Browsing by Author "Faulkner J"

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    A Cross-Sectional Investigation of Preadolescent Cardiometabolic Health: Associations with Fitness, Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, Nutrition, and Sleep.
    (MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2023-02-09) Castro N; Zieff G; Bates LC; Pagan Lassalle P; Higgins S; Faulkner J; Lark S; Skidmore P; Hamlin MJ; Signal TL; Williams MA; Stoner L; Kambas A
    BACKGROUND: Cardiometabolic disease (CMD) risk often begins early in life. Healthy lifestyle behaviors can mitigate risk, but the optimal combination of behaviors has not been determined. This cross-sectional study simultaneously examined the associations between lifestyle factors (fitness, activity behaviors, and dietary patterns) and CMD risk in preadolescent children. METHODS: 1480 New Zealand children aged 8-10 years were recruited. Participants included 316 preadolescents (50% female, age: 9.5 ± 1.1 years, BMI: 17.9 ± 3.3 kg/m2). Fitness (cardiorespiratory fitness [CRF], muscular fitness), activity behaviors (physical activity, sedentary, sleep), and dietary patterns were measured. Factor analysis was used to derive a CMD risk score from 13 variables (adiposity, peripheral and central hemodynamics, glycemic control, and blood lipids). RESULTS: Only CRF (β = -0.45, p < 0.001) and sedentary time (β = 0.12, p = 0.019) were associated with the CMD risk score in the adjusted multivariable analysis. CRF was found to be nonlinear (VO2 max ≤ ≈42 mL/kg/min associated with higher CMD risk score), and thus a CRF polynomial term was added, which was also associated (β = 0.19, p < 0.001) with the CMD risk score. Significant associations were not found with sleep or dietary variables. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that increasing CRF and decreasing sedentary behavior may be important public health targets in preadolescent children.
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    Adiposity in preadolescent children: Associations with cardiorespiratory fitness
    (Public Library of Science, 2022-10-26) Castro N; Bates LC; Zieff G; Pagan Lassalle P; Faulkner J; Lark S; Hamlin M; Skidmore P; Signal TL; Williams MA; Higgins S; Stoner L
    Lifestyle factors contribute to childhood obesity risk, however it is unclear which lifestyle factors are most strongly associated with childhood obesity. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to simultaneously investigate the associations among dietary patterns, activity behaviors, and physical fitness with adiposity (body fat %, fat mass, body mass index [BMI], and waist to hip ratio) in preadolescent children. Preadolescent children (N = 392, 50% female, age: 9.5 ± 1.1year, BMI: 17.9 ± 3.3 kg/m2) were recruited. Body fat (%) and fat mass (kg) were measured with bioelectrical impedance analysis. Cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 max), muscular strength (hand-grip strength), activity, sleep, and dietary pattern was assessed. Multivariable analysis revealed that cardiorespiratory fitness associated most strongly with all four indicators of adiposity (body fat (%) (β = -0.2; p < .001), fat mass (β = -0.2; p < .001), BMI (β = -0.1; p < .001) and waist to hip ratio (β = -0.2; p < .001). Additionally, fruit and vegetable consumption patterns were associated with body fat percentage, but the association was negligible (β = 0.1; p = 0.015). Therefore, future interventions should aim to promote the use of cardiorespiratory fitness as a means of reducing the obesity epidemic in children.
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    Dietary practices, physical activity and social determinants of non-communicable diseases in Nepal: A systemic analysis.
    (PLOS, 2023-02-06) Sharma S; Matheson A; Lambrick D; Faulkner J; Lounsbury DW; Vaidya A; Page R; Kushitor SB
    Unhealthy dietary habits and physical inactivity are major risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally. The objective of this paper was to describe the role of dietary practices and physical activity in the interaction of the social determinants of NCDs in Nepal, a developing economy. The study was a qualitative study design involving two districts in Nepal, whereby data was collected via key informant interviews (n = 63) and focus group discussions (n = 12). Thematic analysis of the qualitative data was performed, and a causal loop diagram was built to illustrate the dynamic interactions of the social determinants of NCDs based on the themes. The study also involved sense-making sessions with policy level and local stakeholders. Four key interacting themes emerged from the study describing current dietary and physical activity practices, influence of junk food, role of health system and socio-economic factors as root causes. While the current dietary and physical activity-related practices within communities were unhealthy, the broader determinants such as socio-economic circumstances and gender further fuelled such practices. The health system has potential to play a more effective role in the prevention of the behavioural and social determinants of NCDs.
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    Effects of Whey Protein on Skeletal Muscle Microvascular and Mitochondrial Plasticity Following 10-Weeks of Exercise Training in Men with Type-2 Diabetes
    (Canadian Science Publishing, 2021-08) Gaffney K; Lucero A; Macartney-Coxson D; Clapham J; Whitfield P; Palmer BR; Wakefield S; Faulkner J; Stoner L; Rowlands DS
    Abstract Skeletal muscle microvascular dysfunction and mitochondrial rarefaction feature in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) linked to low tissue glucose disposal rate (GDR). Exercise training and milk protein supplementation independently promote microvascular and metabolic plasticity in muscle associated with improved nutrient delivery, but combined effects are unknown. In a randomised-controlled trial, 24 men (55.6 y, SD 5.7) with T2DM ingested whey protein drinks (protein/carbohydrate/fat: 20/10/3 g; WHEY) or placebo (carbohydrate/fat: 30/3 g; CON) before/after 45 mixed-mode intense exercise sessions over 10 weeks, to study effects on insulin-stimulated (hyperinsulinemic clamp) skeletal-muscle microvascular blood flow (mBF) and perfusion (near-infrared spectroscopy), and histological, genetic, and biochemical markers (biopsy) of microvascular and mitochondrial plasticity. WHEY enhanced insulin-stimulated perfusion (WHEY-CON 5.6%; 90% CI −0.1, 11.3), while mBF was not altered (3.5%; −17.5, 24.5); perfusion, but not mBF, associated (regression) with increased GDR. Exercise training increased mitochondrial (range of means: 40%–90%) and lipid density (20%–30%), enzyme activity (20%–70%), capillary:fibre ratio (∼25%), and lowered systolic (∼4%) and diastolic (4%–5%) blood pressure, but without WHEY effects. WHEY dampened PGC1α −2.9% (90% compatibility interval: −5.7, −0.2) and NOS3 −6.4% (−1.4, −0.2) expression, but other messenger RNA (mRNA) were unclear. Skeletal muscle microvascular and mitochondrial exercise adaptations were not accentuated by whey protein ingestion in men with T2DM. ANZCTR Registration Number: ACTRN12614001197628. Novelty: • Chronic whey ingestion in T2DM with exercise altered expression of several mitochondrial and angiogenic mRNA. • Whey added no additional benefit to muscle microvascular or mitochondrial adaptations to exercise. • Insulin-stimulated perfusion increased with whey but was without impact on glucose disposal. Résumé Le dysfonctionnement microvasculaire du muscle squelettique et la raréfaction mitochondriale caractérisant le diabète de type 2 (« T2DM ») sont liés à un faible taux d’élimination du glucose tissulaire (« GDR »). L’entraînement physique et la supplémentation en protéines du lait favorisent indépendamment la plasticité microvasculaire et métabolique dans le muscle; cette plasticité est associée à une amélioration de l’apport de nutriments, mais les effets combinés sont inconnus. Dans un essai contrôlé randomisé, 24 hommes (55,6 ans, SD 5,7) aux prises avec le T2DM consomment des boissons protéinées de lactosérum (protéines / glucides / lipides: 20/10/3 g; « WHEY ») ou un placebo (glucides / lipides: 30/3 g; « CON ») avant / après 45 séances d’exercice intense en mode mixte sur 10 semaines, et ce, pour examiner les effets sur le flux sanguin microvasculaire (« mBF ») et la perfusion (spectroscopie proche infrarouge) stimulés par l’insuline (clamp hyperinsulinémique), des variables histologiques, génétiques et des marqueurs biochimiques (biopsie) de la plasticité microvasculaire et mitochondriale. WHEY améliore la perfusion stimulée par l’insuline (WHEY-CON 5,6 %; IC 90 % −0,1, 11,3), tandis que le mBF n’est pas modifié (3,5 %; −17,5, 24,5); la perfusion, mais pas le mBF, est associée (régression) à une augmentation du GDR. L’entraînement à l’exercice augmente la densité mitochondriale (gamme de moyennes: 40-90 %) et lipidique (20−30 %), l’activité enzymatique (20−70 %), le ratio capillaire: fibre (∼25 %) et diminue les pressions systolique (∼4 %) et diastolique (4−5 %), mais sans effets de WHEY. WHEY amortit l’expression de PGC1α −2,9 % (intervalle de compatibilité de 90 % : −5,7, −0,2) et NOS3 −6,4 % (−1,4, −0,2), mais les autres ARN messager (ARNm) ne sont pas clairs. Les adaptations microvasculaires et mitochondriales des muscles squelettiques causées par l’entraînement physique ne sont pas accentuées par la consommation de protéines de lactosérum chez les hommes aux prises avec le T2DM. Numéro d’enregistrement ANXCTR : ACTRN12614001197628. [Traduit par la Rédaction] Les nouveautés: • La consommation prolongée de lactosérum en présence de T2DM combinée à l’entraînement physique modifie l’expression de plusieurs ARNm mitochondriaux et angiogéniques. • Le lactosérum n’ajoute aucun avantage supplémentaire aux adaptations microvasculaires ou mitochondriales musculaires à l’exercice physique. • La perfusion stimulée par l’insuline augmente avec le lactosérum mais n’a pas d’impact sur l’élimination du glucose.
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    Physical Activity, Mental Health and Wellbeing during the First COVID-19 Containment in New Zealand: A Cross-Sectional Study
    (MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2021-11) O'Brien WJ; Badenhorst CE; Draper N; Basu A; Elliot CA; Hamlin MJ; Batten J; Lambrick D; Faulkner J
    Strategies implemented worldwide to contain COVID-19 outbreaks varied in severity across different countries, and established a new normal for work and school life (i.e., from home) for many people, reducing opportunities for physical activity. Positive relationships of physical activity with both mental and physical health are well recognised, and therefore the aim was to ascertain how New Zealand’s lockdown restrictions impacted physical activity, mental health and wellbeing. Participants (n = 4007; mean ± SD: age 46.5 ± 14.7 years, 72% female, 80.7% New Zealand European) completed (10–26 April 2020) an online amalgamated survey (Qualtrics): International Physical Activity Questionnaire: Short Form; Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-9; World Health Organisation-Five Well-Being Index; Stages of Change Scale. Positive dose–response relationships between physical activity levels and wellbeing scores were demonstrated for estimates that were unadjusted (moderate activity OR 3.79, CI 2.88–4.92; high activity OR 8.04, CI 6.07–10.7) and adjusted (confounding variables: age, gender, socioeconomic status, time sitting and co-morbidities) (moderate activity 1.57, CI 1.11–2.52; high activity 2.85, CI 1.97–4.14). The study results support previous research demonstrating beneficial effects of regular physical activity on mental health and wellbeing. Governments may use these results to promote meeting physical activity guidelines in order to protect mental health and wellbeing during the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions and future pandemics.
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    Physical Activity, Mental Health and Wellbeing of Adults within and during the Easing of COVID-19 Restrictions, in the United Kingdom and New Zealand
    (MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2022-02) Faulkner J; O'Brien WJ; Stuart B; Stoner L; Batten J; Wadsworth D; Askew CD; Badenhorst CE; Byrd E; Draper N; Elliot C; Fryer S; Hamlin MJ; Jakeman JR; Mackintosh KA; McNarry MA; Mitchelmore A; Ryan-Stewart H; Saynor Z; Schaumberg MA; Spiegelhalter E; Stone K; Lambrick D
    Physical activity (PA) participation was substantially reduced at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between PA, mental health, and wellbeing during and following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in the United Kingdom (UK) and New Zealand (NZ). In this study, 3363 adults completed online surveys within 2–6 weeks of initial COVID-19 restrictions (April/May 2020) and once restrictions to human movement had been eased. Outcome measures included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short-Form, Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-9 (mental health) and World Health Organisation-5 Wellbeing Index. There were no differences in PA, mental health or wellbeing between timepoints (p > 0.05). Individuals engaging in moderate or high volume of PA had significantly better mental health (−1.1 and −1.7 units, respectively) and wellbeing (11.4 and 18.6 units, respectively) than individuals who engaged in low PA (p < 0.001). Mental health was better once COVID-19 restrictions were eased (p < 0.001). NZ had better mental health and wellbeing than the UK (p < 0.001). Participation in moderate-to-high volumes of PA was associated with better mental health and wellbeing, both during and following periods of COVID-19 containment, compared to participation in low volumes of PA. Where applicable, during the current or future pandemic(s), moderate-to-high volumes of PA should be encouraged.
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    Social Jetlag and Cardiometabolic Risk in Preadolescent Children
    (Frontiers Media SA, 2021-10-07) Castro N; Diana J; Blackwell J; Faulkner J; Lark S; Skidmore P; Hamlin M; Signal L; Williams MA; Stoner L; Barseghian A
    Objective: Childhood cardiometabolic disease risk (CMD) has been associated with short sleep duration. Its relationship with other aspects of sleep should also be considered, including social jetlag (SJL) which represents the difference between a person's social rhythms and circadian clock. This study investigated whether childhood CMD risk is associated with sleep duration, sleep disturbances, and SJL. Study Design: The observational study included 332 children aged 8-10 years (48.5% female). The three independent variables were sleep duration, sleep disturbances, and SJL. SJL was calculated as the variation in hours between the midpoint of sleep during free (weekend) days and work/school days. Eleven cardiometabolic biomarkers were measured, including central blood pressure, lipids, glycated hemoglobin, arterial wave reflection, and glucose. Underlying CMD risk factors were identified using factor analysis. Results: Four underlying CMD risk factors were identified using factor analysis: blood pressure, cholesterol, vascular health, and carbohydrate metabolism. Neither sleep disturbances nor sleep duration were significantly associated with any of the four CMD factors following adjustments to potential confounders. However, SJL was significantly linked to vascular health (p = 0.027) and cholesterol (p = 0.025). Conclusion: These findings suggest that SJL may be a significant and measurable public health target for offsetting negative CMD trajectories in children. Further studies are required to determine biological plausibility.