus Fast-State Aerobic Training

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Effects of Fed- Versus Fast-State Aerobic Training

Author:

Access the profile card for user: Michael Terencio Michael Terencio

Posted Date:

October 27, 2013 7:23 PM

Status:

Published

Michael Terencio

KINE 5306 – Advanced Nutrition

Dr. Kelly Brooks

Sunday October 27, 2013

Research Review #1:

Trabelsi, Khaled, Kais el Abed, Stannard, Stephen R., Jammoussi, Kamel, Zeghal, Khaled M., and Hakim, Ahmed. (2012). Effects of Fed- Versus Fasted-State Aerobic Training During Ramadan on Body             Composition and Some Metabolic Parameters in Physically Active Men. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 2012, 22, 11-18.

Purpose of Study

            The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of aerobic training paired with Ramadan fasting and its effects on body composition and metabolic parameters of physically active men.  Another aim was to ascertain whether there are differences between the effects of aerobic training during the day (in a fasted state) and aerobic training at night (in a fed state) regarding body composition and selected metabolic parameters.

Methods and Materials

            Nineteen active men were chosen to participate and were randomly allocated into two groups (9 subjects in the FED state and 10 subjects in the FAST state).  All individuals were similar in weekly activity.  Each subject performed at least 3 training sessions per week.  Each session lasted 40-60 minutes and consisted of either cycling, running, or rowing on a cycle ergometer equipped with a heart-rate monitor.  All participants kept record of their workouts, and for lab sessions, the same time was taken for each lab day, respective to each group.  Each group performed each lab test day with the same duration.  Participant observations were used for this study.  Several areas of interest (body weight and composition, urine specific gravity, serum biochemistry) were sought out and analyzed.

           

            Quantitative data was strictly statistical.  All statistics were performed via Statistica Software (a well-accepted program originating from France).  A 4 (periods) x 2 (FED or FAST) repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied.  FAST and FED differences were analyzed via t test.  Statistical significance was set at p < .05, and all data were expressed as M ± SD.

Summary of Results/Conclusion

            For body weight and composition reasons, lean body mass between FED and FAST did not change for either group during this study’s duration and there were no significant differences in lean body mass between the groups at any time period.  Body fat percentage (BF%) in the FAST group dropped from pre-Ramadan (4 days before the fast) to end-Ramadan (30 days after beginning the fast) by 6.2%, and BF% in the FED group remained unchanged.  With this said, this investigation showed that the FAST group (the 10 subjects that trained during their 15-hour daily fasting period) lowered both body weight and body fat, whereas the FED group (the 9 subjects that trained in a fed state after their 15-hour daily fasting period) lowered only their body weight.

            In conclusion, Ramadan fasting paired with aerobic exercise bouts of 40-60 continuous minutes performed three or more days a week can effectively reduce body weight and body fat, and also help improve lipid profiles.  As a safety measure, (concluded from the increases in renal function markers) those combining Ramadan with aerobic exercise should drink plenty of fluids during the nighttime to compensate for dehydration during daylight hours.

Critique of the Study

            All reported results were unbiased and strictly based on the outcome of the study.  There is no evidence to show unsupported findings by this study.  Performance and biochemistry samples were all analyzed and later used to provide useful and accurate statistics.  Knowing that (for some areas of this study) similar studies such as this have had the same outcome as this study did, it seems this study’s results make clear sense.  The authors’ interpretation of their provided data appeared to reflect the overall situation and results in a reasonable way.  All mechanisms seemed to have an explanation and all the data fully supported the authors’ discussion.  Overall, I like this investigation and look forward to learning from more studies like this.

Practical Applications of the Study

            As a personal trainer, I can see myself trying the FAST methods used here combined with resistance training on myself to see how it would affect my body composition during a 4 week trial.

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