Family characteristics have limited ability to predict weight status of young children.

The ability of (a) family characteristics (marital status, income, race, and education), (b) parental control over child's food intake, and (c) parental belief in causes of overweight to predict weight status of children was assessed. Parents/caretakers of elementary school-aged children were surveyed to determine attitudes related to childhood nutrition and overweight. Anthropometric measurements were obtained from children to determine weight status (n=169 matched surveys and measurements).

Effect of a 10-week strength training program and recovery drink on body composition, muscular strength and endurance, and anaerobic power and capacity.

Objective: We investigated whether postexercise consumption of a supplement containing whey protein, amino acids, creatine, and carbohydrate combined with a strength training program promotes greater gains in fat-free mass (FFM), muscle strength and endurance, and anaerobic performance compared with an isocaloric, carbohydrate-only control drink combined with strength training.

Methods: The study was double blind and randomized, and the experimental supplement was compared with a carbohydrate-only control. Forty-one males (n = 20 in control group, n = 21 in the supplement group; mean age, 22.

Resistance training exercises acutely reduce intraocular pressure in physically active men and women.

Our purpose was to examine the effect of the chest press and leg press exercises on intraocular pressure (IOP) in physically active, college-aged students. Fifteen healthy males and 15 females performed 3 sets of 10 repetitions of the chest press or leg press with 70% 1 repetition maximum (1RM). IOP was measured using applanation tonometry with a Tono-PenXL prior to exercise, following each set and 5 minutes after the third set.

The effect of beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate on muscular strength and body composition in collegiate football players.

This study assesses the effects of daily beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation on muscular strength (bench press, squats, and power cleans) and body composition (body weight and body fat) among collegiate football players undergoing a strenuous exercise program. Subjects were collegiate football players (n = 35) training under the supervision of certified strength coaches averaging 20 hours of weekly exercise. In the first supplementation period, 16 of the 35 subjects were supplemented with 3 g of HMB per day for 4 weeks; the other 19 received a placebo followed by a 1-week washout period and then a second supplementation period in a randomized double-blind crossover, placebo design.

Use of amino acids as growth hormone-releasing agents by athletes.

Specific amino acids, such as arginine, lysine and ornithine, can stimulate growth hormone (GH) release when infused intravenously or administered orally. Many individuals consume amino acids before strength training workouts, believing this practice accentuates the exercise-induced GH release, thereby promoting greater gains in muscle mass and strength. The GH response to amino acid administration has a high degree of interindividual variability and may be altered by training status, sex, age, and diet.