Gender Differences and the Influence of Body Composition on Land and Pool-Based Assessments of Anaerobic Power and Capacity.

Consistent differences between males and females have been shown in land-based measurements of anaerobic power and capacity. However, these differences have not been investigated for a tethered 30-s maximal swimming test (TST). The purpose of this study is to explore gender differences in land and pool-based assessments of anaerobic power (Fpeak) and capacity (Fmean), as well as the influence of body composition. Thirteen males and fifteen females completed land (Wingate (WAnT)) and pool-based (TST) measures of anaerobic power and capacity previously described in the literature. Additionally, the subjects completed assessments of body composition via air displacement plethysmography. The males produced higher force than the females for Fpeak (p < 0.001) and Fmean (p = 0.008) during the TST. However, linear regression analysis determined that lean mass significantly predicted Fpeak (p = 0.002) and Fmean (p < 0.001) during the TST, while gender was no longer significant (p = 0.694 and p = 0.136, respectively). In conclusion, increases in anaerobic power and capacity (Fpeak and Fmean) may be a function of increased lean mass in males and females, warranting future research on the impact of resistance training programs on force production and swimming performance.

Comparison of mindful and slow eating strategies on acute energy intake.

Mindfulness and slow eating techniques are commonly recommended to achieve weight loss within behavioural weight management programmes; yet the role of these eating strategies on acute energy intake (EI) and satiety are not clear. This study investigated the effects of mindful and slow eating strategies on acute EI and satiety. Twenty-four participants were randomized to one of three eating conditions (EAT, MIND, SLOW). For the EAT condition, participants were instructed to eat as they normally would for both test meal sessions. For the SLOW condition, participants were instructed to eat as they normally would for their first test meal session and to slow their eating for the second test meal session. For the MIND condition, participants were instructed to eat as they normally would during their first test meal session and were given brief instructions on mindful eating for their second test meal session. For each condition, participants were provided ad libitum access to a test meal, and EI was calculated based upon food consumed. Participants rated their level of satiety following each meal. There were no significant differences in EI between eating strategy conditions. There was a trend towards a decrease in energy intake in the MIND condition compared with the EAT condition and a prevention of increased intake in the SLOW condition. There were no significant differences in ratings of satiety between conditions. Although, neither mindful nor slow eating strategies significantly decreased acute EI or satiety; the results suggest that both strategies blunted the increase in EI observed in EAT that occurred across two eating episodes, which may suggest that these strategies can be important for modifying eating behaviour that may contribute to body weight regulation. Additional appropriately designed studies investigating these strategies appear warranted to confirm these findings.

A Transdisciplinary Approach is Essential to Community-based Research with American Indian Populations.

Social determinants of health and their effects on health outcomes create a complex system, with interaction between social, economic, physical, and biological factors necessitating research take a holistic approach. Transdisciplinary research, one of the three core values of the Collaborative Research Center for American Indian Health, seeks to go beyond methods of knowledge production occurring solely within disciplinary boundaries, because real-world societal problems do not adhere to such restrictions. Community involvement is an essential component for successful research partnerships with American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. We posit that transdisciplinary approaches, which considers community-level expertise as an equitable component on the research team, show great potential for advancing research in AI/AN communities.

My Journey: Development and Practice-Based Evidence of a Culturally Attuned Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program for Native Youth.

A clear need exists for teen pregnancy prevention programs that are responsive to the specific needs and cultural contexts of Native American communities. Recent data indicates that the birth rate for Native teens is nearly two and a half times the rate for White teens (32.9 versus 13.2). To address this disparity, we conducted formative research with Northern Plains Native American community members, resulting in My Journey, a culturally attuned curriculum for 6⁻8th graders. My Journey is grounded in traditional values and teachings to promote self-efficacy in sexual health decision-making and engagement in prosocial behaviors. We conducted a pilot study with 6⁻8th grade students (n = 45), aged 11⁻14 years (22 females, 23 males). Pilot study findings confirm program feasibility and acceptability. The process evaluation revealed that teachers liked the curriculum, particularly its adaptability of cultural components and ease of student engagement. The outcome evaluation demonstrated that My Journey provided an avenue for NA youth to increase their sex refusal self-efficacy. Application of the culture cube framework revealed My Journey has made a meaningful practice-based evidence contribution as a community-defined, culturally integrated curriculum that is effective. Future directions include broader implementation of My Journey, including adaption for additional populations.