ORCID Profile
0000-0002-8805-5801
Current Organisations
Queensland University of Technology
,
Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Health
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Publisher: American Physiological Society
Date: 08-2018
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 28-12-2021
Abstract: Background: Research in sport, military, and aerospace populations has shown that mental fatigue may impair cognitive performance. The effect of nutritional interventions that may mitigate such negative effects has been investigated. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the effects of nutritional interventions on cognitive domains often measured in mental fatigue research. Methods: A systematic search for articles was conducted using key terms relevant to mental fatigue in sport, military, and aerospace populations. Two reviewers screened 11,495 abstracts and 125 full texts. A meta-analysis was conducted whereby effect sizes were calculated using subgroups for nutritional intervention and cognitive domains. Results: Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. The consumption of energy drinks was found to have a small positive effect on reaction time, whilst the use of beta-alanine, carbohydrate, and caffeine had no effect. Carbohydrate and caffeine use had no effect on accuracy. Conclusions: The results of this meta-analysis suggest that consuming energy drinks may improve reaction time. The lack of effect observed for other nutritional interventions is likely due to differences in the type, timing, dosage, and form of administration. More rigorous randomized controlled trials related to the effect of nutrition interventions before, during, and after induced mental fatigue are required.
Publisher: Trans Tech Publications, Ltd.
Date: 11-2020
DOI: 10.4028/WWW.SCIENTIFIC.NET/JBBBE.47.117
Abstract: Biomaterials can be used in several areas of regenerative bioengineering, and is a viable option in the repair of bone injuries. A number of different types of biomaterials have been studied in relation to bone repair. Ceramics such as α-TCP have low fracture toughness compared to natural bone, so reinforcements such as wollastonite whiskers are developed so that they can be used in places with greater overload. This study aimed to evaluate the biocompatibility and bone neoformation of α-TCP plus 10% wollastonite whiskers, in vivo. To obtain the cement, α-TCP powders with or without 10% wollastonite whiskers were added to an aqueous solution containing 2.5% by weight of Na2HPO4 (anhydrous bibasic sodium phosphate). The biomaterial then became a paste, which was molded into the critical 5 mm defect made in the parietal bone of Wistar rats. Ten rats were ided into two groups. The animals from each group were euthanized within 30 days. Calvaries were removed and subjected to histological processing with Eosin and Hematoxylin. The implementation of the whisker biomaterial revealed the formation of intensely vascularized connective tissue in the implemented region however, animals with the biomaterial α-TCP showed the formation of this tissue around the implemented region. On the other hand, intense bone resorption was observed only in the animals with Wollastonite Whiskers, but new bone formation in both groups. The biomaterial evaluated was shown to be non-cytotoxic, resorbable, and capable of inducing bone neoformation however, more studies should be carried out to assess the application of this biomaterial in bone injuries.
Publisher: The Company of Biologists
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1242/JEB.229922
Abstract: Prolonged (≥60 s) passive muscle stretching acutely reduces maximal force production at least partly through a suppression of efferent neural drive. The origin of this neural suppression has not been determined, however some evidence suggests that reductions in the litude of persistent inward currents (PICs) in the motoneurons may be important. The aim of the present study was to determine whether acute passive (static) muscle stretching affects PIC strength in gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and soleus (SOL) motor units. We calculated the difference in instantaneous discharge rates at recruitment and derecruitment (ΔF) for pairs of motor units in GM and SOL during triangular isometric plantar flexor contractions (20% maximum) both before and immediately after a 5-min control period and immediately after five 1-min passive plantar flexor stretches. After stretching there was a significant reduction in SOL ΔF (−25.6% 95%CI=−45.1 to −9.1 %, p=0.002) but not GM ΔF. These data suggest passive muscle stretching can reduce the intrinsic excitability, via PICs, of SOL motor units. These findings (1) suggest that PIC strength might be reduced after passive stretching, (2) are consistent with previously-established post-stretch decreases in SOL but not GM EMG litudes during contraction, and (3) indicate that reductions in PIC strength could underpin the stretch-induced force loss.
Publisher: EDP Sciences
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1051/SM/2019017
Abstract: Multiple-breath and multiple-trial averaging have been used extensively in research of oxygen uptake kinetics to steady-state. However, specific guidelines outlining correct levels of averaging have not been discussed. The aim of this study was to assess error differences using multiple-trial and multiple-breath averaging systems, and make recommendations for future VO 2 kinetics research. Eight male subjects were recruited for this study. Following a maximal cycle test to ascertain each subject’s ventilation threshold, eight identical repetition cycling exercise bouts were administered. The bouts consisted of 6-minute at 85% of the subject’s ventilation threshold. Firstly, multiple-trial and multiple-breath data were processed using traditional methods. As well, data were fit using a mono-exponential model to derive tau. Data for all levels of multiple-trial and multiple-breath methods were compared to an 8-trial and 13-breath average, respectively. Reduction in error from the 3-trial average and a 3-breath average represented ∼68% and ∼70% of total error reduction, respectively. Tau tended to increase with increasing breath averaging and decrease with increasing trial averaging. There is negligible benefit to averaging more than 3 repeat trials in VO 2 kinetics research. Breath averaging beyond 3-breaths artificially increases tau.
Publisher: American Physiological Society
Date: 2018
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 02-08-2020
DOI: 10.1101/2020.07.31.230029
Abstract: Prolonged (≥60 s) passive muscle stretching acutely reduces maximal force production at least partly through a suppression of efferent neural drive. The origin of this neural suppression has not been determined, however some evidence suggests that reductions in the litude of persistent inward currents (PICs) in the motoneurons may be important. The aim of the present study was to determine whether acute passive (static) muscle stretching affects PIC strength in gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and soleus (SOL) motor units. We calculated the difference in instantaneous discharge rates at recruitment and derecruitment (ΔF) for pairs of motor units in GM and SOL during triangular isometric plantar flexor contractions (20% maximum) both before and immediately after a 5-min control period and immediately after five 1-min passive plantar flexor stretches. After stretching there was a significant reduction in SOL ΔF (−25.6% 95%CI = -45.1 to -9.1 %, p=0.002) but not GM ΔF. These data suggest passive muscle stretching can reduce the intrinsic excitability, via PICs, of SOL motor units. These findings (1) suggest that PIC strength might be reduced after passive stretching, (2) are consistent with previously-established post-stretch decreases in SOL but not GM EMG litudes during contraction, and (3) indicate that reductions in PIC strength could underpin the stretch-induced force loss. Motoneurons require an lification mechanism to operate within the firing frequencies observed during normal motor behaviour. Here we present evidence that this lification mechanism is reduced after passive muscle stretching.
Publisher: American Physiological Society
Date: 07-2018
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 2023
Abstract: Background : Participation in esports (excluding active video games) has raised concerns due to its sedentary nature and the potential negative effects this may have on player health. As well, research suggests that physical activity (PA)/exercise improves specific cognitive skills that have been identified as positive contributors to esports performance. The aim of this systematic review was to assess whether evidence supports that PA/exercise positively impacts esports player performance. Methods : The systematic literature search comprised PubMed, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science up until March 31, 2022. An additional search included reference list searching, citation searching, and hand searching. Results : Emerging evidence suggests that PA/exercise as an intervention may have a positive effect on esports performance. While it appears that the majority of esports players believe PA/exercise to be beneficial to esports performance, only a minority currently undertake PA/exercise for the purpose of improving esports performance. Conclusion : Although further controlled experimental research is necessary, results highlight that PA/exercise may positively correlate with esports performance. These effects are consistent with the majority of player perceptions that PA/exercise is beneficial to esports performance. Qualified fitness and health professionals should be utilized to implement training to enhance esports performance, improve health, and extend player career length.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 26-09-2017
Location: Australia
No related grants have been discovered for Craig McNulty.