Investigation into the transition to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, between new and continuing undergraduate students.

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) were required to rapidly respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, integrating online and blended learning approaches to sustain teaching and learning provision. However, limited evidence exists to understand the student experience and perception of the various methods of online learning, in particular across different levels of study (new and continuing students). Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the experiences of online learning transition, between new first year undergraduate students and continuing second and third year students, enrolled on various undergraduate sport programmes. A total of 182 students responded to an online survey, which investigated the students' perceptions of online learning approaches. Participants were split according to level of study; [Level 3 (Foundation Year) and 4 (First Year Undergraduate) combined N = 62, Level 5 (Second Year Undergraduate), N = 51 and Level 6 (Third Year Undergraduate), N = 69]. Key findings highlight that both new and continuing students had an overall negative perception of online learning but did acknowledge that online learning provided a more flexible approach to their overall learning experience compared to face-to-face. Face-to-face teaching was deemed more engaging and sociable, in particular for the practical aspects of the programmes. Overall, there were no significant differences between the different levels of study for any of the questions asked. Although continuing students raised the difficulties of conducting practical sessions online, whereas this was not mentioned by new students. To conclude, this study provides novel insights into the experience of new and continuing students, and we advise that future blended learning strategies should consider the programme as a whole, rather than tailoring pedagogic strategies based on the level of study.

Diurnal influences of fasted and non-fasted brisk walking on gastric emptying rate, metabolic responses, and appetite in healthy males.

Growing evidence suggests circadian rhythms, nutrition and metabolism are intimately linked. Intermittent fasting (IMF) has become an increasingly popular intervention for metabolic health and combining IMF with exercise may lead to benefits for weight management. However, little is known about the diurnal variation of fasted exercise. This study aimed to investigate the diurnal influences on gastric emptying rate (GER), metabolic responses, and appetite to fasted and non-fasted exercise. Twelve healthy males completed four 45 min walks in a randomised order. Walks were completed in the morning (AM) and evening (PM) and either fasted (FASTED) or after consumption of a standardised meal (FED). GER of a semi-solid lunch was subsequently measured for 2 h using the 13C breath test. Blood glucose concentration, substrate utilisation, and ratings of appetite were measured throughout. Energy intake was also assessed for the following 24 h. GER Tlag was slower in PM-FASTED compared to AM-FASTED, AM-FED, and PM-FED (75 ±â€¯18 min vs. 63 ±â€¯14 min, P = 0.001, vs. 65 ±â€¯10 min, P = 0.028 and vs. 67 ±â€¯16 min, P = 0.007). Blood glucose concentration was greater in the FED trials in comparison to the FASTED trials pre-lunch (P < 0.05). Fat oxidation was greater throughout exercise in both FASTED trials compared to FED, and remained higher in FASTED trials than fed trials post-exercise until 30 min post-lunch ingestion (all P < 0.05). No differences were found for appetite post-lunch (P > 0.05) or 24 h post-energy intake (P = 0.476). These findings suggest that evening fasted exercise results in delayed GER, without changes in appetite. No compensatory effects were observed for appetite, and 24 h post-energy intake for both fasted exercise trials, therefore, increased fat oxidation holds positive implications for weight management.

The effect of brisk walking in the fasted versus fed state on metabolic responses, gastrointestinal function, and appetite in healthy men.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of brisk walking in the fasted versus fed state on gastric emptying rate (GER), metabolic responses and appetite hormone responses. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Twelve healthy men completed two 45 min treadmill walks, fasted (FASTED) and followed consumption of a standardised breakfast (FED). GER of a standardised lunch was subsequently measured for 2 h using the 13C-breath test method. Blood samples were collected at baseline, post-breakfast period, pre-exercise, immediately post exercise, pre-lunch then every 30 min following lunch for 2 h. Circulating concentrations of acylated ghrelin (GHR), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY), pancreatic polypeptide (PP), glucose, insulin, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and cholesterol were measured. Subjective feelings of appetite were assessed at 15 min intervals throughout. Substrate utilisation was measured every 30 min, and continuously throughout exercise by indirect calorimetry. RESULTS: No differences were observed for GER T½ (FASTED 89 ± 22 vs. FED 89 ± 24 min, P = 0.868) nor Tlag (FASTED 55 ± 15 vs. FED 54 ± 14 min, P = 0.704). NEFA concentrations were higher in FASTED at pre-exercise, post exercise and 30 min post exercise (pre-lunch) (all P < 0.05) but no differences were observed for glucose, cholesterol or triglycerides. Carbohydrate oxidation was greater at all time-points during FED exercise (all P < 0.05). Minimal changes in appetite were observed post lunch ingestion with no differences in PYY or GHR observed between trials. GLP-1 concentrations were greater in FED post-breakfast and pre-exercise (P < 0.05), though no differences were observed after lunch. A greater concentration of PP was observed in FED from pre-exercise to 30 min post lunch consumption (all P < 0.05). Insulin concentrations were higher in FED pre-exercise but higher in FASTED 1.5 h post lunch (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that gastrointestinal function, hunger and appetite regulatory hormones are not sensitive to low-intensity bouts of physical activity and holds positive implications for weight management practices.