title: Original ArticleDaytime naps improve afternoon power and perceptual measures in elite rugby union athletes - A randomized cross-over trial

authors: Teece, Angus R.

subjects: Peak power

abstract: Daytime napping are used by elite athletes in both training and match-day settings. Currently, there are limited interventional studies on the efficacy of napping on physical performance in elite team-sport athletes. Therefore, the objective was to investigate the effect of a daytime nap (<1 h) on afternoon performance of peak power, reaction time, subjective wellness, and aerobic performance in professional rugby union athletes. A randomised cross-over design was carried out amongst 15 professional rugby union athletes. Athletes performed nap (NAP) and no nap (CON) conditions on two occasions, separated by one week. Baseline testing of reaction time, subjective wellness, and 6-s peak power test on a cycle ergometer was completed in the morning, followed by 2 x 45-minute training sessions, after which athletes completed the NAP or CON condition at 1200h. Following the nap period, baseline measures were retested in addition to a 30-minute fixed intensity interval cycle and a 4-minute maximal effort cycling test. A significant group x time interaction was determined for 6-s peak power output (+157.6 W, p<0.01, d=1.53), perceived fatigue (-0.2 AU, p=0.01, d=0.37) and muscle soreness (-0.1 AU, p=0.04, d=0.75) in favor of the NAP condition. A significantly lower perceived exertion rating (-1.2 AU, p<0.01, d=1.72) was recorded for the fixed intensity session in favour of NAP. This study highlights that utilizing daytime naps between training sessions on the same day improved afternoon peak power and lower perceptions of fatigue, soreness, and exertion during afternoon training in professional rugby union athletes.

text: Original ArticleDaytime naps improve afternoon power and perceptual measures in elite rugby union athletes - A randomized cross-over trial Daytime napping are used by elite athletes in both training and match-day settings. Currently, there are limited interventional studies on the efficacy of napping on physical performance in elite team-sport athletes. Therefore, the objective was to investigate the effect of a daytime nap (<1 h) on afternoon performance of peak power, reaction time, subjective wellness, and aerobic performance in professional rugby union athletes. A randomised cross-over design was carried out amongst 15 professional rugby union athletes. Athletes performed nap (NAP) and no nap (CON) conditions on two occasions, separated by one week. Baseline testing of reaction time, subjective wellness, and 6-s peak power test on a cycle ergometer was completed in the morning, followed by 2 x 45-minute training sessions, after which athletes completed the NAP or CON condition at 1200h. Following the nap period, baseline measures were retested in addition to a 30-minute fixed intensity interval cycle and a 4-minute maximal effort cycling test. A significant group x time interaction was determined for 6-s peak power output (+157.6 W, p<0.01, d=1.53), perceived fatigue (-0.2 AU, p=0.01, d=0.37) and muscle soreness (-0.1 AU, p=0.04, d=0.75) in favor of the NAP condition. A significantly lower perceived exertion rating (-1.2 AU, p<0.01, d=1.72) was recorded for the fixed intensity session in favour of NAP. This study highlights that utilizing daytime naps between training sessions on the same day improved afternoon peak power and lower perceptions of fatigue, soreness, and exertion during afternoon training in professional rugby union athletes.

year: 2023-05-08

title: Delivery of a coated bioactive from a rumen controlled-release device

authors: Syzov, Vladyslav

subjects: Eudragit E100

abstract: Ruminants possess a unique digestive system. Using the high metabolic potential of the symbiotic microflora of the rumen, ruminants are capable of digesting plant material and obtaining nutrients and energy from this process. Because of the ruminal fermentation, the most bioactives are not stable in the harsh ruminal environment. Therefore there is a need to improve the bioavailability of a bioactive by protecting it from the ruminal digestion. The formulation of protected bioactive can be delivered in the rumen in a controlled manner and over a long period of time.

In this project the degree of rumen protection was estimated using model substrates (sugar pellets and granules). These materials were coated with the pH-sensitive polymer Eudragit E. The model bioactive (phloridizin) was coated using the coating methodology adopted from exploratory studies with model substrates. The bioavailability of protected (coated) phloridizin was assessed by administering directly into the abomasum of fistulated cows.

Formulation of protected phloridizin was used to demonstrate the feasibility of bioactive controlled delivery based on ART ( Active Rumen Technology ). This technology uses an elevated gas pressure created by a hydrogen-producing cell to drive a plunger which extrudes bioactive formulation from an intraruminal controlled-release device.

Four groups of devices filled with formulation containing different amounts of protected phloridizin were tested. The bioactive was released in a controlled manner over several days. The formulation release profiles were reproducible suggesting that in principle the technology can be further developed to use in a commercial sense or for research purposes. The limitations of the technology, including formulation issues and gas diffusion through barrel walls, were identified.

text: Delivery of a coated bioactive from a rumen controlled-release device Ruminants possess a unique digestive system. Using the high metabolic potential of the symbiotic microflora of the rumen, ruminants are capable of digesting plant material and obtaining nutrients and energy from this process. Because of the ruminal fermentation, the most bioactives are not stable in the harsh ruminal environment. Therefore there is a need to improve the bioavailability of a bioactive by protecting it from the ruminal digestion. The formulation of protected bioactive can be delivered in the rumen in a controlled manner and over a long period of time.

In this project the degree of rumen protection was estimated using model substrates (sugar pellets and granules). These materials were coated with the pH-sensitive polymer Eudragit E. The model bioactive (phloridizin) was coated using the coating methodology adopted from exploratory studies with model substrates. The bioavailability of protected (coated) phloridizin was assessed by administering directly into the abomasum of fistulated cows.

Formulation of protected phloridizin was used to demonstrate the feasibility of bioactive controlled delivery based on ART ( Active Rumen Technology ). This technology uses an elevated gas pressure created by a hydrogen-producing cell to drive a plunger which extrudes bioactive formulation from an intraruminal controlled-release device.

Four groups of devices filled with formulation containing different amounts of protected phloridizin were tested. The bioactive was released in a controlled manner over several days. The formulation release profiles were reproducible suggesting that in principle the technology can be further developed to use in a commercial sense or for research purposes. The limitations of the technology, including formulation issues and gas diffusion through barrel walls, were identified.

year: 2008

title: On equality and colourblindness

authors: Robertson, Neville

subjects: Maori

abstract: "I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." So said Martin Luther King, Jr, just over 40 years ago, in a speech that galvanised the US civil rights movement. King spoke of the United States but his dream is equally relevant in New Zealand. Has it been achieved? Some people would argue that not only has it been achieved but that the tables have been turned and now white folk are the ones who are oppressed. What is needed, they argue, is a level playing field. But how level is the playing field?

text: On equality and colourblindness "I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." So said Martin Luther King, Jr, just over 40 years ago, in a speech that galvanised the US civil rights movement. King spoke of the United States but his dream is equally relevant in New Zealand. Has it been achieved? Some people would argue that not only has it been achieved but that the tables have been turned and now white folk are the ones who are oppressed. What is needed, they argue, is a level playing field. But how level is the playing field?

year: 2004