This is part ten of a series of blogs from attendees at ACSM's Conference on Integrative Physiology of Exercise. The following blog is a reflection on the debate titled “Is Mitochondrial Respiration a Limiting Factor of Oxidative Metabolism.”

It is 3:00 P.M. on Saturday; the weather in San Diego is gorgeous; the Aggie football game starts in an hour, but this is one of the last sessions of the IPE conference and something tells me that I should stick around for it. Although many attendees have flights to catch, vacations to begin, or football games to watch, I wasn’t surprised to see that the symposium was well attended. After all, every symposium and debate held during this conference has exceeded my expectations! That being said, I am grateful that I stuck around for this last session! Here is why:

The session was chaired by L. Bruce Gladden, Ph.D., FACSM, of Auburn University and Dr. Michael C. Hogan, Ph.D., FACSM of the University of California, San Diego.

Although mitochondrial respiration is not my area of expertise, Dr. Gladden delivered a great introduction explaining the limiting factors (e.g., pulmonary limitation, matching O₂ delivery to utilization, O₂ diffusion, mitochondrial volume, etc.) to oxidative phosphorylation/metabolism. He then noted that in order to better comprehend the many other controlling/limiting factors responsible for oxidative metabolism, we need to utilize diverse tools to assess different subject populations, exercise/contraction type and sample/analysis size. This set the scene for the first presenter of the symposium, Bruno Grassi, M.D., Ph.D., FACSM, (University of Udine, Italy) who discussed different tools of functional evaluation of oxidative metabolism.

Side note: During Dr. Grassi’s introduction, Dr. Gladden invited him over to the stage with an inside joke. While I may never know what the inside joke was, I was happy to see that scientists of such high caliber still make the time to have a good sense of humor.

“What are the limitations? This has been a question in our field for decades,” Dr. Grassi stated for his opening remark. He then briefly talked about tools previously used for functional evaluation of oxidative metabolism during incremental and constant work rate exercise and suggested some relatively new approaches [i.e., fractional O₂ extraction by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and mitochondrial respiration by high resolution respirometry]. I won’t go into much detail, but it is important to note that the majority of his data showed hypoxia resulting upstream of mitochondrial respiration. The other takeaway was that there is no change in O₂ extraction during the initial 10 seconds of exercise onset. However, this O₂ extraction is decreased in pathological conditions and metabolic diseases. But, wait, there’s good news! Training does help, and the use of new tools can allow us to place our finger on the complex limitation(s) problem.

Dr. Carsten Lundby (University of Copenhagen), the second speaker, discussed some of his recent work on VO₂max which shows that there is a functional reserve for O₂ diffusion that is not utilized during exercise in normoxia, or when removing the red blood cells that have been gained with exercise training. Furthermore, his data shows that this is also seen when VO₂max returns to pre-training levels. More information is available. 

Dr. Lundby highly recommended reading the Dallas Bed Rest Study to those who are new to this field or for those who have yet to read it. There is a 40-year follow-up of the study.

David C. Poole, Ph.D., FACSM (Kansas State University) followed Dr. Lundby and focused his talk on matching intramuscular O₂ delivery/O₂ uptake and peripheral O₂ diffusion. He began by suggesting that science is dependent on our perspective and provides an image of a frog, or is it a horse? Take a look at the image and decide for yourself. He then suggested that we must take a black box approach to understanding muscle energetics and explained that it may not be what O₂ expenditure reveals, but rather what it conceals. Here are the main three conclusions from Dr. Poole’s talk:

1) Fast twitch fibers regulate QO₂/VO₂ such that PO₂ is lower vs. slow twitch fibers with profound metabolic implications;

2) Exercise training & nitrate supplementation can both increase QO₂/VO₂ ratio and support faster VO₂ kinetics, thereby increasing exercise capacity in health and disease; and

3) Priori studies relating heterogeneity/PO₂ changes to O₂ transport efficacy across physiologic and pathologic perturbations are required.

The last talk began with Russell T. Hepple, Ph.D., (University of Florida) disclosing that he is a mitochondriac. Dr. Hepple states that he believes the following statement is inaccurate:  mitochondrial O₂ availability during exhaustive contractions directly constrains mitochondrial respiration. He then provides data to support his argument, including unpublished data showing that muscle is sensing metabolic disturbances rather than O₂. Moreover, he shows an image published in 2013 depicting the mitochondrial interconnections which just happens to be the same interconnections suggested by the great George Brooks in an image published in 1986[i]. Dr. Hepple then suggested that we all read a recent 2017 study which shows the super-complex, higher order organization of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, and does a phenomenal job tying this into Dr. Brian Glancy’s work on the mitochondrial grid structure which was presented in one of the initial symposiums of this IPE conference.

In closing, I’m very happy that I decided to stay for this last symposium as I gained a lot of knowledge and a new interest for mitochondria. Who knows, maybe I’ll even become a mitochondriac one day!

Read part 1 of this series: "Can Exercise Fill the Reductionist Gap? Reflections on Dr. Michael Joyner's Keynote."
Read part 2 of this series: "Are Exercise 'Mimetics' a Realistic Substitute for Exercise Training? Reflections on the Debate." 
Read part 3 of this series: "Exercise and Energy Restriction to Improve Health: Recent Research." 
Read part 4 of this series: "Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity (MoTrPac) Update." 
Read part 5 of this series: "Metabolic Flexibility in Health & Disease: A Symposium Summary." 
Read part 6 of this series: "How Exercise Promotes Brain Health in Aging." 
Read part 7 of this series: "Molecular Transducers of Exercise-Induced Muscle Hypertrophy: A Symposium Summary." 
Read part 8 of this series: "Exercise Pressor Reflex Function in Health and Disease." 
Read part 9 of this series: "Do Genetics Influence Exercise Capacity and Trainability?" 

Jorge Granados, M.S., is a Ph.D. Student studying Exercise Physiology at Texas A&M University. He is also a Graduate Research Assistant in the Biology of Physical Activity Laboratory. 

They’re baaaaaaaaaaack! 

School is in session once again. It’s fall, and now is the time for businesses in college towns to engage with both new and returning students. Students often represent a large portion of the population come the start of fall semester -- to miss out on them as potential customers would be a mistake. Students are prime candidates for fitness studios and gyms; they need to work out more, and there is always a new incoming class of new students.

 

“While most campuses have onsite fitness centers … 38% of students reported (2) spending money every month off campus at gyms and fitness studios”

College students aren’t working out enough

A recent study (1) at Northwestern found over 60% of college students failed to get the recommended physical activity. Many are high school athletes finding themselves without regular practice for the first time in their lives. While most campuses have onsite fitness centers, self-directed workouts at the school fitness center aren’t going to be the best option for everyone. It turns out, students aren’t afraid to leave the quad for their workouts; 38% of students reported (2) spending money every month off campus at gyms and fitness studios, and 11% of those students said they spend $50 or more. Your studio’s approach to working out might be the perfect option to stay healthy at school -- and provide a much-needed great study break! Make sure students are aware of the great workout options at your studio or gym.

“North Carolina State University (5) found that for every hour increase in weekly activity, students saw GPA increases of 0.06.”

Marketing to students allows you to try something new

College campuses allow you to experiment with your marketing strategy. With new freshmen each year, you have the chance to play with and perfect your first impression. While students are trying out new electives, you can try out your new marketing strategies. Does a student discount draw them in? Would a pop-up event on campus best introduce your business to the school? This is a perfect chance to get creative! You don’t need to feel locked into anything, as you can always hit restart next term. 

Red Bull (3) took marketing on campus to an extreme and created a memorable, fun experience -- “airdropping” a crate of energy drinks for students to try. This campaign was so successful they replicated it in popular college spring break destinations the following year. Students helped the campaign go viral, posting about the surprise drop on their campuses and further spreading brand awareness. While your fitness studio or gym might not be in a position to airdrop inventory, there is clearly immense potential in big statements on campus. This is the perfect demographic for trying grassroots marketing. 

To jumpstart your creativity, we’ve come up with a guide with our top eleven ways to market your fitness business to college students. Keeping college schedules and budgets in mind can help you appeal to this critical market and bring additional business through your door. And, remember, if all else fails, remind students that numerous studies (4) indicate that higher GPAs and better study habits are correlated with working out. North Carolina State University (5) found that for every hour increase in weekly activity, students saw GPA increases of 0.06. Working out at your studio is the smart choice! 

For more insight on how to market your fitness business to college students, you can download the free guide at MINDBODY!

Learn more about MINDBODY

Citations:
1. https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2014/05/college-kids-need-to-change-unhealthy-ways
2. http://www.prweb.com/releases/studybreaks-college-media/college-student-spending/prweb11994508.htm
3. http://www.archrival.com/work/90/airdrop/
4. https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/03/vigorous-exercise-linked-with-better-grades/
5. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2016/05/04/study-recreational-physical-activities-increase-odds-academic-success

 

This is part nine of a series of blogs from attendees at ACSM's Conference on Integrative Physiology of Exercise. The following blog is a reflection on the debate titled "Do genetics influence exercise capacity and trainability?"written by Dr. John Quindry.

If you didn’t happen to witness the debate between Claude Bouchard, Ph.D., FACSM, and Michael Joyner, M.D., FCASM, titled “Do genetics influence exercise capacity and trainability?” you missed an event to behold. This debate was arguably the highlight of ACSM’s Conference on Integrative Physiology of Exercise in San Diego.

The two pillars of exercise science, Bouchard and Joyner, sparred on three questions:

1) genetic causation of exercise capacity,

2) the genetic influence on trainability, and

3) why is it so hard to pin down the respective genetic signatures.

On all three pre-arranged topics the debate was lively.

Given the scientific positions of a physician-physiologist and a geneticist, the arguments were prescribed by their unique perspectives. Dr. Bouchard provided clear examples from mouse strains, low/high volume rats and human twin studies that reinforce the fact that 40 to70 percent of exercise capacity is genetically heritable. By virtue of his approach, Bouchard’s arguments were at the “40,000 foot” level, whereas Dr. Joyner’s were at ground level – asking pointedly, “where are the genetic weeds” to verify these claims? Stated differently, Joyner’s arguments were of the holistic physiologist variety and centered on the fact that understanding of exercise capacity and trainability are irreducible in terms of identifying causative gene variants. Both agreed that the matter is far more complex than has long been predicted by medical science.

Who won?

Opinions differ, but I’d call it a draw. In terms of debate form, I’d give Bouchard the edge on exercise capacity and Joyner the edge on trainability. Like many in attendance, I flip-flopped on topic three, favoring whoever was at the microphone. But you want me to pick a side, and since Joyner was the last to speak I’ll say that he may have won…by a genetic hair. As Joyner stated in his closing argument, “context is everything.” Given that both scientists provided the strongest of evidence-based positions, the lesser talented me prefers the guiding hand of nurture.

Given their stature as gentlemen scientists, neither Bouchard nor Joyner took a cheap shot. But then again, neither backed down. The best barb of the day definitely goes to Bouchard when he quipped to Joyner – known for repeatedly calling mechanistic science to task – “to solve these matters we have to indulge extensively in the sin of reductionism.” Pure gold! What may have been missed by those of us that are peripheral to the debate is the fact that big data analyses, and recently heralded approaches such as GWAS and SNP analyses, have recently lost stock value for an inability to reveal causative links between the genetic code and exercise outcomes.

Don’t miss out when this debate unfolds a second time in a contrasting perspective to be featured in a future issue of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise.

Read part 1 of this series: "Can Exercise Fill the Reductionist Gap? Reflections on Dr. Michael Joyner's Keynote."
Read part 2 of this series: "Are Exercise 'Mimetics' a Realistic Substitute for Exercise Training? Reflections on the Debate." 
Read part 3 of this series: "Exercise and Energy Restriction to Improve Health: Recent Research." 
Read part 4 of this series: "Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity (MoTrPac) Update." 
Read part 5 of this series: "Metabolic Flexibility in Health & Disease: A Symposium Summary." 
Read part 6 of this series: "How Exercise Promotes Brain Health in Aging." 
Read part 7 of this series: "Molecular Transducers of Exercise-Induced Muscle Hypertrophy: A Symposium Summary." 
Read part 8 of this series: "Exercise Pressor Reflex Function in Health and Disease." 

John Quindry, Ph.D., FACSM, is a member of the faculty at the University of Montana, Department of Health and Human Performance. He served as a co-planner of ACSM's Conference on Integrative Physiology of Exercise. 

This is part eight of a series of blogs from attendees at ACSM's Conference on Integrative Physiology of Exercise. The following blog is a reflection on the symposium titled "Exercise Pressor Reflex Function in Health and Disease" by Joseph Watso. 

When we hit the trails or hop on the treadmill for a run we rely on complex mechanisms that provide blood flow to deliver nutrients (such as oxygen) to our active muscles. Unfortunately, disease states like heart failure, hypertension and peripheral artery disease (PAD) affect the reflexes vital for keeping enough blood flow to our muscles. Therefore, it is essential that we understand what might be going wrong to inform disease prevention, maintenance and treatment strategies.

To help appreciate the processes of which the body is capable, check out the image below. Each circle represents the amount of blood flow going to each organ. We can have tremendous increases in blood flow delivery during exercise (light blue areas).

 

 

At ACSM’s Conference on Integrative Physiology of Exercise, Marc Kaufman, Ph.D., of Penn State Hershey pulled together a group of experts to discuss the mechanisms underlying exercise pressor reflex dysfunction.

Donal O’Leary, Ph.D., a professor at Wayne State University, and Dr. Kaufman discussed the intricate research projects they have completed using animal models to better understand the altered blood flow and blood pressure responses during exercise exhibited in heart failure and PAD. Specifically, Dr. O’Leary showed the results from a line of studies focused on how metabolite build up from exercise affects the integrative control of cardiac and peripheral blood flow in an animal model of heart failure. Namely, there is a pronounced switch from cardiac output mediated increases in blood flow/pressure to a compensatory reliance on systemic vasoconstriction.

University of Utah investigator Markus Amann, Ph.D., described the multifaceted ongoing research projects in human heart failure and exercise pressor reflex function. These experiments include a range of invasive techniques that provide an understanding of the role of the central nervous system in blood pressure control during aging and in heart failure.

Hypertension affects a great deal of individuals in the United States. Dr. William Farquhar, FACSM, from the University of Delaware, described how microneurography has allowed scientists to link sympathetic nervous system overactivity to altered cardiovascular reflexes during exercise in hypertension. Dr. Farquhar also presented data demonstrating the importance of chronic exercise training to prevent the development of high blood pressure.

Together, these scientists, and others in the field, will continue to carry out clinically relevant research to better understand how different cardiovascular disease processes affect exercise blood flow and pressure regulation.

Scott Powers, Ph.D., FACSM, and other conference organizers did an excellent job setting up thought-provoking scientific sessions at the 2018 Integrative Physiology of Exercise conference. We hope you can attend and join in on the conversation next time.

Read part 1 of this series: "Can Exercise Fill the Reductionist Gap? Reflections on Dr. Michael Joyner's Keynote."
Read part 2 of this series: "Are Exercise 'Mimetics' a Realistic Substitute for Exercise Training? Reflections on the Debate." 
Read part 3 of this series: "Exercise and Energy Restriction to Improve Health: Recent Research." 
Read part 4 of this series: "Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity (MoTrPac) Update." 
Read part 5 of this series: "Metabolic Flexibility in Health & Disease: A Symposium Summary." 
Read part 6 of this series: "How Exercise Promotes Brain Health in Aging." 
Read part 7 of this series: "Molecular Transducers of Exercise-Induced Muscle Hypertrophy: A Symposium Summary." 

Joseph C. Watso, B.S., is a doctoral candidate at the University of Delaware, in the Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology. Joe is currently serving as the graduate student representative for the Mid-Atlantic Regional Chapter of ACSM. Joe is interested in studying human health and performance, with specific interests in maintaining cardiovascular health throughout aging.