Publication Date
2019
Document Type
Dissertation
Committee Members
Erica M. Johnson (Committee Co-Chair), Christopher N. Wyatt (Committee Co-Chair), Lynn Hartzler (Committee Member), David R. Cool (Committee Member), Assaf Harel (Committee Member)
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Abstract
This study evaluated the combined effects of an exercise intervention and nutritional supplement on biomarkers of stress and resilience, and the relationships of those markers with physical and cognitive performance. 130 healthy Active-Duty Air Force (AF) personnel were recruited to participate in a double-blind, placebo controlled 12-week exercise and nutritional intervention. Serum was collected at basal and high stress conditions pre- and post-intervention to track the following biomarkers: cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), norepinephrine (NE), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and serotonin. The exercise intervention significantly attenuated the cortisol response and peak stress cortisol levels. The nutritional intervention decreased peak stress NE. The selected biomarkers were not universally correlated with performance measures. NPY, NE, and cortisol levels showed strong relationships with several dimensions of physical performance during stress, though resting NPY and NE levels did not. Few correlations were observed between biomarkers and cognitive performance. We conclude that these interventions had mixed and modest effects on biomarker levels of stress and resilience and that their relationships with performance is dependent on task type and stress condition. For future research, we recommend measuring additional biomarkers and tailoring interventions to the individual subject for greater efficacy.
Page Count
194
Department or Program
Biomedical Sciences
Year Degree Awarded
2019
Copyright
Copyright 2019, all rights reserved. My ETD will be available under the "Fair Use" terms of copyright law.
