September 2nd, 2010
The Introduction
Pre-cooling in an ice bath, air conditioning, or wearing an ice vest has consistently been shown to benefit performance in endurance events. However, these strategies require equipment, logistical problems and make us uncomfortable before events. This recent research has used ice crushed up in a blender as a way to cool the body down. The question was asked, will it also help endurance performance in the heat? The results say yes!
Browse related items: cycling, endurance performance, fluids, thermoregulation
September 2nd, 2010
The Introduction
Obesity and overweightness have long been known as risk factors for knee osteoarthritis and knee pain in general. Sadly as we age, even in masters athletes, the amount of body fat increases. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between body composition (e.g. fat mass, muscle mass) and knee structure, including knee cartilage volume, cartilage defects and bone marrow damage. This study showed that fat mass was associated with increased cartilage defects and bone marrow lesions which are features of early knee osteoarthritis. In contrast, skeletal muscle mass was positively associated with cartilage volume, a great thing for healthy knees.
Browse related items: arthritis, fat, knee joint, muscle mass
September 2nd, 2010
The Introduction
Water comprises about 60% of human body weight and is critical for life. Without water, we can survive for just 2–4 days. For we masters athletes, water is critical to allow us to perform at our best in training and competition. However, there are many unanswered questions about whether consuming water is superior to consuming other fluids or about the exact effect of replacing water with other fluids (e.g. milk and diet drinks) in the diet. Consensus is emerging that food intake is not reduced when energy-rich beverages are consumed and there is a need to further explore how energy intake and weight status are affected by the selection of various beverages compared to water in the diet. This research suggests water taken near a meal reduces the daily energy intake and thus helping us lose weight.
Browse related items: fluids, weight loss
September 1st, 2010
The Introduction
Many athletes young and old train first thing in the morning. The question is often asked – should I shouldn’t I eat before those training sessions? There is some research evidence to say that minimising the amount of carbohydrate we take in before endurance training may accelerate the training adaptations such as using fat as an energy source and preserving carbohydrate stores. The aim of this study was to compare the adaptations to endurance training undertaken following either an early morning feed or an overnight-fasted state followed by no breakfast. The results suggest benefits – for men at least!
Browse related items: diets, endurance performance, endurance training, nutrition
September 1st, 2010
The Introduction
This study examined the effect of strength training and short-term detraining on maximum force and rate of force development in previously sedentary, healthy older men. It highlights the great changes that occur in strength and power with weight training and equally what happens when you stop weight training.
Browse related items: detraining, muscle mass, strength training, weight training
