Now showing 1 - 10 of 27
  • Publication
    Metadata only
    Acute and chronic effects of blood flow restricted high-intensity interval training: A systematic review
    (Springer, 2022)
    Chua, Man Tong
    ;
    Sim, Alexiaa
    ;

    Background The implementation of blood flow restriction (BFR) during exercise is becoming an increasingly useful adjunct method in both athletic and rehabilitative settings. Advantages in pairing BFR with training can be observed in two scenarios: (1) training at lower absolute intensities (e.g. walking) elicits adaptations akin to high-intensity sessions (e.g. running intervals); (2) when performing exercise at moderate to high intensities, higher physiological stimulus may be attained, leading to larger improvements in aerobic, anaerobic, and muscular parameters. The former has been well documented in recent systematic reviews, but consensus on BFR (concomitant or post-exercise) combined with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols is not well established. Therefore, this systematic review evaluates the acute and chronic effects of BFR + HIIT.

    Methods
    The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to identify relevant studies. A systematic search on 1 February 2022, was conducted on four key databases: ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus and SPORTDiscus. Quality of each individual study was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Extraction of data from included studies was conducted using an adapted version of the 'Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome' (PICO) framework.

    Results
    A total of 208 articles were identified, 18 of which met inclusion criteria. Of the 18 BFR + HIIT studies (244 subjects), 1 reported both acute and chronic effects, 5 examined acute responses and 12 investigated chronic effects. Acutely, BFR challenges the metabolic processes (vascular and oxygenation responses) during high-intensity repeated sprint exercise—which accelerates central and peripheral neuromuscular fatigue mechanisms resulting in performance impairments. Analysis of the literature exploring the chronic effects of BFR + HIIT suggests that BFR does provide an additive physiological training stimulus to HIIT protocols, especially for measured aerobic, muscular, and, to some extent, anaerobic parameters.

    Conclusion
    Presently, it appears that the addition of BFR into HIIT enhances physiological improvements in aerobic, muscular, and, to some extent, anaerobic performance. However due to large variability in permutations of BFR + HIIT methodologies, it is necessary for future research to explore and recommend standardised BFR guidelines for each HIIT exercise type.

    Scopus© Citations 3  108
  • Publication
    Open Access
    Is self-determined motivation a useful agent to overcome perceived exercise barriers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus?
    (Frontiers, 2021)
    Kang, Heon Jin
    ;
    ; ;
    Leow, Melvin Khee-Shing
    Background: Devising a program to increase physical activity (PA)/exercise behavior in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can meet with limited effectiveness in real-world settings because of the variety of barriers to PA/exercise that individuals need to overcome. An alternative approach is to explore whether targeting motivation as a facilitator may be effective to increase PA/exercise. This study aimed to understand attitudes toward perceived barriers to PA/exercise by examining individual levels of motivation, grounded on self-determination theory, in patients with T2DM. Methods: This study used an integrated approach combining qualitative and quantitative analysis. Sixteen patients with T2DM were grouped (n = 8 for each group) into either a higher self-motivation (HSM) or lower self-motivation (LSM) group via the Relative Autonomy Index. Thematic and deductive analysis were used to identify attitudes based on ten preconceived barrier themes: apathy, dislike, no priority, lack of support, health problems, lack of knowledge, unfavorable environment, tiredness, lack of time, and financial constraints. Quantitative analysis was to assess statistical differences in the volume of PA/exercise across the two groups, and a mixed-methods analysis was employed to highlight unique cases. Results: Patients in the HSM group expressed positive attitudes toward barriers to PA/exercise, while patients in the LSM group expressed a greater degree of hindrance. Although regular PA/exercise is necessary for T2DM management, patients with LSM considered PA/exercise a lesser priority displaying negative attitudes such as apathy and dislike. Conversely, patients with HSM placed greater emphasis on the benefits of PA/exercise regardless of apathy and dislike. Lack of time and health problems were commonly reported in both groups. The volume of PA/exercise corresponded to motivation levels, but there were some unique cases which arose from active commuting habits and severe health problems. Conclusion: These findings provide insights on how attitudes to perceived barriers to PA/exercise differ by levels of motivation. One insight was that examining motivation should be an essential consideration when designing practical strategies to overcome PA/exercise barriers in patients with T2DM. Lack of time and health problems exist regardless of motivation levels. Future research requires a tailored approach to managing barriers to PA/exercise in patients with T2DM.
    WOS© Citations 1Scopus© Citations 6  93  329
  • Publication
    Metadata only
    Nutrition to raise childhood cognition
    (Springer, 2023)

    Good nutrition is a cornerstone of health essential to physical growth and immunity and for reducing susceptibility to disease. Moreover, good nutrition contributes to the development of brain structure and function across the entire spectrum of childhood by providing nutrient building blocks for creating and maintaining neural connections. This contribution of nutrition to brain development is also associated with cognition and academic performance and this chapter reviews evidence examining these associations from the prenatal through to adolescent years. It examines the role of the overall quality of nutrition supplied in the diet and individual nutrients in contributing to cognition and academic outcomes in childhood and explores the potential mechanisms via which these contributions are made. Differences in the acute versus long-term influence of nutrition on influencing cognitive performance in children are highlighted where appropriate. The evidence for the special role of breakfast as a meal contributing to cognitive and academic performance is explored. Nutrients of special interest which may influence cognition in childhood are discussed, followed by a section on the current pandemic of children with overweight and obesity and the link of this disease with diet/energy intake and cognition in children. Throughout the chapter, where available, studies examining nutrition and cognitive outcomes in children in Singapore are included. Finally, recommendations for future research are made.

      21
  • Publication
    Open Access
      369  134
  • Publication
    Open Access
    Original investigation: Manipulating energy availability in male endurance runners: A randomised controlled trial
    (Canadian Science Publishing, 2024)
    Sim, Alexiaa
    ;
    Tan, Hui Qing
    ;
    Yusuf Ali
    ;
    This study investigated the effect of four days low energy availability (LEA) on physiological markers and mood states in male endurance runners. Twelve participants (mean (standard deviation)); age: 25.8 (3.8) years; fat free mass (FFM): 52.8 (5.5) kg) completed three 4-day conditions: Adequate Energy Availability, AEA: 45 kcal/kgFFM/day; LEA1: 30 kcal/kgFFM/day; and LEA2: 15 kcal/kgFFM/day), in a randomized order. Participants ran on a treadmill at 65% of V̇O2max until they expended 15 kcal/kg FFM/day of energy. Energy intake was adjusted to achieve the desired EA. Pre- and post- measurements of bone turnover, metabolism, testosterone and estradiol (plasma), resting metabolic rate (indirect calorimetry), and mood states (Brunel Mood Scale) were assessed. The results reported a significant decrease in testosterone (condition × time interaction, p=0.03) occurred on LEA2 (Pre: 23.8 (7.0) nmol/L vs Post: 20.3 (7.7) nmol/L) compared with AEA (Pre: 22.9 (5.5) nmol/L vs Post: 23.3 (6.1) nmol/L) or LEA1 (Pre: 23.6 (8.6) nmol/L vs Post: 20.9 (8.8) nmol/L). Fatigue level significantly increased (condition × time interaction, p=0.02) in LEA2 (Pre: 3.5 (1.7) vs Post: 6.5 (2.9)) but did not change in AEA (Pre: 2.8 (1.5) vs Post: 2.5 (2.7)) or LEA1 (Pre: 2.8(2.4) vs Post: 2.9 (2.0)). Other measures were unaffected by the interventions. In conclusion, this study suggests testosterone and fatigue may serve as early indicators of LEA in male runners. However, other physiological markers and mood states appeared largely unaffected, aligning with existing literature indicating minimal disruption of physiological functions during acute LEA in male athletes.
    Scopus© Citations 2  123  327
  • Publication
    Open Access
    Breakfast and exercise improve academic and cognitive performance in adolescents
    (MDPI, 2021)
    Kawabata, Masato
    ;
    Lee, Kerry
    ;
    Choo, Hui-Cheng
    ;
    This study examined the combined effects of breakfast and exercise on short-term academic and cognitive performance in adolescents. Eighty-two adolescents (64 female), aged 14–19 years, were randomized to four groups over a 4-hour morning: (i) a group who fasted and were sedentary (F-S); (ii) a group who ate breakfast but were sedentary (B-S); (iii) a group who fasted but completed a 30-min exercise bout (F-E); and (iv) a group who ate breakfast and completed a 30-min exercise bout (B-E). Individuals completed academic and cognitive tests over the morning. Adolescents in B-E significantly improved their mathematics score (B-E: 15.2% improvement on correct answers, vs. F-S: 6.7% improvement on correct answers; p = 0.014) and computation time for correct answers (B-E: 16.7% improvement, vs. F-S: 7.4% improvement; p = 0.004) over the morning compared with the F-S group. The B-E group had faster reaction times for congruent, incongruent and control trials of the Stroop Color-Word Task compared with F-S mid-morning (all p < 0.05). Morning breakfast and exercise combine to improve short-term mathematical task performance and speed in adolescents.
    WOS© Citations 9Scopus© Citations 13  359  203
  • Publication
    Open Access
    Developing nutrition knowledge and attitude measures for athletes with the knowledge-attitude-behavior model
    (Taylor & Francis, 2023)
    Teo, Cheryl Jia Hui
    ;
    ;
    Kawabata, Masato

    Purpose: Nutrition education programmes are often created to improve dietary intake in athletes. Unfortunately, the inconsistent link between nutrition knowledge and dietary behavior suggests that nutrition knowledge may not be a key influencer of dietary behavior. The Knowledge–Attitude–Behavior (KAB) model has been used in nutrition education although studies that evaluated this model were largely compromised by poorly constructed instruments and methodological discrepancies.

    Method: To improve understanding of the model, a Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (NKQ) and Athlete’s Perspective on Nutrition (APN) instrument was developed using the theory of planned behavior as its theoretical framework. Validity and reliability were examined for 193 Sports Science students and 11 elite netballers. Content and face validity of the 48-item NKQ was confirmed by expert sport dietitians. Discriminant validity of the NKQ and factorial validity of the APN was established. Both instruments demonstrated acceptable internal consistency and good test-retest reliability. The final instruments were administered to elite athletes in a pilot study to understand the KAB model.

    Results: Correlation between nutrition knowledge and dietary behavior was significant (r = .811, p = .01). Nutrition knowledge was a positive predictor of netballers’ dietary behavior (β = .8, t(2) = 3.899, p = .005) but attitude was not (β = −.097, t(2) = −.471, p = .65).

    Conclusion: Two psychometrically sound instruments developed in this study can be used to measure nutrition knowledge and attitude in an Asian group of athletes. The pilot study with athletes showed that nutrition knowledge predicted dietary behavior.

    WOS© Citations 5Scopus© Citations 7  131  399
  • Publication
    Open Access
    Trends of physical activity and sedentary behaviours among secondary school students in Singapore: What has changed in 15 years?
    (Taylor & Francis, 2024) ; ; ; ; ;
    Sumarta, Tin Tin
    ;
    ;
    Tan, Yi Jie
    ;
    Gooley, Joshua
    The objective of the current study was to examine the trends of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) of adolescents in Singapore with two datasets 15 years apart (2006 and 2021). A total sample of 1075 secondary students (mean age = 14.91 ± 0.43 years old) from 15 schools in Singapore took part in the study. A seven-day recall Self-administered Physical Activity Checklist (SAPAC) questionnaire was used to capture time spent on the internet/computer, gaming, homework, reading, sitting and talking/listening to music, telephone, television watching, and PA. Results showed that the 2021 sample spent significantly more time on gaming, homework, sit and talk/listening to music, phone, and PA compared to the 2006 sample, while time spent watching television was significantly lower than the 2006 sample. Both datasets found PA had low or close to zero correlations with all the seven SB, however, the patterns of correlations were different in the two datasets, indicating changes in the trends of SB and PA. Cluster analysis found similar cluster profiles in the two samples but the cluster proportions for certain profiles were different from the two datasets. Significant sex differences were also found in the cluster compositions. Overall, this study shows that PA and SB trends of adolescents have changed significantly.
      94  18
  • Publication
    Open Access
    Education about movement: Development of an intermittent shuttle test to determine fitness and fatigue in badminton
    (Office of Education Research, National Institute of Education, Singapore, 2020) ; ;
    Chia, Jingyi Shannon
    There were three objectives to this proposal: (i) to develop an ecologically valid match­fitness test for badminton players -the badminton intermittent shuttle test (BIST); (ii) to determine the reliability and physiological validity of the test; and (iii) to examine the influence of fatigue, induced by the BIST, on badminton performance.
      372  136
  • Publication
    Open Access
    Effect of post-exercise massage on passive muscle stiffness measured using myotonometry: A double-blind study
    (Medknow Publications, 2018) ;
    Chua, Yao Hui
    ;
    Kawabata, Masato
    ;
    ;
    Cai, Congcong
    It is commonly believed that massage can reduce muscle stiffness and is desirable for recovery from exercise. However, the effect massage on muscle stiffness following eccentric exercises is currently unknown. This study aimed to examine the effect of postexercise massage on passive muscle stiffness over a five-day period. A randomised cross-over study design was adopted. After 40 minutes of downhill running, 18 male recreational runners had one leg received a 16-minute massage and the contralateral leg received a 16-minute sham ultrasound treatment. Passive stiffness for four leg muscles (rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius) was assessed using myotonometry at baseline, immediately post-run, post-treatment, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours post-run. A 2 (treatment) × 7 (time) mixed ANOVA was conducted with a robust procedure on the myotonometry data of each leg muscle to examine the effect of treatment on stiffness. Passive stiffness for all muscles changed over time but no treatment effect was found. Stiffness increased at 24 hours post-run and remained elevated from baseline levels for up to 96 hours across all four muscles. Significant treatment × time interaction was only found in the tibialis anterior but no post-hoc differences were identified. Passive stiffness of major leg muscles increased after a bout of unaccustomed eccentric exercise and remained elevated for up to four days post-exercise. Compared with the placebo treatment, post-exercise massage had no beneficial effect in alleviating altered muscle stiffness in major leg muscles.
      206  171